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Summerlin Groves
Elizabeth Camden's first Contemporary Romance!
Jenny Summerlin is struggling to save her dying orange grove when a baffling mystery upends her world. A skeleton buried with a priceless treasure has been found on her land, which brings of flood of investigators onto her property to study a decades old crime.
Captain Wyatt Rossiter is charged with solving the puzzling discovery. Unfortunately, he is also the man who broke Jenny's heart two years earlier. Plagued with regrets and unresolved feelings for Jenny, Wyatt resists getting drawn back into her world, but he cannot rest until he solves the unusual crime.
The former lovers are trapped on a case neither of them want. Soon they awaken a fifty-year old mystery involving Cold War espionage and a forbidden romance. Will resurrecting the old secrets endanger the survival of her grove and everything she holds dear?
Jenny Summerlin is struggling to save her dying orange grove when a baffling mystery upends her world. A skeleton buried with a priceless treasure has been found on her land, which brings of flood of investigators onto her property to study a decades old crime.
Captain Wyatt Rossiter is charged with solving the puzzling discovery. Unfortunately, he is also the man who broke Jenny's heart two years earlier. Plagued with regrets and unresolved feelings for Jenny, Wyatt resists getting drawn back into her world, but he cannot rest until he solves the unusual crime.
The former lovers are trapped on a case neither of them want. Soon they awaken a fifty-year old mystery involving Cold War espionage and a forbidden romance. Will resurrecting the old secrets endanger the survival of her grove and everything she holds dear?
398 pages, Paperback
First published September 24, 2024
91 people are currently reading
5273 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
July 8, 2025
the foundation of a good romance is a good love interest, and unfortunately wyatt here SUCKED.
he literally grossed me out…
listen to this: “Jenny stood on the front porch, wearing jeans and a white T-shirt and looking like every red-blooded male’s fantasy of sexy, strong femininity.“
then this: “She’d been wearing blue jeans, a white tank, and her sun-kissed hair was tied up in a high ponytail. The image was permanently branded on his brain, the epitome of wholesome, healthy sex appeal.”
and this: “You know, ma’am . . . I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything sexier than watching you handle those tools.” Then . . . amazingly, he started to blush. He glanced away, shifted his weight a little, and went completely tongue-tied.”
first of all, WHO SAYS THAT TO SOMEONE THEY LITERALLY JUST MET?! and secondly, tell me why jenny is literally just standing there 🧍🏻♀️ in the first two scenes while wyatt is struggling to hold himself together. GET 👏A 👏FREAK👏ING👏 GRIP👏 i don’t want to know anything about red blooded male’s fantasies!! i really don’t!!
and to add cringe on top of this garbage-fest, after their first date or wtv, this guy has the AUDACITY the GALL to stand up and go to his bookshelf and write on some little note, and then when asked what he did, he’s like “…nothing teehee🙈🤭”. if you didn’t want to tell her, why on earth would you do it right in front of her. you couldn’t wait til she left? nooo you just have to be so performative. guess what it said: “The note was still there. She pulled it out and read: Today I changed a tire with the woman I’m going to marry.” BE SO FR. for all that, he should’ve just straight up told her! his filter didn’t stop him from calling her sexy the fist time he saw her! 🙄🙄
and there’s more. he was also so rude to her best friend bc he got more girls than he did. i swear he was literally bitter about that 💀. “What kind of English professor did nothing but drink and flirt with women all day? Back when Wyatt was dating Jenny he’d been so suspicious of Hemingway that he ran a background check on [him]”. ladies and gentlemen of the jury, this man is INSANE. a background check?! bc of FLIRTING?! like he never even had a decent convo with hemingway, he just bashed him every chance he got. it’s ridiculous.
and to top it all off, the marriage proposal 😐✋. let me just allow you to read for yourself…
“”I want you to come with me. Right now. Leave everything behind and we can start over on the other side of the world. Just you and me and the desert and a new start.””
(keep in mind he knew exactly how she felt about this situation—she did NOT want to leave.)
““Wyatt, you’re not thinking clearly. I have responsibilities here. I’ve got thirty acres under cultivation. Pruning season is next month—”
“Screw pruning season,” he roared. “I love you! We belong together. Doesn’t that mean anything to you?””
does it mean anything to YOU 🤨🫵. i will admit, he did come to a point where he said he’d stay at the grove with her, but it took way too long and his whole character already gave me the ick so it didn’t do much to make me like him. it did nothing at all, actually. he also had a strange habit of not standing up for her to the townspeople and his own mother, which is crazy, but he did come to his senses for that too.
romance aside, the mystery was strange and not very suspenseful. i think i ended up skimming the end.
anyways, if you wanna know a good wyatt, watch the show timeless 😎👉👉
-
2.75 rtc (hindsight this is just a two)
he literally grossed me out…
listen to this: “Jenny stood on the front porch, wearing jeans and a white T-shirt and looking like every red-blooded male’s fantasy of sexy, strong femininity.“
then this: “She’d been wearing blue jeans, a white tank, and her sun-kissed hair was tied up in a high ponytail. The image was permanently branded on his brain, the epitome of wholesome, healthy sex appeal.”
and this: “You know, ma’am . . . I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything sexier than watching you handle those tools.” Then . . . amazingly, he started to blush. He glanced away, shifted his weight a little, and went completely tongue-tied.”
first of all, WHO SAYS THAT TO SOMEONE THEY LITERALLY JUST MET?! and secondly, tell me why jenny is literally just standing there 🧍🏻♀️ in the first two scenes while wyatt is struggling to hold himself together. GET 👏A 👏FREAK👏ING👏 GRIP👏 i don’t want to know anything about red blooded male’s fantasies!! i really don’t!!
and to add cringe on top of this garbage-fest, after their first date or wtv, this guy has the AUDACITY the GALL to stand up and go to his bookshelf and write on some little note, and then when asked what he did, he’s like “…nothing teehee🙈🤭”. if you didn’t want to tell her, why on earth would you do it right in front of her. you couldn’t wait til she left? nooo you just have to be so performative. guess what it said: “The note was still there. She pulled it out and read: Today I changed a tire with the woman I’m going to marry.” BE SO FR. for all that, he should’ve just straight up told her! his filter didn’t stop him from calling her sexy the fist time he saw her! 🙄🙄
and there’s more. he was also so rude to her best friend bc he got more girls than he did. i swear he was literally bitter about that 💀. “What kind of English professor did nothing but drink and flirt with women all day? Back when Wyatt was dating Jenny he’d been so suspicious of Hemingway that he ran a background check on [him]”. ladies and gentlemen of the jury, this man is INSANE. a background check?! bc of FLIRTING?! like he never even had a decent convo with hemingway, he just bashed him every chance he got. it’s ridiculous.
and to top it all off, the marriage proposal 😐✋. let me just allow you to read for yourself…
“”I want you to come with me. Right now. Leave everything behind and we can start over on the other side of the world. Just you and me and the desert and a new start.””
(keep in mind he knew exactly how she felt about this situation—she did NOT want to leave.)
““Wyatt, you’re not thinking clearly. I have responsibilities here. I’ve got thirty acres under cultivation. Pruning season is next month—”
“Screw pruning season,” he roared. “I love you! We belong together. Doesn’t that mean anything to you?””
does it mean anything to YOU 🤨🫵. i will admit, he did come to a point where he said he’d stay at the grove with her, but it took way too long and his whole character already gave me the ick so it didn’t do much to make me like him. it did nothing at all, actually. he also had a strange habit of not standing up for her to the townspeople and his own mother, which is crazy, but he did come to his senses for that too.
romance aside, the mystery was strange and not very suspenseful. i think i ended up skimming the end.
anyways, if you wanna know a good wyatt, watch the show timeless 😎👉👉
-
2.75 rtc (hindsight this is just a two)
August 12, 2024
Elizabeth Camden has ventured into writing a contemporary novel and it is spectacular! She has included a bit of history and the fascination with Faberge eggs in this intriguing story. With flowing prose we are taken to an orange grove in small town Florida where Jenny Summerlin discovers a skeleton in an old hollow Cypress tree. It only gets more mysterious and interesting from there. It has murder, cold war politics and romance doused and then rekindled, not to mention family clashes. All against the backdrop of running an orange grove and its hardships with the weather. This story had me eager to turn pages and sorry to put it down. The characters were complex and realistic and the situations were completely believable.
An utterly captivating book.
*I received a complimentary ebook copy from the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*
An utterly captivating book.
*I received a complimentary ebook copy from the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*
October 17, 2024
2.5 stars, rounded down
I love this author and I have read all of her books at this point. She usually writes Christian historical fiction and this was her first contemporary romance. I was really looking forward to it, but it unfortunately let me down a bit.
I’m not sure I would call this CF, more like clean fiction? This follows Jenny and Wyatt, and it is their second chance at love.
I had two main problems with the book:
1) I wasn’t expecting it to be so depressing. Between Jenny’s brother being involved in a murder/suicide, Jenny losing her entire orange crop, the townspeople treating Jenny badly because of what her brother did, and other things, it was a much darker story than I was expecting.
2) Jenny wasn’t my favorite character of Camden’s but she was more or less fine. Wyatt, however, I could not stand. I didn’t like him at all, especially the way he let his mother treat Jenny like a pariah. He looked down on Jenny quite a bit too. Even worse, I didn’t think their characters were compatible at all. This is one of those books where the couple gets together, the book ends, and you’re left thinking to yourself, “that couple is never going to make it.” That was definitely the case here. They had a major compatibility problem.
I really liked the historical aspects which Camden always does well, and I liked learning about managing an orange grove. The mystery was interesting and compelling too. Unfortunately, the lack of connection between the characters kept me from liking this book as much as I would have liked and caused me to lower my rating a bit.
I love this author and I have read all of her books at this point. She usually writes Christian historical fiction and this was her first contemporary romance. I was really looking forward to it, but it unfortunately let me down a bit.
I’m not sure I would call this CF, more like clean fiction? This follows Jenny and Wyatt, and it is their second chance at love.
I had two main problems with the book:
1) I wasn’t expecting it to be so depressing. Between Jenny’s brother being involved in a murder/suicide, Jenny losing her entire orange crop, the townspeople treating Jenny badly because of what her brother did, and other things, it was a much darker story than I was expecting.
2) Jenny wasn’t my favorite character of Camden’s but she was more or less fine. Wyatt, however, I could not stand. I didn’t like him at all, especially the way he let his mother treat Jenny like a pariah. He looked down on Jenny quite a bit too. Even worse, I didn’t think their characters were compatible at all. This is one of those books where the couple gets together, the book ends, and you’re left thinking to yourself, “that couple is never going to make it.” That was definitely the case here. They had a major compatibility problem.
I really liked the historical aspects which Camden always does well, and I liked learning about managing an orange grove. The mystery was interesting and compelling too. Unfortunately, the lack of connection between the characters kept me from liking this book as much as I would have liked and caused me to lower my rating a bit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2024
I became an Elizabeth Camden fan because of the fantastic way she handles history. She has always seemed to find fascinating tidbits from history that you don't typically see in history books, and the details woven into each narrative shows her passion for research. And, of course, she has a knack for making romance seem "real."
So, when she mentioned that she was diving into contemporary romance, I admit to hesitating a bit. I'm not one for straight-up romance as the plot. I prefer novels where the romance is woven into a full and rich plot.
I should have known that there was nothing to worry about. Summerlin Groves carries the brilliance of an Elizabeth Camden story, showing that her talent lies in weaving a story, period. It doesn't matter if it's historical or contemporary. If she writes it, it will be a compelling and captivating story!
Of course, for those of us who still prefer the historical, nothing contemporary can exist without an acknowledgment of history, and this story exemplifies that well as the characters uncover evidence of a crime that draws them into research relating to events from the 1950s.
But, the story offers a wealth of information about contemporary challenges, as well, as it follows the lives of characters living in small-town Florida. The livelihood of so many people depends heavily on either the ups and downs of citrus farming or the environmentally challenging practices of phosphate mining, and Summerlin Groves beautifully processes through the impact of those challenges on real-life small-town residents. Of course, there's also mystery woven in, as well as the impact of grief and the challenges of a romance that has no easy solutions.
Perhaps you are a die-hard historical fiction fan and have never really diverted into contemporary romance. But, if you love Elizabeth Camden because of her handling of history, you will not be disappointed by her foray into contemporary romance. Summerlin Groves is as captivating and fascinating as any of her historical novels. You won't be disappointed!
So, when she mentioned that she was diving into contemporary romance, I admit to hesitating a bit. I'm not one for straight-up romance as the plot. I prefer novels where the romance is woven into a full and rich plot.
I should have known that there was nothing to worry about. Summerlin Groves carries the brilliance of an Elizabeth Camden story, showing that her talent lies in weaving a story, period. It doesn't matter if it's historical or contemporary. If she writes it, it will be a compelling and captivating story!
Of course, for those of us who still prefer the historical, nothing contemporary can exist without an acknowledgment of history, and this story exemplifies that well as the characters uncover evidence of a crime that draws them into research relating to events from the 1950s.
But, the story offers a wealth of information about contemporary challenges, as well, as it follows the lives of characters living in small-town Florida. The livelihood of so many people depends heavily on either the ups and downs of citrus farming or the environmentally challenging practices of phosphate mining, and Summerlin Groves beautifully processes through the impact of those challenges on real-life small-town residents. Of course, there's also mystery woven in, as well as the impact of grief and the challenges of a romance that has no easy solutions.
Perhaps you are a die-hard historical fiction fan and have never really diverted into contemporary romance. But, if you love Elizabeth Camden because of her handling of history, you will not be disappointed by her foray into contemporary romance. Summerlin Groves is as captivating and fascinating as any of her historical novels. You won't be disappointed!
August 25, 2024
4.5 stars
Captivating!!! I so enjoyed Elizabeth Camden's first foray into contemporary stories! She is a master at historical fiction/ romance and fascinating historical tidbits, and I was so happy to see history and fascinating tidbits woven into Summerlin Groves! Set in the beauty of rural Florida, I enjoyed learning how Florida orange groves operate and the importance of appropriate agricultural regulations.
This story was so intriguing! Estrangements from a past horrific events, a man who never stopped loving a woman and looking out for her unbeknownst to her, a perpetually positive person who consistently picks herself up after so many losses, a skeleton found in one of her trees, secrets from the cold war, a Faberge Egg, and second chances.
Loved this story of Jenny Summerlin, hard working orange grove owner, and Captain Wyatt Rossiter, handsome lawyer, works for the Department of Agriculture, who runs for Florida's next Commissioner of Agriculture, and Jenny's former love are thrown together to solve a mystery.
I highly recommend Summerlin Groves, what a great story of mystery, obstacles, and romance! Fans of history, working the land, romance, and mystery will want to check out Summerlin Groves!
Captivating!!! I so enjoyed Elizabeth Camden's first foray into contemporary stories! She is a master at historical fiction/ romance and fascinating historical tidbits, and I was so happy to see history and fascinating tidbits woven into Summerlin Groves! Set in the beauty of rural Florida, I enjoyed learning how Florida orange groves operate and the importance of appropriate agricultural regulations.
This story was so intriguing! Estrangements from a past horrific events, a man who never stopped loving a woman and looking out for her unbeknownst to her, a perpetually positive person who consistently picks herself up after so many losses, a skeleton found in one of her trees, secrets from the cold war, a Faberge Egg, and second chances.
Loved this story of Jenny Summerlin, hard working orange grove owner, and Captain Wyatt Rossiter, handsome lawyer, works for the Department of Agriculture, who runs for Florida's next Commissioner of Agriculture, and Jenny's former love are thrown together to solve a mystery.
I highly recommend Summerlin Groves, what a great story of mystery, obstacles, and romance! Fans of history, working the land, romance, and mystery will want to check out Summerlin Groves!
November 9, 2024
A gripping novel of secrets, forgiveness, and lasting love.
Jenny Summerlin is no stranger for fighting for survival, she has been doing just that her whole life as an orange farmer in Florida, but when a priceless treasure is found on her land it brings up long buried secrets that threaten her livelihood and her hard won peace.
A compelling novel with a gritty heroine, forbidden love, and Cold War era secrets that threaten to destroy her chance at rebuilding a future. Jenny has been through a lot in her life, and just when things are beginning to look hopeful, it is all turned on its head again.
I loved the complex storyline that pulled me in with complex characters and intricately moving parts, with a mystery that kept me guessing the loyalties of those around her. Jenny is resilient, and a fighter all the way through. I liked her loyalty to family, while working to mend bridges and still holding her head up high. Wyatt is a stickler for the rules, he is caught between a rock and a hard place when it comes to Jenny and his family, he's got dreams of getting out of the smalltown life, but also ties that keep him where he is.
Overall, a suspenseful and compelling novel, that had me riveted to the page. Elizabeth Camden has again proved that I will read and love anything she writes! I liked the strong themes of family, faith and forgiveness. Highly recommend this gripping novel!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Jenny Summerlin is no stranger for fighting for survival, she has been doing just that her whole life as an orange farmer in Florida, but when a priceless treasure is found on her land it brings up long buried secrets that threaten her livelihood and her hard won peace.
A compelling novel with a gritty heroine, forbidden love, and Cold War era secrets that threaten to destroy her chance at rebuilding a future. Jenny has been through a lot in her life, and just when things are beginning to look hopeful, it is all turned on its head again.
I loved the complex storyline that pulled me in with complex characters and intricately moving parts, with a mystery that kept me guessing the loyalties of those around her. Jenny is resilient, and a fighter all the way through. I liked her loyalty to family, while working to mend bridges and still holding her head up high. Wyatt is a stickler for the rules, he is caught between a rock and a hard place when it comes to Jenny and his family, he's got dreams of getting out of the smalltown life, but also ties that keep him where he is.
Overall, a suspenseful and compelling novel, that had me riveted to the page. Elizabeth Camden has again proved that I will read and love anything she writes! I liked the strong themes of family, faith and forgiveness. Highly recommend this gripping novel!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
July 27, 2025
Genre: Mystery, Mild Romance, Florida Orange Groves, Faberge Eggs Christian Lit Rating: PG
Excellent! This book had a little big of everything I needed to keep me entertained. I loved that it educated me on the Florida Orange Grove, history, and Faberge Eggs! How fun is that?? Not a topic you get to learn about in most books! The author showed different points of view from the characters, and I felt like I could be friends with all of them. There was 1% of faith mentioned in the book, hardly noticeable, so it didn't feel too preachy but flowed with the storyline. The book was enjoyable and if you don't like scary mysteries, then this one would be up your alley. Easy read for those who want something to relax to after a long day.
It was free with Kindle Unlimited.
Excellent! This book had a little big of everything I needed to keep me entertained. I loved that it educated me on the Florida Orange Grove, history, and Faberge Eggs! How fun is that?? Not a topic you get to learn about in most books! The author showed different points of view from the characters, and I felt like I could be friends with all of them. There was 1% of faith mentioned in the book, hardly noticeable, so it didn't feel too preachy but flowed with the storyline. The book was enjoyable and if you don't like scary mysteries, then this one would be up your alley. Easy read for those who want something to relax to after a long day.
It was free with Kindle Unlimited.
February 17, 2025
I will admit I was just a teeny bit hesitant to read this new contemporary novel as Elizabeth Camden does such a superb job with her research and detail in her historical novels. But I don’t know why I doubted her because she simply poured the same attention to detail and remarkable ability to seamlessly weave interesting facts into this contemporary tale. I really liked the setting of the orange grove in Florida and learned a lot about harvesting and processing oranges. I also loved Jenny! She has a tenacious optimism that shines despite being dealt some really tough challenges. I felt defensive of her when she was insulted by townspeople and rejected by people who once claimed to love her, all because of mistakes of her family. I had qualms about Wyatt at first because I felt like he was trying too hard to change Jenny, but I thought he redeemed himself by the end. The twists of the mystery were surprising. I liked that the ending did not wrap everything up perfectly, because that is not realistic, but it still ended happily well. I really, truly loved this novel and am excited for this author to pen more contemporary (and, of course, historical) books!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
October 18, 2024
I feel like I’m in the minority with this one. This was a first read for me by Camden so I didn’t have any expectations other than it being a Christian fiction book. I’ll start by saying that the faith content was lacking with only a few mentions of God and a random prayer thrown up. However there was plenty of “he cursed”, mentions of being drunk, drinking to cope with stress, sleeping around, and one character essentially being a womanizer. So I’d say this was clean fiction at best.
Regarding the storyline, I found myself pushing to get to 30% of the book as that’s the amount I give a book that I’m not really enjoying before I officially dnf it. I reached 30% and found myself just slightly more interested so continued but I still felt like it dragged on. To add to that I felt there were too many plot lines! I’d get invested in one then when the storyline changed to another one I’d have to switch gears to recall all that’s happened within that storyline. I think I counted a total of eight sub stories. Some of them felt they could’ve been standalone stories in another book.
Regarding Wyatt and Jenny I just couldn’t bring myself to like either one of them. Wyatt came off as a narcissist, stating Penny could have so much more if she just left her grove and left Amity with him. She loved the grove and he knew that but still insisted. Penny was a self-determined and independent woman but was all over the place when it came to Wyatt. He’s a jerk to her, apologizes, then makes a romantic advance towards her and suddenly she’s okay with it all and all the animosity built up between them for the last 18 months just disappears. Granted his advances were quite romantic. However, the emotional progression just didn’t feel realistic and felt contradictory at some points. There were other aspects of their relationship that just didn’t make sense to me either but I won’t spoil everything.
The mystery was okay but at the reveal of what really happened it didn’t have any real shock value for me and didn’t have any strong feelings one way or another. But, to end on a good note, I very much enjoyed learning about the orange grove life and to an extent some of the cold war issues that involved the citrus industry. Overall an okay read but just found myself pushing through and ready to be done with it. Like I said, I’m in the minority here with other readers loving it. This one just wasn’t for me.
Triggers: murder/manslaughter, suicide, depression, loss of siblings/parents
Regarding the storyline, I found myself pushing to get to 30% of the book as that’s the amount I give a book that I’m not really enjoying before I officially dnf it. I reached 30% and found myself just slightly more interested so continued but I still felt like it dragged on. To add to that I felt there were too many plot lines! I’d get invested in one then when the storyline changed to another one I’d have to switch gears to recall all that’s happened within that storyline. I think I counted a total of eight sub stories. Some of them felt they could’ve been standalone stories in another book.
Regarding Wyatt and Jenny I just couldn’t bring myself to like either one of them. Wyatt came off as a narcissist, stating Penny could have so much more if she just left her grove and left Amity with him. She loved the grove and he knew that but still insisted. Penny was a self-determined and independent woman but was all over the place when it came to Wyatt. He’s a jerk to her, apologizes, then makes a romantic advance towards her and suddenly she’s okay with it all and all the animosity built up between them for the last 18 months just disappears. Granted his advances were quite romantic. However, the emotional progression just didn’t feel realistic and felt contradictory at some points. There were other aspects of their relationship that just didn’t make sense to me either but I won’t spoil everything.
The mystery was okay but at the reveal of what really happened it didn’t have any real shock value for me and didn’t have any strong feelings one way or another. But, to end on a good note, I very much enjoyed learning about the orange grove life and to an extent some of the cold war issues that involved the citrus industry. Overall an okay read but just found myself pushing through and ready to be done with it. Like I said, I’m in the minority here with other readers loving it. This one just wasn’t for me.
Triggers: murder/manslaughter, suicide, depression, loss of siblings/parents
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2024
In her first contemporary romance, Elizabeth Camden shines as bright as the Florida sun! Camden captures the spirit of rural Florida perfectly in Summerlin Groves with the story of Jenny Summerlin and Wyatt Rossiter. While this is a departure from Camden’s typical historicals, Jenny and Wyatt’s story has plenty of the characteristics Camden’s loyal readers love: sweet, but captivating romance, a clever storyline, and a mystery that will have you turning pages until the wee hours of the morning! Of course, Camden manages to weave historical threads throughout the story, satisfying the history-loving soul.
Jenny Summerlin’s Florida roots run deep, and she’ll do anything to keep her family orange grove running. She’s strong and independent and can handle anything…even alligators! Wyatt Rossiter is duty-bound to both his family and the state’s department of agriculture. A troubled past keeps them apart, but a dead body found on Jenny’s property forces them to come together to unravel the mystery of how it got there.
History, intrigue, romance…Summerlin Groves has it all. Elizabeth Camden is a masterful story weaver, whether she’s writing historical or contemporary. You will not be able to put this one down!
Jenny Summerlin’s Florida roots run deep, and she’ll do anything to keep her family orange grove running. She’s strong and independent and can handle anything…even alligators! Wyatt Rossiter is duty-bound to both his family and the state’s department of agriculture. A troubled past keeps them apart, but a dead body found on Jenny’s property forces them to come together to unravel the mystery of how it got there.
History, intrigue, romance…Summerlin Groves has it all. Elizabeth Camden is a masterful story weaver, whether she’s writing historical or contemporary. You will not be able to put this one down!
February 24, 2025
3.75/5 This was an enjoyable listen, easy to dip into and out of as I was able. The tale was very twisty, yet I could see how it could have realistically taken place. I enjoyed the look back at what happened years ago in light of was occurring today.
September 24, 2024
Summerlin Groves by Elizabeth Camden is different than what she typically writes. This is a contemporary novel with a historical element. Plenty of page turning action to keep readers invested. I loved how Camden showed through Jenny’s actions how important the orange grove was to her. She didn’t just leave it and see what happened. She took every heartache in stride and worked out to overcome them. As for the romance between Jenny and Wyatt, it is a romance that developed before this novel, then an important event happened, which readers will learn about caused them to not be in a relationship again. Through the novel, readers will see the past hurt come back again and again. Jenny and Wyatt will work together. As for the historical thread, it was interesting, and I really wanted to see how it would play out. Overall, Summerlin Groves by Elizabeth Camden is different than what she normally writes, but I enjoyed the story.
I received a complimentary copy of Summerlin Groves by Elizabeth Camden, but the opinions stated are all my own.
I received a complimentary copy of Summerlin Groves by Elizabeth Camden, but the opinions stated are all my own.
February 14, 2025
I absolutely love all of Elizabeth Camden’s other books and usually have a hard time putting them down. Unfortunately, this book was such a struggle for me to get through.
It might partially been due to the fact it was set in present day instead of her other historical fiction books, which are my own preferred choice of book.
It might also have been because it was rather depressing with the constant talk about a murder/suicide, people in town treating Jenny terribly, and all of the struggles she went through with things that weren’t really her fault.
I also had a hard time liking both of the main characters, Jenny and Wyatt. Jenny seemed all over the place, full of confidence one minute and full of anxiety and insecurities the next. Wyatt was an awful love interest who treated Jenny absolutely terribly on almost every occasion, but she somehow made excuses every time and was happy to marry the man who didn’t even want to be seen in public with her?
A final observation that disappointed me with this book was the overall editing, or lack thereof to be more specific. There was SO much repetition in here. Even from one page to the next, the same thing was said over and over (ex: pg 83 “The only thing that looked out of place was the Kashmiri tapestry hanging beside the bookshelf, a memento of the senator’s time serving as a missionary in India.” and then on pg 355 “The only thing that looked out of place was the Kashmiri tapestry that warmed one wall, a memento of Senator Wakefield’s years in India helping with famine relief.”). I felt like I had deja vu reading this book because of the number of times I read something and then went back and found that almost the exact same sentence had already been written a few pages or chapters before. Honestly, with some strong editing, this book could probably be half the current length.
The historical parts were still an interesting read, but unfortunately this book just isn’t up to the same standard as her others.
It might partially been due to the fact it was set in present day instead of her other historical fiction books, which are my own preferred choice of book.
It might also have been because it was rather depressing with the constant talk about a murder/suicide, people in town treating Jenny terribly, and all of the struggles she went through with things that weren’t really her fault.
I also had a hard time liking both of the main characters, Jenny and Wyatt. Jenny seemed all over the place, full of confidence one minute and full of anxiety and insecurities the next. Wyatt was an awful love interest who treated Jenny absolutely terribly on almost every occasion, but she somehow made excuses every time and was happy to marry the man who didn’t even want to be seen in public with her?
A final observation that disappointed me with this book was the overall editing, or lack thereof to be more specific. There was SO much repetition in here. Even from one page to the next, the same thing was said over and over (ex: pg 83 “The only thing that looked out of place was the Kashmiri tapestry hanging beside the bookshelf, a memento of the senator’s time serving as a missionary in India.” and then on pg 355 “The only thing that looked out of place was the Kashmiri tapestry that warmed one wall, a memento of Senator Wakefield’s years in India helping with famine relief.”). I felt like I had deja vu reading this book because of the number of times I read something and then went back and found that almost the exact same sentence had already been written a few pages or chapters before. Honestly, with some strong editing, this book could probably be half the current length.
The historical parts were still an interesting read, but unfortunately this book just isn’t up to the same standard as her others.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2024
3.5 stars
I read everything Elizabeth Camden writes and I was excited to read her first contemporary. It being set in 2005 was a bit jarring (I kept wondering where everyone’s cell phones were) but I appreciated her signature way of writing about “older” main characters who go through real tragedies and make real mistakes (though Wyatt choosing his mother over Jenny multiple times did start to get old).
I read everything Elizabeth Camden writes and I was excited to read her first contemporary. It being set in 2005 was a bit jarring (I kept wondering where everyone’s cell phones were) but I appreciated her signature way of writing about “older” main characters who go through real tragedies and make real mistakes (though Wyatt choosing his mother over Jenny multiple times did start to get old).
February 16, 2025
It was a little better than 3 stars. This was the first modern time period book for Camden. It didn't really bother me that it wasn't historical proof..but the plot was kind of depressing. It wasn't the crime/mystery that was depressing.. It was the relationship and why it was strained and everything around that. Overall it kept me turning the pages, but it just wasn't the sigh, sweet, lift me up type of read.
October 25, 2024
I didn’t anticipate I would enjoy this story as much as I did. It’s Elizabeth Camden’s first contemporary romance, and I was intrigued pretty early on in the book. I like mysteries, and I only read a couple this year. So I was ready for this one. I thought the setting of an orange grove wouldn’t be very appealing (no pun intended), but I think it was interesting. I will note that even though this is marked Christian fiction, faith elements are barely present.
Jenny owns her family’s orange grove, and she plans to take care of it for the rest of her life. Growing oranges is the only thing she knows how to do, but she’s also running out of money to take care of it. She’s relying on a friend, Hemingway, to help her handle all the work.
One day she finds a dead body on her property, and it opens up a 50-year-old mystery as to who this was and why they were in her orange grove. Wyatt, the captain of Agricultural Law Enforcement, shows up on her farm to investigate. He also happens to be the man who broke off a relationship with Jenny two years ago.
Wyatt and Jenny have their flaws, but I still liked them. There was a lot to work through. I wanted them to be together so badly, and I didn’t know if there would be a happily-ever-after because they had experienced a tragedy that made things complicated. (But you’ll have to read the book to find out.)
You will like this book if you enjoy:
🍊Grumpy x Sunshine
🍊Second chance romance
🍊Forbidden love
🍊Solving old mysteries
🍊Flawed characters
🍊Cold War espionage
🍊Old secrets
Content Considerations:
🙊No bad language (a couple euphemisms)
❤️Only kissing, I’d classify as one level above a Hallmark movie
⚠️Suicide and murder spoken of but nothing graphic
Jenny owns her family’s orange grove, and she plans to take care of it for the rest of her life. Growing oranges is the only thing she knows how to do, but she’s also running out of money to take care of it. She’s relying on a friend, Hemingway, to help her handle all the work.
One day she finds a dead body on her property, and it opens up a 50-year-old mystery as to who this was and why they were in her orange grove. Wyatt, the captain of Agricultural Law Enforcement, shows up on her farm to investigate. He also happens to be the man who broke off a relationship with Jenny two years ago.
Wyatt and Jenny have their flaws, but I still liked them. There was a lot to work through. I wanted them to be together so badly, and I didn’t know if there would be a happily-ever-after because they had experienced a tragedy that made things complicated. (But you’ll have to read the book to find out.)
You will like this book if you enjoy:
🍊Grumpy x Sunshine
🍊Second chance romance
🍊Forbidden love
🍊Solving old mysteries
🍊Flawed characters
🍊Cold War espionage
🍊Old secrets
Content Considerations:
🙊No bad language (a couple euphemisms)
❤️Only kissing, I’d classify as one level above a Hallmark movie
⚠️Suicide and murder spoken of but nothing graphic
November 16, 2024
Another great story from Elizabeth Camden! Filled with fascinating insights and information, the dedication of a Florida orange grower comes to life. Wyatt and Jenny have a complicated and heartbreaking relationship. It’s truly a delight to watch as these two find their feet again and go after their dreams. The Russian history and Faberge egg appearance is captivating. Very well written with just the right amount of sweet romance!
September 30, 2024
A wonderful first contemporary romance novel from Elizabeth Camden. I’ve been a fan of her historical books for years and this novel was every bit as gripping. Full of mystery, intrigue, and a second chance romance, I highly recommend this story.
November 24, 2024
A slowly unraveling mystery and romance set in 2005, in which a woman finds a dead body in her orange grove that spirals into a complex story of intrigue while reuniting her with her former boyfriend. Some fascinating historical tidbits, as I expect from Camden, who is also never afraid of bringing in hard subjects.
January 11, 2025
Good read. Lots of layers. Kept me guessing!
August 1, 2025
3.5 stars
Jenny Summerlin has her hands full keeping her family’s orange grove afloat. The discovery of a fabrege egg on her property could change everything. Whether for better or worse, only time will tell….
Wyatt took some time to grow on me. I’m still not quite over his earlier attitude, though his anonymous assistance and apology helped. I could understand being disappointed or sad at Jenny’s refusal to leave, but his anger made him come across as entitled.
Additionally, saying he wanted to stand up for the farmers, yet looking down on Summerlin Groves (and by extension Jenny for wanting to stay there) felt a little hypocritical.
Wyatt and Jenny seemed to change their minds a bit fast (about staying in/leaving Amity and about rekindling their romance).
I also think Donna really owed Jenny an apology. She had been treating her poorly for no reason other than Jenny sharing DNA with Jack. (I know she was grieving, but still.)
Based on their descriptions, the fabrege eggs sound absolutely gorgeous! Learning about orange growing and the orange juicing industry was interesting, as well.
I was curious about what farming and Russian antiquities had to do with each other. But the way the story explained their connection made sense. (And according to the Author’s Note, does have basis in historical fact.)
Favorite Moment
🍊 stargazing
Content Notes:
a skeleton, a man is shirtless, mention of murder, mention of giving someone the middle finger, mention of a suicide, kissing, use of “sexier,” mention of broken marriages, mention of alcohol abuse, mention of mental illness, mention of Armageddon, guns and death from gunshots, mention of injuries sustained while in the Army, mention of death (from car accident and stroke), use of “sex appeal,” brasserie, speculation that a woman might have been a prostitute, mention of a man cursing (not specified), recounting of racism in the past, one use of “son of a gun,” one use of “dickens,” two uses of “screw,” mention of “flings,” a topless photo, mention of a”lewd expression,” mention of a nude woman (no explicit details), mention of a man possibly having a mistress, an alligator attacks some chickens and gets shot, one use of “pissed,” use of “sexy,” some mild innuendo, noticing and awareness, touching
Jenny Summerlin has her hands full keeping her family’s orange grove afloat. The discovery of a fabrege egg on her property could change everything. Whether for better or worse, only time will tell….
Wyatt took some time to grow on me. I’m still not quite over his earlier attitude, though his anonymous assistance and apology helped. I could understand being disappointed or sad at Jenny’s refusal to leave, but his anger made him come across as entitled.
Additionally, saying he wanted to stand up for the farmers, yet looking down on Summerlin Groves (and by extension Jenny for wanting to stay there) felt a little hypocritical.
Wyatt and Jenny seemed to change their minds a bit fast (about staying in/leaving Amity and about rekindling their romance).
I also think Donna really owed Jenny an apology. She had been treating her poorly for no reason other than Jenny sharing DNA with Jack. (I know she was grieving, but still.)
Based on their descriptions, the fabrege eggs sound absolutely gorgeous! Learning about orange growing and the orange juicing industry was interesting, as well.
I was curious about what farming and Russian antiquities had to do with each other. But the way the story explained their connection made sense. (And according to the Author’s Note, does have basis in historical fact.)
Favorite Moment
🍊 stargazing
Content Notes:
a skeleton, a man is shirtless, mention of murder, mention of giving someone the middle finger, mention of a suicide, kissing, use of “sexier,” mention of broken marriages, mention of alcohol abuse, mention of mental illness, mention of Armageddon, guns and death from gunshots, mention of injuries sustained while in the Army, mention of death (from car accident and stroke), use of “sex appeal,” brasserie, speculation that a woman might have been a prostitute, mention of a man cursing (not specified), recounting of racism in the past, one use of “son of a gun,” one use of “dickens,” two uses of “screw,” mention of “flings,” a topless photo, mention of a”lewd expression,” mention of a nude woman (no explicit details), mention of a man possibly having a mistress, an alligator attacks some chickens and gets shot, one use of “pissed,” use of “sexy,” some mild innuendo, noticing and awareness, touching
August 26, 2025
I learned a lot about Florida orange groves and Faberge’ eggs. Interesting plot and characters. Entertaining, wholesome, interesting and kept my attention. 👍
August 1, 2024
History fans and Florida natives alike will love this exquisitely crafted contemporary novel, with dual threads of mystery and romance.
A dutiful agriculture official can't seem to stop himself from helping a driven orange grove owner, despite their troubled past.
Even the secondary characters are rich and compelling (looking at you, Hemingway)!
I appreciated the reminders on how to handle the dark times and keep our eyes on what's important.
Was thrilled to read another satisfying novel from Elizabeth Camden!
A dutiful agriculture official can't seem to stop himself from helping a driven orange grove owner, despite their troubled past.
Even the secondary characters are rich and compelling (looking at you, Hemingway)!
I appreciated the reminders on how to handle the dark times and keep our eyes on what's important.
Was thrilled to read another satisfying novel from Elizabeth Camden!
July 9, 2025
This is a book that had me guessing until nearly the very end. Fans of Elizabeth Camden's detailed historical research will appreciate her contemporary debut, which continues in the same vein for a more modern time period. I love that she writes about indomitable women throughout history and that Jenny fits right into this description. I wasn't sure what to expect in learning more about a citrus grove, but by the end of the book, I was invested in the future of Summerlin Groves, especially after everything it had to endure, giving truth to the adage that we can plant, but God is the one who grows.
The themes of remaining steadfast in trusting God despite hardship and believing that God is still good even when innocent people suffer are both explored in this story. Combined with a compelling mystery, there is much suspense to keep readers guessing as ownership of a precious treasure becomes the key to solving multiple questions. Seeing the remnants of the Cold War fashioned together into a story about interracial relationships and agricultural law at the same time, Jenny's plight is memorable. Readers who enjoy a good underdog tale that is connected to larger geopolitical forces will find it fascinating to see how a very local orange grove can have international implications on history, all taking place as a woman holds fast to her faith in God.
Review link: https://christianshelves.blogspot.com...
The themes of remaining steadfast in trusting God despite hardship and believing that God is still good even when innocent people suffer are both explored in this story. Combined with a compelling mystery, there is much suspense to keep readers guessing as ownership of a precious treasure becomes the key to solving multiple questions. Seeing the remnants of the Cold War fashioned together into a story about interracial relationships and agricultural law at the same time, Jenny's plight is memorable. Readers who enjoy a good underdog tale that is connected to larger geopolitical forces will find it fascinating to see how a very local orange grove can have international implications on history, all taking place as a woman holds fast to her faith in God.
Review link: https://christianshelves.blogspot.com...
May 5, 2025
I really enjoyed this book, it should be made into a movie.
July 19, 2024
I'm a big fan of Elizabeth Camden's historical novels, so I was excited to get a chance to read her first contemporary novel. Like all her books, it features a strong female lead and colorful secondary characters. The romance was sweet. There was a mystery of a skeleton found on the main character's property, and it was interesting seeing that unfold. One thing I always enjoy about this author is her research into professions and little known historical facts and stories. As a Floridian, I loved the setting in an orange grove. And even though the setting was contemporary, the mystery went back through the 20th century and touched on many interesting areas of the Cold War and relations between the Soviet Union and United States. I will continue to look forward to this author's books--both historical and contemporary.
April 11, 2025
Though she is a favorite historical romance author of mine, this is her first contemporary book. Jenny finds a skeleton and treasure in her orange grove. It opens a big can of regret and mystery. Wyatt enters her life again and continues to make it a hot mess. This has all kinds of drama happening and it’s a page turner. I don’t want to spoil the journey. Great narrator!
April 14, 2025
SUMMERLIN GROVES by Elizabeth Camden is the magnificent story of Jenny Summerlin and Wyatt Rossiter as they try to overcome the past, maneuver through the present and hope for the possibility of a future that they can both live with.
Jenny Summerlin has always lived on the family farm. Even with all the problems of living there, she can’t see herself living anywhere else. She’s determined to hold on to the farm and the orchard while holding her head high despite the family’s past history. Her parents died in a car crash when she was eight. Raised by an eccentric grandfather hadn’t been easy. Instead of being taught the girlie things like baking and dressing up, she was taught how to work the land or to fix a tractor. Then it was just Jenny and her brother Jack, sharing ownership of the orange grove. While Jack was selling off anything of value he could find, Jenny was tending to the business of running the orchard. The one thing she thought she could count of was the budding romance with the love of her life. Then a disagreement with one and another being at the right place but at the wrong time led to the murder of Wyatt’s sister and the suicide of Jack. Now two years later, she is living a nightmare she wishes she could wake up from. She wishes things could be like before – where there was lots of money, a brother she could talk to and she was loved by a war hero. Her reality is her brother Jack is dead, the residents of the town she loves hate her laying the blame of all her kinfolks doings at her feet, she’s broke, there are acres of the grove with hundreds of dying trees and her hero and his family now hate her. Through it all, Jenny is determined to be optimistic, get out of debt and to make the Summerlin grove a success.
Wyatt Rossiter is a captain for Department of Agriculture. He’s never seen his future as living his whole life in the small town he grew up in. That had been the one and only contention between Jenny and him. When Jack killed his sister, he wanted nothing more than for them to pick up stakes going somewhere else away from the grief that was drowning his parents and making Jenny the butt of every gossip mill within 100 miles. The fact that she won’t even consider it because of the oranges, ended up causing a split between them. However, as hard as he tried, he couldn’t get that woman out of his system. He had known instantly when they met that she was the one he wanted to marry. Now though, he’s going to put his bid in for the Commissioner of Agriculture position. He’s put his life on hold for 18 months because of the inability of his mother to get past the grief. Now it’s time to do what’s best for him. It would be a major advancement work wise as well as in pay, but it will also move him away from here to bigger and better things. In the back of his mind, he still wishes Jenny would be going with him.
Jenny was barely keeping her head above water – thanks to a mortgage she’s been forced to take out. She’ll be ok once her oranges sold. However, disease hit some of the trees, which if officials knew it would mean the destruction of her whole crop. That’s why along with Hemingway, her hired help who just happens to have a PHD in English, they are secretly trying to destroy the diseased trees and a wide swath around them in an effort to contain the disease without anyone witnessing what they are doing. However, finding a dead body and a very rare Faberge’ Egg in the hollow center of a dead and split tree had not been part of the plan. Even though no longer together, Wyatt has always tried to look out for Jenny – like a little note reminding her to pay her taxes or calling in some favors to get charges reduced. Of course, that meant doing so anonymously. After all, her life has been turned upside down at no fault of her own. However, saving her orange trees was something he wasn’t going to be able to fix.
Will Jenny be able to claim the Faberge’ Egg or will others lay claim to it? How will Jenny pay the mortgage with no income come fall? Can Jenny and Wyatt come to a truce and actually help each other as friends? Will they be able to find out who the dead woman is and how she ended up inside the tree? Are there folks in town with connection to this mystery woman? What part will the FBI play in solving the mystery. Can Jenny help Wyatt win the election knowing that doing so will only break her heart again? Will Wyatt ever be able to face his parents about his feelings for Jenny since they seem to hold her accountable for her brother’s actions? Is a happily ever after even feasible when Wyatt wants to leave town and Jenny can’t fathom leaving the Summerlin Groves?
SUMMERLIN GROVES is an exceptional story that will wrap itself around your heart and keep you turning pages. Elizabeth Camden gives us a story of determination, holding one’s head high with others want to tear you down, being happy with who you are, a second chance romance, forgiveness, undying love - even if it means saying goodbye, traveling back into the 1950’s and learning a bit of history that needs to not be forgotten, mystery that requires searching for answers and it’s wrapped in a fabulous thread of faith. SUMMERLIN GROVES is positively FIVE STAR reading that I highly recommend to everyone!
#SummerlinGroves #ElizabethCamden #SecondChanceRomance #christianfiction #contemporaryromance
I receive a copy of this book with no requirement or expectations of a review. All opinions are completely my own.
Jenny Summerlin has always lived on the family farm. Even with all the problems of living there, she can’t see herself living anywhere else. She’s determined to hold on to the farm and the orchard while holding her head high despite the family’s past history. Her parents died in a car crash when she was eight. Raised by an eccentric grandfather hadn’t been easy. Instead of being taught the girlie things like baking and dressing up, she was taught how to work the land or to fix a tractor. Then it was just Jenny and her brother Jack, sharing ownership of the orange grove. While Jack was selling off anything of value he could find, Jenny was tending to the business of running the orchard. The one thing she thought she could count of was the budding romance with the love of her life. Then a disagreement with one and another being at the right place but at the wrong time led to the murder of Wyatt’s sister and the suicide of Jack. Now two years later, she is living a nightmare she wishes she could wake up from. She wishes things could be like before – where there was lots of money, a brother she could talk to and she was loved by a war hero. Her reality is her brother Jack is dead, the residents of the town she loves hate her laying the blame of all her kinfolks doings at her feet, she’s broke, there are acres of the grove with hundreds of dying trees and her hero and his family now hate her. Through it all, Jenny is determined to be optimistic, get out of debt and to make the Summerlin grove a success.
Wyatt Rossiter is a captain for Department of Agriculture. He’s never seen his future as living his whole life in the small town he grew up in. That had been the one and only contention between Jenny and him. When Jack killed his sister, he wanted nothing more than for them to pick up stakes going somewhere else away from the grief that was drowning his parents and making Jenny the butt of every gossip mill within 100 miles. The fact that she won’t even consider it because of the oranges, ended up causing a split between them. However, as hard as he tried, he couldn’t get that woman out of his system. He had known instantly when they met that she was the one he wanted to marry. Now though, he’s going to put his bid in for the Commissioner of Agriculture position. He’s put his life on hold for 18 months because of the inability of his mother to get past the grief. Now it’s time to do what’s best for him. It would be a major advancement work wise as well as in pay, but it will also move him away from here to bigger and better things. In the back of his mind, he still wishes Jenny would be going with him.
Jenny was barely keeping her head above water – thanks to a mortgage she’s been forced to take out. She’ll be ok once her oranges sold. However, disease hit some of the trees, which if officials knew it would mean the destruction of her whole crop. That’s why along with Hemingway, her hired help who just happens to have a PHD in English, they are secretly trying to destroy the diseased trees and a wide swath around them in an effort to contain the disease without anyone witnessing what they are doing. However, finding a dead body and a very rare Faberge’ Egg in the hollow center of a dead and split tree had not been part of the plan. Even though no longer together, Wyatt has always tried to look out for Jenny – like a little note reminding her to pay her taxes or calling in some favors to get charges reduced. Of course, that meant doing so anonymously. After all, her life has been turned upside down at no fault of her own. However, saving her orange trees was something he wasn’t going to be able to fix.
Will Jenny be able to claim the Faberge’ Egg or will others lay claim to it? How will Jenny pay the mortgage with no income come fall? Can Jenny and Wyatt come to a truce and actually help each other as friends? Will they be able to find out who the dead woman is and how she ended up inside the tree? Are there folks in town with connection to this mystery woman? What part will the FBI play in solving the mystery. Can Jenny help Wyatt win the election knowing that doing so will only break her heart again? Will Wyatt ever be able to face his parents about his feelings for Jenny since they seem to hold her accountable for her brother’s actions? Is a happily ever after even feasible when Wyatt wants to leave town and Jenny can’t fathom leaving the Summerlin Groves?
SUMMERLIN GROVES is an exceptional story that will wrap itself around your heart and keep you turning pages. Elizabeth Camden gives us a story of determination, holding one’s head high with others want to tear you down, being happy with who you are, a second chance romance, forgiveness, undying love - even if it means saying goodbye, traveling back into the 1950’s and learning a bit of history that needs to not be forgotten, mystery that requires searching for answers and it’s wrapped in a fabulous thread of faith. SUMMERLIN GROVES is positively FIVE STAR reading that I highly recommend to everyone!
#SummerlinGroves #ElizabethCamden #SecondChanceRomance #christianfiction #contemporaryromance
I receive a copy of this book with no requirement or expectations of a review. All opinions are completely my own.
October 5, 2025
Before I get into plot, I must say that the beginning is very disorienting and the main character is vague about so many elements that it almost feels like a sequel...but she's only vague for a few chapters, so a) why did she bother and b) here are the answers to some questions you may have in order to immediately improve the reading experience.
What did Jenny's brother do 18 months ago? (entwined with "why did she & Wyatt break up?")
Why is Jenny so Mysterious about that one acre and hoping nobody sees it/realizes what it means?
Also, I might have missed when it was stated because the only format my library bought this book in was audio, but it took me WAY too long to realize that the book actually takes place in the early 2000s, not 2024. I'm guessing there was more elaboration in an Author's Note, but if there is one, it's not included in the audiobook.
===============
On to the main review: I liked the idea of this a lot, but it fell a little short of my expectations, mostly because the top reviewer is right and Wyatt sucks. First of all, he's so obsessed with rules and upholding the law at the expense of all else that even I, a notoriously rigid rule-follower, think he's out of line. More to the point, he's also a narrow-minded idiot who hates small towns, is obsessed with seeing the world and judging anyone who doesn't want to do the same as ignorant, and is otherwise just basically the worst match in the world for someone who owns, lives on, works and loves an agricultural property that has been in the family for almost a century.
Every single time they brought up why their relationship had fallen apart and why it was doomed to do so again regardless of their reemerging feelings, I was just screaming, "YES!" Jenny, forget this man and find one who loves rural living and history and Yearns to put down roots and raise a family ASAP. Even at roughly the 75% mark, Wyatt is STILL getting lines like "he didn't want to live on an orange grove. but he would make that sacrifice, for her." (paraphrased, but close) Cool, very stable foundation on which to build a marriage with someone you have dated for less than a year, definitely will not cause latent resentment to rise to the surface in the future.
---------------------
That said, I did still enjoy the rest of it, because the possible 2nd chance romance is only one of this book's many threads. I learned quite a bit about taking care of an orange grove, in Florida specifically, which I've never read about. The mystery of the skeleton in the tree didn't turn out to be the most scintillating, mostly because much of the Cold War/Soviet Union history went over my head, but I was still keenly curious to find out who she was and how she got there.
I was more engaged in the legal tussles over ownership of the "treasure" found with her -- the history of THAT item was much more intriguing. I also got quite a kick out of the auction house employee who eventually visited the farm and managed to point out some additional pieces of interest, including an actual artifact of antiquity (though not a very valuable one) being misused as a coaster. 😂 And finally, Hemi was a fun addition; I liked his and Jenny's colleague chemistry. So all in all, this was a worthwhile listen over a few days where I was doing a lot of driving -- Lisa Larsen's a good narrator.
Bonus: one thing I do appreciate about the romance is that at least it's very Disney-esque and the only road on which they would theoretically take their relationship to the next level is marriage. They actually shouldn't, these two should definitely just get it out of their system and move on, but it's the thought for the reader that counts.
What did Jenny's brother do 18 months ago? (entwined with "why did she & Wyatt break up?")
Why is Jenny so Mysterious about that one acre and hoping nobody sees it/realizes what it means?
Also, I might have missed when it was stated because the only format my library bought this book in was audio, but it took me WAY too long to realize that the book actually takes place in the early 2000s, not 2024. I'm guessing there was more elaboration in an Author's Note, but if there is one, it's not included in the audiobook.
===============
On to the main review: I liked the idea of this a lot, but it fell a little short of my expectations, mostly because the top reviewer is right and Wyatt sucks. First of all, he's so obsessed with rules and upholding the law at the expense of all else that even I, a notoriously rigid rule-follower, think he's out of line. More to the point, he's also a narrow-minded idiot who hates small towns, is obsessed with seeing the world and judging anyone who doesn't want to do the same as ignorant, and is otherwise just basically the worst match in the world for someone who owns, lives on, works and loves an agricultural property that has been in the family for almost a century.
Every single time they brought up why their relationship had fallen apart and why it was doomed to do so again regardless of their reemerging feelings, I was just screaming, "YES!" Jenny, forget this man and find one who loves rural living and history and Yearns to put down roots and raise a family ASAP. Even at roughly the 75% mark, Wyatt is STILL getting lines like "he didn't want to live on an orange grove. but he would make that sacrifice, for her." (paraphrased, but close) Cool, very stable foundation on which to build a marriage with someone you have dated for less than a year, definitely will not cause latent resentment to rise to the surface in the future.
---------------------
That said, I did still enjoy the rest of it, because the possible 2nd chance romance is only one of this book's many threads. I learned quite a bit about taking care of an orange grove, in Florida specifically, which I've never read about. The mystery of the skeleton in the tree didn't turn out to be the most scintillating, mostly because much of the Cold War/Soviet Union history went over my head, but I was still keenly curious to find out who she was and how she got there.
I was more engaged in the legal tussles over ownership of the "treasure" found with her -- the history of THAT item was much more intriguing. I also got quite a kick out of the auction house employee who eventually visited the farm and managed to point out some additional pieces of interest, including an actual artifact of antiquity (though not a very valuable one) being misused as a coaster. 😂 And finally, Hemi was a fun addition; I liked his and Jenny's colleague chemistry. So all in all, this was a worthwhile listen over a few days where I was doing a lot of driving -- Lisa Larsen's a good narrator.
Bonus: one thing I do appreciate about the romance is that at least it's very Disney-esque and the only road on which they would theoretically take their relationship to the next level is marriage. They actually shouldn't, these two should definitely just get it out of their system and move on, but it's the thought for the reader that counts.
September 26, 2024
Wow! When Elizabeth Camden announced she was going to write her first Contemporary Romance I was surprised (her Historicals are my favorites), but thrilled! And, I have to admit, my expectations were very high! I hope they would be as good as her Historicals. And I wasn’t disappointed! This author has the ability to immerse you in the story from the first page, and all the books I’ve read from her are page turners!
Jenny Summerlin is having a hard time, grieving a tragic loss, and trying to save the family orange grove -financially and physically- which now depends solely on her. Unexpectedly, one day she discovers a skeleton, along with a priceless treasure, in the hollow of a cypress tree near the river of her beloved land. This brings many investigators onto her property to uncover the mystery of a decades old crime. Can she claim the valuable treasure to save her orange grove? Will the uncovering of the mystery lift the veil of family secrets that are better left unveiled?
Captain Wyatt Rossiter would never have expected to be thrown into solving the mystery found in Jenny’s orange grove. He holds regrets about breaking Jenny’s heart when they separated two years earlier. And has never stops loving her and has founds ways to protect her and help her her, as he admits after he reconnects with her as he helps her discover the intriguing mystery. But he knows their relationship shouldn’t be rekindled. They have different goals in life that can’t be fulfilled together in the same place. Can they give their love a second chance even if it requires for one of them to sacrifice their dreams?
One of the thing I admire and enjoy in Ms. Camden’s books is the historical details related in a very believable (and researched) way, that makes you transport yourself to that era and place. Well, even if I thought I would miss those details in her contemporary romance, this book was no different in its own way. The mystery around the skeleton and the treasure takes us to the Cold War era and there were many interesting details that made the story realistic and more intriguing. And the abundance of details of the process of growing orange trees and the functioning of the orange and juices production made me feel almost an expert in the subject. It was vividly described and in a very engaging way.
The character development and growth was my favorite part. You can say Jenny and Wyatt were very opposites: Jenny being very flexible and not a rule follower, while Wyatt personalized honesty, legality and discipline. This creates a bit of a conflict between them, but I liked the way they both learn different things through their journey. Things they must change, and I love the way they react and tell each other things with honesty. Their romantic relationship is clean, just how I like it, but super sweet and you can feel their chemistry. There are inspiring messages about trusting God amidst the most difficult and painful circumstances, and about forgiveness and redemption.
The plot is a page turner, and kept me at the edge of my seat, wanting to find out the secret behind the treasure, and also rooting for the main characters to get back together, and find a way to stay that way forever. The end and the way everything is resolved was original but very satisfying. They both learn that love implies sacrifices for the sake of the other, and when they realize that, it’s absolutely inspiring.
All in all, a wonderful debut contemporary romance by this author who always wins my heart and my mind. Excellent story! I highly recommend it. You’ll find yourself craving those delicious, juicy oranges, and wanting to learn more about the agricultural world!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and was under no obligation to post a positive review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Jenny Summerlin is having a hard time, grieving a tragic loss, and trying to save the family orange grove -financially and physically- which now depends solely on her. Unexpectedly, one day she discovers a skeleton, along with a priceless treasure, in the hollow of a cypress tree near the river of her beloved land. This brings many investigators onto her property to uncover the mystery of a decades old crime. Can she claim the valuable treasure to save her orange grove? Will the uncovering of the mystery lift the veil of family secrets that are better left unveiled?
Captain Wyatt Rossiter would never have expected to be thrown into solving the mystery found in Jenny’s orange grove. He holds regrets about breaking Jenny’s heart when they separated two years earlier. And has never stops loving her and has founds ways to protect her and help her her, as he admits after he reconnects with her as he helps her discover the intriguing mystery. But he knows their relationship shouldn’t be rekindled. They have different goals in life that can’t be fulfilled together in the same place. Can they give their love a second chance even if it requires for one of them to sacrifice their dreams?
One of the thing I admire and enjoy in Ms. Camden’s books is the historical details related in a very believable (and researched) way, that makes you transport yourself to that era and place. Well, even if I thought I would miss those details in her contemporary romance, this book was no different in its own way. The mystery around the skeleton and the treasure takes us to the Cold War era and there were many interesting details that made the story realistic and more intriguing. And the abundance of details of the process of growing orange trees and the functioning of the orange and juices production made me feel almost an expert in the subject. It was vividly described and in a very engaging way.
The character development and growth was my favorite part. You can say Jenny and Wyatt were very opposites: Jenny being very flexible and not a rule follower, while Wyatt personalized honesty, legality and discipline. This creates a bit of a conflict between them, but I liked the way they both learn different things through their journey. Things they must change, and I love the way they react and tell each other things with honesty. Their romantic relationship is clean, just how I like it, but super sweet and you can feel their chemistry. There are inspiring messages about trusting God amidst the most difficult and painful circumstances, and about forgiveness and redemption.
The plot is a page turner, and kept me at the edge of my seat, wanting to find out the secret behind the treasure, and also rooting for the main characters to get back together, and find a way to stay that way forever. The end and the way everything is resolved was original but very satisfying. They both learn that love implies sacrifices for the sake of the other, and when they realize that, it’s absolutely inspiring.
All in all, a wonderful debut contemporary romance by this author who always wins my heart and my mind. Excellent story! I highly recommend it. You’ll find yourself craving those delicious, juicy oranges, and wanting to learn more about the agricultural world!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and was under no obligation to post a positive review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
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