A Summer Changes Everything

Hickory Ridge #3

by Isabelle Grace

When his wife died, Reese was sure he’d never love again. Then he met Shelby.

Widowed horse and cattle farmer Reese Blackwood does not need a keeper. not for himself or his two sons. They can manage just fine on their own. At least that's what he keeps telling everybody, especially himself.

Elementary school teacher Shelby Corbett is no pushover. Just ask anyone who has seen how easily she handles a classroom full of boisterous kids. So spending the summer break looking after Reese's two energetic boys is totally within her wheelhouse.

Which shocks Reese completely.

But that's only the first surprise. The second is the undeniable attraction that sparks between them. An attraction that's totally unexpected yet becomes increasingly difficult to ignore. As she helps Reese reconnect with his boys, Shelby shines much-needed light into his dark and lonely world, bringing hope to his broken and grieving heart.

Hope that Reese fears will be lost again when Shelby's six-week stay at Lone Oaks is over.

Unless he's willing to risk everything by asking her to stay.

Previously published as Reese’s Long Hot Summer

Genres: Contemporary

252 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 30, 2022

About the author

Isabelle writes sweet to steamy contemporary romance primarily set in small-town Americana. Her books are full of heart, humor, and all the feels. So, if you like strong heroines, swoon-worthy heroes, snappy dialogue, and happily-ever-afters, you’ve come to the right place.

When not writing, Isabelle enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching movies and her favorite TV shows, and playing card and board games. Though she continues to work as a part-time adjunct college professor, Isabelle recently retired from public education (teaching in a pandemic was NO joke), where she taught Family and Consumer Sciences (formerly Home Economics) to high schoolers at her alma mater.

Isabelle lives in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in wild, wonderful West Virginia with her family and rescue Pomeranian, Bella. She also loves to hear from her readers. You can connect with her on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/IsabelleGrac...), Twitter (@I.GraceWriting), Webpage (Isabellegracewriting.com), or through email at isabellegrace@isabellegracewriting.com.

Reviews

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saving Reese . . .

Reese Blackwood is a widower who is still grieving and letting his mother care for his two boys while he keeps busy with the farm. When his parents are ready to take a long vacation, his mother insists that he should hire Shelby Corbett, an elementary teacher who would be available to care for the children at Lone Oaks over the summer.

Shelby fit right in and knew exactly how to handle the two energetic boys while also trying to pull Reese back into their lives. Will Reese take notice of Shelby and feel their attraction for each other? Can she help bring him out of his grieving period to begin to live again for his boys? Will the Blackwood family be pleased having her around as well?

[Zoé-Lee O'Farrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boy oh boy do I love this series! I have been so excited about this book all about Reese. Out of all the brothers, he is the one that has called to me! (Although I love them all!) His story just added a new dimension with the loss of his wife and having two gorgeous boys to bring up. It's not just one man you need to impress it's the clan!! We had more depth and concern, and worry because it's not as straightforward as other love stories.

I loved Shelby, she was so refreshing, patient and the perfect match! We knew she had a heartache but I loved that it didn't overshadow the book and that it remained focused on Reese, Zack and Alex and their loss and family. I also loved how Shelby was up for everything and could do everything. I do wish, however, there was a little bit more focus on her. But Reese *swoon*

I do love these sweet but sizzling stories, I love the Blackwoods and I love that you don't have to read these in order - but don't deprive yourself of the Blackwood men that's for sure. These are definitely the sugar fix you need!

I really hope there will be another book with Holden being the focus, as we don't know too much about the lothario, just he butts heads a lot with them! Intriguing indeed!

Isabelle's writing will just engulf you. She takes you away from the day-to-day, and she will envelop you with her words. Her books are easy to lose yourself in, I mean before I knew it I had read 50% of the book. I was absorbed in Hickory Ridge! My slice of sunshine

I really hope there will be another book with Holden being the focus, as we don't know too much about the lothario, just he butts heads a lot with them! Intriguing indeed!

[Kristiej · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book didn’t work for me and I DNFed. I had a bit of a tough time coming up with a grade. The writing wasn’t bad, the story sounded interesting so I didn’t want to mark it low and the reasons I couldn’t connect were my own feelings, not the fault of the book. The hero is a widower with two young sons. His mother does most of the carrying for them as he lives on the family ranch and it’s convenient. But his parents are taking a long summer vacation and she has very reluctantly talked him into hiring a nanny for the time they are gone, a teacher who is off for the summer. I couldn’t really understand why he didn’t want to hire her, but never mind. I’m not normally a fan of kids in romance unless they are wonderfully written and the boys in the book aren’t real standouts and they were in the book in way too many scenes for me.

Of course there is an attraction between the hero and heroine but he fought it with everything he had, feeling guilty for the attraction. This I just didn’t get. His wife had passed away 14 months previously and he’s still a young guy. She was perfect with his boys, even better than Mary Poppins. They still needed the love of a mother figure and she loved his sons, they adored her, the two of them lusted after each other so I didn’t get it. With, for me, I a weak foundation, the rest of the foundation - or story - crumbled, thus causing the DNF. Other readers may love this book and I understand, but it just wasn’t something that held my interest.

[Maddy · Rating 3 out of 5]

"A Summer Changes Everything" is the re-release of "Reese's Long Hot Summer" and stars the oldest Blackwood brother, Reese, and his summer nanny, Shelby.

Reese's wife died of cancer 14 months ago and he has been living on autopilot, relying on his mother to care for his two young sons while he threw himself into work. Now, his family is set to go away for the summer, and to ensure they get the vacation they deserve, he accepts help from his mother's best friend's niece, Shelby.

Shelby is a elementary PE teacher come to watch Reese's five- and seven-year-old sons and is incredibly kind and thoughtfull. Quickly, she falls in with the family and Reese and his boys begin to come together again. Reese's grief takes steps forward so he becomes a better father thanks to Shelby.

I liked how they both focused on the kids during this, especially Reese's realization he's failed as a father and actions to correct that.

A sweet romance with a little spice and much adorableness from the two boys. It was great seeing Reese's brothers in the book living their happy ever afters, but this story reminds you that you can always find happiness, that even if one happy ending becomes a tragedy, a tragedy can have a happy ending too.

Thank you to Netgalley and Rosewood books for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

Read for: widower romance, single dad, overcoming grief, low-key spice

3.5 stars
1 spice

[W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet with a little heat

Reese and Shelby have a darling story to tell you. School teacher Shelby comes to the Blackwood ranch to watch single-dad Reese's two young sons for the sumner while his parents and grandparents take a joint extended vacation.

I really liked the way Shelby used her background as an elementary teacher to deal with two high-energy boys and direct their activities, and to very discreetly assist Reese to rebond with the sons he had largely left to his mother's care while he buried his grief in farm work.

The development of the relationship between Reese and Shelby felt very natural. And the author did an excellent job of integrating Shelby into the larger Blackwood family. I am planning to go back and read Drew's and Jack's stories. And I will definitely be reading Holden's story when it comes out later this year.

I received an Beta/ARC copy of this story directly from the author and voluntarily chose to share my review.

[Sentinelle23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤🏞🐎 A BEAUTIFUL CRUSH


Reese Blackwood, recently widowed with two young children, certainly didn't need a keeper for the summer.

He was upset that his mother had hired an acquaintance to replace her for the stewardship of the house during his vacation abroad...

-----------------


A great crush on this magnificent story, read in one go, as I like them!

An unexpected, involuntary meeting, an unexpected second chance and above all, magnificent and very moving characters to discover!

I recommend for romantic fans and lovers of very beautiful stories that warm the heart.

Well done to the author!
It made me want to read the other novels in this "Hickory Ridge" series.
❤🏞🐎

[Lena Duke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, I enjoyed this book. I liked the characters and the small-town romance vibes.

Reese has lost his wife and is just trying work the cattle and horse farm while raising his boys. He's working too many hours to help keep his mind busy from the grief that he's dealing with. His mom brings in Shelby to help him while they go on a long vacation.

Reese doesn't feel he needs the help until his mom lays it out for him that he's always busy on the farm and someone has to cook, clean, and keep an eye on the boys. He reluctantly agrees with that statement.

I loved how Shelby was with the boys. She made sure that they got their chores done while also allowing them a little freedom to play. She was right there with them playing, too.

Every character was relatable and the story was easy to read. I wasn't aware this was part of a series. But I will be going back to read the other two in this series!

I was given an ARC through NetGalley and all reviews/opinions are my own!

[Marybeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book early from Netgalley. The title there is A Summer Changes Everything. I hope she goes with that one. Anyway, this is my first time reading this author and I was more than pleasantly surprised. I knew by the synopsis of the book that I would like the story but nothing prepared me for the dynamic between the handsome widower Reese, Shelby who his mother hires to help with his boys while she goes on vacation and his two young sons, Alex and Zach. Those two were like little matchmakers without even realizing it. I honestly loved everything about this story and these characters and will be going back to read the other two books. Any romance book that can have me swooning, laughing, and crying, but in the best of ways, is a winner in my book. Pun intended.

[Isabelle Grace]

What do a grieving widower, his two energetic little boys, and the niece of his mother’s best friend equal?
Definitely one long, hot summer.
Widowed horse and cattle farmer, Reese Blackwood does not need a keeper. Not for himself or for his sons. Granted, he hasn’t been much of a father, son, or brother since his wife died over a year ago. Then again, Reese hasn’t been much of anything but a gruff, grieving workaholic recluse who has been perfectly content allowing his mother to assume the role of primary caretaker for his boys.
Yes, Reese knows he needs to make some definite changes. To return to the land of the living, step up his game big time, and be the father Alex and Zach deserve. And what better time to start than while his parents are away on a much-needed vacation? Only his mother refuses to go unless Reese agrees to let her BFF’s teacher niece stay at Lone Oaks and help with the boys’ care in her absence.
Shelby Corbett handles kindergarteners through fifth graders every day. So, when her aunt requests she come to Virginia and assist a widower with the care of his five-and-seven-year-old sons during her summer break, it’s right up her alley. Besides, a few extra weeks away from North Carolina is just what she needs.
What surprises them both is the attraction that sparks to life between them the instant they meet. They fight it. One, because Reese is still mourning the loss of his wife. Two, neither want to do anything to confuse Alex and Zach. And three, Shelby’s stay at Lone Oaks is temporary.
Try as they might to keep their attraction from growing, their feelings only get stronger. Will they continue to fight what’s blossoming between them? Or at the end of the summer, will Shelby be able to walk away from Reese and the boys? And if she does, will he be able to let her go?

[Hsiau Wei · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reese is a widower was pestered by his mum to look for a caretaker to take care of his two boys while she and his dad take a long vacation. In order to get her off his back, he agreed and his mum engaged Selby, an elementary teacher to care for the children. She soon adapted to the family lifestyle and to Reese’ surprise, Selby seems to be able to control his 2 boys without any issues. With Selby’s presence and help in the family, Reese begin to realize how he has failed his children and determine to change and become the father that his boys deserved.

This is a story about grief and second chance of love.Selby come across as a refreshing character and i love the way she handled the boy and the way Reese and Selby prioritized on his kids and i love how Reese’s brothers and sister in law come together to support Reese in his hour of needs. Overall, it is a delightful and easy to read to me.
 

[Piper · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Summer Changes Everything by Isabella Grace
Hickory Ridge series Book 3
March 21st
This can be read as a Standalone

Wife passed away and Recce finding it hard to adjust enter Shelby.
I like how Shelby helps Recce reconnect with his sons after the tragic passing away of their mother. Shelby is diametrically opposed to Reese's late wife. This, I believe, helped me see her in a different light. Shelby falls hard for Reese almost immediately, despite the fact that he was unable to compare many things between the two of them. She is fantastic at giving him the space and time he requires to process his emotions. Shelby is a rock I adore how she use her teaching background to help the two boys and playing with them giving them the interaction they need.

#bookreview #silkybookloverfun

[kirsty · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is no secret that I have loved this series so far and this 3rd book is no exception.

It is well written with a charming storyline and well developed characters that I loved. I loved the romance element, it was just enough slow burn for me.

There were moments that made me giggle out loud and moments that moved me to tears, but with every emotion my love for the characters just kept growing. I can't wait for what comes next

[Donna Duggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

widowed

How can you move to the next step? Especially when you have 2 boys who need you and come first. How do you love someone when betrayed by the one who you were engaged to is having affairs behind your back. 2 broken halves become whole and a family is created from the hurt. Great read

[Marsha Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank U, Isabelle Grace!

Great story, love this family, and rural life is wonderful. Illness, and death are so hard on families. It's especially brutal on young families, and there really isn't a way for anyone to help alleviate grief. This story was about starting over, and moving on. Good husbands and men can love again.

[Beryl Audrey Foreman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartwarming story

The people were portrayed very realistically and believable . I loved the characters and what they were going through. I love happily ever afters, and this had a good one.

[Laura Moher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review. I believe this book appears on Goodreads under the title “Reese’s Long Hot Summer” (Hickory Ridge series #3), but the NetGalley title I read is “A Summer Changes Everything.”

“A Summer Changes Everything” is a small-town romance with cowboy-romance vibes due to its setting on a Virginia horse and cattle farm. If you like any of the following, this story might be for you:
small-town romance, single-dad romance, low-angst romance with no 3rd act breakup

“A Summer Changes Everything” provides a smooth, easy read with familiar tropes, no surprises, and a reliable happy ending for all parties.

Reese, a youngish widower and the oldest of four sons of a well-off farm/ranch family, has spent the last year and a half burying himself in work, isolating himself not only from the outside world but also from his two young sons, whose care has fallen to his mother. With his dad recovering from serious heart surgery and his mom worn out from caring for both the boys and her husband, Reese’s parents and grandparents decide to take an extended European vacation, and Reese’s mom calls in Shelby, the niece of her best friend, to serve as nanny, cook, and housekeeper for Reese and the boys while the older folks are gone.

Shelby is a PE teacher who has the summer off anyway and who is eager to escape her own town where people have been pressuring her to reconcile with her cheating ex-fiancé. She fits easily into Reese’s household, striking an easy rapport with the rambunctious little boys. She and Reese are immediately attracted to each other, though they resist acting on it for much of the book. Shelby believes Reese isn’t ready and needs to focus on recementing his relationship with his kids. Reese isn’t sure what he’s ready for, but his attraction to Shelby feels to him like unfaithfulness to his late wife. Over the course of the story, we see Shelby and Reese form a good parenting team for the little boys as their respect and liking for each other grows, with little to no conflict between anyone.

A few things didn’t work well for me with this story; one was that I didn’t feel like I got to know any of the characters very well, and so I couldn’t share their emotions. This perhaps explained my frustration that Shelby—like Reese’s previous wife—seemed mainly a vessel for his needs, with few thoughts or needs or goals that didn’t revolve around him and his boys. The relationship worked because she gave and gave and never asked for anything in return. I wasn’t convinced Reese deserved that, after basically neglecting his newly-motherless kids for over a year. He turned around on a dime when Shelby arrived, but…I wasn’t convinced.

With that said, if you are looking for a reprieve from deeply troubled characters in traumatizing situations, and would instead like a pleasant read that won’t cause strong or turbulent emotions, “A Summer Changes Everything” might be just the escape you’re looking for.

3.6 stars rounded up to 4

[Ann Lorz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been really enjoying this series. We have one more brother to go and I will share with you that I can't wait. I think there is more to him then we all thought. I can't wait. But until then let's talk about A Summer Changes Everything.

I really thought that this would have been the last of the brother's stories because of how hurt he is with the loss of his wife. He has shut off himself from his family and children. All he does is work and sleep. Saying that I'm glad that we got his story now. You know that whoever shocks Reese's heart out of the deep freeze is going to be a great person.

The story line of this story isn't a new one but one that explains the reason of these two being in so close proximity. As much as I missed his parents and grandparents in this story them not being in it works best for the story.

Shelby is just the sweetest thing. Right away you like her, and I think in part that is because the boys warm up to her right away. She treats them well and showers them with her time and that makes them happy. I love seeing them happy. It's fun how she is with them. They like her and she really likes them too.

Reese is not an easy guy to like. Yes, you feel bad for him for what he's gone through, but you don't really get to know him in the prior books. He's so closed off that there is a kind of disconnect between him and everyone else. With him it was like a butterfly coming out of his cocoon. He slowly figured out that it was okay to live.

It might have not been an unemotional road, but it was one worth the feelings. The story turned out to be the best so far. I think we just all wanted to see Reese happy again. Now him and his boys can move forward knowing that their mom/wife is happy that they will be happy.

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ARC received for an honest review.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Summer Changes Everything by Isabelle Grace is the third Hickory Ridge novel, previously released under a different title. This woman had been blessed with four sons and as deeply as she loved them, it had never been easy. One of her sons, Reese, had lost his wife to cancer 14 months earlier and his grief was so deep that he had stopped smiling, stopped interacting with his sons, and stopped living. She needed a vacation. She had cared for those two little balls of energy for the past two years and she needed a rest. It was all planned: six weeks away: Europe and a cruise. The woman who had been arranged to help her son had broken her leg. He said he could handle it. She said he couldn’t, so she found someone who could. Her best friend’s niece, Shelby. The woman was a PE teacher for heaven’s sake. She was perfect. They argued. He pouted. She threatened to stay home. Eventually he caved in. The minute Shelby arrived things started to change. She had those boys under control, the whole house, really. And, she smiled. She made him smile. She made hime feel alive again.

Reese had closed himself off from emotion. When Shelby arrived she encouraged him to spend time with his little boys: to eat meals with them and play with them. He found he loved it. Shelby was a marvel. She could do all the things the boys wanted to do, not just watch as their mother had, but play with them. They both had to fight their attraction for one another. Shelby was an adult woman. She had been hurt. She recognized the signs in Reese. As much as she wanted him, she didn’t want to hurt him or the boys. It was a thoughtful story with a clear plot. It was a romance, but is was so much more, as each book in this series has been. What a nice read.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of A Summer Changes Everything by Rosewood Books, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #RosewoodBooks #IsabelleGrace #HickoryRidge #ASummerChangesEverything

[Sonja Charters · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Book 3 of the Hickory Ridge series. Although we do see some mention of the rest of the family in this book, we mainly follow eldest brother Reese as he comes to terms with his grief after losing his wife, and the unexpected potential of finding new love.
This can still absolutely be read as a stand-alone.

I still haven't managed to read book 1, but I read book 2 earlier this year and once again...I absolutely loved this one!

Reese is left home alone with his 2 young sons when his parents go away on a much needed break over summer.
As Reese is busy on the farm and the boys' usual 'help' is indisposed, Shelby comes to stay and we follow them on a journey of hope and realisation - coming through a rough couple of years after Olivia's death - and the instant attraction they both have for each other which eventually cannot be denied.

This was another super easy read which I flew through! It was beautifully written with lots of sensitivity and a really enjoyable read.

I loved all the characters - I mean who wouldn't love the Blackwood brothers...and the whole family - they're just adorable!

I said it last time....but with 4 brothers in total, we're still missing one story and I cannot wait to see what adventures Holden will get up to in book 4!

[Linda J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second book by this author and I am still captivated by her writing. I know one reviewer thought there was too much about the H's sons. I thought they added a sweetness to the story and their interaction with the h just added to it.

The H lost his wife 14 months prior and still is feeling her loss. He has withdrawn from their sons and works himself from morning to night. Thankfully he has moved back home and his mom helps with most of their caring.

The H's parents need to go on a vacation but won't leave the young boys without supervision. The father can't because he runs their horse/cattle farm. In walks the h who couldn't be more perfect if she tried.

Romance builds slowly, because he still loves his wife and feels like he's cheating on her with his feelings developing for the h. I found this part touching and was nice to have a deceased spouse, not be put down. Clean story with only kisses. This ends at the 91% mark on my e-reader - rest teaser for another story. No cheating, no cliffhanger, standalone, HEA, crude words used twice, and clean. (ljb)

[N.L. Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back at Lone Oaks widower Reese usually has his mother and grandmother look after his two boys while he is busy working on the farm. But while the two go on a well-deserved vacation it takes a friend's Niece to make Reese fall in love again and create a family for these two little boys.

I always wondered about how the character of Reese would find love and Grace does a fantastic job in making this romance another beautiful story in the series.

The character of shelly was strong and grounded while Reese should his growth as a father and journey as a widower.

This narrative is heartwarming and had me invested throughout. I loved that we also had the previous characters step into this book, as it would not be the same without them.

I read this in one sitting and I am obsessed with this series and all the characters and cannot wait for the final blackwood brother to fall in love. Bring on Holden!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is cute! I really loved Shelby she came into a situation and owned it like she had been there and doing it for her whole life. She was so sweet and had the biggest heart, so independent and ready to take on anything life threw at her. I liked Reese and his boys the little boys Adam and Zach were such pistols and were so fun to read the author did an amazing job with these boys jumping off the pages and had you laughing out loud with their antics. Reese was trying to find himself while he took a little to grow on me I also felt he was a good guy who only wanted what was best for his boys. I feel like if I had to sum up this book with two words is would be finding forgiveness and healing. Overall this was a fun book to read. This book does contain sexual content so may not be suitable for all readers.

[Mierfie Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book of Hickory Ridge series, it can be read as stand alone. My first in this series and this book is good. Shelby work as a nany for two boys Alex and Zach during summer. I love how Shelby taking care of Alex and Zach, she let them play but not forget their chores, she include herself in their activity, that make bond between them. Reese the father cant help fall for her too but he resistain himself and remind that Shelby here for taking care his childrens. Its fun to see Reese torture when he look at Shelby, well he not the one, Shelby feel it too and happily ogling his boss lol.

Thank you to NetGalley for provide this book, it is pleasure to review this book.

#ASummerChangesEverything #HickoryRidge #RosewoodBooks #IsabelleGrace #NetGalley #ARC

[Bianca Duthie · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the end of the book goes - "Three down. One to go." Anna grinned. "And I can't wait," she replied with a wink aimed straight at her youngest son. Eek! I look forward to finding out more about Holden in book 4, but let's not gloss past book 3.
Reese, quiet, reserved, stuck in his grief Reese who we have seen on the outskirts of the Blackwood family life over the first 2 books finally gets his starring role in this slow-burning romance with Shelby.
I love the young Blackwood boys and the energy and humour they bring to every scene they are but they also had me close to tears too. Such innocence and such a rough couple of years they had faced.
This is a really quick read, perfect for curling up and getting invested in. Roll on book 4!

[Lucia Valenzuela · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story filled with lots of emotions. I really liked how Reese totally underestimated Shelby and her ability to handle the boys and everything else. The boys are adorable energetic kids that you will love. Reese is drawn to Shelby but consumed by guilt over his feelings of cheating on his deceased wife. A little too much heat for my liking, but still an enjoyable read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.

[Isabel · Rating 3 out of 5]

***1/2

[Marika · Rating 1 out of 5]

⛔️(in notes)

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reese & Shelby had an entertaining read. This was a new author for me. An entertaining read. And am voluntarily leaving my review.