The Summer You Were Mine

by Andrea K. Goss

One Summer. One Secret. One Lasting Love.Kit and Sam are swept up in a whirlwind romance in the summer of 1986, and torn apart by a secret Kit keeps for the next three decades.

In 1986, Sam is an extroverted athlete--a local beach lifeguard in Ocean City, Maryland. Kit is an introverted bookworm from rural Pennsylvania working at the coastal town for the summer with her best friend, Annie. Together, Kit and Sam are magic. An unexpected, life-altering event changes in the course of everything. In 2022, when Kit meets up with Sam again after a lifetime apart to reveal a secret, the full story of their unforgettable summer is revealed.

A bittersweet love story and a compelling coming of age tale, The Summer You Were Mine encompasses the beauty and thrill of a deep soul connection, the consequences of unprocessed loss, the restoration of healing, and the power of a lasting love.

"A captivating love story that tugs at the heartstrings..." Bon Adamov, award-winning author of Holden's Promise



Andrea K. Goss is a writer and editor of books, magazine articles, scripts, and creative content for websites and advertising campaigns, as well as a producer of songs and videos. She works in corporate communications. Originally from a small town in Pennsylvania, she now resides in Southern California with her family and her weird but lovable rescue dog, Quiggy.

269 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 24, 2024

About the author

Andrea K. Goss is a writer and editor of books, magazine articles, scripts, and creative content for websites and advertising campaigns, as well as a producer of songs and videos. She works in corporate communications. Originally from a small town in Pennsylvania, she now resides in Southern California with her family and weird but loveable rescue dog, Quiggy.

The Summer You Were Mine is her first novel.

Reviews

[John Wisse · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her debut novel “The Summer You Were Mine” Andrea K. Goss casually invites readers into the world of a middle-aged woman who is deeply reflective of her own life as she grieves the recent and separate deaths of those closest to her within a short timeframe. Having been touched and emotionally challenged by an all too familiar reality of life experiences, the story’s central figure reaches deep into her heart and soul to face revealing a nearly lifelong, deeply protected secret to a young man she never could stop loving since they first met a lifetime ago.

As a young college coed, Kit along with her best friend and cousin Annie, travel to coastal Maryland where they share work and fun among other like-minded young adults during Summer, 1986. Goss easily crafts the diverse relationships that center around Kit’s life that include strained relationships with her mother, a pesky but determined ex-boyfriend, and her own internal struggles as she seeks to establish her independence as a young woman.

These challenges are well-balanced among Kit’s newer summertime relationships that include one very special male lifeguard working the beaches of Ocean City, who readily captures her heart seemingly forever. The summer romance, however, soon faces an emotional storm that leaves Kit devastated and forever on a path far distancing her from that first true love. Sam never knew the true reason as to why the developing love story ended so abruptly as he and Kit were cast to lead separate lives at a far distance apart.

As Goss honestly reveals, some years later Kit sorrowfully and perhaps dutifully knows in her heart that she has always loved Sam, and it is her intent to share with him the secret she has held for so long. He accepts her invitation to publicly meet following his own separation from his current wife. Only after the secret is no more, can their lives move forward. “The Summer You Were Mine” is a symphonic read that is engaging in perhaps a very familiar tone for many who will easily recognize their own instrument of life.

[Stacey Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romance, love, adventures, twists, relatability and excitement are all the feelings this amazing author Andrea K. Goss captured in her novel The Summer You Were Mine. The flow of her writing and the ease of reading made this book one that I could not put down and could not wait to pick up again. Characters in her story, especially Kit were portrayed in real life, relatable experiences but put in such a bold no hold back intimate love story. I found myself falling in love with the story after the first chapter, from the way each character stayed true to who they were throughout the story and the feelings, emotions each one experienced, this novel was beautifully written and thought out. Every gal wishes, dreams and fantasizes about having a summer like Kits. To all that dare to dream, you will too enjoy this read.

[Dottie Sines · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend told me about this author and her novel "The Summer You Were Mine," and it wasn't long before I was immersed in the book. Andrea K. Goss has crafted a captivating story with rich details that transported me to the '80s and to nostalgic, sunny beach days. I could smell the ocean and suntan oil. I could feel the humid sea breezes and hear the seagulls. Andrea's talented writing took me inside the protagonist's heart and mind, evoking all the emotions the character experienced. I thought all the characters were uniquely developed. The book was very compelling and tough to put down. It's written simply but with complex undertones, and it's just a beautiful story -- one that stays with you once you've finished the book. Andrea, please write more!

[Marion Lougheed · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn't my usual kind of story, but I decided to give it a try in exchange for an honest review. Most of the book is quite light, a breezy, summery kind of headspace with sunny beaches, hot dates, and fun friends. But there is some darkness in here too, so be prepared. The narrator's voice rings true to the character and the story bumps along at just the right pace. The ending works perfectly. Overall, this book is a good read, especially during dreary winter days. Those beach town moments make a good escape from reality.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a true fan of romance , this book had me hooked within the first 10 minutes of reading. Kit is such a relatable character, I often felt I was living out this summer of romance alongside her. This story also made me yearn for the beach. There is a lesson to be learned from this story about the importance of healing from unresolved trauma, and cherishing those who leave a lasting imprint on our hearts. I highly recommend to anyone looking for a touching and captivating summer romance novel.

[Bob Adamov · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating tale set against the backdrop of Ocean City’s beach, where a tender romance between a summer worker and a lifeguard unfolds with a touch of sensitivity. It will tug at your heartstrings with a delightful concoction of sun, sand, and the sweet complexities of a summer love. – Award-winning Author Bob Adamov

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This love story is definitely a beach read. I read it while landlocked, pre-winter, and the author still took me to Ocean City, Maryland. Andrea K. Goss has a fluid style of writing that felt like old friend sitting beside me, confiding a secret. And there are secrets and revelations that pull the reader through the story in a satisfying page-turner.

[Jennifer Landry (on Storygraph Exclusively Now!) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet summer romance story that was a fun travel back in time for me. With most of the book reflecting back on a summer in the mid 80s so many things were nostalgic for me. However I think other young adults (high school/college) would also really enjoy this story. It would be a great summer poolside or beach read.

[Mary Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not your usual coming of age summer romance. This has all the tenderness and heartbreak of a first love that can’t be forgotten. There is a shocking twist that I did not see coming. This book was a page turner and left you really rooting for the protagonist.

[Maura Mullaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t normally write reviews, but I loved this book. As someone who calls OCMD her happy place this book put me right back there as I’m impatiently waiting for Summer to come. I just wish I could have been there in 1986!

[Paige Rallo Zak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this!

So sweet, touching and incredibly nostalgic. Beautifully done, took me back in many ways; young love with that perfect person, love lost with that perfectly placed person as well. It’s about life and the way we navigate the many paths we choose. Loved it!!!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I couldn’t put it down! It’s the perfect book for your beach bag this summer!