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Summer at Fraser's Mill
All Grace Murray wants is to do something important with her life. But that’s hard to do in the tiny town of Fraser’s Mill, Michigan, where she grew up. Now living in Los Angeles, preparing to become a National Board Certified Teacher at a prestigious school, Grace sees her big dreams almost within her grasp. But when her dad breaks his foot and her catalytic converter gets stolen, everything changes. Grace is dismayed to learn that her parents’ small grocery store will struggle while her dad’s foot heals and that she won’t get her car back for months.
There’s only one thing to go back to Fraser’s Mill for the summer. In her old home town, Grace tries to fill her dad’s shoes in the grocery store. Meanwhile, she clashes with the irritatingly handsome young doctor next door, James “Doc” Johnson. As she gets more involved in grocery store improvements and in a flurry of small-town summer happenings, Grace realizes she’s falling behind on preparations for the all-important National Board certification.
But when she learns that the new dollar store in town may jeopardize her family’s business, and as she finds—to her surprise—that Doc isn’t actually as irritating as she’d thought, she has to decide what’s really more important to her plans for a prestigious career in California, or Doc, the store, and the warm little community of Fraser’s Mill.
Summer at Fraser’s Mill is a sunny, heartwarming story by author Ursi Engebretsen. If you like clean contemporary romance with sparks flying and cozy small-town vibes, then you’ll love this light-hearted story of family, faith, determination, and learning what “home” really means to you.
There’s only one thing to go back to Fraser’s Mill for the summer. In her old home town, Grace tries to fill her dad’s shoes in the grocery store. Meanwhile, she clashes with the irritatingly handsome young doctor next door, James “Doc” Johnson. As she gets more involved in grocery store improvements and in a flurry of small-town summer happenings, Grace realizes she’s falling behind on preparations for the all-important National Board certification.
But when she learns that the new dollar store in town may jeopardize her family’s business, and as she finds—to her surprise—that Doc isn’t actually as irritating as she’d thought, she has to decide what’s really more important to her plans for a prestigious career in California, or Doc, the store, and the warm little community of Fraser’s Mill.
Summer at Fraser’s Mill is a sunny, heartwarming story by author Ursi Engebretsen. If you like clean contemporary romance with sparks flying and cozy small-town vibes, then you’ll love this light-hearted story of family, faith, determination, and learning what “home” really means to you.
377 pages, Paperback
Published February 4, 2025
8 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
About the author
Ursi Engebretsen
2 books14 followersUrsi Engebretsen has always loved a good love story with a happy ending. So she decided to write some of her own—cozy clean romances with sparks flying, strong family themes, and picturesque settings, with the light and joy of the Gospel shining through. Although her characters have their struggles and problems, she wants her readers to walk away happy and uplifted at the end of every book.
Ursi grew up in Michigan and received her BA in liberal arts from Thomas Aquinas College in California. She’s a Catholic Christian, a writer, a musician, a voracious reader, and a country girl at heart. Her day job is directing music and playing the pipe organ at her church. She likes bubble tea, a good sunrise, and using too many exclamation points. (She’s working on that last one.)
Ursi grew up in Michigan and received her BA in liberal arts from Thomas Aquinas College in California. She’s a Catholic Christian, a writer, a musician, a voracious reader, and a country girl at heart. Her day job is directing music and playing the pipe organ at her church. She likes bubble tea, a good sunrise, and using too many exclamation points. (She’s working on that last one.)
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 4, 2025
I received an ARC copy of this book. I was NOT required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.
This book is the sweetest, and I enjoyed so many of the unique aspects of the story!
I loved the Catholic characters and representation of faithful daily life, and the struggle of dating in this day and age. In the Christian romance genre, it’s rare to find Catholic specific characters— while the faith element isn’t in your face, it’s definitely there and I enjoyed the undercurrent directing the story.
My only complaint is that I had to wait so long for the kiss, but when it comes, it’s perfect for the two main characters so I’ll have to say it was worth the wait.
There is just the barest hint of a love triangle trope, but Ursi handled it masterfully and in a way that didn’t make me want to claw my eyes out.
I adored the town of Fraser’s Mill, because not only is it set in my home state of Michigan, it encompassed small town rural life SO well.
A fantastic debut and I can’t wait to read what Ursi writes next!
This book is the sweetest, and I enjoyed so many of the unique aspects of the story!
I loved the Catholic characters and representation of faithful daily life, and the struggle of dating in this day and age. In the Christian romance genre, it’s rare to find Catholic specific characters— while the faith element isn’t in your face, it’s definitely there and I enjoyed the undercurrent directing the story.
My only complaint is that I had to wait so long for the kiss, but when it comes, it’s perfect for the two main characters so I’ll have to say it was worth the wait.
There is just the barest hint of a love triangle trope, but Ursi handled it masterfully and in a way that didn’t make me want to claw my eyes out.
I adored the town of Fraser’s Mill, because not only is it set in my home state of Michigan, it encompassed small town rural life SO well.
A fantastic debut and I can’t wait to read what Ursi writes next!
May 1, 2025
Summer at Fraser’s Mill is a sweet, wholesome tale of a young woman rediscovering her small-town roots—along with a nice dash of romance, of course!
I don’t often pick up contemporary romance, so I’m definitely not the target audience. But I think for fans of the genre, this book has a lot to offer! The story is relaxing, and the atmosphere of the tight-knit community is so cozy. The Catholic faith of the characters is woven in naturally without ever feeling preachy. Also, the romantic aspects have a nice balance with the rest of the plot.
The writing style is pretty simple, and I would’ve preferred a bit more depth and description. But it certainly made it easy to get through! For readers who want a clean, low-stress read, this might be just what you’re looking for!
I don’t often pick up contemporary romance, so I’m definitely not the target audience. But I think for fans of the genre, this book has a lot to offer! The story is relaxing, and the atmosphere of the tight-knit community is so cozy. The Catholic faith of the characters is woven in naturally without ever feeling preachy. Also, the romantic aspects have a nice balance with the rest of the plot.
The writing style is pretty simple, and I would’ve preferred a bit more depth and description. But it certainly made it easy to get through! For readers who want a clean, low-stress read, this might be just what you’re looking for!
Read
January 18, 2025💛 Catholic rep
💛 Teacher FMC
💛 Doctor MMC
💛 Small town setting and tight-knit community
💛 Strong family bonds
💛 Targeted for adult audience but is squeaky clean so it would be appropriate for a preteen-and-up book girlie
Grace is a great daughter who tries her best to honor her parents, which was a positive experience to see in fiction.
In fact I think my favorite parts were the close-knit community moments and Grace’s interactions with her family. This is a story I can see fresh bookworm preteen me reading so I’d feel comfortable letting my daughter read it when she gets older.
I enjoyed the description settings. I also enjoyed the little less know facts and tidbits I learned in here!
Readers who enjoy stories that focus on the main character’s life purpose journey, with slow burn romance that’s on the lighter side may enjoy this one.
Quote:
“I think you’re the busiest person I know.” Dorothy smiled. “I couldn’t do any of it without God’s help.” She gathered up her bags of groceries and went out. So that was Dorothy’s advice for getting things done: not planners, not calendar apps, but a firm trust in the Lord. Maybe Grace should pray more about her day-to-day busyness, too.
💛 Teacher FMC
💛 Doctor MMC
💛 Small town setting and tight-knit community
💛 Strong family bonds
💛 Targeted for adult audience but is squeaky clean so it would be appropriate for a preteen-and-up book girlie
Grace is a great daughter who tries her best to honor her parents, which was a positive experience to see in fiction.
In fact I think my favorite parts were the close-knit community moments and Grace’s interactions with her family. This is a story I can see fresh bookworm preteen me reading so I’d feel comfortable letting my daughter read it when she gets older.
I enjoyed the description settings. I also enjoyed the little less know facts and tidbits I learned in here!
Readers who enjoy stories that focus on the main character’s life purpose journey, with slow burn romance that’s on the lighter side may enjoy this one.
Quote:
“I think you’re the busiest person I know.” Dorothy smiled. “I couldn’t do any of it without God’s help.” She gathered up her bags of groceries and went out. So that was Dorothy’s advice for getting things done: not planners, not calendar apps, but a firm trust in the Lord. Maybe Grace should pray more about her day-to-day busyness, too.
April 21, 2025
Excellent, fun read. Love that it is a CLEAN romance. Looking forward to the next one in the series!
January 25, 2025
**eARC review**
This was such a sweet and heartwarming story that kept my interest from the very start. The characters were lovely and the emphasis on faith and family really resonated with me.
I found the religious elements beautifully portrayed. And yet, even though this is based around the Catholic faith, those who are not Catholic (myself included here, though I am Christian) as well as those who are not religious at all can still read and enjoy. I love how Grace honored her parents and traveled quite the distance in order to help them when they needed it, even though they did not ask or expect her to.
Grace's journey and ability to follow her convictions and grow through her experiences, while adapting her priorities, was inspiring. It's a good reminder to stay true to what matters most while remaining open to change.
The small-town community was also another highlight for me. It reminded me of my own hometown, especially with the summer fair and warmth of community support. I felt so connected to Fraser's Mill.
I definitely recommend Summer at Fraser's Mill for anyone who enjoys stories filled with love, growth, and the beauty of family and community bonds.
**I received an eARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review**
This was such a sweet and heartwarming story that kept my interest from the very start. The characters were lovely and the emphasis on faith and family really resonated with me.
I found the religious elements beautifully portrayed. And yet, even though this is based around the Catholic faith, those who are not Catholic (myself included here, though I am Christian) as well as those who are not religious at all can still read and enjoy. I love how Grace honored her parents and traveled quite the distance in order to help them when they needed it, even though they did not ask or expect her to.
Grace's journey and ability to follow her convictions and grow through her experiences, while adapting her priorities, was inspiring. It's a good reminder to stay true to what matters most while remaining open to change.
The small-town community was also another highlight for me. It reminded me of my own hometown, especially with the summer fair and warmth of community support. I felt so connected to Fraser's Mill.
I definitely recommend Summer at Fraser's Mill for anyone who enjoys stories filled with love, growth, and the beauty of family and community bonds.
**I received an eARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review**
February 4, 2025
“It’s important to be in the place where you know you belong.”
~All Grace Murray wants is to do something important with her life. But that’s hard to do in the tiny town of Fraser’s Mill, Michigan, where she grew up. Now living in Los Angeles, preparing to become a National Board Certified Teacher at a prestigious school, Grace sees her big dreams almost within her grasp. But when her dad breaks his foot and her catalytic converter gets stolen, everything changes…
-Summer at Fraser’s Mill is a sunny, heartwarming happy story by a new to me author, Ursi Engebretsen. This is a clean contemporary romance story with slow sparks flying and many cozy small-town vibes. It’s very much a light-hearted story weaves with dear themes of family, faith, and determination. It’s a story with an emphasis on characters learning what “home” really means. While it’s a shorter story, the pacing was slower for me along with the swoonyness but, there are moments of humor, sweetness, and mishaps along the way that kept my full attention. There is light and happiness with some faith elements intertwined throughout as well. Although there are struggles and problems , watching characters rise above and work through them was great. Seeing characters be happy and be strengthened with a great support system of friends, family, and community shine so nicely in this cute story! 🙌🏻📚😊
“Your wish is my command.”
-Content: a couple of kisses.
"EVERYBODY OUGHT TO HAVE A
PLACE THAT FEELS LIKE HOME."
#summeratfrasermills
#ursiengebretsenauthor
#allaboutthebestreads
“When all’s said and done, a house is just a building. People are what’s important.”
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
“One of the most important things about a job is the people you have around you. I’d take a tough job, with a good community, over an easier job without a good community.”
~All Grace Murray wants is to do something important with her life. But that’s hard to do in the tiny town of Fraser’s Mill, Michigan, where she grew up. Now living in Los Angeles, preparing to become a National Board Certified Teacher at a prestigious school, Grace sees her big dreams almost within her grasp. But when her dad breaks his foot and her catalytic converter gets stolen, everything changes…
-Summer at Fraser’s Mill is a sunny, heartwarming happy story by a new to me author, Ursi Engebretsen. This is a clean contemporary romance story with slow sparks flying and many cozy small-town vibes. It’s very much a light-hearted story weaves with dear themes of family, faith, and determination. It’s a story with an emphasis on characters learning what “home” really means. While it’s a shorter story, the pacing was slower for me along with the swoonyness but, there are moments of humor, sweetness, and mishaps along the way that kept my full attention. There is light and happiness with some faith elements intertwined throughout as well. Although there are struggles and problems , watching characters rise above and work through them was great. Seeing characters be happy and be strengthened with a great support system of friends, family, and community shine so nicely in this cute story! 🙌🏻📚😊
“Your wish is my command.”
-Content: a couple of kisses.
"EVERYBODY OUGHT TO HAVE A
PLACE THAT FEELS LIKE HOME."
#summeratfrasermills
#ursiengebretsenauthor
#allaboutthebestreads
“When all’s said and done, a house is just a building. People are what’s important.”
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
“One of the most important things about a job is the people you have around you. I’d take a tough job, with a good community, over an easier job without a good community.”
February 3, 2025
This was such a sweet and enjoyable story of growth, relationships and the support of family and community.
Grace is a dedicated teacher who loves her job. She is a klutz (maybe just around Doc). She is motivated, creative, and supportive especially of her parents.
Doc is a doctor, hence the nickname, who has taken over his uncle’s practice. He lends a hand whenever and wherever he can. And I feel, thoroughly enjoys teasing Grace every chance he can.
Summer at Fraser’s Mill is a great story of personal growth and making decisions that will change your life. Once they get past the initial “enemy” vibes, Grace and Doc become friends and then more. There is so much small-town fun in this story – country fair, a parade, dinner and dancing at the town’s fire hall, bonfires, and a tight-knit community who help each other out.
Summer at Fraser’s Mill is a sweet, slow burn romance set in a small town that I want to visit. It has wonderful characters and elements of faith that I enjoyed.
- Small-town romcom
- Teacher FMC
- Doctor MMC
- Enemies to friends to more
- Boy next door
- Character growth
- Faith elements
- Supportive family
- Tight-knit community
- Sweet and clean
Happy reading!
Grace is a dedicated teacher who loves her job. She is a klutz (maybe just around Doc). She is motivated, creative, and supportive especially of her parents.
Doc is a doctor, hence the nickname, who has taken over his uncle’s practice. He lends a hand whenever and wherever he can. And I feel, thoroughly enjoys teasing Grace every chance he can.
Summer at Fraser’s Mill is a great story of personal growth and making decisions that will change your life. Once they get past the initial “enemy” vibes, Grace and Doc become friends and then more. There is so much small-town fun in this story – country fair, a parade, dinner and dancing at the town’s fire hall, bonfires, and a tight-knit community who help each other out.
Summer at Fraser’s Mill is a sweet, slow burn romance set in a small town that I want to visit. It has wonderful characters and elements of faith that I enjoyed.
- Small-town romcom
- Teacher FMC
- Doctor MMC
- Enemies to friends to more
- Boy next door
- Character growth
- Faith elements
- Supportive family
- Tight-knit community
- Sweet and clean
Happy reading!
January 3, 2025
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. Summer at Fraser's Mill is told through Grace's pov and is a sweet contemporary book about finding your path.
One of the things that I really enjoyed about this book was the Catholic representation. As another reviewer stated, when it comes to Christian romance, it's rare to find Catholic characters or Catholic faith elements that are very obvious. While the characters lived their faith through their daily life, even those who don't believe in God, or those that have different beliefs, can enjoy Grace's story. While there is romance in this story, the focus is more on Grace's journey to help her parents and discover the direction she wants her future to take. Those who love small town settings and stories about self growth may enjoy this one.
One of the things that I really enjoyed about this book was the Catholic representation. As another reviewer stated, when it comes to Christian romance, it's rare to find Catholic characters or Catholic faith elements that are very obvious. While the characters lived their faith through their daily life, even those who don't believe in God, or those that have different beliefs, can enjoy Grace's story. While there is romance in this story, the focus is more on Grace's journey to help her parents and discover the direction she wants her future to take. Those who love small town settings and stories about self growth may enjoy this one.
March 31, 2025
This was an enjoyable read! I found the story unique in the approach to presenting the every day actions of the characters. Though you could get a sense for where the plot would head overall, you still felt that the characters were growing and encountering themselves and others through new experiences. I felt that it was well-done!
I also enjoyed reading about the efforts to save the grocery store. There were details to that part of the story that I'm sure took personal knowledge or a good amount of research. Sometimes stories of this sort focus on the romance aspect to the exclusion of the other details in the story. I felt the opposite about this! It felt very close to the experience of our own lives: the details and the day to day are what are of most interest and require persistent attention and thought.
I also enjoyed reading about the efforts to save the grocery store. There were details to that part of the story that I'm sure took personal knowledge or a good amount of research. Sometimes stories of this sort focus on the romance aspect to the exclusion of the other details in the story. I felt the opposite about this! It felt very close to the experience of our own lives: the details and the day to day are what are of most interest and require persistent attention and thought.
January 16, 2025
Such a sweet story! This would be super fun to read in the summer time or on vacation, following the story of Grace and Doc and their lives at Frasers Mill. Includes elements of slow burn, small town vibes, country fair, and even catholic representation. Grace is a very thoughtful girl, and I was applauding her decisions most of the time (except when girl meets Doc, she was kinda standoffish haha). I also found the side characters cute, especially when the snobby girl did something kind. The imagery was beautiful, full of pine trees and summer. Super cute read <3
February 4, 2025
Grace is a young teacher working at a private school in LA. She finds herself returning to her small hometown in Michigan for the summer to help out at her family’s grocery store after her dad injures his foot. Grace soon meets their new neighbor, Doc. He’s the local doctor, tall, handsome, and oh so infuriating. The two do not get off on the right foot.
Grace is busy helping her parents, trying to keep the grocery store profitable, catching up with friends, and figuring out her future. After many unfortunate encounters, Grace begins to think that Doc isn’t as bad as she originally thought. Could there be something there between them? Is there a future for the two of them?
This was a beyond sweet story. I loved the faith themes written throughout the book as main characters turned to prayer when things were getting overwhelming. Doc is a swoony MMC straight out of a Hallmark movie. Grab this book if you’re in need of a sweet, kisses only romcom. It will lift your spirits and give you all the feels.
Grace is busy helping her parents, trying to keep the grocery store profitable, catching up with friends, and figuring out her future. After many unfortunate encounters, Grace begins to think that Doc isn’t as bad as she originally thought. Could there be something there between them? Is there a future for the two of them?
This was a beyond sweet story. I loved the faith themes written throughout the book as main characters turned to prayer when things were getting overwhelming. Doc is a swoony MMC straight out of a Hallmark movie. Grab this book if you’re in need of a sweet, kisses only romcom. It will lift your spirits and give you all the feels.
February 1, 2025
Niche catholic romances with all the happiness of a fairytale? Yes please! Engbretsen absolutely created a beautiful, Relateable story that has me falling in love with Fraser's Mill. All of her characters are human and dynamic, with enemies to livers in the most respectful way possible, and I can't wait to read the sequel. Green flag relationship are where it is at.
February 3, 2025
The book is written well and has good characters.
Grace seemed very timid in the beginning but gained confidence when she moved to Fraser's Mill, but the change seemed too much and all of a sudden.
Doc or Jim was a good character, but I actually forgot his name coz he was called Doc so often.
The book has slight misunderstanding and the romance factor actually takes a long time to come forward. I wish there were more feelings and emotions though.
Grace seemed very timid in the beginning but gained confidence when she moved to Fraser's Mill, but the change seemed too much and all of a sudden.
Doc or Jim was a good character, but I actually forgot his name coz he was called Doc so often.
The book has slight misunderstanding and the romance factor actually takes a long time to come forward. I wish there were more feelings and emotions though.
Read
August 22, 2025What a cute story! I loved Doc’s sass and being inside of Grace’s head throughout the story. A lot of different plot lines going on, not just the romantic plot line, all coming to satisfying conclusions at the end. Great for a summer read!!
Want to read
February 12, 2025This book has been nominated for a 2025 Swoony Award, to vote for it click here: Swoony Awards.
February 13, 2025
2.7⭐
Me aburrió.
Me aburrió.
March 5, 2025
Summer at Fraser's Mill is an adorable story with the perfect small-town summery feel! (With Catholic characters!!) Looking forward to Hannah's story!
July 14, 2025
This was a cute summer read. I really loved Alex’s character. I think we all need a friend like Alex. It was a little predictable, but I think sometimes we need those feel good, predictable stories.
October 2, 2025
A really sweet and heartwarming story. I loved the small-town setting, the family grocery store plot, and the romance between Grace and Doc. It’s light, clean, and uplifting a perfect summer read.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews