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Chesapeake Diaries #9
That Chesapeake Summer
Jamie Valentine is the wildly successful author of self-help books advocating transparency in every relationship. But when her widowed mother passes away unexpectedly, Jamie discovers her own life has been based on a lie. Angry and feeling deeply betrayed, she sets out to find the truth—which may be in a small town on the Chesapeake Bay. Cutting her most recent book tour short, Jamie books a room at the Inn at Sinclair’s Point, just outside St. Dennis. The death of Daniel Sinclair’s father forced him to take over the family inn, and his wife’s death left him a single parent of two children, so there’s little room for anything else in his life. His lovely new guest is intriguing, though, and he’s curious about the secret she’s clearly hiding. But in the end, Jamie and Dan could discover the greatest truth of that the search for one thing just might lead to the find of a lifetime—if you keep your heart open.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 23, 2015
378 people are currently reading
1269 people want to read
About the author
Mariah Stewart
88 books1,528 followersMariah Stewart is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of forty-one novels and three novellas and has been featured in the Wall Street Journal. She is a RITA finalist in romantic suspense and the recipient of the Award of Excellence for contemporary romance, a RIO Award for excellence in women's fiction, and a Reviewers Choice Award from Romantic Times Magazine. A three-time winner of the Golden Leaf Award presented by the New Jersey Romance Writers, Stewart was recently awarded their Lifetime Achievement Award (which placed her in their Hall of Fame along with former recipients Nora Roberts and Mary Jo Putney — very excellent company, indeed!)
After having written seven contemporary romance novels, Stewart found true happiness writing murder and mayhem. She considers herself one lucky son of a gun to have landed the best job in the world: getting paid for making up stories. At home. In sweats and J. Crew flip flops. Could life be sweeter?
After having written seven contemporary romance novels, Stewart found true happiness writing murder and mayhem. She considers herself one lucky son of a gun to have landed the best job in the world: getting paid for making up stories. At home. In sweats and J. Crew flip flops. Could life be sweeter?
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews
December 31, 2015
Mariah Stewart always delivers!
That Chesapeake Summer is the ninth installment of Chesapeake Diaries series and it was such a delightful read. It was a pleasure to catch up with these nice people and things that happened in the small town of St. Denis.
Jamie Valentine is a successful author whose books are about honesty in relationships. After her widowed mother’s sudden and unexpected death, Jamie just discovered that she was adopted at birth. The parents whom she grew up with wasn’t her biological ones. She was so shocked by this earth-shattering news, so she decided to go to St. Denis and find out the truth.
Daniel Sinclair is the owner of the inn where Jamie booked the room. He’s been raising his two children alone since his wife died eight years ago. He shouldered the responsibility of caring for his family and the inn at a young age, so he had only a very small room for his own happiness. But the moment he saw Jamie walk into the lobby, he immediately knew in his heart that she was going to matter to him and he was going to care about her.
And here, in a small town on the Chesapeake Bay, where Jamie not only found her birth mother but also found the man who had filled her lonely heart with his love, and brought beautiful colors into her life.
I liked Jamie as a character. She’s smart, adorable, considerate, and reasonable. And Dan is a very good guy who finally managed to obtain some balance in his life. I loved that they took time to get to know each other and gradually developed their relationship before falling in love. It wasn’t exactly love at first sight but both of them felt the pull toward one another since the first day they met, and that was another good thing I liked about this book.
I really enjoyed reading Jamie’s emotional journey. This series has become one of my favorites. If you’re looking for good and heartwarming woman’s fiction books, pick up this series and you’ll never be disappointed.
That Chesapeake Summer is the ninth installment of Chesapeake Diaries series and it was such a delightful read. It was a pleasure to catch up with these nice people and things that happened in the small town of St. Denis.
Jamie Valentine is a successful author whose books are about honesty in relationships. After her widowed mother’s sudden and unexpected death, Jamie just discovered that she was adopted at birth. The parents whom she grew up with wasn’t her biological ones. She was so shocked by this earth-shattering news, so she decided to go to St. Denis and find out the truth.
Daniel Sinclair is the owner of the inn where Jamie booked the room. He’s been raising his two children alone since his wife died eight years ago. He shouldered the responsibility of caring for his family and the inn at a young age, so he had only a very small room for his own happiness. But the moment he saw Jamie walk into the lobby, he immediately knew in his heart that she was going to matter to him and he was going to care about her.
And here, in a small town on the Chesapeake Bay, where Jamie not only found her birth mother but also found the man who had filled her lonely heart with his love, and brought beautiful colors into her life.
I liked Jamie as a character. She’s smart, adorable, considerate, and reasonable. And Dan is a very good guy who finally managed to obtain some balance in his life. I loved that they took time to get to know each other and gradually developed their relationship before falling in love. It wasn’t exactly love at first sight but both of them felt the pull toward one another since the first day they met, and that was another good thing I liked about this book.
I really enjoyed reading Jamie’s emotional journey. This series has become one of my favorites. If you’re looking for good and heartwarming woman’s fiction books, pick up this series and you’ll never be disappointed.
June 14, 2021
4.75 star
I recently finished the 9th book in the Chesapeake Diaries series by Mariah Stewart & have to say that my lovefest for these books is holding steady. This is an older series but soooo worth reading!
For me, they are the perfect blend of women’s fiction with a touch of sweet romance. I love the town, the characters, and the interesting and varied plot lines.
That Chesapeake Summer follows J.L. Valentine, a renowned non-fiction bestseller who is best loved for her topic of honesty, often using her parents as inspirational antidotes in her books. Imagine her surprise when, after the sudden death of her mother, she finds that she’s adopted...and was never told. This journey takes Jamie to Chesapeake Bay to search for answers and to find a resolution to her dilemma of the dishonesty of her parents. Along the way, she may or may not find love and a new place to call home.
There is, of course, some predictability to this story, but it’s surrounded with enough content that gives it weight and anchors the reader’s interest. The author paints a vivid portrait of the town’s inhabitants, the local food, activities and surroundings making you feel as if you are there on vacation yourself. And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the iconic Miss Grace Sinclair. She’s one-of-a-kind!
These are delightful, easy-to-read, “sure thing” stories for me and I’ll be sad to see this series come to an end.
I recently finished the 9th book in the Chesapeake Diaries series by Mariah Stewart & have to say that my lovefest for these books is holding steady. This is an older series but soooo worth reading!
For me, they are the perfect blend of women’s fiction with a touch of sweet romance. I love the town, the characters, and the interesting and varied plot lines.
That Chesapeake Summer follows J.L. Valentine, a renowned non-fiction bestseller who is best loved for her topic of honesty, often using her parents as inspirational antidotes in her books. Imagine her surprise when, after the sudden death of her mother, she finds that she’s adopted...and was never told. This journey takes Jamie to Chesapeake Bay to search for answers and to find a resolution to her dilemma of the dishonesty of her parents. Along the way, she may or may not find love and a new place to call home.
There is, of course, some predictability to this story, but it’s surrounded with enough content that gives it weight and anchors the reader’s interest. The author paints a vivid portrait of the town’s inhabitants, the local food, activities and surroundings making you feel as if you are there on vacation yourself. And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the iconic Miss Grace Sinclair. She’s one-of-a-kind!
These are delightful, easy-to-read, “sure thing” stories for me and I’ll be sad to see this series come to an end.
June 17, 2015
That Chesapeake Summer by Mariah Stewart is a 2015 Pocket Books Publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and as an XOXpert- The official street team for XOXO After Dark.- (and a big thanks to Edelweiss for the digital version)- in exchange for an honest review.
This book is just the right kind of book to take along for a day at the beach. This is light reading, but there is such a sweet spirit about the book which gives it substance and depth.
Jamie is the author of a wildly successful string of self help books based on the importance of truth. But, when she discovers her own life has been a lie, she sets off on a journey to discover her true heritage, which leads her down roads she never would have traveled and to a place she can really call home.
Dan is a widowed single parent, running an Inn at St. Claire's Point, a job he inherited after his father passed away. Living at the inn with him is his mother, Grace, who is recovering from an accident that has left her wheelchair bound for the time being.
When Jamie arrives at the inn, there is an immediate spark between Dan and Jamie, and Grace knows beyond a shadow of a doubt that this new guest is going to become someone special to all of them. But, Jamie has serious issues to contend with and Dan is still trying to come to terms with the circumstances of his wife's death eight years ago, and the responsibilities of running the inn and raising two children alone. However, the chemistry between them is quite strong and the two seem magically drawn to one another. Will they be able to resolve their issues before Jamie has to leave Chesapeake?
The underlying theme in this story is truth and lies. Why do people lie? Keep secrets? What does the truth really consist of and why is it so important? Jamie will have to learn a new way of dealing with truth now that she finds her life was built on the lie of omission and everything she thought to be true was indeed false. But, she learns that it's not all black and white and sometimes the truth is complicated and are there are many variants to the truth as well.
Jamie's character is strong and lively, she brings the little Inn to life when she arrives, giving Dan food for thought about his obsession with running his business, the way he approaches parenthood, and finally allows him to face all the guilt and anger he feels about the way his wife died. He will learn to let go of the painful past and fight for what he wants... which is Jamie. Jamie is just what Dan needs to add some spice to his stagnant workaholic life. I enjoyed watching him open up and relax with Jamie and I liked seeing the effect she had on him and his family, and the effect he had on her too.
But, of course the most poignant part of the story is the real reason Jamie is in St. Dennis and the truth she seeks from one special resident there. With the help of Grace, who nearly steals the show with her special gift of having “the eye”, Jamie will have the courage to seek the answers she needs so she can begin an new chapter in her life. You might want to keep some tissues handy once you reach the last couple of chapters.
The long buried secrets that come to light are not at all the bad thing some think it will be, and much good comes from finally releasing those secrets and letting the truth set them free. So, while people do have selfish reasons for keeping secrets or for telling lies, sometimes people have good reasons to keep things to themselves too, but the burden can be just as great.
So, there are some deeper thoughts to ponder upon while reading this book, but for the most part this is just a delightful story of second chances and finding peace and love in the most unexpected ways.
This was an enjoyable read and I do recommend it to those who enjoy light women's fiction especially, but also to anyone looking for a great summertime read. 4 stars
This book is just the right kind of book to take along for a day at the beach. This is light reading, but there is such a sweet spirit about the book which gives it substance and depth.
Jamie is the author of a wildly successful string of self help books based on the importance of truth. But, when she discovers her own life has been a lie, she sets off on a journey to discover her true heritage, which leads her down roads she never would have traveled and to a place she can really call home.
Dan is a widowed single parent, running an Inn at St. Claire's Point, a job he inherited after his father passed away. Living at the inn with him is his mother, Grace, who is recovering from an accident that has left her wheelchair bound for the time being.
When Jamie arrives at the inn, there is an immediate spark between Dan and Jamie, and Grace knows beyond a shadow of a doubt that this new guest is going to become someone special to all of them. But, Jamie has serious issues to contend with and Dan is still trying to come to terms with the circumstances of his wife's death eight years ago, and the responsibilities of running the inn and raising two children alone. However, the chemistry between them is quite strong and the two seem magically drawn to one another. Will they be able to resolve their issues before Jamie has to leave Chesapeake?
The underlying theme in this story is truth and lies. Why do people lie? Keep secrets? What does the truth really consist of and why is it so important? Jamie will have to learn a new way of dealing with truth now that she finds her life was built on the lie of omission and everything she thought to be true was indeed false. But, she learns that it's not all black and white and sometimes the truth is complicated and are there are many variants to the truth as well.
Jamie's character is strong and lively, she brings the little Inn to life when she arrives, giving Dan food for thought about his obsession with running his business, the way he approaches parenthood, and finally allows him to face all the guilt and anger he feels about the way his wife died. He will learn to let go of the painful past and fight for what he wants... which is Jamie. Jamie is just what Dan needs to add some spice to his stagnant workaholic life. I enjoyed watching him open up and relax with Jamie and I liked seeing the effect she had on him and his family, and the effect he had on her too.
But, of course the most poignant part of the story is the real reason Jamie is in St. Dennis and the truth she seeks from one special resident there. With the help of Grace, who nearly steals the show with her special gift of having “the eye”, Jamie will have the courage to seek the answers she needs so she can begin an new chapter in her life. You might want to keep some tissues handy once you reach the last couple of chapters.
The long buried secrets that come to light are not at all the bad thing some think it will be, and much good comes from finally releasing those secrets and letting the truth set them free. So, while people do have selfish reasons for keeping secrets or for telling lies, sometimes people have good reasons to keep things to themselves too, but the burden can be just as great.
So, there are some deeper thoughts to ponder upon while reading this book, but for the most part this is just a delightful story of second chances and finding peace and love in the most unexpected ways.
This was an enjoyable read and I do recommend it to those who enjoy light women's fiction especially, but also to anyone looking for a great summertime read. 4 stars
November 17, 2020
Wonderful!
April 26, 2015
This is the ninth series in the Chesapeake Diaries series. While most of the other books in this series build off of each other making it better to read them in order, this one would work just fine as a stand alone novel. In fact, having read all of the other books in the series, I almost felt as though the limited interaction with the other series characters made the book feel as though it were the first in the series rather than the ninth. However, this in no way diminishes the book itself, I'm just saying if you haven't read the others in the series you will not feel lost.
Jamie has only just recently lost her mother. In cleaning out the house, she comes across a secret that will forever change her life and possibly the lives of others. So while her aunt wants her to leave the secret alone, Jamie simply cannot ignore her new reality. To search out answers, Jamie heads to St. Dennis where she meets Dan, the owner of the inn. Dan is a widower and father to two teenagers. Up until meeting Jamie, Dan had never realized just how much of his life he devoted to the inn and never taking time for himself. However, he knows Jamie is hiding something and worries about getting involved with a woman that has the potential to hurt him in the long run.
I really enjoyed reading about these wonderful characters and I couldn't help but feel sorry for Jamie in the way her life so radically changed. In true St. Dennis fashion, with a little help from Grace, the resident psychic, there was a happily ever after for everyone.
Jamie has only just recently lost her mother. In cleaning out the house, she comes across a secret that will forever change her life and possibly the lives of others. So while her aunt wants her to leave the secret alone, Jamie simply cannot ignore her new reality. To search out answers, Jamie heads to St. Dennis where she meets Dan, the owner of the inn. Dan is a widower and father to two teenagers. Up until meeting Jamie, Dan had never realized just how much of his life he devoted to the inn and never taking time for himself. However, he knows Jamie is hiding something and worries about getting involved with a woman that has the potential to hurt him in the long run.
I really enjoyed reading about these wonderful characters and I couldn't help but feel sorry for Jamie in the way her life so radically changed. In true St. Dennis fashion, with a little help from Grace, the resident psychic, there was a happily ever after for everyone.
July 18, 2015
In Mariah Stewart's That Chesapeake Summer, the 9th installment in the Chesapeake Diaries Woman's fiction series, she told us a beautiful heart-warming story that warmed your heart about second chances. For Jamie Valentine, a best-selling self-help author, she recently lost her mother. While going through her mother's stuff, she learned a shocking truth about her birth--she was adopted--which lead her to wonder about her birth parents and a soul-seeking trip to St. Dennis, Maryland, along the Chesapeake Bay. While on her trip, she met Dan Sinclair, a widower with two teen kids, in which she fell in love and discovered who was her birth mother with a happy ending and finding a new home of her own.
March 7, 2016
★★ 1/2. stars
I've read the other books in the Chesapeake Diaries series and enjoyed them. This one--not so much. The characters were hard for me to care about. Jamie's constant whine that her life was a lie and a fraud got on my last nerve. She didn't know she'd been adopted! If nobody ever told her, how was she supposed to know? Why is that on her and how does that make her achievements a lie? The male character, Dan, gave new meaning to the words "jerk" and "rude." The characters and the plot just didn't work for me, so the book I'd looked forward to was a huge disappointment. Dan's concerns about why Jamie was in St. Dennis just didn't make sense. There is a HEA, but it just didn't seem believable to happen in such a short time.
I've read the other books in the Chesapeake Diaries series and enjoyed them. This one--not so much. The characters were hard for me to care about. Jamie's constant whine that her life was a lie and a fraud got on my last nerve. She didn't know she'd been adopted! If nobody ever told her, how was she supposed to know? Why is that on her and how does that make her achievements a lie? The male character, Dan, gave new meaning to the words "jerk" and "rude." The characters and the plot just didn't work for me, so the book I'd looked forward to was a huge disappointment. Dan's concerns about why Jamie was in St. Dennis just didn't make sense. There is a HEA, but it just didn't seem believable to happen in such a short time.
November 11, 2018
Good story about a woman's search for who she is, and how she finds love along the way. Jamie is a successful author of a series of books about honesty in relationships. After her mother's unexpected death, Jamie discovers a letter that turns her world upside down. Hurt, angry, and confused, she sets off on a journey to find the answers she needs. Her quest leads her to the small town of St. Dennis on the Chesapeake Bay and a stay at the Inn at Sinclair's Point.
The Inn is run by Daniel Sinclair, who took it on after the death of his father. Besides being completely immersed in the running of the Inn, Daniel is also the single father of two teenagers. His plate is full to overflowing, with little time for anything else. Having his mother, Grace, living with them has made life somewhat easier.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Jamie and Dan. It started out pretty rough, with Dan in a harried mood just as Jamie arrived. He's late for a meeting, but Grace insists that he be the one to show Jamie to her room. There are a few rather snarky comments exchanged, with Jamie believing Dan is a rude bellhop and something about Jamie getting under Dan's skin. It doesn't get any better later on when Dan accuses Jamie of butting in between him and his daughter. I have to say that Dan came across as quite a jerk during the early part of the book. Fortunately, he sees the error of his ways. I liked the apology scene, where he does a pretty decent job of making amends. It soon becomes clear that underneath the antagonism were also some sparks of attraction. I loved seeing them grow closer, but there were also some issues that could keep them apart. Jamie is trying to come to grips with her new reality, and the realization that truth isn't always as black and white as she had believed. She hasn't shared her reason for being in St. Dennis with anyone, and that secretiveness could come back to bite her. Dan is still dealing with the grief, guilt, and anger of his wife's death. He has some trust issues because of it, and he senses that Jamie is hiding something. It was fun to see them spend time together and watch as Jamie weaned Dan away from his workaholic habits. I loved his support when Jamie finally revealed why she was there, and his understanding when she needed time to process it all. It was also sweet to see that he wasn't able to stay away very long. I loved how he helped her work through her fears of pursuing what she had learned. I ached a little bit for Dan, who feared that he would lose her once she'd done all she needed to do. The ending was sweet and romantic.
The biggest part of the story was Jamie's search for the truth. Her shock at the initial discovery was realistic, as was her confusion over whether she should do anything about it. I liked that she didn't just rush off to confront the letter writer, but took the time to consider her options. Once she did make up her mind, she didn't waste any time. It was interesting to see Grace's diary entries that gave her the heads-up that something important was in the works. The connection between Grace and Jamie was terrific. I liked Grace's way of helping Jamie find the truth, and also her little pushes to get Jamie and Dan together. I also loved how easily Jamie fit into life in St. Dennis. The buildup to the revelation of the truth was believable, as was Jamie's reaction when she found out. I was on the edge of my seat as she worked through her fears, wondering if she would get the outcome she wanted. That resolution was emotional and heartwarming.
The Inn is run by Daniel Sinclair, who took it on after the death of his father. Besides being completely immersed in the running of the Inn, Daniel is also the single father of two teenagers. His plate is full to overflowing, with little time for anything else. Having his mother, Grace, living with them has made life somewhat easier.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Jamie and Dan. It started out pretty rough, with Dan in a harried mood just as Jamie arrived. He's late for a meeting, but Grace insists that he be the one to show Jamie to her room. There are a few rather snarky comments exchanged, with Jamie believing Dan is a rude bellhop and something about Jamie getting under Dan's skin. It doesn't get any better later on when Dan accuses Jamie of butting in between him and his daughter. I have to say that Dan came across as quite a jerk during the early part of the book. Fortunately, he sees the error of his ways. I liked the apology scene, where he does a pretty decent job of making amends. It soon becomes clear that underneath the antagonism were also some sparks of attraction. I loved seeing them grow closer, but there were also some issues that could keep them apart. Jamie is trying to come to grips with her new reality, and the realization that truth isn't always as black and white as she had believed. She hasn't shared her reason for being in St. Dennis with anyone, and that secretiveness could come back to bite her. Dan is still dealing with the grief, guilt, and anger of his wife's death. He has some trust issues because of it, and he senses that Jamie is hiding something. It was fun to see them spend time together and watch as Jamie weaned Dan away from his workaholic habits. I loved his support when Jamie finally revealed why she was there, and his understanding when she needed time to process it all. It was also sweet to see that he wasn't able to stay away very long. I loved how he helped her work through her fears of pursuing what she had learned. I ached a little bit for Dan, who feared that he would lose her once she'd done all she needed to do. The ending was sweet and romantic.
The biggest part of the story was Jamie's search for the truth. Her shock at the initial discovery was realistic, as was her confusion over whether she should do anything about it. I liked that she didn't just rush off to confront the letter writer, but took the time to consider her options. Once she did make up her mind, she didn't waste any time. It was interesting to see Grace's diary entries that gave her the heads-up that something important was in the works. The connection between Grace and Jamie was terrific. I liked Grace's way of helping Jamie find the truth, and also her little pushes to get Jamie and Dan together. I also loved how easily Jamie fit into life in St. Dennis. The buildup to the revelation of the truth was believable, as was Jamie's reaction when she found out. I was on the edge of my seat as she worked through her fears, wondering if she would get the outcome she wanted. That resolution was emotional and heartwarming.
June 21, 2017
Jamie Valentine is a successful author of books based on honesty and transparency in relationships. After the death of her mother, Jamie makes a devastating discovery when going through her mother's desk. She was adopted by her loving parents but they never told her. She feels that she can't write books on honesty when her life has been based on a lie. She decides to call the lawyer who handled the adoption for her parents. The lawyer is retired now and lives in St. Dennis on the Chesapeake Bay. He told Jamie to let it go and not dig into the matter but Jamie can't do that. She books a room at the Inn at Sinclair's Point in St. Dennis for a vacation and time to see what she can find out from locals.
Daniel Sinclair was thrown into running the Inn at Sinclair's Point after the death of his father. He is very serious about his job and it is a full time job running the inn. His wife passed away in a boating accident and he is raising his two children on his own. He, his children and his mother live in the inn.
Jamie and Daniel clash as they get to know each other. He feels that she is hiding something and he feels that she is undermining his parental role as she befriends his teenage daughter. Jamie thinks Daniel is too tough on his children. As Jamie works with Daniel's mother, Grace, archiving old newspapers, he again is suspicious. Grace's family has owned the local newspaper for many years.
This is a fun visit to old friends in St. Dennis who run the shops and businesses and everyone knows everyone else. Jamie does a good job keeping her identity from everyone but what about Grace who knows everything that goes on? Does she find out about her parental background? This is one to keep you guessing as Jamie goes to the coffee shop with Grace and the ladies who grew up in St. Dennis.
She can't help wondering if one of them could be her mother.
Daniel Sinclair was thrown into running the Inn at Sinclair's Point after the death of his father. He is very serious about his job and it is a full time job running the inn. His wife passed away in a boating accident and he is raising his two children on his own. He, his children and his mother live in the inn.
Jamie and Daniel clash as they get to know each other. He feels that she is hiding something and he feels that she is undermining his parental role as she befriends his teenage daughter. Jamie thinks Daniel is too tough on his children. As Jamie works with Daniel's mother, Grace, archiving old newspapers, he again is suspicious. Grace's family has owned the local newspaper for many years.
This is a fun visit to old friends in St. Dennis who run the shops and businesses and everyone knows everyone else. Jamie does a good job keeping her identity from everyone but what about Grace who knows everything that goes on? Does she find out about her parental background? This is one to keep you guessing as Jamie goes to the coffee shop with Grace and the ladies who grew up in St. Dennis.
She can't help wondering if one of them could be her mother.
April 16, 2015
That Chesapeake Summer
By
Mariah Stewart
Key characters...and what is going down with them...
Jamie and her Aunt Sis...and Jamie's newly deceased mom are very important characters in this book. The secret that Jamie discovers as she cleans out her parents' home is one that can truly alter the rest of her life. Jamie is not capable of just letting this secret go. So...she decides to spend a month in St. Dennis at a quaint and lovely inn. This will allow her to rest, to think about her life and to determine her future choices. St. Dennis is also the key to the mystery that her parents never shared with her. I am trying not to be too confusing but I really don't want to give any of this book away...it's just too good and it's best if you just read it and find out on your own.
What I thought about this book...
I thought that this book was so refreshing! Jamie is a successful writer and it is her hope that her time spent in St. Dennis will help with her newly acquired writer's block. She meets the inn owner and his lovely mother, Grace. Dan is surly and protective of his feelings...but slowly a simmering relationship begins with Jamie. Jamie is still determined to unravel the truth about her life...the question is this...will St. Dennis provide her with the answers?
Why you might want to read it, too...
This is just a sweet book filled with fun and early love and just a bit of mystery. If this kind of summery book is your "cup of tea" you should truly enjoy this one. I know that this author has written other Chesapeake books but this one was fine for me as a stand alone!
By
Mariah Stewart
Key characters...and what is going down with them...
Jamie and her Aunt Sis...and Jamie's newly deceased mom are very important characters in this book. The secret that Jamie discovers as she cleans out her parents' home is one that can truly alter the rest of her life. Jamie is not capable of just letting this secret go. So...she decides to spend a month in St. Dennis at a quaint and lovely inn. This will allow her to rest, to think about her life and to determine her future choices. St. Dennis is also the key to the mystery that her parents never shared with her. I am trying not to be too confusing but I really don't want to give any of this book away...it's just too good and it's best if you just read it and find out on your own.
What I thought about this book...
I thought that this book was so refreshing! Jamie is a successful writer and it is her hope that her time spent in St. Dennis will help with her newly acquired writer's block. She meets the inn owner and his lovely mother, Grace. Dan is surly and protective of his feelings...but slowly a simmering relationship begins with Jamie. Jamie is still determined to unravel the truth about her life...the question is this...will St. Dennis provide her with the answers?
Why you might want to read it, too...
This is just a sweet book filled with fun and early love and just a bit of mystery. If this kind of summery book is your "cup of tea" you should truly enjoy this one. I know that this author has written other Chesapeake books but this one was fine for me as a stand alone!
June 30, 2015
Copy provided by author in exchange of honest review
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In the 9th series of the Chesapeake Diaries, Mariah Stewart reunites her readers back to St. Dennis, Maryland with her newest installment That Chesapeake Summer. In this quick, light yet touching summer reader, Ms. Stewart pulls her readers with a heroine quest to finding the truth and love.
Jamie Valentine is a successful author of self help books and that emphasizes on the importance of truth. So what happens when she uncovers a family secret, that leaves her reeling and questioning on what is the real truth. In the search for the truth, it leads Jamie to St. Dennis, Maryland where she meets Daniel Sinclair, a widowed single parent running an Inn. In a quest for searching the truth answers, will Jamie be also finding an unexpected romance?
That Chesapeake Summer was the perfect summer read to get lost in. In this beautiful and endearing read, readers will get lost in this charming and heartwarming story of Jamie and Daniel and the unraveling of family secrets. I loved that author gave readers a realistic tale of emotions and characters.
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Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages:: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...
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In the 9th series of the Chesapeake Diaries, Mariah Stewart reunites her readers back to St. Dennis, Maryland with her newest installment That Chesapeake Summer. In this quick, light yet touching summer reader, Ms. Stewart pulls her readers with a heroine quest to finding the truth and love.
Jamie Valentine is a successful author of self help books and that emphasizes on the importance of truth. So what happens when she uncovers a family secret, that leaves her reeling and questioning on what is the real truth. In the search for the truth, it leads Jamie to St. Dennis, Maryland where she meets Daniel Sinclair, a widowed single parent running an Inn. In a quest for searching the truth answers, will Jamie be also finding an unexpected romance?
That Chesapeake Summer was the perfect summer read to get lost in. In this beautiful and endearing read, readers will get lost in this charming and heartwarming story of Jamie and Daniel and the unraveling of family secrets. I loved that author gave readers a realistic tale of emotions and characters.
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July 6, 2015
I may not read a ton of romance series, but have been reading this one and have been having fun with it. I've enjoyed pieces of every single one, but this one has been my favorite so far out of all the ones I've read.
I think a lot of that is because the romance felt real. Yes, you knew who was going to fall in love. And yes, the did have somewhat cheesy professions (self-help author and the owner of an inn). But the relationship made sense and they didn't fall in insta-love.
Plus there's a bit of a mystery that I appreciated and took me a while to figure out. Once I did though it made complete sense, that I really should have seen in coming. Definitely a great addition to the book for me.
Since this is the 4th book I've read of the series, I loved getting to see all the supporting characters. As cliched as I know this is going to sound, these books really feel like you're back home catching up with old friends.
I still have 4 books left of the series to read, at least till next summer with the 10th comes out, and I can't wait to read them. Especially knowing that the next ones I'll be reading are about the ice cream maker, cupcake baker, and wedding planner. Talk about the perfect romance novel professions, right?
4.5/5
Disclosure: I was provided this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.
I think a lot of that is because the romance felt real. Yes, you knew who was going to fall in love. And yes, the did have somewhat cheesy professions (self-help author and the owner of an inn). But the relationship made sense and they didn't fall in insta-love.
Plus there's a bit of a mystery that I appreciated and took me a while to figure out. Once I did though it made complete sense, that I really should have seen in coming. Definitely a great addition to the book for me.
Since this is the 4th book I've read of the series, I loved getting to see all the supporting characters. As cliched as I know this is going to sound, these books really feel like you're back home catching up with old friends.
I still have 4 books left of the series to read, at least till next summer with the 10th comes out, and I can't wait to read them. Especially knowing that the next ones I'll be reading are about the ice cream maker, cupcake baker, and wedding planner. Talk about the perfect romance novel professions, right?
4.5/5
Disclosure: I was provided this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.
October 8, 2019
Reviewed by Jen
Book provided by the publisher
I've been a fan of Mariah Stewart's Chesapeake Diaries series for a while now and so when I was asked to review That Chesapeake Summer , I knew I couldn't pass it up. I've been rather curious about Daniel as he's been in the background for quite a while and I wanted him to get his happily ever after.
I have to admit that when this book started, I wasn't sure how it was going to go. In fact, the book doesn't even start out in St. Dennis, but rather in Jamie's hometown where she's cleaning out her family's home after the passing of her mother. She learns a huge secret that leads her to St. Dennis and staying at Daniel's family inn.
I love Daniel. He's a steady family man, super responsible and hard working, loved by his family and community. He's not not the most alpha of men, but he's the kind of man that I'm drawn to... doesn't need a lot of "work". His two flaws are that he works a little too hard and he's not completely over losing his wife.
Then there's Jamie. She's a successful writer who just has a bomb drop in her lap that has her questioning everything in her life. She heads to St. Dennis for answers and ends up gaining much more. She was a little harder to warm up to, but she and Daniel just work together. Occasionally Jamie just grated on my nerves, but a lot of that had to do with all the turmoil in her life.
I enjoyed my return to St. Dennis and anxious await another visit. I was happy to see old faces and to meet new ones. And came away with a smile on my face as Jamie and Daniel get their happily ever after.
Book provided by the publisher
I've been a fan of Mariah Stewart's Chesapeake Diaries series for a while now and so when I was asked to review That Chesapeake Summer , I knew I couldn't pass it up. I've been rather curious about Daniel as he's been in the background for quite a while and I wanted him to get his happily ever after.
I have to admit that when this book started, I wasn't sure how it was going to go. In fact, the book doesn't even start out in St. Dennis, but rather in Jamie's hometown where she's cleaning out her family's home after the passing of her mother. She learns a huge secret that leads her to St. Dennis and staying at Daniel's family inn.
I love Daniel. He's a steady family man, super responsible and hard working, loved by his family and community. He's not not the most alpha of men, but he's the kind of man that I'm drawn to... doesn't need a lot of "work". His two flaws are that he works a little too hard and he's not completely over losing his wife.
Then there's Jamie. She's a successful writer who just has a bomb drop in her lap that has her questioning everything in her life. She heads to St. Dennis for answers and ends up gaining much more. She was a little harder to warm up to, but she and Daniel just work together. Occasionally Jamie just grated on my nerves, but a lot of that had to do with all the turmoil in her life.
I enjoyed my return to St. Dennis and anxious await another visit. I was happy to see old faces and to meet new ones. And came away with a smile on my face as Jamie and Daniel get their happily ever after.
October 27, 2025
The beginning of this book dragged unbelievably We get overlong descriptions of items Jamie finds in her parents house after the death of her mother (seemingly everything in every drawer in her father's desk) before she makes the big discovery that changes her world.
Our hero is Dan, the manager of the major Inn in St. Dennis, and the oldest son of Grace (of the diary entries at the beginning and ending of each book). Dan is a complete jerk for much of the first portion of the book, while Jamie offers advice when she shouldn't. Fortunately, things picked up tremendously for me in the second part of the book, and I was curious to see how it would all be resolved. But, I could have done with more of the second half of the book, and far less of the first portion.
Our hero is Dan, the manager of the major Inn in St. Dennis, and the oldest son of Grace (of the diary entries at the beginning and ending of each book). Dan is a complete jerk for much of the first portion of the book, while Jamie offers advice when she shouldn't. Fortunately, things picked up tremendously for me in the second part of the book, and I was curious to see how it would all be resolved. But, I could have done with more of the second half of the book, and far less of the first portion.
August 17, 2015
Afrodyt's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
While I enjoy reading just about any book, anywhere, I can honestly say this particular story is an ideal beach read. That Chesapeake Summer is a sweet, easy page turner that reminds you of warm breezes, sand under your toes, and summer romance.
Jamie Valentine is a self-help author who takes great pride in always advising others to be open and honest in their relationships. Life was good for her, even after the death of her mother Jamie did her best to carry on the traditions in her family home. Going through her parents’ belongings Jamie comes across an envelope that changes her life forever. Everything she thought she knew about her heritage was a lie. Her parents had lied to her. How could she continue to tell others to base their relationships on honesty when her entire relationship with her parents was the exact opposite? Determined to find out the truth, Jamie digs into her past and finds herself at a small inn locate in a small town called St. Dennis.
Daniel Sinclair is the owner of The Inn at Sinclair’s Point. Left to run the business after the death of his father, Daniel is dedicated to his work and is always busy taking care of things. To make things even more heartbreaking, Daniel lost his wife 8 years earlier and was left raising his two children who are now teenagers. At least he has a little help. His mother, Grace is always around and she seems to have a certain sense of things when they are about to happen. She immediately senses that changes are coming and that past items hidden are about to resurface. We soon find out that those changes include a woman that finds her way to The Inn at Sinclair’s Point in search of some answers.
This book was such a sweet and realistic read. The characters are honest and easy to identify with and although there are some heartbreaking moments, the overall vibe of the story is lighthearted and happy. I really enjoyed the tension between Daniel and Jamie and the love, hate relationship that builds between them. Daniel is often defensive and Jamie is always quick to offer advice which can create an atmosphere of annoyance between the two. It adds for some interesting dialogue but provides moments of honesty that allow their relationship to grow. The more time they spend together, the more they begin to open up about the hurt they have each dealt with. This enables the reader to better understand why Jamie feels so strongly about honesty and why Daniel often hides his feelings. When Daniel finally realizes that perhaps things need to change in order for him to have the life he wants, Jamie takes off leaving him wondering what to do next. The question is: should he go for the girl and abandon the Inn that has taken up so much of his life, or wait for her to return in hopes that she feels the same way about him that he does for her?
Between the honest characters, the sweet love story, and the funny insights of a journal writing clairvoyant, this read will be easy to pick up and difficult to put down. “That Chesapeake Summer” is refreshing and will give you those warm fuzzies we all enjoy.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
While I enjoy reading just about any book, anywhere, I can honestly say this particular story is an ideal beach read. That Chesapeake Summer is a sweet, easy page turner that reminds you of warm breezes, sand under your toes, and summer romance.
Jamie Valentine is a self-help author who takes great pride in always advising others to be open and honest in their relationships. Life was good for her, even after the death of her mother Jamie did her best to carry on the traditions in her family home. Going through her parents’ belongings Jamie comes across an envelope that changes her life forever. Everything she thought she knew about her heritage was a lie. Her parents had lied to her. How could she continue to tell others to base their relationships on honesty when her entire relationship with her parents was the exact opposite? Determined to find out the truth, Jamie digs into her past and finds herself at a small inn locate in a small town called St. Dennis.
Daniel Sinclair is the owner of The Inn at Sinclair’s Point. Left to run the business after the death of his father, Daniel is dedicated to his work and is always busy taking care of things. To make things even more heartbreaking, Daniel lost his wife 8 years earlier and was left raising his two children who are now teenagers. At least he has a little help. His mother, Grace is always around and she seems to have a certain sense of things when they are about to happen. She immediately senses that changes are coming and that past items hidden are about to resurface. We soon find out that those changes include a woman that finds her way to The Inn at Sinclair’s Point in search of some answers.
This book was such a sweet and realistic read. The characters are honest and easy to identify with and although there are some heartbreaking moments, the overall vibe of the story is lighthearted and happy. I really enjoyed the tension between Daniel and Jamie and the love, hate relationship that builds between them. Daniel is often defensive and Jamie is always quick to offer advice which can create an atmosphere of annoyance between the two. It adds for some interesting dialogue but provides moments of honesty that allow their relationship to grow. The more time they spend together, the more they begin to open up about the hurt they have each dealt with. This enables the reader to better understand why Jamie feels so strongly about honesty and why Daniel often hides his feelings. When Daniel finally realizes that perhaps things need to change in order for him to have the life he wants, Jamie takes off leaving him wondering what to do next. The question is: should he go for the girl and abandon the Inn that has taken up so much of his life, or wait for her to return in hopes that she feels the same way about him that he does for her?
Between the honest characters, the sweet love story, and the funny insights of a journal writing clairvoyant, this read will be easy to pick up and difficult to put down. “That Chesapeake Summer” is refreshing and will give you those warm fuzzies we all enjoy.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
August 4, 2015
original post at: http://ramblingsfromthischick.blogspo...
Mariah Stewart is one of those authors that I think I’ve read but I’m not sure. But I’ve heard about her and know that she is a very versatile writer. A good friend of mine lent me some Stewart suspense novels to read and she also writes romance. I’m a little conflicted on this book but I really liked it. The only reason I didn’t give it a four star is because, for me, this is more of a women’s literature type book than a romance, although there are romantic elements.
First, the author. Stewart has a gift for writing, hands down a great writer. Generally, books that are very descriptive bore me and I have to read a fast pace novel in between. When I started “That Chesapeake Summer” I was hypnotized with how elegantly she described the different scenes and how smooth the story flowed. I was on chapter four before I realized that I still had no idea who the hero/ love interest was in this story. But nonetheless, I was captivated with Jaime Valentine, her now deceased mother, her childhood, the secrets that surround her family and their home. I loved that I could feel Jaime’s frustrations and her fear in disappointing her mother if she did not plant the flowers she left behind because of her heart attack. Stewart is able to make the reader feel emotions with her scenes without us even knowing. She really is an incredibly eloquent writer. I also, intensely felt Jaime’s disappoint when a mundane task leads her to discover a very heavily guarded secret surrounding her life.
Moving onto the heroine, I really liked Jaime. I felt like I was going through the motions with her. I felt like I was participating in the story and we were on this adventure together. When she meets Daniel Sinclair, immediate sparks fly, but because they really irritate each other. Although they find the other attractive neither is interested in looking for a romance and they actually don’t really like each other. I really liked that the author took her time developing their relationship.
This is the difficult part that I struggled with. Dan and Jaime have interactions throughout the book but they are secondary and not the focal point of the book. I would not consider this a romance story just because two people will fall in love. The real purpose of this story, in my opinion, is that Jaime is rediscovering who she is and reevaluating her family and her history-er sense of self. In the mean time she happens to meet this irritating owner of the inn she is staying in and falls in love. But it’s not the driving focus of the story. I think the story would have been able to go on without the romance. So keeping this in mind, I really liked this book. I liked reading Stewart, I liked the fictional world that sucked me in and I liked the hero and heroine. Although this is the 9th book in the series it is easily a standalone and very enjoyable. I also plan to read more by Stewart and find her to be a very gratifying author.
Mariah Stewart is one of those authors that I think I’ve read but I’m not sure. But I’ve heard about her and know that she is a very versatile writer. A good friend of mine lent me some Stewart suspense novels to read and she also writes romance. I’m a little conflicted on this book but I really liked it. The only reason I didn’t give it a four star is because, for me, this is more of a women’s literature type book than a romance, although there are romantic elements.
First, the author. Stewart has a gift for writing, hands down a great writer. Generally, books that are very descriptive bore me and I have to read a fast pace novel in between. When I started “That Chesapeake Summer” I was hypnotized with how elegantly she described the different scenes and how smooth the story flowed. I was on chapter four before I realized that I still had no idea who the hero/ love interest was in this story. But nonetheless, I was captivated with Jaime Valentine, her now deceased mother, her childhood, the secrets that surround her family and their home. I loved that I could feel Jaime’s frustrations and her fear in disappointing her mother if she did not plant the flowers she left behind because of her heart attack. Stewart is able to make the reader feel emotions with her scenes without us even knowing. She really is an incredibly eloquent writer. I also, intensely felt Jaime’s disappoint when a mundane task leads her to discover a very heavily guarded secret surrounding her life.
Moving onto the heroine, I really liked Jaime. I felt like I was going through the motions with her. I felt like I was participating in the story and we were on this adventure together. When she meets Daniel Sinclair, immediate sparks fly, but because they really irritate each other. Although they find the other attractive neither is interested in looking for a romance and they actually don’t really like each other. I really liked that the author took her time developing their relationship.
This is the difficult part that I struggled with. Dan and Jaime have interactions throughout the book but they are secondary and not the focal point of the book. I would not consider this a romance story just because two people will fall in love. The real purpose of this story, in my opinion, is that Jaime is rediscovering who she is and reevaluating her family and her history-er sense of self. In the mean time she happens to meet this irritating owner of the inn she is staying in and falls in love. But it’s not the driving focus of the story. I think the story would have been able to go on without the romance. So keeping this in mind, I really liked this book. I liked reading Stewart, I liked the fictional world that sucked me in and I liked the hero and heroine. Although this is the 9th book in the series it is easily a standalone and very enjoyable. I also plan to read more by Stewart and find her to be a very gratifying author.
June 23, 2015
A special thank you to Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Stunning cover; perfectly matched for a fun summer beach read!
As always, love catching up with the gang in quaint St. Dennis, and with THAT CHESAPEAKE SUMMER (Chesapeake Diaries #9) there is a lot going on at the Inn at Sinclair’s Point, just outside St. Dennis, with two souls connecting.
A charming, heartwarming and captivating read with an enchanting town, keeping you coming back for more. Always a good mystery, new friends and a budding romance. As always, we begin and end we Grace and her diary, to keep us abreast of the latest and greatest of the town’s gossip and events. Of course she dreams of something big coming and she always pulls out the Ouija board to see if any of her friends, like Alice from the other side can shed some light on the subject. She is especially excited to see her son, Daniel may have found a possible love match.
Jamie is a successful author of self-help books; however, when her mother passes away unexpectedly, Jamie discovers her entire life has been based on a lie. Now she is obsessed to find out the truth which may be in the small town of Chesapeake Bay. As she cuts her previously planned book tour short, she books a room at the Inn at Sinclair’s Point.
Daniel Sinclair’s father has died and he has taken over the management of the family inn. After his wife’s death, he is left to as a single parent taking care of two children. Of course, with the inn and the children he has no time for a social life.
There is always intrigue, mystery, emotion, and complexity with new faces coming into the town (BTW, all the characters which visit have an interesting past). Daniel thinks Jamie is hiding a secret and he is intrigued, and there may just be more with romance in store for these two.
I have read all the books in the Chesapeake Diaries series by talented Mariah Stewart, and they always brings out the wanderlust, making me want to pack my bags and head north to this charming town.
Yes, agree with some of the others about the TV series. Since Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove was such a hit on Hallmark (returning 7/18/15), and upcoming Sherryl Woods' Chesapeake Shores series is coming to Hallmark Channel in 2015, as well; makes sense for Mariah Stewart's Chesapeake Diaries to follow. Let's keep our fingers crossed!
JDCMustReadBooks
As always, love catching up with the gang in quaint St. Dennis, and with THAT CHESAPEAKE SUMMER (Chesapeake Diaries #9) there is a lot going on at the Inn at Sinclair’s Point, just outside St. Dennis, with two souls connecting.
A charming, heartwarming and captivating read with an enchanting town, keeping you coming back for more. Always a good mystery, new friends and a budding romance. As always, we begin and end we Grace and her diary, to keep us abreast of the latest and greatest of the town’s gossip and events. Of course she dreams of something big coming and she always pulls out the Ouija board to see if any of her friends, like Alice from the other side can shed some light on the subject. She is especially excited to see her son, Daniel may have found a possible love match.
Jamie is a successful author of self-help books; however, when her mother passes away unexpectedly, Jamie discovers her entire life has been based on a lie. Now she is obsessed to find out the truth which may be in the small town of Chesapeake Bay. As she cuts her previously planned book tour short, she books a room at the Inn at Sinclair’s Point.
Daniel Sinclair’s father has died and he has taken over the management of the family inn. After his wife’s death, he is left to as a single parent taking care of two children. Of course, with the inn and the children he has no time for a social life.
There is always intrigue, mystery, emotion, and complexity with new faces coming into the town (BTW, all the characters which visit have an interesting past). Daniel thinks Jamie is hiding a secret and he is intrigued, and there may just be more with romance in store for these two.
I have read all the books in the Chesapeake Diaries series by talented Mariah Stewart, and they always brings out the wanderlust, making me want to pack my bags and head north to this charming town.
Yes, agree with some of the others about the TV series. Since Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove was such a hit on Hallmark (returning 7/18/15), and upcoming Sherryl Woods' Chesapeake Shores series is coming to Hallmark Channel in 2015, as well; makes sense for Mariah Stewart's Chesapeake Diaries to follow. Let's keep our fingers crossed!
JDCMustReadBooks
July 25, 2015
3-3.5 stars
As I was reading this book, I realized that I’d read an earlier book in the series and it happened to be the book for Daniel’s sister Lucy. However, you can jump in with this book without having read any of the prior stories. We meet other people in town and while it’s clear that some had their own stories, this story doesn’t depend on or spring off from any of those.
Jamie discovers that much of her life and what she thought she knew has been a lie, but she only discovers if after her mother’s death. Her father died years ago so she can’t talk about it with her parents. She turns to her aunt and then begins to track down the truth. She’s torn between wanting to know and feeling as if she’s somehow betraying her parents. She heads to St. Dennis to find answers and figure out her life. As if she didn’t have enough to deal with, she’s stuck on her next book. She was already having trouble with it and the events in her personal life are starting to affect her writing.
Stewart gives us a heartwarming story about families, loss, acceptance and second chance. She handled Grace’s situation with sensitivity and care. I did find Grace’s paranormal gift to be convenient, too much so at times. It wasn’t a large part of the story but it did stretch believability.
The book is marketed as a romance but it’s women’s fiction first, and romance second. In fact, the romance is subtle at first and I wasn’t sure it was going to lead anywhere. Then without warning it picked up both steam and speed. I’d have liked more development especially as Jamie was in a vulnerable place emotionally with her mother’s death and the changes that brought about. It felt like a rebound romance only instead of getting over a guy, she was getting over some huge emotional upheavals.
Despite that, I enjoyed the book and the setting of St. Dennis. I love a well-done small town series and at nine books in, the world is well-developed. It feels both real and realistic. The little details add up to paint a textured picture and the people are pleasant but not perfect. St. Dennis is a fun place to hang out for a few hours and I wished I could join Jamie on her bike rides. I wanted to borrow a bike and go for a ride. Jamie was a mix of naiveté, worldliness, compassion, impulse, and nosiness. She was really nosy, never minding her own business. I can see why Daniel got annoyed with her. But then, he could be high handed. :D
“That Chesapeake Summer” was sweet, charming, emotional, and a delightful way to spend an afternoon.
As I was reading this book, I realized that I’d read an earlier book in the series and it happened to be the book for Daniel’s sister Lucy. However, you can jump in with this book without having read any of the prior stories. We meet other people in town and while it’s clear that some had their own stories, this story doesn’t depend on or spring off from any of those.
Jamie discovers that much of her life and what she thought she knew has been a lie, but she only discovers if after her mother’s death. Her father died years ago so she can’t talk about it with her parents. She turns to her aunt and then begins to track down the truth. She’s torn between wanting to know and feeling as if she’s somehow betraying her parents. She heads to St. Dennis to find answers and figure out her life. As if she didn’t have enough to deal with, she’s stuck on her next book. She was already having trouble with it and the events in her personal life are starting to affect her writing.
Stewart gives us a heartwarming story about families, loss, acceptance and second chance. She handled Grace’s situation with sensitivity and care. I did find Grace’s paranormal gift to be convenient, too much so at times. It wasn’t a large part of the story but it did stretch believability.
The book is marketed as a romance but it’s women’s fiction first, and romance second. In fact, the romance is subtle at first and I wasn’t sure it was going to lead anywhere. Then without warning it picked up both steam and speed. I’d have liked more development especially as Jamie was in a vulnerable place emotionally with her mother’s death and the changes that brought about. It felt like a rebound romance only instead of getting over a guy, she was getting over some huge emotional upheavals.
Despite that, I enjoyed the book and the setting of St. Dennis. I love a well-done small town series and at nine books in, the world is well-developed. It feels both real and realistic. The little details add up to paint a textured picture and the people are pleasant but not perfect. St. Dennis is a fun place to hang out for a few hours and I wished I could join Jamie on her bike rides. I wanted to borrow a bike and go for a ride. Jamie was a mix of naiveté, worldliness, compassion, impulse, and nosiness. She was really nosy, never minding her own business. I can see why Daniel got annoyed with her. But then, he could be high handed. :D
“That Chesapeake Summer” was sweet, charming, emotional, and a delightful way to spend an afternoon.
July 12, 2015
That Chesapeake Summer is the 9th book in this series and only the third that I have read. The thing that I like about these books is that they really do hold up well as stand alone books. I have never felt like I was missing any back story when I have picked one up. St. Dennis is a town that you can feel comfortable dropping in any time to meet up with old friends or make new ones.
I enjoyed this one. Jamie Valentine is a famous self-help author who, upon her mother's death, find out she was adopted. Her parents never told her. She has a few clues and sets out to St. Dennis to find out the identity of her mother. There she stays at the Inn at Sinclair’s Point and quickly becomes integrated into town life. Through Grace's help, she sets out about figuring out who her birth mother might be. I did like the clever way that Grace helped her figure it out. I also had to admire Jamie for pursuing it as she did. I'm not sure I would have had the courage to do it.
The only thing that didn't sit too well with me was the relationship between Jamie and Dan. I kind of felt like it was really fast. I would have liked to see them interact more than they did in the book. Don't get me wrong, I was rooting for them, but I wanted more.
If you are looking for a good summer beach read this year, I do recommend this one or why not start at the beginning of the series with Coming Home?
I enjoyed this one. Jamie Valentine is a famous self-help author who, upon her mother's death, find out she was adopted. Her parents never told her. She has a few clues and sets out to St. Dennis to find out the identity of her mother. There she stays at the Inn at Sinclair’s Point and quickly becomes integrated into town life. Through Grace's help, she sets out about figuring out who her birth mother might be. I did like the clever way that Grace helped her figure it out. I also had to admire Jamie for pursuing it as she did. I'm not sure I would have had the courage to do it.
The only thing that didn't sit too well with me was the relationship between Jamie and Dan. I kind of felt like it was really fast. I would have liked to see them interact more than they did in the book. Don't get me wrong, I was rooting for them, but I wanted more.
If you are looking for a good summer beach read this year, I do recommend this one or why not start at the beginning of the series with Coming Home?
March 10, 2016
Jamie is an author who writes self help books about being honest in all your relationships. Both parents are dead die, so she goes to her family home to clear it out. While clearing it out, she finds out she was adopted. She then starts questioning everything. Everything she knows is now a lie. So she tracks down the lawyer who finalized the adoption to get some answers. After he proves to be no help, she travels to St.Dennis, Maryland in which her birth mother apparently still resides. Until she gets news that her birth mother signed off on unsealing her birth records, she decides to search on her own
Dan is a widowed father of two who takes over the family inn after his dad dies.
Eventually Jamie and Dan's become entangled.
Will love blossom between then?
Jamie and Dan's interactions at first are not pleasant. She mistakes him for someone else and thinks he's a miserable human being. He thinks she should keep her nose out of things that doesn't concern her. But she ends up becoming to two people he cares about. They can't seem to get away from each other.
You meet different characters along the way and St.Dennis sounds beautiful. including a woman who has a sixth sense. Some people claim there are spirits roaming a house.
Very cute read
Dan is a widowed father of two who takes over the family inn after his dad dies.
Eventually Jamie and Dan's become entangled.
Will love blossom between then?
Jamie and Dan's interactions at first are not pleasant. She mistakes him for someone else and thinks he's a miserable human being. He thinks she should keep her nose out of things that doesn't concern her. But she ends up becoming to two people he cares about. They can't seem to get away from each other.
You meet different characters along the way and St.Dennis sounds beautiful. including a woman who has a sixth sense. Some people claim there are spirits roaming a house.
Very cute read
June 7, 2015
I will admit that I love this series. I enjoy the characters and the town they come from. You can't help but wanting to visit. Of course with each new book I do. A must read for those that love that small-town feel in their books.
March 17, 2021
Read my review at https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
August 30, 2015
Awesome as usual. Felt like coming home
July 23, 2015
Visiting my friends on the Chesapeake; comforting.
September 19, 2018
This is book 10 in a series set in a small town on the Chesapeake Bay. I love these books because of the town- you get to revisit all of the characters and I love how they interact with each other. It reminds me of Stars Hallow (Gilmore Girls)- just a small town where everyone knows everyone else.
The individual books do vary in my opinion. This particular book, That Chesapeake Summer, started off very slow. We were introduced to a new character, Jamie, and the beginning was set outside of St. Dennis. For me, it took a bit for me to get into it because of this. And, compared to the rest of the series, it never did get a whole lot better. Dan acted like a jerk for a good portion of the book. For the first time, a large portion of the book was set outside of St. Dennis. Due to the setting, there was little interaction with the other townspeople, which for me, is the reason I read this series.
I do give it 3 stars because I enjoy the series and the characters that show up, but it is one of my least favorite out of the series.
I received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
The individual books do vary in my opinion. This particular book, That Chesapeake Summer, started off very slow. We were introduced to a new character, Jamie, and the beginning was set outside of St. Dennis. For me, it took a bit for me to get into it because of this. And, compared to the rest of the series, it never did get a whole lot better. Dan acted like a jerk for a good portion of the book. For the first time, a large portion of the book was set outside of St. Dennis. Due to the setting, there was little interaction with the other townspeople, which for me, is the reason I read this series.
I do give it 3 stars because I enjoy the series and the characters that show up, but it is one of my least favorite out of the series.
I received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 25, 2022
After the death of Jamie’s mom, while going through her family home she discovers paperwork that says she is adopted. She is shocked and sets out to find out who her birth mother is. She contacts the lawyer on the papers and realizes that the mother is in St Dennis Maryland. Jamie makes plan to go, she stays at an Inn owned by Dan. She begins her search, she is a well known writer. The bookstore owner Barbara asks her to do a signing, She dose to check out the ladies in town. Grace Dans mother forms a relationship with Jamie and has the EYE..she knows things…she knows what’s happening with Jamie but can’t tell her she leads her to what she needs to find. While she searches her attraction grows for Dan. She finds out her mother is Barbara the bookstore owner. Then she and Dan comment she moves to St Dennis.
July 5, 2024
The sudden death of her mother has left Jamie Valentine feeling lost. As a successful author of self-help books focusing on honesty, Jamie was devasted to finds out that her life was based upon a lie.
Searching through papers in her parents' office, Jamie learns that she was adopted. Without any idea this was the case, Jamie decides to search for her birth mother and learn the truth.
Pairing a trip to the town her birth mother was from with an alleged vacation, Jamie travels to the small Chesapeake Bay town of St. Denis in an attempt to find the truth.
This was the first book I read in this series, and despite it being book 9, I felt that it flowed seamlessly.
4 out of 5 stars.
I received an advanced copy from the author, publisher, and NetGalley; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
Searching through papers in her parents' office, Jamie learns that she was adopted. Without any idea this was the case, Jamie decides to search for her birth mother and learn the truth.
Pairing a trip to the town her birth mother was from with an alleged vacation, Jamie travels to the small Chesapeake Bay town of St. Denis in an attempt to find the truth.
This was the first book I read in this series, and despite it being book 9, I felt that it flowed seamlessly.
4 out of 5 stars.
I received an advanced copy from the author, publisher, and NetGalley; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
February 27, 2018
This is my first book by Mariah Stewart and I’m hooked. I loved the plot, the characters and the writing. The book was more about Jaimie’s search than the romance. I felt more engrossed in her search than the love story of her and Dan. But that said I loved the plot. I devoured the book and was very curious to know what her search will reveal and how she will find out. There were many characters from previous books of the series, but I could read this book as a stand alone. I will now look forward to reading other books of this series.
September 21, 2022
Reliably engaging and heartwarming with the setting and the happily-ever-after ending, but I found it a little more stereotyped and a little less believable than some of the others in the series (an awfully fast flip from rude-to-each-other to in-love-with-each-other; stereotypes about teenage daughters and dads; all too perfect of an ending for more than the romance). Unlike most of the others in the series, this one is not about someone finding her life work (usually by opening a small business or taking work in a new direction) so maybe it resonated with me a bit less on that account.
February 17, 2023
SPOILERS
I have a lot to say about this book.. I am really disappointed because I do like Mariah Stewart but this book just wasn't good. First off there is a 50% percent chance that Dan's mother could be her mother, she knows for a fact that her birth mother went to the same school as Dan's and yet she STILL PURSUES A ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM!! Also the book was trying so hard to make Dan out to be a good dad but he's not at all. He literally only sees his daughter as a sex object for teenage boys! When he was commenting on her dress being too short even though there were two women say "No it's age appropriate" it made me feel so icky!! Dan and Jamie's entire relationship made me feel icky, I love a romance where I can push the main character to pursue happiness and be in love but I couldn't because I really thought they could have been siblings so anytime there was something romantic I wanted to barf. I really don't think someone who is looking for their birth mother would be pursuing romantic relationships with someone who could most definitely be related to them... She went to that small town knowing any older woman could be her mother, ITS A SMALL TOWN... I just really didn't like the book and it was hard to not put this in the DNF pile.
I have a lot to say about this book.. I am really disappointed because I do like Mariah Stewart but this book just wasn't good. First off there is a 50% percent chance that Dan's mother could be her mother, she knows for a fact that her birth mother went to the same school as Dan's and yet she STILL PURSUES A ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM!! Also the book was trying so hard to make Dan out to be a good dad but he's not at all. He literally only sees his daughter as a sex object for teenage boys! When he was commenting on her dress being too short even though there were two women say "No it's age appropriate" it made me feel so icky!! Dan and Jamie's entire relationship made me feel icky, I love a romance where I can push the main character to pursue happiness and be in love but I couldn't because I really thought they could have been siblings so anytime there was something romantic I wanted to barf. I really don't think someone who is looking for their birth mother would be pursuing romantic relationships with someone who could most definitely be related to them... She went to that small town knowing any older woman could be her mother, ITS A SMALL TOWN... I just really didn't like the book and it was hard to not put this in the DNF pile.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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