Summer Spark

Four Seasons serial #1

by Ginnie Carmichael

Desperate to keep her teenage daughter from running with the wrong crowd again, Elsie Anderson makes the painful decision to leave Seattle for good. For her, solitude is a small price to pay for keeping Sophie out of trouble. Love is the last thing on Elsie’s mind, especially in a small town like Smithfield, Virginia.

Alex Becker is the star of Smithfield's firefighting department. He may be a hero, but at night he sees a broken man in the mirror. There was a time when he believed in love, but that all disappeared after he unexpectedly lost his wife late last year.

They both need a second chance at love. Will Elsie be able to overcome her fear of getting another broken heart? Will Alex ever be able to love again?

Genres: Romance

69 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 11, 2014

About the author

Ginnie Carmichael writes sweet small-town romance, the perfect blend of cozy and swoon-worthy. After years of traveling as a digital nomad, she’s now happily settled with her two cats, plenty of coffee, and endless love stories to tell.

When she’s not writing, she’s daydreaming new romances, curled up with a book, or unwinding with a cozy video game.

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an awesome story!! Keep in mind, it's a novella and only 69 pages but it sure packs a punch, Elsie used to always doing everything on her own meets Alex and she falls for him and falls fast. She is a single mom to Sophie and guards her heart but with Alex she can't seem to help herself. Just when everything is going great and Elsie accepts the fact that maybe what she feels for Alex is real and good......well, I can't tell you what happens but wow!!!

I cant wait to continue reading this series! I'm on A quest to read all of Ginnys books.......they are just that good!!

[Jonel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carmichael has created a well written, entertaining introduction to her new serial. The story is uniquely thought provoking while also being a sweet read. Unlike so many serials that we’ve seen as of late, Carmichael writes this short story so that it can be read in and of itself. Sure there is a large lead in to the next story in the serial, but this is also an enjoyable read in its own right.

We get to meet some intriguing individuals in this story. Carmichael develops her characters well, allowing reader to interact with them on a deeper level. I may not agree with some of the decisions made by the characters, but I could always understand them.

Overall, this was a great introduction to Carmichael’s serial. I’m definitely interested to see what happens next.

Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice, easy to read serial. I was able to get part 2 free with a subscription to the author' newsletter.

[debmar50 · Rating 1 out of 5]

Was good

The writing style is good. 'She' seems very insecure at 34 and a successful children book author. I knew I was getting to the end of the book and was wondering how the author would conclude the ending with so little time, well she didn't. It's a cliffhanger. Three more books after this. I'm not happy about being left hanging.

[Tommysgirl1015 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Loved this book and the relatable characters. The tension early in the book between mother and daughter was very real. Can't wait to read the rest of the series! I like that the stories cover the four seasons.

[Mr J McKeown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Seemed true to life I enjoyed every page and couldn't decide what was going to happen not what I was expecting even better

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute novella

Pretty good novella. Rest of the series definitely has potential. I will be reading the next one and checking out any other work by the author

[Elizabeth Bennet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, the story was just warming up and then your suspended until the next book. I really get annoyed by these short reads that just get you involved and then stop so you have to get the next book to see what happens next. I did not spend much time looking into the reviews to find out it was incomplete so I give it a 2 and 1/2 rating. I also wanted to mention that it is a incomplete story. The writing isn't bad but moved a little fast in certain spots. The couple were not sleeping together it was little abrupt moments in the story that just changed direction so fast it felt unbelievable.

For insistence, the H is Alex and he is a fireman (hot right?) and at one point a fire erupts, I won't give details but one minute he holds his son, as the h Elsie reassures her daughter. The two begin to ask about her dog when all of the sudden Alex is dressed in full gear to go in the flames. There was no in between. Anyhow the other problem I had was sort of a pet peeve of mine and it was that Alex lost his wife there is no mention how long it's been and their son is still struggling as is Alex. Whenever she is mentioned he tears up but yet he wants to move forward wit Elsie. I just couldn't feel secure in the idea. I thought the author should have separated the two. Who knows maybe she will in the books that follow. The two are just starting to build a foundation when the book leaves you wanting.

I can't say I'll continue unless they also are on the freebie list because I can't say the story leaves me wanting to watch the H mourn his late wife but yet convince me love between would be strong between H/h. If you are really attracted to another like the story is implying choking up at the mere mention of your late wife speaks you have not gotten over your feelings. I think it's called rebound and not for me. That is just my opinion and if it does not bother you than you may enjoy the story as it moves slow with the couple learning about the other, just a few aspects I couldn't go without mentioning. Enjoy!!

[Tony Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elsie Anderson (mom, narrator, English literature, writer, children’s), Sophie Anderson (16, Elsie adopted daughter), & Apollo (German Shepard) were leaving Seattle, WA behind.
We arrived in Smithfield, Virginia at the 2-story house #34.
The 2 began to fix the place up.
The 2 met Jack (neighbor boy) & his Aunt Debbie (bar owner).
Friday night Elsie goes to Debbie’s bar. She is introduced to Alex Becker (Debbie brother, f Smithfield F/D, Jack dad). After a few drinks Karaoke.
A few days later the 2 go out again 1st to a restaurant then dancing.

What will become of Elsie & Jack?

What about Sophie?

What about Apollo?

Don’t ever give up on love!

It’s amazing how many parents today think moving to a small community or attending a different school will solve their kid’s problems or keep them away from corruption. That is so far removed from reality! I lived in 13 different states & attended near as I can count 23 schools that includes 1 parochial & 1 military.

I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.

A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written down home romance book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great romantic movie, or mini TV series. To be continued. A very easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free (Goodreads; Smashwords; Author; PDF) book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given a complimentary e-copy of Summer Spark in exchange for an honest review.

Summer Spark is the first book in the Four Seasons serial series, and is not a standalone, as there is a cliffhanger at the end.

Elsie, a children's book author and illustrator, her adopted daughter Sophie and their dog Apollo have relocated from Seattle to a small town in Virginia. Her daughter has begun to get in trouble with her choice of friends so Elsie decided that a change of scenery would be beneficial to the 16 year old.

She meets Alex, a gorgeous firefighter and single dad to a 4 year old - neither of them is looking for love, but fate may have other plans for them.

I really enjoyed this story. It's a short one, only about 69 pages, but Ginnie Carmichael was able to write a beautifully flowing story that answered my questions as I went along (specifically what kind of trouble did Sophie get into back home and what happened to Alex's wife) and kept me wanting to find out what happens next.

I can't wait to read book 2 in the series, Fall Into Love, to see what's going to happen next with Elsie.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summer Spark is the first in a series focusing on Elsie and her daughter. In this read they move after Elsie is worry about her daughter and the crowd she is running with. Elsie moves to a small town hoping that it’s a better environment for her daughter and for her writing. Elsie is a single mother who adopted her daughter at a young age and isn’t really looking for a relationship. She soon meets Alex and suffering the loss of his wife isn’t really looking for anyone either. They soon meet and of course sparks fly. But both are scared of letting anyone in, scared that they aren’t really for love but also scared to lose each other.

This is a perfect quick read that’s cute and I love the characters in it. I love seeing Elsie and Alex blossoming love story and I can’t wait to see how the other books in the series play out. There is a cliffhanger of sorts so it’s not really a standalone book but it’s one I will definitely continue to read.

[Kristal Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this story when I was in need of a great awkward contemporary love story. I had been spending to much time in the world of magic. I found it with the great story that Ginnie laid out for us. From the beginning to the end the story had almost everything that you want. A heroine you can relate too, a great story and the romance was prefect.


It took me a while to write this review for its the best start to a short story series I have ever read. There's one or two words that throws me here and there, but there's no book on sale right now that is prefect. I have to say that I think Ginnie made a home run with this book and I will be following the series on with the second one. I look forward to seeing how the story goes.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great short read. It was a great story of how 2 people can find each other when they don't expect it.

Elsie has given up on love after a bad experience years ago. She has moved across the country to start a new life for her daughter and herself. what she didn't expect was Alex.

Alex had given up on finding someone for himself and his son after his wife died. when he meets Elsie something clicks.

Can they overcome their fears to pursue a future together?

I was given a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Sarah Wade · Rating 2 out of 5]

it was ok. it's a short read, but one that keeps you hanging, and that bugs me. I didn't think the story flowed well, which is why I just gave it an ok. I'm not sure if I'd finish the series as I wasn't that taken with it.

[Kerry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Should be a part 1 of a bigger book not a separate book in a series of 4. Very light read

[Norie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like the story so far I can't wait to read the next book!!! To find out more about Elsie and Alex.

[Lu Bielefeld · Rating 2 out of 5]

ok

[Dezel Marie Ocampo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick but sweet and lovely read. Now I can't wait to read the next in the series! :)

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am not impressed. The writing comes across as quite immature. The vocabulary is too simple, the storyline jumps from one thing to the next, the hero is still mourning his wife but ready to romance the next woman, there is no build up romantic tension as the heroine falls in love immediately, and, it would appear, so does he, and it remains unfinished as it cuts off at the conflict without any resolution. Add to that simple grammar errors such as the use of then instead of than, and you have a story that could have been written by a middle schooler.
Not a fan.