Summer Interrupted

by Tina Martin

He was supposed to stand by her through everything – through laughter and loss, health and hardship. But when Carmen is diagnosed with something she never could've seen coming, Kenneth couldn’t cope with it. He walked away when she needed him the most. Now, he's back, but is Carmen still open to reconciling with the man who abandoned her?

*This book was previously published under the title, Vacation Interrupted.*

51 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 22, 2025

About the author

TINA MARTIN is a talented, romantic suspense fiction writer and the author of over 105 titles. She enjoys Hallmark movies, running and traveling. (PLEASE NOTE: There are multiple authors with this name on Goodreads. If you're following me, look for my logo! Also, I have a printable book list on my website. Use that, my website and my social media to confirm that a book was written by me.)

Amazon: amazon.com/author/tinamartin
Instagram: instagram.com/tinamartinauthor
Facebook: facebook.com/tinamartinauthor

Reviews

[Rhina M. Finley]

A short and powerful read!

Summer Interrupted was one emotional read but a story full of empowerment, clarity, and closure! The main character is definitely not one to forget! She is a trauma nurse and survival of breast cancer dealing with the a separation, the physical and emotional changes of the aftermath.

['The Book Queen']

The story was short and to the point. I expected the couple to reconcile, but.... sometimes the hurt is too deep.

[*Ebony I*]

Living

Carmen went through a life changing medical diagnosis. Despite being married she was forced to fight that battle alone. Her husband Kenneth couldn't bear seeing her in that state so he abandoned her. After realizing she survived he returns trying to reunite with her. When I tell you this man had all the audacity in the world he absolutely did. He wanted her to just forget he betrayed their vows.
It was a quick read that reminds you life is the best gift.

[NubianJoí]

Access Denied

As Kenneth (& Gina too😏) has discovered, marriage membership/friendship has inherent privileges. Unfortunately, a dereliction of “for better or worse” sometimes groveling & or an apology just ain’t enough🤷🏾‍♀️‼️ Nevertheless, “Summer Interrupted” was quick, clear & concise …”Kenneth your abandonment was forgiven not forgotten…your appeals were appreciated but still applauding…& although your presence was unnecessary your access to Carmen was revoked & indefinitely denied‼️

[lexi]

rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
trigger warning: cancer
carmen is blindsided by a devastating diagnosis, and instead of standing by her, her husband kenneth walks away. now he’s back, hoping to reconcile, but the question is whether carmen is even open to letting him back in after he abandoned her when she needed him most.
i want to say i understand kenneth’s actions, but i really can’t give him a pass. seeing what his mom went through should have been even more reason to stand by his wife, not less. to leave her in the middle of one of the hardest storms of her life, and then expect things to be sweet once he finally chose to face his demons? absolutely not.
i was ecstatic that carmen stood on business and recognized her worth. she deserved so much more than a man who walked away when things got tough.

[Cherie l brown]

Tina Martin has done it again! A quick read, but with all the depth of a good long story. Carmen, is a fighter, and a survivor. Sometimes we have to know when it’s time to walk away and enjoy a life of peace. When a leopard shows his spots, believe it’s a leopard. Kenneth showed his spots. Though desirable as all get away, his character was not desirable and he was weak. I acknowledged that he didn’t get the help he needed as a young teen/man, but his actions and continued actions reflects he can man-up for real life.

[Stephanie L. Reed]

Just WOW!!

This was gut wrenching and powerful at the same time. To think he thought he could just come back and everything would be good, WTF!! I am glad she made the choices she did for herself and no one else. Also, her best friend was bogus as fell for her actions!! Thank you for this quick read I enjoyed it.

[Ruby Kat]

Abandoned Love

Oh my gosh Carmen went through a lot she wanted to be free of everything she had been through. I really enjoyed reading this book. Kenneth was wrong for leaving her but I understood his trauma of watching his mother die. She needed to release him and hear him out. Forgiveness doesn't mean allowed access!!!

[Ava Smith-forrest]

Summer Interrupted

This was such an inspiring story. Carmen was a strong woman living in pain of having had cancer and losing her husband. Yet she found the to understand pain and forgive forgive him for leaving her but she couldn't trust him.

[BeLinda P.]

Moving Forward

Carmen’s hurt was deep. Saying I’m sorry doesn’t always work. Carmen was determined to rebuild her life. Actions spoke louder than words. The reality of the relationship between Kenneth and she had been damaged. You can’t always go back.

[W.]

short story with an unexpected ending.

[Gia Cook]

Summer Interrupted

Ms. Tina you are really great at this writing and getting into the minds and hearts of readers. Thank you.

[KAREN MCCRAW]

Wow that was deep

That was a hard decision for her to make. She still loved her husband but felt she could trust him and he hurt her. Like his father said he was a coward.