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Smith Mountain Lake #1
Blue Wide Sky
First love. . . forever love.
Sixteen-year old Gabby Hayden wasn’t the kind of girl who gave a hoot about boys. She had a few real loves. Water-skiing, going out on Smith Mountain Lake with her dad and her dog. Anything else ranked a distant second. Until the summer smart, caring, gorgeous Sam Tatum gave her his heart. It had been the most wonderful time of her life, lazy days hanging out at the dock, skinny-dipping at midnight, staring up at the stars from the back of Sam’s truck.
They are planning their future together when Sam’s father is transferred to South Africa. Devastated, Gabby and Sam promise to wait for each other during the two years before he returns for college. But lonely and angry, Sam makes a mistake that will change the course of both their lives.
Years later, an unexpected diagnosis brings Sam home to his parents’ house on Smith Mountain Lake where he believes he can find peace and acceptance. What he finds, however, is the girl he once loved, now a woman unwilling to lose him again, a woman who will make him realize that both love and life are worth fighting for.
Sixteen-year old Gabby Hayden wasn’t the kind of girl who gave a hoot about boys. She had a few real loves. Water-skiing, going out on Smith Mountain Lake with her dad and her dog. Anything else ranked a distant second. Until the summer smart, caring, gorgeous Sam Tatum gave her his heart. It had been the most wonderful time of her life, lazy days hanging out at the dock, skinny-dipping at midnight, staring up at the stars from the back of Sam’s truck.
They are planning their future together when Sam’s father is transferred to South Africa. Devastated, Gabby and Sam promise to wait for each other during the two years before he returns for college. But lonely and angry, Sam makes a mistake that will change the course of both their lives.
Years later, an unexpected diagnosis brings Sam home to his parents’ house on Smith Mountain Lake where he believes he can find peace and acceptance. What he finds, however, is the girl he once loved, now a woman unwilling to lose him again, a woman who will make him realize that both love and life are worth fighting for.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2015
5606 people are currently reading
1342 people want to read
About the author
Inglath Cooper
63 books938 followersVirginia author Inglath Cooper fell in love with reading as a little girl, devouring most of the books in her elementary school library. At some point, she decided she wanted to pursue a writing career, creating romance fiction that did for others what her favorite books have done for her. “I love character-driven books that leave me feeling as if I’ve really known these people and make me wish I didn’t have to turn the last page.”
“Romance fiction has always appealed to me because it deals with so many of the relationships in a woman’s life. Not only the love of her life, but often her relationship with her mother, sister or best friend. Romance authors have so much room to explore many of the meaningful moments and transitions in women’s lives. And who doesn’t love a good love story?”
Inglath most often writes stories about love and life that are set in small Virginia towns like the one where she grew up. “I like to think the flavor of my hometown shows up in my books both in their setting and through the characters who people it.”
When aspiring writers ask her how to be an author, she says, “Everything I know about writing books I learned from reading books.”
Inglath has been chosen as a RITA® Award winner for best long contemporary romance novel given out each year by Romance Writers of America. Her books are available through Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, itunes.com, and Kobobooks.com.
Outside of writing, Inglath is actively involved in dog rescue, working with The Franklin County Humane Society to place dogs and cats in need of rehoming. She volunteers her time in every capacity possible: serving on the Board of Directors, fundraising, photographing dogs and cats available for adoption and serving as a foster home. “Helping an abused or neglected dog go on to have a wonderful life with a family who loves them is more rewarding than I can possibly say.”
“Romance fiction has always appealed to me because it deals with so many of the relationships in a woman’s life. Not only the love of her life, but often her relationship with her mother, sister or best friend. Romance authors have so much room to explore many of the meaningful moments and transitions in women’s lives. And who doesn’t love a good love story?”
Inglath most often writes stories about love and life that are set in small Virginia towns like the one where she grew up. “I like to think the flavor of my hometown shows up in my books both in their setting and through the characters who people it.”
When aspiring writers ask her how to be an author, she says, “Everything I know about writing books I learned from reading books.”
Inglath has been chosen as a RITA® Award winner for best long contemporary romance novel given out each year by Romance Writers of America. Her books are available through Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, itunes.com, and Kobobooks.com.
Outside of writing, Inglath is actively involved in dog rescue, working with The Franklin County Humane Society to place dogs and cats in need of rehoming. She volunteers her time in every capacity possible: serving on the Board of Directors, fundraising, photographing dogs and cats available for adoption and serving as a foster home. “Helping an abused or neglected dog go on to have a wonderful life with a family who loves them is more rewarding than I can possibly say.”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews
May 16, 2015
5 emotionally riveting stars
Holy Wow! Public service announcement: Before sitting o read this book be sure to have time to read it from front to back. And make sure to have a box of tissues. I laughed, cried and was mad. This is an amazing story with amazing characters. A must read. Can't wait to read more of the series.
Holy Wow! Public service announcement: Before sitting o read this book be sure to have time to read it from front to back. And make sure to have a box of tissues. I laughed, cried and was mad. This is an amazing story with amazing characters. A must read. Can't wait to read more of the series.
February 12, 2016
Holy Cheese Sticks, I wasn't expecting the emotional joy ride from this book, I was very impress with it, like someone else previously said in another review left here, I try to stay away from Nicholas Sparks books because of how sad and emotional the stories are, but this one wow,
Lots of books gets my emotions running, but I can honestly say that I have never cried over a book. I mean yeah my eyes have gotten watery, but I have manage to get soon back under control were I don't have to shed them, but with this book I found it impossible not to do so.
I know most of this books are fictional and that it takes a writers creation to create such fantasies for us readers to enjoy, but I was wondering if it was possible that we all have a real soulmate out there and if that kind of love is possible I mean after so many years.
In this book I found something that I can honestly relate to, and now I has me wondering a lot about many things.
In this book Gaby and Sam are quite a pair, and little Kat to be a 10yr. is an amazing child with a mature head on her shoulders. Happiness and Sadness are some of the emotions you will find along this story, the only part that I actually felt a bit frustrated and annoyed by was with Annie, Gaby's bestfriend, but I understood were she was coming from at the same time. good thing she change a little bit cause otherwise she would have been a character that I would have come to hate.
Well I hope if you read this book you enjoy it as much or more than I did,,
Now on I go to see were my next reading adventures lands me..
Lots of books gets my emotions running, but I can honestly say that I have never cried over a book. I mean yeah my eyes have gotten watery, but I have manage to get soon back under control were I don't have to shed them, but with this book I found it impossible not to do so.
I know most of this books are fictional and that it takes a writers creation to create such fantasies for us readers to enjoy, but I was wondering if it was possible that we all have a real soulmate out there and if that kind of love is possible I mean after so many years.
In this book I found something that I can honestly relate to, and now I has me wondering a lot about many things.
In this book Gaby and Sam are quite a pair, and little Kat to be a 10yr. is an amazing child with a mature head on her shoulders. Happiness and Sadness are some of the emotions you will find along this story, the only part that I actually felt a bit frustrated and annoyed by was with Annie, Gaby's bestfriend, but I understood were she was coming from at the same time. good thing she change a little bit cause otherwise she would have been a character that I would have come to hate.
Well I hope if you read this book you enjoy it as much or more than I did,,
Now on I go to see were my next reading adventures lands me..
February 17, 2015
I love anything from Inglath so one click yes I am reading it. Gabby and Sam were in love at 16, but Sam's parents were transferred to South Africa for his last year of high school and he had to go. 25 years later Sam returns to Smith Mountain Lake to his parents summer home. A love of things happened to each of them in the time they were apart but both still felt that love between them. Beautiful Romantic story- loved it and will be looking for next book in this series
February 18, 2020
Wow! Why did I wait so long to read this one?! Loved it and will definitely be picking up the others!
May 25, 2024
Really enjoyed this book. I had no idea what was coming near the end. An emotional, but enjoyable, read.
November 15, 2018
Triumphant long lost love
There were twists and turns in this book that I didn’t expect when I started it. It was real and genuine. Once I started reading, it was hard to stop. I got a good cry and a whole lot of love from this book. I recommend it. Great to read on my snow day!
There were twists and turns in this book that I didn’t expect when I started it. It was real and genuine. Once I started reading, it was hard to stop. I got a good cry and a whole lot of love from this book. I recommend it. Great to read on my snow day!
June 16, 2015
Book Review originally published here: http://www.iheartreading.net/book-tou...
In Blue Wide Sky, Gabby and Sam first fell in love at age sixteen. It was the best summer of Gabby’s life. But then, Sam’s dad gets transferred to South Africa. Sam and Gabby promise to wait for each other during the two years before Sam returns to go to college. One mistake changes that though, and it takes years for them to meet each other again. This time, Sam comes home on a not-so-happy note, and it may be up to Gabby to teach him how to love and live again.
The book reads like a diary, and it’s so easy to connect to all of the characters, especially Gabby. The struggle of losing their first real love is so realistic everyone who has ever been in love can definitely relate. To see how these two changed over the years, and grew and then found each other again, was amazing. They did go through so many hardships, and thy deserved every ounce of happiness.
The author crafts an engaging book with amazing characters. An excellent read for contemporary romance fans.
In Blue Wide Sky, Gabby and Sam first fell in love at age sixteen. It was the best summer of Gabby’s life. But then, Sam’s dad gets transferred to South Africa. Sam and Gabby promise to wait for each other during the two years before Sam returns to go to college. One mistake changes that though, and it takes years for them to meet each other again. This time, Sam comes home on a not-so-happy note, and it may be up to Gabby to teach him how to love and live again.
The book reads like a diary, and it’s so easy to connect to all of the characters, especially Gabby. The struggle of losing their first real love is so realistic everyone who has ever been in love can definitely relate. To see how these two changed over the years, and grew and then found each other again, was amazing. They did go through so many hardships, and thy deserved every ounce of happiness.
The author crafts an engaging book with amazing characters. An excellent read for contemporary romance fans.
September 13, 2015
I was lucky to grab this a few days ago while
it was a freebie, $3.99 now! Friends watch for
the freebies because you really are missing
out. This story was lovely, warmed my heart but
I wasn't crazy about what caused the
separation but hey, there has to be some kind of
reason, correct? Yep.
it was a freebie, $3.99 now! Friends watch for
the freebies because you really are missing
out. This story was lovely, warmed my heart but
I wasn't crazy about what caused the
separation but hey, there has to be some kind of
reason, correct? Yep.
February 16, 2015
wow. what an emotional rollar coaster. utterly amazing story. the characters really get to you. the author does a wonderful job with this story.
April 18, 2022
I’m clearly in the minority here, but I didn’t really enjoy the story. I’m all for second chance romances, but I got something different from the blurb. I get that the blurb described a character and so I expected to see that character in Gabby, but I didn’t. We don’t ever get to see them in that young love phase that is described in the blurb. I also felt that the new, adult part of the love was a thin veneer. I had a first love and I know if I met him after 20 years, teenage me might still love teenage him, but that doesn’t mean I would know or love adult him. It seemed like they strictly relied on their teenage love and Gabby’s daughter’s matchmaking because the daughter like him. Everything else felt superficial.
I wanted to like Gabby; single mom, business owner, daughter with challenges. And I didn’t really not like her, but there wasn’t depth to her decisions. Marriage to a nice guy but not the right guy, going out of the country for a child, etc. what prompted her to want to be a mother, why another country, did she have challenges with that, etc. that sort of thing was missing. I think developing those reasons, character points would have made it a better character or easier to empathize. I liked Sam, mostly. I understand his thought process on keeping people in the dark about his diagnosis. But leaving the country without telling his kids, I didn’t like that. You don’t want to discuss the diagnosis, I’m fine with that, but tell them you need a vacation or have business or something. And did he ever talk to the son, or was it just the daughter who told her brother?
I think the ending was a bit rushed but I did like that the ending had a little bit of reality, or a not 100% perfect HEA thrown in there.
I wanted to like Gabby; single mom, business owner, daughter with challenges. And I didn’t really not like her, but there wasn’t depth to her decisions. Marriage to a nice guy but not the right guy, going out of the country for a child, etc. what prompted her to want to be a mother, why another country, did she have challenges with that, etc. that sort of thing was missing. I think developing those reasons, character points would have made it a better character or easier to empathize. I liked Sam, mostly. I understand his thought process on keeping people in the dark about his diagnosis. But leaving the country without telling his kids, I didn’t like that. You don’t want to discuss the diagnosis, I’m fine with that, but tell them you need a vacation or have business or something. And did he ever talk to the son, or was it just the daughter who told her brother?
I think the ending was a bit rushed but I did like that the ending had a little bit of reality, or a not 100% perfect HEA thrown in there.
May 27, 2019
This was such an emotional story! Gabby Hayden and Sam Tatum were high school sweethearts, in love, and just waiting until they were old enough to spend their lives together. Unfortunately, Sam's dad got transferred out of the country and other events conspired to split them up. Now, more than 20 years late, Sam returns to Smith Mountain Lake with some important decisions to make. He's kind-of hoping, but not expecting, to see Gabby. Gabby never really got over Sam, although her life has moved on and she wouldn't change it for anything. She's got a daughter, Kat, who suffers from a bone disease but is the bravest person Gabby knows. I loved Kat - she seemed much older than her 10 years, but her maturity was addressed in the story which made it more believable. I went back and forth about what I thought about Gabby and Sam. And Sam really pissed me off at points which his selfishness. There were plenty of clues about his issues, but I had no idea how things would turn out. I really enjoyed this book, although it felt like there was a lot more to the characters that could have been fleshed out in the story. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
May 8, 2019
Blue Wide Sky by Inglath Cooper; (4*); bk 1; ROMANTIC FICTION; library book; kindle; Century of Books; 2015
Blue Wide Sky is quite good for what it is; a book of romantic fiction.
Boy meets girl; they fall in love. Boy moves away; has one night stand ending culminating with girl becoming preggers. Boy relates this to first girl; they break up. Boy marries preggars girl; they have miserable marriage but also have two wonderful kids. Man and 2nd woman divorce; man still loves first woman; she still loves him. Man gets brain tumor; moves back to home of first girl; they find they still love each other. Man's brother operates on man's brain tumor, saves his life and life gois on.
Like I said, for a piece of romantic fiction, it is quite good.
Blue Wide Sky is quite good for what it is; a book of romantic fiction.
Boy meets girl; they fall in love. Boy moves away; has one night stand ending culminating with girl becoming preggers. Boy relates this to first girl; they break up. Boy marries preggars girl; they have miserable marriage but also have two wonderful kids. Man and 2nd woman divorce; man still loves first woman; she still loves him. Man gets brain tumor; moves back to home of first girl; they find they still love each other. Man's brother operates on man's brain tumor, saves his life and life gois on.
Like I said, for a piece of romantic fiction, it is quite good.
April 17, 2019
Duh.
You can see how I felt while I was reading it below. It totally did nothing for me. I liked the characters, for what they were, but no one wowed me or made me love them. All the “miracles” were just way too fairytale-like. It annoyed me. Who’s life is that perfect? It takes away from the story if you can’t relate to ANY of it. I know romance novels are supposed to sweep you off your feet, but this didn’t even come close. It was a whole lot of nothing for me. I seriously don’t get the high ratings, but everyone has a different opinion. Maybe my expectations were just too high after seeing the raves? Who knows.
You can see how I felt while I was reading it below. It totally did nothing for me. I liked the characters, for what they were, but no one wowed me or made me love them. All the “miracles” were just way too fairytale-like. It annoyed me. Who’s life is that perfect? It takes away from the story if you can’t relate to ANY of it. I know romance novels are supposed to sweep you off your feet, but this didn’t even come close. It was a whole lot of nothing for me. I seriously don’t get the high ratings, but everyone has a different opinion. Maybe my expectations were just too high after seeing the raves? Who knows.
February 13, 2018
Interesting characters that you soon love and cannot put this book down. A cliche yes but true. I want to read more about them and hope Miss Cooper writes about them again. I feel the same way about the Nashville series. I feel I am not done with these people and I hope Miss Cooper feels the same. It was a. Inspiring book, highly recommended!
I loved this book. The characters she writes about become people one is interested in. I always hope she will write more about them. I feel the same way about the Nashville series.
I loved this book. The characters she writes about become people one is interested in. I always hope she will write more about them. I feel the same way about the Nashville series.
August 14, 2018
The story is not consistent in several parts of the book. For example, a character first states that she saw his brother a few years ago. Then later on, they say it's been over 20 years since they last saw each other.
It's also very predictable and superficial. The author attempts to built the plot, however it's so predictable, it's like it's over before it even began. Things feel forced, hurried. Fake. Good thing it's a quick read, because halfway through the book, I already wanted to be done with it.
If you like Nicholas Sparks, you will love these.
It's also very predictable and superficial. The author attempts to built the plot, however it's so predictable, it's like it's over before it even began. Things feel forced, hurried. Fake. Good thing it's a quick read, because halfway through the book, I already wanted to be done with it.
If you like Nicholas Sparks, you will love these.
September 23, 2018
Wow! Emotionally spent after this story. Love that I've discovered Inglath Cooper books.....my soul needs her stories.
Finding the words to describe this book is difficult. I loved that Gabby and Sam were reunited because nothing feels quite like our first love. The obstacles and issues they faced were heart wrenching but the power of love is amazing. I cried as if was right there with them. My thoughts are not settled enough yet to give this book its full due.....just read it if you want to make sure your heart is still working.
Finding the words to describe this book is difficult. I loved that Gabby and Sam were reunited because nothing feels quite like our first love. The obstacles and issues they faced were heart wrenching but the power of love is amazing. I cried as if was right there with them. My thoughts are not settled enough yet to give this book its full due.....just read it if you want to make sure your heart is still working.
April 12, 2021
I have only read two of Inglath Cooper's books, the first one being, "And Then You Loved Me" and this one. Both books pull you right in, make you emotional (or maybe just me), remind you of young love and those memories of the butterflies and rawness. However, both books told a different love story, but yet similar. Both books are about teenagers in love that are separated and then reconnect many, many years later. Are all her books like this? I guess I need to read more stories to find out.
Overall, I do recommend "Blue Wide Sky" and truly enjoyed reading the story.
Overall, I do recommend "Blue Wide Sky" and truly enjoyed reading the story.
June 30, 2019
Get your tissues
This a tear jerker. Beautifully written. It's a love story with a second chance. Gabby and Sam fell in love at 16 and are torn apart at 17. Although they make plans to reunite after they turn 18, a bad decision by Sam breaks both their hearts and puts them both on different paths. Twenty five years later they are reunited and get a second chance, only to almost lose each other again.
This a tear jerker. Beautifully written. It's a love story with a second chance. Gabby and Sam fell in love at 16 and are torn apart at 17. Although they make plans to reunite after they turn 18, a bad decision by Sam breaks both their hearts and puts them both on different paths. Twenty five years later they are reunited and get a second chance, only to almost lose each other again.
March 21, 2020
I like this author. If you’re in the mood for a light, clean, chic-lit romance, this is a great book! It’s a fast read, somewhat predictable, but good plot and great development of characters. She’s an experienced writer with a wonderful writing style, and she really catches the tender moments women go through, the heartbreaks and the pure joy. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!
March 25, 2020
Nice Story
This was a Nice story but to be honest I skimmed through most of it. I found a couple of discrepancies Gabby said Annie's kids had her green eyes and then later Sam said he remembered Annie with her long dark hair and blue eyes. Also they do not let non relatives in the ICU and I'm not sure but I don't think the let relatives operate on another but a "Hallmark Movie Channel" book thousands out there guess it's not for me.
This was a Nice story but to be honest I skimmed through most of it. I found a couple of discrepancies Gabby said Annie's kids had her green eyes and then later Sam said he remembered Annie with her long dark hair and blue eyes. Also they do not let non relatives in the ICU and I'm not sure but I don't think the let relatives operate on another but a "Hallmark Movie Channel" book thousands out there guess it's not for me.
May 24, 2020
This is a great summer read. I have found a new author to follow. Already ordered #2 in the series and am looking forward to it.
This book is situated in an area about 2 hrs from me so thought it would be fun to read. Lots of great characters . I don't like to go into detail because I don't like spoilers, but will say that anyone who likes books about family and situations that are believable you will love it. Give it a try.
This book is situated in an area about 2 hrs from me so thought it would be fun to read. Lots of great characters . I don't like to go into detail because I don't like spoilers, but will say that anyone who likes books about family and situations that are believable you will love it. Give it a try.
April 12, 2022
after reading That Month In Tuscany in early 2020, i knew i wanted to read more by Inglath Cooper. i liked her writing style, and easy reads. and this was the one i wanted to read next. took me some time to get there, but it was a great read. i wouldn't call it a romance, but it was just a drama-type story, to me. as with the last book, i liked the characters and the setting. i know there are more in this series, and i can't wait to see where it takes me.
December 17, 2024
sweet, sad, fulfilling
Somehow I think a lot of young loves can relate to this story. The possibility of reuniting with your first love. Finding out that love was true, soul-deep.
Yet swirling around this possibility of new old love is something neither can control, which could mean loosing each other again.
Very lovely book. Well-written. Great dynamics with each POV g the main and secondary characters.
Somehow I think a lot of young loves can relate to this story. The possibility of reuniting with your first love. Finding out that love was true, soul-deep.
Yet swirling around this possibility of new old love is something neither can control, which could mean loosing each other again.
Very lovely book. Well-written. Great dynamics with each POV g the main and secondary characters.
May 15, 2017
Just a bit of fluff
I decided to read this to satisfy a book challenge requirement (a book that takes place within 100 miles of your location). On the plus side, it was a quick read, but overall it didn't make much of an impression, other than some bad editing in regards to time zones. That inconsistency drove me crazy!
I decided to read this to satisfy a book challenge requirement (a book that takes place within 100 miles of your location). On the plus side, it was a quick read, but overall it didn't make much of an impression, other than some bad editing in regards to time zones. That inconsistency drove me crazy!
January 2, 2018
This novel is exceptionally well-written. So many romance novels are prematurely published (still needing extensive revising and/or editing) or are just too shallow to engender much interest. This one is deep, fast-paced, multifaceted, and written with care and love. I will find more by this author.
March 31, 2018
Love Everlasting
It's good that this book is rather short because there's no way I could have put it down without finishing it. It is a beautiful love story---romantic love, familial love, friendship love. They're all here. It is at times a little predictable, but that only made me like it more. A great read!
It's good that this book is rather short because there's no way I could have put it down without finishing it. It is a beautiful love story---romantic love, familial love, friendship love. They're all here. It is at times a little predictable, but that only made me like it more. A great read!
August 3, 2018
Sweet story
I enjoyed this book. For a while it felt like it was written about me but alas there is a twist in the story line and the reading progresses. I almost quit reading it but for the twist that occurred. Only 4 stars because it was reading like a romance novel and I really don't enjoy RN's.
I will however, read more of Inglath Coopers' books.
I enjoyed this book. For a while it felt like it was written about me but alas there is a twist in the story line and the reading progresses. I almost quit reading it but for the twist that occurred. Only 4 stars because it was reading like a romance novel and I really don't enjoy RN's.
I will however, read more of Inglath Coopers' books.
August 4, 2018
For me this was a great book... took me back to my young years growing up in a beach community. What is there about our young years and how we love with all our heart about everything, and we put 150% into every endeavor. The energy, the hope, is young - yet it is and can be the most trusted times of our lives... I loved reading this book this summer.
August 11, 2018
Heartwarming!
Such a beautiful heartwarming story that’s good for your soul! I really enjoyed this and I normally don’t go for sweet and schmaltzy types of literature. But, this story rang so true, and I really liked the little proverbs in between chapters. They’d make great pillows throughout the house...
Such a beautiful heartwarming story that’s good for your soul! I really enjoyed this and I normally don’t go for sweet and schmaltzy types of literature. But, this story rang so true, and I really liked the little proverbs in between chapters. They’d make great pillows throughout the house...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews