The Summer Place to Be: A Lainey Springs Novel

by Melissa Trombetta

Starting over at forty-four back home in Lainey Springs was already complicated.

Running into former country music frontman Jameson Clover made it a problem.

Charlie Taylor returns to her hometown of Lainey Springs in Upstate New York looking for a reset, not a romance. Fresh off a divorce and rebuilding the curated life she once had, she plans a simple summer—helping her sister prepare for a long-awaited baby, reviving her interior design career, and hiding the fact that she’s one candy-apple red Corvette away from a midlife crisis.

That plan goes straight out the window the moment she quite literally collides with Jameson Clover.

Once the frontman of a chart-topping country band, Jameson has spent years choosing responsibility over reinvention. Now he runs his family’s bar and keeps his dreams firmly in the past.

Working together to prepare Jameson’s mother’s house for sale, banter gives way to something deeper. But just as their hearts begin to trust again, Charlie is tempted by an opportunity that would skyrocket her career, while Jameson is forced to confront the life he gave up and the guilt he never resolved. With uncertain futures and a ticking clock, their stolen moments together may be all this summer allows.

Set in a town inspired by a storied destination long known as the summer place to be, this emotionally grounded romance explores second chances, reinvention, and the courage it takes to discover who you are when everyone else has already decided for you.

Perfect for readers of Abby Jimenez and Carley Fortune.

Genres: Romance

339 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 12, 2026

About the author

Melissa Trombetta writes emotionally grounded contemporary romance about second chances, reinvention, and the kind of love that shows up when you least expect it. She is a wife, a mother of two grown kids, and a longtime member of corporate America who dances at country music festivals like no one is watching. Her stories are inspired by real life, imperfect choices, and the belief that it’s never too late to start again.

Reviews

[Melissa Trombetta]

I didn’t set out to write a summer love story. I set out to write about a forty-something divorcee starting over after her carefully curated life imploded.

Because her life clearly wasn’t complicated enough, she had to collide with a former country music frontman and stage his mother’s house while trying not to fall for him.

"The Summer Place to Be" is about second chances, reinvention, and the courage it takes to figure out who you are when everyone else has already decided for you. It’s emotionally honest, threaded with humor and nostalgia, and the kind of story that lingers long after summer ends.

Welcome to Lainey Springs.

[Lisa Moreland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to get an advanced copy of A Summer Place To Be and it did NOT disappoint. I was hooked from the very beginning all the way to the end. I laughed, I cried, I felt literally everything.
It’s funny, romantic, a little emotional, and yes… definitely a little steamy too
Not gonna lie, it had me ready to move to Lainey Springs and find my own Cowboy!
It’s different from her first book (which I loved sooo much), but honestly it’s just as high on my personal rating scale. Such a great read!

[Jess Buchta · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Summer Place To Be is everything you want in a feel-good, escape kind of read.

From the first page, I was hooked. Like… didn’t want to put it down hooked. It really feels like you’re right there in Lainey Springs, just soaking everything in with the characters. And it’s not just a light, fluffy summer romance either—it actually has some depth. There’s a lot about starting over, working through the past, and figuring yourself out when life doesn’t go how you planned.

The mix of romance, emotion, and a little bit of drama was perfect. Nothing felt over the top, but it kept me interested the whole time. The characters felt real, not overly “perfect,” and I liked that the connection between them built naturally instead of being rushed.

Charlie and Jameson’s journeys especially hit—just the way they deal with heartbreak, uncertainty, and change felt really relatable. You can feel them slowly figuring things out, which I loved.

Also, the love story didn’t feel forced at all. It felt genuine, like it actually made sense, and not just thrown in for the sake of romance.

By the end, I had that full, happy feeling…but also kind of didn’t want it to be over. The “summer place” itself ends up feeling like more than just a setting—it’s comforting in a way that’s hard to explain.

Definitely a must-read if you want something that feels good but still has a little substance to it.

[rene maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a typical, sugary-sweet summer romance, The Summer Place to Be might surprise you. While it hits all the satisfying notes of a small-town "second chance" story, it has a grounded, realistic core that sets it apart from the rest of the genre. The book follows Charlie Taylor, who is effectively rebuilding her life from scratch after a brutal divorce. When she retreats to the quiet lakeside town of Lainey Springs, she crosses paths with Jameson Clover - a man who walked away from country music stardom to protect his sobriety and raise his daughter. What makes this book worth the read isn't just the "will-they-won't-they" chemistry between Charlie and Jameson; it’s the weight of their individual journeys. It’s nice to read a romance featuring characters in their 40s who have real-world baggage, parenting responsibilities, and professional pride. The Summer Place to Be is a cozy read that captures that "Upstate New York summer" energy. Recommended for anyone who likes their romance with a side of grit, growth, and a lot of heart.

[Booksandcoffeemx · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know I’m a goner for second chances and small towns, so of course I went into this one already knowing I was in for a treat… and I was right.

Small town charm, country music, and a cowboy… what more could you ask for?

This is a beautiful story about second chances, new beginnings, the meaning of family, and finding love when you least expect it. Charlie and Jameson’s journey felt heartfelt, hopeful, and perfect for anyone who loves romances with a little emotional depth.

A great summer read.

[Gabrielle Goldich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was excited to receive an advance copy of A Summer Place To Be, and it did not disappoint! I became engaged with Charlie and Jameson’s story immediately. They were both such easy characters to love. Definitely some twists in this book, which kept me wanting more. I really look forward to reading more from this author, especially another story set in Lainey Springs!

[Valerie Cascione · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was honored to receive an advanced copy directly from the author. I loved everything about this book. It was engaging and I’m really looking forward to a second book and even a trilogy would be nice🤞🏻I missed the characters and setting when I finished. I look forward to seeing more from this author. Good job.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very lucky to receive an ARC from the author, and it was such an honor and pleasure to read The Summer Place to Be!

Charlie returns to her hometown, Lainey Springs, for the summer after life takes some big turns for her. She goes home to rebuild her life while supporting her younger sister, as she is pregnant and Charlie wants to be there for her. What she doesn’t plan, is meeting Jameson Clover.

I found myself smiling so much while I read this book! I loved Charlie and Jameson immediately! I was rooting for them as soon as they met! Things get pretty steamy and I just wanted the story to keep going.

I don’t want to give anything away but I found this book very hard to put down and I felt many emotions while reading it. It will make you smile and warm your heart quite a bit.

[Michaela Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

The chaos of my life at the moment kept me from finishing this ARC as soon as I would’ve liked but I am so glad I finally could! The Summer Place To Be put forward relatable main characters, especially our FMC who’s a 40 something divorcee picking up the pieces of her life and rediscovering her own identity. I personally loved witnessing Charlie’s self-journey throughout this read, but her & Jameson’s love story was a bonus! There’s just something about small town stories…And this one captured elements of family, heartbreak, self-love, some trauma, learning to love again, and so much more.

[Books with Jen B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished The Summer Place to Be and I’m in LOVE! Melissa Trombetta has written exactly the kind of book that you won’t want to put down: emotionally honest, laugh-out-loud funny, steamy in the best slow-burn way, and filled with characters who feel like real people you’d want to grab coffee with (or a glass of wine… or maybe both).

The story opens with a look back 25 years ago that perfectly captures the reckless hope and butterflies of a teenage crush. Charlie’s daring fence-jump in hopes of seeing her hometown country music star, Jameson Clover, is equal parts awkward and bold. That single stolen moment with the guitar pick lingers at the back of her mind and will play a key part in her future.

Fast-forward to the present, and we meet an older, wiser (but still wonderfully messy) Charlie right after her divorce is finalized. She’s starting over — leaving behind her ex-husband, their shared business, and her life in New York to spend the summer back in her small hometown of Lainey Springs, helping her pregnant sister while quietly rebuilding her interior design career.

What I loved most is how authentically the author writes Charlie’s internal world. The exhaustion of rebuilding after divorce, the guilt of putting herself first, the mix of fear and excitement about starting over in her 40s — it all feels incredibly real. At the same time, Charlie is funny, resilient, and self-aware in a way that makes her instantly likable. Her banter with her best friends Nate and Luis is pure gold and provides the perfect amount of lightness and support. Then there’s Jameson. Oh, Jameson. From the very first encounter on the train, their chemistry is undeniable. He’s rugged, quietly charming, a little broody, and carrying his own baggage.

The small-town setting of Lainey Springs, the reunion of the country band Trifecta, the upcoming summer festival vibes, and the promise of second chances all create the perfect backdrop for a heartfelt contemporary romance. The writing is so vivid it makes you feel as though you are right there with the characters. The perfect balance of humor, vulnerability, and heat without ever feeling forced.

If you love stories about strong women rebuilding their lives, slow-burn romances with mature characters who actually feel like adults, witty dialogue, and just the right amount of small-town charm mixed with big emotions, this book is definitely for you! This is the kind of book that makes you want to pour a glass of something cold, sink into a porch swing, and disappear into the pages for the whole afternoon. Highly recommend for anyone needing a feel-good, relatable, and emotionally satisfying read. Melissa Trombetta has become one of my favorite authors and I can’t wait to see what she has in store next!

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an arc copy of this one from the author. And let me just say I am so glad I read this one! Within the first chapter I was hooked and knew this will be one small town second chance romance story that will have me completely swooning over! And let me just say it 100% delivered!

The Summer Place To Be has everything that I look for in a book! It is raw emotion, connection and humor all wrapped up in one.

I honestly fell completely in love with this small town and all the characters. Especially the main characters. Charlie and “Cowboy” aka Jameson they may be one of my ultimate favorite book couples ever! Their chemistry was great right off the bat but the way they connected on so many levels really brought so much more new layers to their relationship and it definitely felt real and genuine. I loved the fact that both their characters not only developed a relationship together but they were working on their own personal issues too. The fact that Author Melissa Trombetta showed so many real life emotional baggage that we sometimes carry with us was beautifully brilliant. It really connected me to this story even more.

Not only did Author Melissa Trombetta write great main characters she also added some side characters that brought so much to the story. Especially Bunny ( Jameson’s mom) this lady just felt like home and instantly became a favorite of mine. She was warm, funny, and one of them moms that as soon as you see her you know she has a warm hug and some bake goods waiting for you. I loved that we got to see Jameson and his family and friends along with Charlie’s too. It really hit the family dynamic perfectly.

When I say this book has it all I truly mean that. I highly recommend this one if you love a great second chance, small town romance that will have you in all of your feelings! And did I mention there may be a Special Horse and Dog that really made me smile in this one!

[Linda Zagon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melissa Trombetta, the Author of “The Summer Place to Be” has written an enjoyable, captivating and heartfelt novel. The Genres for this novel are : Later in Life Romance, Small Town Romance, Family and Friends, and Fiction. Melissa Trombetta vividly describes the small town of Lainey Springs in New York during summer, and her colorful and dramatic characters. The characters can be described as complex, complicated, flawed, and mostly relatable and likeable. I loved that there is a Horse Therapy Farm, with horses with their own individual personalities, and dogs. The female protagonist, Charlie Taylor, 41 years old, is headed to Lainey Springs for mostly a new beginning after her divorce and betrayals. Charlie also is visiting her pregnant sister, and hopes to help out. Charlie is very talented and creative, but loses the job she was going to work on, to her ex-husband. Years ago, Charlie had a crush on a country band player, Jameson Clover, and doesn’t realize that she is sitting next to him on the train.

Jameson Clover is now called “The Cowboy” by friends. He is divorced from a toxic woman, and has a young daughter that he is very proud of. Jameson is kind and helpful, and before long, Charlie really likes him. Their banter is adorable, and they almost finish each other’s sentences. I appreciate the author’s delightful witty style of writing. Jameson’s mother who lives in the area is moving, and Charlie is going to help “stage” the house so the mother can downsize. Will Charlie find a happily ever after?

I appreciate how the author discusses the problems with alcohol, and the importance of getting mental health and therapy. The author also mentions the importance of forgiveness, second chances, family, friends, love and hope. I laughed and cried, and read this book in one seating. I highly recommend this thought-provoking and emotional book.

[Veronica Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very grateful to have received the advanced copy of this book directly from the author. ♡

♞.°˖⋆ ℧ 𓃗 .°˖⋆♞

Book besties, mark your calendars for May 12th because you're going to want to get a train ticket to Lainey Springs as soon as possible. It's cute ✧˖°small town vibes✧˖° are definitely The Summer Place to Be. Happy to say I can add this book to the list of reads that keep me up all night because I cannot put it down until I finish. There was not a dry eye in the house when I concluded this book. Melissa Trombetta really knows how to dig deep and touch upon dark topics without making them feel like they're weighing you down, but still approaching them with the grace and tact that will make you emotional. This skill makes her characters multidimensional and so easy to fall in love with. Don't get me started on my new favorite cowboy. We ride at dawn for Jameson. Can't forget our charmingly chaotic city girl Charlie either.

Check out this book if you love:
♞small town romance
♞country music stars
♞cute animal sidekicks
♞starting over/fresh
♞later in life romance
♞second chance romance

[Cara Cogan-Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Homecoming I Didn't Expect to Love This Much
When Melissa asked me to preview her newest book, I was thrilled—I absolutely loved her last one! But The Summer Place to Be exceeded all my expectations.
What made this book so special? It's set in my hometown. Having that personal connection transformed the reading experience into something truly magical. As I turned each page, I found myself transported back to the places I know and love, which added an unexpected emotional depth to the story.
This novel has everything I could ask for: the charm of small-town life, the soul of country music, and an absolutely incredible love story that kept me turning pages late into the night. The romance feels genuine and earned, the setting comes alive on every page, and the characters captured my heart completely.
I genuinely can't wait to read this again when it officially releases. This is the kind of book that deserves a reread—one that stays with you long after you finish.
Highly recommended, especially if you love contemporary romance with heart and authenticity.

Cara Cogan-Carpenter

[Renoir · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Received an advanced copy from the author.

The Summer Place to Be is an emotionally grounded romance that proves second chances don’t belong only to the young.
What makes this novel truly shine is how likable and relatable the characters are. Charlie’s vulnerability, self-doubt, and cautious hope feel authentic, especially for readers navigating midlife transitions, career pivots, or the messy aftermath of divorce. Jameson’s internal tug-of-war between responsibility and longing mirrors the universal fear of asking, “Is it too late for me?” Their banter is sharp and warm, but it’s their honest conversations that linger. You root for them not because they’re perfect, but because they’re human.

Ultimately, The Summer Place to Be is a story about rediscovering yourself when life hasn’t gone as planned. It’s about accepting that reinvention doesn’t mean erasing who you were—it means honoring it while daring to want more. This novel will resonate with anyone who believes it’s never too late to begin again. Loved!!!! Must read! I’ve read it twice!

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this story we follow Charlie, newly divorced, starting her career solo, and headed back to her hometown for the summer to help her pregnant sister. On the way there she meets Jameson, a former musician with an adult daughter, needy ex-wife, and a bar he runs to honor his father. Neither of these characters is particularly happy but then they find each other.

I loved that this was a romance with older main characters! Their story was mostly drama-free even though they do have a few bumps in the road. I do think their love story was a little fast/insta-love, but it was still a fun read that had me shedding a few tears here and there. I don't think this book covers any new ground, but it is a solid and well-written story. Definitely worth reading!

This was my first book by this author and it looks like this is the first book in a series. I'm excited to read more.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book - all opinions are my own.

[Krista Cardini · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved reading The Summer Place to Be! Following the female main character, Charlie’s story as she confronts her past life in her beautiful former home town of Lainey Spring was so fun. Facing her new and uncertain future as a recently divorced woman, Charlie sets off on her trek to Lainey Springs on a hilarious train ride. It sets the tone for this rom-con so well.

From her chance meeting with her sexy cowboy bartender to her complex family dynamics, Charlie faces all her relationships with an inspiring strength that she has learned through her innovative new equine therapy journey at home in Lainey Springs. Charles’s internal dialogue throughout the book as she contemplates situations is very humorous and relatable! What a gift to have received an advanced copy directly from author, Melissa Trombetta! ❤️ 🐎

[Beth Moylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky to receive an ARC from the Author and NetGalley for my honest opinion. This story has everything you in a fun summer read, small town romance, starting a fresh start, family and heartthrob crushes that come to life. I was hooked from the first chapter. Charlie Taylor returns to her hometown of Lainey Springs in Upstate New York looking to make a fresh start. She is also there to help her sister prepare for her new baby and helping setting up and designing the nursery. Jameson Clover is a country music signer that Charlie was in love with when she was a teenager. Charlie never expected she would meet him and hit it off. They have ups and downs but you must read to find out what happens. You won't be disappointed.

[Susan DeVries · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! From the first chapter on I was hooked. Charlie Taylor comes back home to help her sister who will be having a baby in late summer. On the train back home, she meets Jameson Clover and embarrassment ensues. Since she wasn't supposed to be back for a couple of days, she has fun on the town where she runs into Jay again. Little does she know that he is the front man for Trifecta, a band she adored as a kid. Somehow, she keeps running into him and he get's her a job re-designing his childhood home, after she was shafted by her ex-husband. Will they find true love? You'll have to read it to find out.

I absolutely enjoyed this ARC, thanks!

[Dawnny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlie is starting over at forty-four after a nasty divorce. Returning to her hometown in Lainey Springs New York, she plans on reviving her interior design career. This becomes complicated when former country music frontman Jameson Clover enters the picture. I really love a good small town starting over story but this was so much more than that. This was humorous, yet complicated and emotional with some heat and it really pulled me in. Make sure you add this to your beach tote this summer. This is our book club pick and I'm looking forward to talking about it.

Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY

[Erin Zebelman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the ride Charlie and Jameson’s love story took me on. This emotional, small town upstate New York story was relatable to me in so many ways. Watching Charlie realize she was enough and worthy of the love she deserved, while seeing Jameson recognize he could be the partner she needed, made for a gripping love story. And by the end, I kept thinking the same thing…she deserved him an his adoring love. Highly recommend!

[Erin Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Currently dealing with a major book hangover after Summer Place to Be 😭 Charlie and Jameson have the most beautiful love story.

It gave me Abby Jimenez vibes but with a country twist, and I absolutely adored it. The characters felt so real, and I’m not ready to let them go yet.

This story completely snuck up on me emotionally in the best way. I already know it’s going to stick with me for a long time.

[Laurie Kaufman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a sucker for a good romance but this exceeded my expectations. Not only were the characters so relatable to me for personal reasons it made reference to country music which has a special place in my heart. Charlie and Jameson… a love story everyone should experience.
Melissa poured her heart and soul into this book and it shows.

[Jennifer Augeson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! So lucky to have received an advance copy from the author. The main characters are very real and the situations are relatable. Everyone brings a bit of their past into every relationship. But these characters figure out how to rediscover themselves when life has messy choices. They are brave and authentic and I enjoyed everything about them and Lainey Springs!

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melissa you are amazing and I absolutely loved this book!!
I was lucky enough to receive the arc fo an honest review.. I thought I knew was a 5 star and she did it again!!! The summer place to be was so good perfect read for the summer ☀️

This was a second chance small town love story that will make you feel all the feels I cannot wait for the second book I look forward to reading more from Melissa 💜

[Jeannette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a wonderful read. Had me laughing out loud quite often; love the author's humor. It transported me to a small town in the summer - easy and care free visual and vibes. Sexy hot at times and I now have a new appreciation for horses and country music. Love it!!

[Suzanne Leopold (Suzy Approved Book Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accidental summer love in a small town! Second chances, vulnerability, family, and a Cowboy!
Don’t wait for summer to fall in love with these characters.

[Taylor Van Epps · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely the book to get you into those warm summer feels. Steamy in all the right places, and keeps your interest to keep reading

[Jennifer Hickey · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars for Lainey Springs

I was absolutely delighted to get this arc straight from the author. I loved the characters, their witty banter, and the depth of their stories. It’s a heartfelt and relatable novel about love, family, and healing. I hope you enjoy the trip to Lainey Springs as much as I did. I can’t wait to dive into it again. Highly recommended!

[Tiffany Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

a must read!

This book has everything you want and I seriously need a lollipop!!!!
Such a good read and loved everything about it, definitely recommending to everyone!