A Summer to Stay: A small-town, second-chance romance

by Michelle Ruoff

Genres: Small Town Romance, Second Chance, Second Chance Romance

330 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 5, 2026

About the author

Michelle Ruoff writes spicy small-town romance with a little magic. She is a technical writer turned romance author based in Florida. After earning her BA in English from the University of Florida and her MA in Professional Communication from Clemson University, she spent a decade in the tech industry before following her heart to romance.

She loves all romance tropes, but single-parent, childhood friends-to-lovers, and why-choose stories hold a special place in her reader heart. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her deep in an omegaverse (IYKYK), binge-watching Love Island, or pulling tarot cards with an iced coffee in hand.

She lives in Orlando with her husband and dog, Sage, the true love of her life and constant writing companion.

Reviews

[Lauren (lololovesthings) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars.

I thoroughly enjoyed "A Summer to Stay" by Michelle Rueoff! This is a romance between a single father and a woman coming back to her hometown after the death of her father. Ava hasn't been back home to her small mountain town of Cedar Falls in quite some time. She just wants to pack up her dad's belongings and clean up his cabin so she and her brothers can get it on the market without much fanfare or emotion. Unfortunately, being in her small hometown means big emotions involving Owen, her ex-boyfriend and the love of her life. They were childhood friends to lovers, but something broke them apart years ago, never to be repaired again. Ava does her best to avoid Owen, but her best friend is Owen's little sister, so it complicates matters. They are in each other's orbits; they are imprinted on each other's DNA. To me, they felt destined to make their way back to one another. Their relationship will not come easily, but the more time they spend together again, the more they fall back in love with one another. Can Ava love Owen, knowing he has a child? Can they get over their very painful past? There is A LOT of yearning and pining in this book, and I think Michelle Rueoff is able to convey the want and need Ava and Owen have for each other from the very first few chapters! It only gets better over time as it all comes to a head. I am not the biggest fan of second-chance romances, but I dug this one. I think the emotions, the want, the need between the main characters kept me reading, engaged, and interested. I absolutely hated Ava's other friend from the city. I hated the way Owen treated her in the past/the catalyst for him telling her to "never come back" to Cedar Falls. I think that's a good thing, though, that I disliked what happened here, means it was well-written to elicit a response from me! There is a good balance of romance and drama here. I like the world Rueoff has created in Cedar Falls, and I cannot wait to go back to this world! Great stuff!

Thank you to Michelle Rueoff and Love Notes PR for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ava left her hometown ten years ago after a situation that left her heartbroken. Now she’s back to settle her dad’s affairs following his passing. She’s running into people from her past, but there’s one person she wants to avoid during her short time in Cedar Falls—and that’s Owen. There is one person she’s happy to see, though: her childhood best friend, Summer, who just so happens to be Owen’s sister. Cue the best friend’s brother trope!

Owen, now a single father, never got over the relationship and the dreams he once shared with Ava. He recently purchased an old historic building with plans to renovate it into the bed and breakfast they dreamed about as teenagers.

As Ava navigates her grief over her father’s passing, she reconnects with her hometown and begins to realize there may be more for her there. Spending time with her brothers, Summer, Owen, and his son helps her discover what she truly deserves in life—and that the sparks between her and Owen were never extinguished. Will she and Owen get a second chance at love and the future they once imagined?

Oh man, A Summer to Stay was so good!! This story was incredibly sweet with just the perfect amount of spice. I couldn’t put it down! I loved the pining between Ava and Owen and how their love never faded from their teenage years.

I knew as soon as I saw this was a second-chance romance that I’d be hooked, and Michelle delivered this trope so, so well. Honestly, she nailed all of them.

It’s so easy to connect with Ava and Owen—and all of the characters! They’re incredibly likable and bring so much emotion to the story.

There were several moments where I gasped out loud at what was happening. One such moment was a phone call Owen made to Tori—ugh, Tori!! She had me gritting my teeth.

Michelle has clearly set this book up for additional Cedar Falls stories, and I can only hope Lucas gets one. Summer too! Honestly, I want all of the supporting characters to have their own stories. I’ll be anxiously awaiting more from Michelle and the Cedar Falls series!!

Thank you, Michelle Ruoff and Love Notes PR, for the ARC of A Summer to Stay. Add this to your TBR—it’s a beautiful story about second-chance love.

[Lola · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute, easy read and I genuinely enjoyed it. I have a soft spot for second chance, small town romances, especially when the characters find a sense of family in the people around them, and this delivered on that so well. The writing flowed effortlessly, and I found myself getting attached to the characters pretty quickly. Avery completely stole the show for me. I loved him so much. The side characters were also fun and added to that cozy, close-knit small town feel. And the gossip was so real. I forgot how quickly news travels in small towns and how it can be both annoying and weirdly entertaining at the same time.

I still stand by my dislike for third act breakups, especially in second chance romances. Like… you’ve already lost each other once, why are we doing this again? BUT, this one didn’t frustrate me as much as I expected and it also didn’t go on for a long time, which I’ll give the author credit for.

Overall, it’s a really solid debut. And thank you to Love Notes PR for the ARC copy!

[Sandy Goguen-Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love small town romances, and this did not disappoint. The main characters, Abby and Owen were likeable, and I loved the sexual tension between them. There were some surprises throughout and I loved watching Abby discover more about herself.

Thanks to Love Notes PR for the ARC book and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

[Jenn Arzberger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I overall loved this book. Laughed out loud. The sibling banter reminded me of my own brothers. Sadly I also lost my father this past year and I sadly related to what Ava was going through and feeling. Now I know I’m gonna rant a bit in this review and you’re gonna be like why give it 4 stars if you have such issues. But that’s the point! I have issues with the characters almost like in fighting with my own family. I want to yell and smack some of these people because it’s like I actually know them. My issues are with the people not the story or how it was written. This book brought up a lot of emotions. That’s the definition of a good book if you ask me!

I never got why brothers best friend is such a cliche but best friends brother isn’t. Summer and Ava did have a bit of a rift because they were dating but because she didn’t want Ava to hurt her brother… again… oh I have words on that but first I must address the best friend brother vs brother’s best friend issue I have. I mean I didn’t choose my brother. You chose your best friend. Wouldn’t you want to surround yourself with great people which would then mean that your best friend would do anything to protect your sister. Meanwhile I once watched my brother open the living room window pick up my best friend and drop her directly into a garbage can in the alleyway. (Yes that really happened to my best friend) now if she then turned around and told me she loved my brother I’d be rushing her to get her head examined because seriously, Girl, remember that time he dropped you out a window into a trash can!

Sorry ok back to the book. I had issues with how almost everyone treated Ava. No she wasn’t perfect but she turned into everyone’s punching bag. …. Spoiler alert! Ava lost a baby, Owen tells her to leave and never come back then 3 months later a knocks someone else up. Owen has a 9 year old kid and Summer, best friend of the year, NEVER TELLS HER!! Then blames her for her brother being heartbroken. Well she was heartbroken too. But Owen gets away blame free for telling Ava to leave and not come back not once but twice!

Matt’s mad at her because she hurt Owen. Her brothers are mad at her because she never went back to visit dad. Then mad at her because the father’s decision about the Will. She didn’t write it! Morgan’s mad because she might leave the job she’s not happy in so tells insignificant ex boyfriend who’s name I forget exactly where to find Ava even though she’s been avoiding his calls, texts and emails for months. Let the girl breathe people!!!! Ok that’s it. I’m off my soapbox. And yes I will again just like to remind you. OH MY GOD I loved this book! lol.

[Sammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was honored with an ARC Copy to read, here are my thoughts.
This is a small-town, second chance romance that hit an emotional sweet spot for me—while also leaving me a little conflicted This is a story about coming home. Ava returns to Cedar Falls to handle her late father’s cabin, and in doing so is forced to confront her past—including Owen, her first love... Her journey is layered with grief, healing, and the tension between ambition and a more rooted, meaningful life, which hit home for me.
The romance leans into second-chance territory, and there’s no denying the history between Ava and Owen. Their connection feels lived-in rather than instant, with a softness that makes you want to believe in them. However, in the present timeline, their relationship felt a bit underdeveloped. I wanted more rebuilding, more depth, and more moments that clearly showed why they still belonged together, their rekindling seemed very physically motivated, not emotional healing to lead to a strong rebuild of the relationship.
Owen, especially, was complicated in ways that didn’t always land for me. While he has traits that can make him easy to love—a devoted dad, steady presence, boy next door charm—some of his past choices and lack of accountability through the book made it harder to fully root for him. Because of that, parts of the emotional payoff didn’t feel fully earned. The story relies quite a bit on miscommunication, much of the tension comes from things that could have been resolved with more direct conversations, making some conflicts later in the story, feel more frustrating than impactful.
The pacing also felt disjointed, with slower sections contrasted by moments that felt rushed, which made it harder to fully settle into their emotional journey. I found the third-person POV created a bit of a divide between me and the characters, making it harder to fully connect with.
That said, there were still elements I really enjoyed. the small-town setting is warm and charming, the side characters—especially Avery—add a strong sense of community, and the grief storyline was handled with care and emotional depth. The banter between siblings was great. While a few friendship dynamics and plot points felt slightly overdone or out of place, the overall atmosphere remained cozy and inviting.
Overall, this is a soft, emotional, low-stakes romance with strong themes of healing and second chances. A good read for someone needing something soft and comforting to read.

[Kris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Owen and Ava's story made me a bit rage-y

I’m going to start positive before I go into my rant, because some key scenes/actions in this story seriously pissed me off.
And if I get pissed off in a book, it often doesn’t go well regarding my thought process about it…

Loved the small town vibes, and the overall ex-to-friends-to-more was pretty good (if a little weird). I adored her relationship with Avery, and even the emotional healing with her brothers.
There’s a ton of people introduced, but I was able to keep track of them, so it wasn’t overly confusing… It’s definitely left the door open for many stories - and I spy drama already…

Now… onto the not so great…

A MAJOR hold-up moment…
They had a pregnancy scare - and they obviously melted down.
Then, only a few months later, he got another girl pregnant??? WTF!!??
Oh… and this was a ‘friend’ who is apparently gay that she didn’t have to worry about when she was at college…
It was excused away as his ‘heartbreak’ over their split, but the reason why I’m really pissed wasn’t revealed until much later in the book.

The reason for their split was devastating for AVA, yet he LIED, and he managed to convince everyone that he was the squeaky-clean one. And he does it again at the end… Maddy (aka Baby Mama) got what Ava didn’t…
AND, he hid it from everyone that on BOTH occasions, HE TOLD HER TO LEAVE!!!

Ava ended up being everyone’s whipping boy. Her brothers laid into her for their father’s decisions. Summer claimed that she broke Owen when they split. Owen wanted everything from her without committing back… While the book was enjoyable, those particular things made me want to reach in and hug her, giving everyone else the one-fingered salute, while finding her a new man.

The miscommunication… excuse me… lack of communication was annoying. Ava copped the tongue lashings from everyone blaming her for all of her ‘wrongs’, Owen still hiding his actions from everyone…. Seriously, I’m all for a second-chance romance... If it’s done well.
For the most part, it was, but that particular trope AND a third-act breakup? This author is absolutely joking…

Thanks, Michelle, for the advance copy… I’m hoping that the next in the series is a little less rage-y for me.

[Nescee Ann Silverio · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a beautifully emotional, small-town, second-chance romance that feels like a quiet, healing summer wrapped in the warmth of nostalgia and unresolved love.

The story follows Ava Hanson, an ambitious hotel manager from New York, who returns to her late father’s cabin in Cedar Falls, intending to stay only long enough to settle his affairs. However, what begins as a temporary retreat turns into a transformative journey as she confronts her grief, her complicated family relationships, and most especially, her past with Owen Fowler, her first love, who happens to be a single father now.

What makes this novel stand out is how truly it portrays grief and emotional avoidance. Ava does not immediately process her loss; instead, she tries to stay busy and in control, which makes her eventual unraveling feel raw and authentic. Alongside this, the romance between her and Owen unfolds with palpable tension: full of longing, hesitation, and unfinished conversations that make every interaction feel meaningful. Their relationship is not just about rekindling old feelings but about growth, vulnerability, and learning to face the past they both tried to bury.

The small-town setting of Cedar Falls adds another layer of charm to the story. From the cozy café to the lake and familiar community dynamics, the setting contrasts beautifully with Ava’s fast-paced city life which highlight the novel’s central tension between ambition and belonging. The supporting characters, particularly Summer and Avery, bring warmth, humor, and emotional grounding which emphasize the importance of chosen family and community.

Overall, A Summer to Stay is more than just a romance; it is a story about healing, rediscovering oneself, and learning. It leaves us one valuable lesson: success isn’t always measured by career milestones but by the relationships we nurture and the places we choose to call home.

It is a comforting yet poignant read that lingers long after the final page and perfect for anyone who loves character-driven stories with emotional depth and heartfelt second chances.

[Tanya · Rating 3 out of 5]

this is a small-town, second chance romance that had a lot of potential, but ended up being just okay for me 💭

the story follows Ava returning to Cedar Falls to handle her late father’s cabin—only to come face-to-face with Owen, her first love… and the one who told her to leave years ago. that setup already carries so much emotional weight, and I was really hoping for a deeply layered reunion 🥺

I did like Ava and Owen individually. they’re easy to root for, and their history gives a solid foundation for a second chance romance. but for me, the relationship in the present timeline felt a bit underdeveloped. I wanted more depth, more rebuilding, more moments that showed why they still belonged together 💔

the story leans heavily on miscommunication, which isn’t my favorite trope. a lot of the tension comes from things that could have been resolved with more direct conversations, and that made parts of the book feel frustrating—especially the conflict later in the story.

the pacing also felt uneven. some sections moved slowly, while others felt rushed, which made it harder to fully settle into their emotional journey.

I also struggled a bit with the third-person POV. it’s a personal preference, but it made the romance feel more distant than I usually like, and I found it harder to fully connect with the characters because of that.

that said, there were elements I did enjoy. the small-town setting is warm and charming, the side characters add a nice sense of support, and the grief aspect—especially surrounding Ava’s loss—was handled with care and added emotional depth 🌿

overall, this was a softer, low-stakes romance with emotional moments and a strong small-town feel. while it didn’t fully work for me, readers who enjoy second chance stories and don’t mind miscommunication-driven conflict may still find something to love here 💕

[Caz (whatcazread) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Summer to Stay is a cosy, emotional small-town romance and exactly the kind of comfort read I love sinking into. Michelle Rueoff absolutely nails the yearning in this story, the kind where two people clearly never stopped loving each other, even after years apart.

Ava returns to Cedar Falls after her father’s death, planning to sort out his cabin and leave as quickly as possible. Of course, coming home also means facing Owen, her first love and the man who once told her never to come back. Now he’s a single dad renovating the inn they once dreamed of building together, and the chemistry between them is still very much alive.

The strongest part of this book for me was the atmosphere. Cedar Falls feels warm, nostalgic and lived in, full of gossip, history, complicated family dynamics and people who know each other a little too well. The side characters added so much charm, especially Avery, who completely stole every scene he was in.

The romance itself is sweet and packed with pining. Ava and Owen have that deeply rooted history that makes a second chance romance so satisfying when it works. Their connection felt natural and believable and there were so many lines and moments that had me melting. The grief storyline was something I could relate to and was handled really thoughtfully, adding emotional weight without making the book feel overly heavy.

That said, this definitely leans into the miscommunication trope, which won’t work for everyone. I did find myself wanting a little more emotional rebuilding between Ava and Owen in the present timeline, especially considering their past.

Overall though, this was an enjoyable read and easy to binge in a day.
Read if you love:
- second chance romance
- small town setting
- childhood friends to lovers
- single dad romance
- best friend’s brother

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ 4/5
🔥 3/5
🌶️ 3/5
💧 4/5

A Summer to Stay by Michelle Ruoff was an emotional second chance romance filled with grief, heartbreak, healing, and reconnecting with the people you once loved.

Ava returns to her hometown after the passing of her father and is forced to face both the aftermath of his death and the painful relationships she left behind years ago. I honestly connected with Ava a lot throughout this story. The grief, family tension, and feeling disconnected from the people around her all felt very real and relatable.

Owen, now a single father, was someone still carrying guilt and unresolved feelings from the past. Their relationship history added so much emotional weight to the story because their breakup came from tragedy, grief, and words that caused lasting damage.

I understood why Owen reacted the way he did when they were younger because pain and grief can make people lash out, but those words were still such a slap in the face. Then later when similar hurt resurfaced again… yeah, that definitely frustrated me for Ava.

What I really enjoyed was watching them slowly rebuild trust and connection after ten years apart. Even through all the hurt, resentment, and unresolved emotions, you could still feel how much love remained between them.

My biggest thing was honestly wanting a little more groveling from Owen because I think the emotional payoff would have hit even harder after everything Ava experienced emotionally throughout the story.

Overall, this was a heartfelt small-town second chance romance with grief, healing, family struggles, single-parent elements, and emotional growth that made it an enjoyable read.

[onlyhereforthehea · Rating 3 out of 5]

🌶️/5

A Summer to Stay is a small-town, second chance romance that was just okay for me.

The story follows Ava as she returns to Cedar Falls to close up and sell her late father’s cabin. Being back also means coming face-to-face with her first love, Owen. The one who told her to leave years ago and never come back.

I liked both Ava and Owen well enough. They’re easy to root for individually, and I could see the foundation for a strong second chance romance. But for me, the relationship itself felt underdeveloped. I wanted more depth, more time spent actually building their connection in the present.

This book leans heavily on miscommunication, and that’s something I personally struggle with. A lot of the conflict comes down to things that could have been resolved with a straightforward conversation, which made parts of the story frustrating to get through. There’s also a third-act miscommunication conflict that didn’t work for me.

That said, there were elements I appreciated. The small-town setting is charming, the side characters are supportive without being overwhelming, and the moments that touch on grief were handled with care. The writing itself is solid, and while it’s written in third person (not my usual preference), I adjusted to it fairly quickly.

Overall, this one was just fine for me. If you enjoy low-stakes, small-town second chance romances and don’t mind a heavier reliance on miscommunication, this might still be worth picking up.

🌟 thank you to Michelle Ruoff and Love Notes PR for the ARC and the opportunity to provide my honest review

[Ana Margarida · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Love Notes PR and Michelle Ruoff for an ARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review!

I really loved stepping into this world!

This story was incredibly sweet, with just the right amount of spice. I couldn’t put the book down until I’d finished it!

I loved the way Ava and Owen’s love never faded, even as the years went by. It was so easy to connect with Ava and Owen (to be honest, with all the characters).

I have to admit I missed having the epilogue in the book itself, so the ending wouldn’t feel so rushed. Especially as I wanted to read even more about them!

I really want to read about Ava’s brothers!! About Summer!

“Ava dressed in red used to be his Kryptonite.”

“She’d always smelled like lemons and sunshine to him. She still does.”

“But now wasn’t the time to think about Owen and his stupid handsome face and coffee brown eyes and the way his thumb ghosted over her bottom lip”

“Friends teased each other, right? At least it seemed they were in friend territory recently. Friends who kind of wanted to kiss each other.”

“Ava waved him off. “No, no, Avery’s fine. He’s not a bother at all. I think it’s cute how excited he gets when he sees me. It’s so sweet.””

“He did have Avery to worry about. Those worries seemed to melt away whenever he was in Ava's presence. The realization unsettled him.”

““And I know what it’s like to be kissed by you, Ava. That,” he emphasized, “I will never forget.””

““Ten more years could pass, and I could still never get over you, Birdie.””

““You don’t have to be alone, Dad. Carter was telling us about his new stepmom. He said he liked her a lot and his dad was happier. His mom is gone a lot. Like Mom,” Avery said.”

““Do you love her?” Owen didn’t hesitate. “I never stopped.””

[Bella · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story hit me right in the heart in the quietest, most unexpected way.
Ava coming back to Cedar Falls after losing her dad felt so raw and real. You could feel the heaviness of grief in every choice she made, especially in the way she tried to keep everything surface level so she wouldn’t fall apart. And then there’s Owen… not the boy she left behind, but a man who has built a life rooted in love, responsibility, and showing up every single day. Him as a single dad and small town coffee shop owner just added this warmth that made it impossible not to love him.

The second chance romance between Ava and Owen is soft, emotional, and full of history. You can feel the tension between who they used to be and who they’ve become. I loved how their connection never really disappeared, it just evolved. Their moments together felt genuine and grounded, not rushed or overly dramatic.

What really stood out to me was the theme of choosing between ambition and a life that actually feels fulfilling. Ava’s internal struggle felt incredibly relatable, especially that push and pull between chasing success and wanting something deeper and more meaningful.

Overall, this was such a comforting, emotional read with small town charm, second chance love, and characters that feel like real people. If you love stories about coming home, healing, and finding your way back to what truly matters, this one is absolutely worth picking up.

[Nikki Dunlap · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book hit that emotional sweet spot while also leaving me a little conflicted.

At its core, this is a story about coming home. It has grief, healing, and figuring out what really matters when life doesn’t go the way you planned. Ava’s return to Cedar Falls carries a quiet heaviness that feels real and grounded. Her struggle between ambition and a more meaningful, rooted life was one of the strongest parts of the story.

The romance leans into second-chance territory, and there’s no denying the history between Ava and Owen. Their connection feels lived in rather than instant, which gave their moments a natural, unforced quality. There’s a softness to their dynamic that makes you want to believe in them.

That said… Owen was complicated in a way that didn’t always land. While he has qualities that should make him easy to love…a devoted dad, steady presence, small-town charm, some of his past choices and lack of accountability made it harder to fully root for him. At times, the emotional payoff didn’t feel quite earned.

The side characters added warmth (especially Avery), but a few plot points, particularly surrounding friendships and conflict—, it just felt a bit overdone or out of place.

Overall:
A cozy, emotional small-town read with strong themes of healing and second chances, but with a romance that may not work for everyone.

Thank you Michelle and LoveNotes Pr for the advanced copy in return for my honest opinion.

[♡Angelique♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rounded up for this story.

I really wanted to love Owen and Ava. There were so many tropes in this story that I love: I loved the town. I loved Avery (god did i love Avery). I love a second chance at love. I love a single dad. I just really did not love Owen and Avery.

I really did not enjoy how Owen became a single dad. He was in love with Ava and had a surprise pregnancy that ended in tragedy. But because she was unsure of what her future held before suffering loss, Owen loses it, hurts her and then a few months later has a one night stand and gets her pregnant. Nevermind that this woman was a friend Ava knew of and was supposed to be gay. Also, when the 3rd act breakup comes, Owen says the worst things and he doesn't even grovel when she takes him back. It's like he didn't have to work for it. Honestly, the only thing Owen really had going for him was Avery. He was a gem.

Ava also had her own faults. I think the storyline with Summer was a bit much and honestly kinda came out of nowhere. I would think as Ava's close friend, she would understand not to take the things Ava says seriously. I can see her being hurt and them working it out, but not Summer getting super mad about not knowing what Ava and Owen are doing behind closed doors. It was a bit over dramatic.

I want to read the next story and hope the relationship is better than Owen and Ava's mess.

[Rose Snipes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A summer to Stay by Michelle Ruoff (ARC Review) (NO SPOILERS!!!)
This is a cute small town second-chance romance book. This book follows a girl named Ava, who is dealing with the grief of her father. She has two brothers, but she goes alone back to her hometown of Cedar Falls, with a thought of avoiding a sticky situationship. At her time in Cedar falls, she reconnects with her best friend, Summer, who has a brother, who is trying to help Ava clean out, Ava’s father’s cabin to get ready to sale, and head back up to New York to her job.
This book also follows a man named Owen. Owen is a single father who owns a café, who is also the person that Ava is trying to avoid. Yes, they do end up seeing each other again, and with that comes the consequences that Ava would have to face when she starts building a relationship with Owen’s child. The question that leaves me wondering is how long will she stay in cedar falls, and what will happen next?
For me, this book is a 4.75/5. This book is so cute and amazingly good. At first, I was on edge whether I would like it or not. But, as soon as I learned some more about the characters, especially after chapter 3 or 4, I started to fall head over heels with this book. I would recommend this book to any fellow lovers of small town romances and second-chance romances.

[Eloïse van Deutekom · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

I love myself a second chance romance and this book was amazing! This book had so many great topics like loss of a parent, co-parenting, trusting yourself and others and so much more.

I liked the main characters, but there was one character that I liked the most and that was Avery, Owens kid. Avery is just such a bright soul and every time he was in a scene, I knew I was going to like it. Let's be honest, Avery is the kind of kid that makes you want to have kids yourself.

Ava is such a sweetheart and I want to hug her for all the stuff that she's been going through with the sudden death of her dad and being back 'home' after 10 years. Everything she went through with her dad and all the things she learned from it really hurt me, but it was also very beautiful.

I didn't like Owen as much as I hoped I would. He was a good guy and all, but it still doesn't sit right with me that he got the woman he told Ava not to worry about pregnant when they were together. Besides that he was a pretty solid guy who actually wanted to communicate. Even though the third act break up was completely his fault.

This book made me cry but it also made me laugh very hard.


My favorite quote:
I swear to God if you propose to me right now, I will say no on principle.

Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of an advanced copy provided by the Author

This was such a heartfelt cute, small town, second chamce, single dad romance. The writing style flowed nicely and was very easy to follow. You just kind of feel yourself falling in love with the characters and the storyline. If you like any of the above, make sure to check this book out!

There is a miscommunication trope in the book, and at points I just wanted to tell both characters they need to sit down and talk to each other. Once talked about, you saw the background of why Ava left in the first place.

Ava is grieving her father who passed, and heads back to the small town her best friend Summer and her brothers live. There were some family struggles with Ava and her brothers, but in time, with communication, they were able to resolve their differences and finally lay their father to rest.

Owen is a dedicated, loyal, smart character. He is a single dad, and he would do anything for his son, including protecting him from being hurt.

The relationship between Ava and Owen progressed in no time, as they reconnected and got their old flame back.

I am very excited to see what this author puts out next!

[Rebecca Jean Shepherd · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Summer to Stay follows Ava as she returns to Cedar Falls to sort through her late father’s Cabin.
Coming back home, means facing Owen, her first love. Now Owen is a single dad, and reconnecting with him forces Ava to question whether she wants to return to the life and career she built away from Cedar Falls or finally take a chance on staying.

I thought the story had a lot of potential, their history together gave the relationship an emotional foundation. But for me, the romance in the present timeline felt a little underdeveloped. I wanted more depth, more rebuilding, and more moments that truly showed why they still belonged together. The pacing felt uneven at times too, some chapters dragged while others moved too quickly. That said, the vibes of this book are really cozy and comforting. The small-town setting feels warm and charming, and I appreciated the emotional layer of grief and healing woven into Ava’s journey, especially surrounding the loss of her father.

The vibes - small town setting, slow burn, second chance romance!

[Alyssa's BookShelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️ Read
First I want to thank the author Michelle Ruoff and Love Notes PR for an ARC of this book!!
I really enjoyed this small town, second-chance romance.
I loved romance between Ava and Owen throughout this book and I was so happy that they got an second chance at being together. I felt sorry for Ava and everything she was going through in this book since her father died and trying to get her father's house ready to sell and also stuff with her job.
Loved how Owen and Summer called Ava Birdie throughout this book. I loved Ava and Summer's friendship throughout this book and Summer also made me laugh in this book too. Loved the small town of Cedar Falls. Loved Owen and Avery's father and son relationship through this book. And I also loved how Ava was with Avery too. I liked the side characters in this book too. Part of me didn't like Ava's brothers and part of me liked them. I didn't like Ava's ex in this book too. But I am glad that Ava and Owen and Avery got an happy ending together and I recommed this book.

[•Cici• Theory of A Dreamer Book Blog♥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I saw this book announced and started looking forward to it. To Cedar Falls I went! I liked this debut!

Ava and Owen's journey got my attention! These two once had something, but it ended in heartbreak. Now, loss is bringing Ava back to Cedar Falls. Owen is a single dad to son, Avery. As the two collide once again, will they ignore everything between them? Or could they have another shot?

When Owen and Ava were brought back into each other's lives I wasn't sure how everything would play out for them. I really liked how there was so much history between these two. I went through many emotions while reading Ava and Owen's story.

I really felt for Ava. She went through rough things that got to my heart. I wanted to talk to Owen through my kindle at times. I adored how he was a dedicated dad to Avery. It wasn't easy for Ava and Owen. I just struggled at certain points with their story.

I liked being in Cedar Falls!

*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Love Notes PR / the author*

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one grabbed my attention because it's a single dad romance. I'm so glad I read this one. It's a mix some of my favorites in books; small town, second chance, and slow burn. My heart goes out to Ava because she is back in Cedar Falls for such a sad reason. She hasn't been back in years. Her true love lives here and they haven't spoken since she left. The tension flares once again between them. One of my favorite parts of the book is how Ava and her brothers realize how much they really did miss this small town. It has it small town antics and politics. This book was balanced with humor, heart, and heat. Owen's son Avery is precious. I loved the way Ava describes him as mini version of his father. Some of my favorite scenes are between Ava and Avery. After finishing this book I can't wait to return to Cedar Falls because I hope Ava's brothers get books too! Also not gonna lie I loved how much loons were mentioned in this one.

[Krystle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bittersweet past

There are many times when I'm reading that I want to smack the MCs for how they act, and I wanted to do that here too, but then again, it makes the story more interesting. What was different about this story was Ava's older brother. Oh, that man. I understand where he was coming from, but good grief, he acted like everything was Ava's fault. I am glad to see that he did finally pull his head out of his rear end as the story progressed.


Like Ava, I wasn't sure what to think of Maddy when we first met her, but I really liked how she fit into the group. And she was the perfect person to get Owen's head on straight. Little Avery was the perfect contrast to all of the tension throughout the story, and I really enjoyed watching him grow.


I look forward to reading more about all of the fun characters of Cedar Falls in the second book

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review



A Summer to Stay

⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5)


I really wanted to love A Summer to Stay by Michelle Ruoff, and while it didn’t fully hit for me, I can see the appeal. It’s a slow-burn, second-chance romance with a strong focus on emotions and past history between the characters.


For me, the pacing felt a bit slow and at times repetitive, and I found myself a little confused during parts of the story. I kept waiting for things to fully click, but it took a while to get there. That said, once everything came together, I did appreciate the emotional resolution and the overall message about communication and giving love another chance.


If you enjoy character-driven romances with lots of tension and a gradual build, this might still work for you!


Thank you to @lovenotespr for sending me this ARC!

[alissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Love Notes PR & Michelle for the opportunity to receive an ARC for a honest review ⛰️👙☀️

I loved this book! As a girl who loves small towns, mountain scenes & single dads yesss 😍😍

I enjoyed the relationship between the two characters—Owen & Ava—even though Owen got me MADDDD like ooouuu boy 😭 But genuinely i enjoyed the second chance romance in this story they went well together.

Lets also talk about how i got teary eyed because my girl Ava put her heart out there and like 💔💔😩. I cried with the emotions Ava felt towards her and her families grief and with her relationship with Owen.

This also felt and is so summery! I would recommend this book as a summer read for sure especially if you go on vacation to the mountains or live in similar areas with creeks, lakes, mountains, etc!

Thank you Love Notes PR and Michelle again!

[paola · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Ten more years could pass, and I could still never get over you, Birdie."

Ava, is a great character, she's strong. At first I couldn't understand her but then I felt and understood her.
I fall in love for Owen, hahaha, is a love man with his son (and his first love)
I was enchanted by the friendship, I loved it read that, was so real.
The siblings relation is real too, they support themselves, and talk about their feelings after their dad passed away
Avery is a good boy, he understands his life and the situation between his parents, but he's like a Cupid between his dad and Ava and he doesn't know it.
I liked to read this second chance romance, I felt connected with them and some situations I cried and the others I laughed.
I loved the nickname from Owen to Ava and the tattoos oh gosh.
I wanna read more books from the author

[PrincessStitchy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Summer to Stay @ruoffwrites

Let me start by saying I got this arc yesterday....I finished it last night I couldn't put it down!

This book is beautifully written! But please check your trigger warnings ⚠️ as it 100% has some heavy hitting topics but covers it beautifully. Saying that there are also plenty of laugh out loud moments and moments to make you go AWW as well as OH MY 🌶

The sandwhich conversation had me lol between Summer Avery and Ava

You can't help but be connected to all the characters even the non main characters! I don't know how to put into words what a great book this was I read it in one sitting! It broke me in places and then slowly pieced me back together not forgetting a few more breaks along the way 😆🤣

[☆Laura☆]

Ava regresa a Cedar Falls para encargarse de la casa de su padre después de su muerte, pensando que solo será una visita rápida antes de volver a su vida normal. Pero estar ahí significa enfrentarse a un pasado doloroso.

Como si eso no fuera suficiente, volver también la pone frente a Owen Fowler, su amor de juventud y la persona que conoce partes de ella que nadie más ha visto. Aunque han pasado los años, la conexión sigue ahí, tan fuerte como antes, y ninguno parece capaz de ignorarla. Pero no está solo ya que ahora es padre soltero.

Mientras Ava intenta sanar, tomar decisiones y descubrir qué quiere para su futuro, ese verano podría darle una segunda oportunidad para reconstruir su vida.


Gracias Love Notes PR por el ARC.

[Andrea Milburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this small town, second chance romance. The characters and storyline were well written and easy to follow. Ava comes back to the town she visited every summer to deal with family matters and comes face to face with her ex Owen. Feelings from their past behind to surface and they have a whole lot of things to work through. I wasn't a huge fan of Ava's best friends Summer or Morgan, but they served their purpose in this story. I would have liked a little more from the ending......I feel like Ava didn't make Owen right a little harder, especially Sally after breaking her heart AGAIN!
(I received a complimentary ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.Thank you LovesNotes PR and Michelle Ruoff)