The Summer I Found Home

by Amanda Shelley

Being a pilot is all I’ve ever known.
I served my country and I’m damn proud of my career.
But sacrifices were made, especially when it came to family.
I’ve missed first steps, first days of school, and first dates to name a few.
My kids grew up. They’re having families of their own.
Was it worth it?
When an opportunity brings me to Seaside, I jump feet first no questions asked.
It means experiencing all those firsts with my grandkids.
With family as my focus and my guard down, I don’t even see Faye coming.
She’s a force to be reckoned with and has me holding on for dear life.
I thought our ship had sailed, but now that I’m home for good—I just might get more than one second chance.

264 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 26, 2026

About the author

Amanda Shelley writes romantic stories you can escape into. Some are steamy, others are sweet but all have strong characters with a little bit of sass.

When not writing, Amanda enjoys time with her family, playing chauffeur, chef and being an enthusiastic fan for her children. Keeping up with them keeps her alert and grounded in reality. She enjoys long car rides, chai lattes and popping her SUV into four-wheel drive for adventures anywhere.

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Reviews

[Mandi Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Summer I Found Home by Amanda Shelley was such an emotional and comforting read. From the very beginning, I was pulled into the small-town atmosphere, the family dynamics, and the way the characters slowly found healing and belonging through each other. The story had a really good balance of romance, personal growth, and emotional depth without becoming overly heavy.

I absolutely loved the chemistry between the main characters. Their connection felt genuine, and the tension/build-up made the romance even better. The spice level was perfect in my opinion — enough to add to the story and relationship without overpowering the emotional side of the book. I also loved how detailed the characters felt. Their struggles, personalities, and relationships made them easy to connect with, and I found myself really invested in their journey.

One of my favorite parts was the “found family” feeling throughout the story. The setting and side characters made everything feel warm and lived in, like you were right there experiencing the summer alongside them.

My only complaint is that I wish the book had been longer. Some parts felt a little rushed, especially toward the end, and I would have loved more time with the characters and their relationship development because I genuinely wasn’t ready for it to end.

Overall, this was a heartfelt, emotional romance with lovable characters, great chemistry, and the perfect amount of spice. Definitely worth the read.

[Mindy Diegel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m so glad that we finally meet the girls dad Mark after all the previous books. Mark is such a handsome suborn air force man through and through. But more importantly he loves his girls, grandkids and his family so very much. Watching him interact with them is so special. Faye she is so feisty I love her. She is so smart stubborn and I love that she is the one that got away all those years ago. Watching them re-integrate into each others lives so many decades later was beautiful. Then falling in love all the years later perfection. They fit together, like no time has passed. I’m so glad they got there happily ever after.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Summer I Found Home by Amanda Shelley is the story of Mark and Faye. It’s been thirty years since they’ve seen one another. Their lives have changed dramatically since then. Now, they are neighbors.

This is a midlife, slow-burn romance that just captured my heart! This was a tender, sweet second-chance romance. Their lives went in such different directions, yet they seem to fit back together seamlessly. But, this can’t ever be anything…things have to return to the norm after this summer ends….Lovely read!! This can be read as a standalone, but the series is worth the read! 4.5 stars!

[Michelle C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second chances, new beginnings, love, family and so much more. Amanda brings so much life to Mark and Faye’s story. Been a long time coming and worth the wait. Enjoy

[Michellelovesreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book. I loved the characters, I couldn’t put the book down once I started reading it.

Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book in The Summer in Seaside series and it is Mark and Faye’s story and it is definitely a must read. Mark was in the airforce and now retired he does jobs that he is needed for which keeps him busy while still doing the job which he loves and being a pilot keeps him in the air and then he meets Faye again who was his childhood sweetheart and now Mark is divorced and had his four beautiful daughters who have families of their own which he loves being with his grandchildren as he missed out on a lot of his daughters growing up. After Faye got to meet Mark again she realised that he is never far from her mind so she is now hoping that they can reconnect again and see where it goes. The attraction and chemistry between Mark and Faye is as strong now as it was many years ago and when they eventually kiss sparks fly all around them and when they eventually come together again it is totally explosive and even after many years apart their love for each other is still as strong as ever and definitely stood the test of time but will they eventually get the future together that they both want and deserve after so many years. Wow I absolutely love this book and family along with all the laughter, banter and message threads from them all. I read this book and it was so addictive that I couldn’t put it down as it kept my attention throughout. I look forward to reading many more books by this author in the future.

[Karen Boozer · Rating 5 out of 5]

An appropriate and wonderful ending to the Summer in Seaside series! Second chance romance and an unexpected reunion meet up. Mark and Faye were high school sweethearts that ended up taking different paths after high school. 30 years later after Mark retired from the Air Force and moves back to Seaside to be with his family he finds out his next door neighbor is none other than Faye!

When Mark and Faye start hanging out together they learn that it is almost like they haven't spent 30 years apart. Faye kind of gets thrown into the deep end with Marks family when he unexpectedly needs to take care of his grandsons, one of the reasons that he moved home, and we find out that she is wonderful with them. Then comes time to meet his girls and everyone really gets along great!

As with every couple, there are some bumps in the road but they overcome those and are stronger for it. One of the things that I absolutely love about this series is the family group chat. This is one hilarious group of people!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Summer I Found Home is one of the sweetest books I’ve read in a long time. Mark and Faye are true soul mates.

They were together as young adults, separated thirty years, led different lives, and then reunited in the cutest way. I loved seeing his family, who we have read in the previous books in this series. I felt right at home seeing them again. It just made me smile with their crazy but loving dynamics. Faye just fit right in with his family. I love that Amanda has written his sweet and sexy story.

Mark and Faye experience life and love again in the most beautiful way. Their chemistry is off the charts and I love seeing older couples reunite, especially after such a long time. If you love a good second chance romance, then it’s the perfect story. But definitely read the other books in the series. You'll want to get to know this family.

[Karen Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! Second chance romance. Mark and Faye were definitely meant to be together forever!

It’s been about 30 years apart for Mark and Faye who were high school sweethearts. He married and divorced and had 4 daughters. Wait til you read their group chats! They were something else. Mark is retired but still is a pilot part time. Faye is a cybersecurity analyst. She has come back to Seaside after her dad had a health scare. As soon as they run into each other-they live next door to each other, it’s like they pick up where they left off all those years ago. They get along so well, she’s great with his grandkids, and even his daughters seem on board once they find out. The chemistry between the two is electric! Is there a forever in their future? Wait and see!

[Keely · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wasn’t sure what to expect going into this one, with it being about the Lancaster Sister’s Dad, but enjoyed it more than expected! Mark & Faye had chemistry that started from the beginning, even if they hadn’t seen each other for 30 years. They were able to jump into each other’s lives easily and be accepted by the other’s family, which is huge. A cute way to end the Summer in Seaside series! So glad we got to hear more about all the Lancaster girl’s growing families. Plus a sweet touch at the end with the letter from Jane that showed she wanted Mark & Faye to find themselves back to each other as well.

[Liberty Munson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great series ender for the Lancaster sister series. Their father finally gets his HEA with the one who got (pushed) him away. They find themselves in Seaside, OR, 30 years later with the same spark and chemistry. As I was reading, I kept thinking "is this all rise" (fans of How I Met Your Mother know what I mean), and it truly was. They reconnect after 30 years, and they learn to navigate each other's lives. Low angst, high spice, lots of love, and just two soul mates figuring it out years later.

This book is great without reading the previous books in the series and spectacular when you have. A great series ender. 

[Cindy Palmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the next installment in the Summers in Seaside series and I very much enjoyed this book. I love it when I'm able to read characters that are more to my age and Mark and Faye's story was a fantastic 2nd chance. Mark is a retired air force, divorced guy who is still a pilot but also does odd jobs to help stay busy and that's how Faye and Mark reconnect. The connection is still there and the way that they find their way back to each other is a good way for a HEA.

Thank you Amanda Shelley for the advanced copy, the review is mine.

[Amanda Schumacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a fun and sexy read. It's fast paced a bit and is a second chance romance in the small town of Seaside Oregon. I loved this so much. I'm a sucker for Second Chance romances. Mark and Faye were together in high school but broke up at Faye's insistence so they could both follow their dreams. 30 years later, they reconnect and realize they live next door to each other. Their journey is worth the read and attachment to these characters.

[De Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was ridiculously sweet. It was so endearing to read Mark and Faye’s story. They are truly meant to be for each other. The connection and chemistry Mark and Faye share was undeniable and ever prevalent. Despite time and distance the war they fit together and that dynamic never faltered. Watching them reintegrate into each other’s lives was heartwarming and the ending was utter perfection for this story.

[L KQ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spark of Love

When high school sweethearts reunite, the intensity of emotion ignites. Mark and Faye had parted ways and started new lives but many years later they run into each and realize that there are still sparks between them. It was a beautifully written story and I loved their dynamic. I did not want to put this book down.

I am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Amber Follette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mark and Faye’s story is so cute! Long lost lovers who reconnect after a long time apart. Who doesn’t love a good love story of people finding their way back to one another? And it’s a perfect read for summer. This was a great book that helped get me out of my slump.

[Annie Grandorff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bittersweet- an end of an era

Love the ending to the Summers in Seaside series, although I will miss getting regular glimpses into the lives of the Lancasters. Well done Amanda. I can’t wait to see what you come up with next!

[Teri Ruscak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amanda Shelley
The Summer I Found Home
Part of: Summers in Seaside (51 books)
Faye and Mark
Faye was Marks’ one true love, and after they found each other again, they never wanted to be apart

[Lisa Marks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet romance about high school sweethearts you reconnect years later.