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The Summer Place to Be: A Lainey Springs Novel
At forty-four, 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.
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.
- GenresRomance
Audible Audio
Published May 6, 2026
About the author
Melissa Trombetta
2 books182 followersMelissa 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
May 26, 2026
This is a heartfelt, small town romance. Charlie is 44 and starting over. She's moving home to Lainey Springs in Upstate NY, after just getting divorced. She wants the chance to build a new life. But when she runs into her old crush from back in the day, Jameson, things take an unexpected turn. This was such a great summer read. I loved it even more than I expected to. I loved both Jameson and Charlie as characters. The banter, and the slow burn build up of their relationship was so fun. There's some funny scenes and I was all in for the ride. I highly recommend you add this to your Summer reading list. So good.
Thank you to the publisher, author, and Suzy approved book tours for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher, author, and Suzy approved book tours for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
July 4, 2026
4.5 stars.
I was enthralled with "The Summer Place to Be" by Melissa Trombetta from the very first chapter! I really, really enjoyed this mature romance. I loved the setting, I loved the characters, I loved their healing journeys, I loved the banter, I loved the connection, I just loved it all. It was a pleasure to read this book! I am always looking for romance novels with characters in their 30s and 40s, and this was the perfect pick. Jameson Clover (MMC) is a former country music star who walked away from the limelight at the top of his popularity, basically vanishing from the zeitgeist without the public knowing why. Charlie Taylor (FMC) is a recently divorced woman who has recently returned home to Lainey Springs in Upstate New York. Her goal is to restart her interior design business after her ex-husband stole one of her biggest clients for himself. She's also back in town to help her pregnant sister prepare for her new baby. Jameson's mom wants to sell her house and needs an interior designer to help spruce it up before the sale. Enter Charlie, who takes the job, putting her and Jameson in a forced proximity situation to prepare for the house's sale. Their banter with one another comes frequently and easily, the chemistry between them teeming and undeniable. The more time they spend together, the deeper their connection becomes. This book is all about the characters finding and reinventing themselves. As they discover what they really want, they find solace in one another and heal from the wounds of their past. As I mentioned, I really enjoyed the charming chemistry between Charlie and Jameson. They both have a ton of baggage to work out as they both attempt to rebuild their lives separately, and eventually, together. I enjoyed this one!
Thank you to NetGalley, Melissa Trombetta, and Flawed & Funny Publishers for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
I was enthralled with "The Summer Place to Be" by Melissa Trombetta from the very first chapter! I really, really enjoyed this mature romance. I loved the setting, I loved the characters, I loved their healing journeys, I loved the banter, I loved the connection, I just loved it all. It was a pleasure to read this book! I am always looking for romance novels with characters in their 30s and 40s, and this was the perfect pick. Jameson Clover (MMC) is a former country music star who walked away from the limelight at the top of his popularity, basically vanishing from the zeitgeist without the public knowing why. Charlie Taylor (FMC) is a recently divorced woman who has recently returned home to Lainey Springs in Upstate New York. Her goal is to restart her interior design business after her ex-husband stole one of her biggest clients for himself. She's also back in town to help her pregnant sister prepare for her new baby. Jameson's mom wants to sell her house and needs an interior designer to help spruce it up before the sale. Enter Charlie, who takes the job, putting her and Jameson in a forced proximity situation to prepare for the house's sale. Their banter with one another comes frequently and easily, the chemistry between them teeming and undeniable. The more time they spend together, the deeper their connection becomes. This book is all about the characters finding and reinventing themselves. As they discover what they really want, they find solace in one another and heal from the wounds of their past. As I mentioned, I really enjoyed the charming chemistry between Charlie and Jameson. They both have a ton of baggage to work out as they both attempt to rebuild their lives separately, and eventually, together. I enjoyed this one!
Thank you to NetGalley, Melissa Trombetta, and Flawed & Funny Publishers for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
June 19, 2026
Great summer read!!
I absolutely loved this book. It was such an easy read, but I was completely hooked from the start and couldn’t put it down. The characters felt so real and relatable, and I found myself getting way more emotionally invested than I expected. There were moments that made me smile, moments that broke my heart a little, and by the end I was tearing up. It’s the kind of summer romance that gives you all the feels and stays with you long after you finish.
I absolutely loved this book. It was such an easy read, but I was completely hooked from the start and couldn’t put it down. The characters felt so real and relatable, and I found myself getting way more emotionally invested than I expected. There were moments that made me smile, moments that broke my heart a little, and by the end I was tearing up. It’s the kind of summer romance that gives you all the feels and stays with you long after you finish.
July 5, 2026
I really enjoyed this and found myself appreciating her descriptive words to help me envision it all. A sweet summer read.
Read
April 11, 2026I 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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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!
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!
April 7, 2026
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.
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.
May 12, 2026
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.
June 20, 2026
What a treat! “Summer Place to Be” is a love letter to Saratoga Springs, NY, it is a celebration of the journey of reinvention and it’s simply a whole lot of fun! I inhaled this charming, funny, heartfelt story on a cross country flight and loved every minute - captivated by the colorful and relatable characters and entertained through their dance all set on the backdrop of a town I love so dearly. And, the horses! What a gift Melissa Trombetta has given to all of us who love horses and who witness their healing magic every day. I believe Charlie’s experience with the horses - and her commitment to healing herself - will inspire many to follow her lead.
I can’t wait to read what happens next in Lainey Springs!
I can’t wait to read what happens next in Lainey Springs!
May 24, 2026
Charlie returns to her hometown after some devastating things have happened in her life. She wants to reconnect and help her sister with her pregnancy and get her career revived in a different way, but what she didn't expect was to run (literally) into Jameson.... an ex-country singer trying to be a responsible hard working man.
These 2 flawed MCs are both scared to fall into a relationship while trying to secure their futures but this summer romance will blossom and be tested.
One of my favorite parts (which is just a little subplot but makes a huge difference for Charlie) is the equine therapy farm. This book was emotional and I liked the growth I saw on the MCs which prove that it's never too late to reinvent yourself.
These 2 flawed MCs are both scared to fall into a relationship while trying to secure their futures but this summer romance will blossom and be tested.
One of my favorite parts (which is just a little subplot but makes a huge difference for Charlie) is the equine therapy farm. This book was emotional and I liked the growth I saw on the MCs which prove that it's never too late to reinvent yourself.
May 8, 2026
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.
May 20, 2026
The Summer Place to Be was such a heartfelt story about second chances, starting over, and finding love when you least expect it. Charlie’s journey after divorce felt honest, emotional, and so relatable, while Jameson brought all the broody cowboy energy I love in a romance.
I loved the slow burn chemistry, the humor, the small town vibes, and the supportive friendships woven throughout the story. It’s emotional, funny, hopeful, and the kind of romance that completely pulls you in.
I loved the slow burn chemistry, the humor, the small town vibes, and the supportive friendships woven throughout the story. It’s emotional, funny, hopeful, and the kind of romance that completely pulls you in.
May 25, 2026
Starting over at 44 isn't easy, but when you move back to your hometown for the summer and happen to crash land on your teenage crush while on your way there things start to look interesting. This book is full of humor, love, and the fresh start we all need at times. Add in horses for therapy, dogs, and very relatable characters and you have a perfect summer read that will touch your heart in all the best ways.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 27, 2026
This is great summer romance read with a small town setting. It has the points of view of the two main characters, Charlie and Jameson. Even though it’s got a setting of upper New York state, the book gives off a Nashville type vibe with Jameson in the past being a member of a country band as well as currently running a country bar in town.
I like the fact that these characters are a bit older being both in their forties.
I also enjoyed Charlie’s occupation of being a home stager and how that fit into the storyline.
I like the fact that these characters are a bit older being both in their forties.
I also enjoyed Charlie’s occupation of being a home stager and how that fit into the storyline.
April 11, 2026
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!
June 15, 2026
I met the author at a fundraiser for Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga. The book is basically the story of a divorced woman who returns to her hometown to assist her pregnant sister.
She does meet an old flame and in general seems to have problems with the relationship and finding her place in life.The story is very well written and intertwines all characters. You really feel like you know all the characters and are part of the story.
Her encounter with equine therapy was very much a part of her finding her way to peace and being able to enjoy life and all relationships.
A very good read!
She does meet an old flame and in general seems to have problems with the relationship and finding her place in life.The story is very well written and intertwines all characters. You really feel like you know all the characters and are part of the story.
Her encounter with equine therapy was very much a part of her finding her way to peace and being able to enjoy life and all relationships.
A very good read!
June 7, 2026
Wow. You drew me scene after scene.
You created a place and characters that shows what showing up for love looks like. What a great book. I can't wait to read your next one.
You created a place and characters that shows what showing up for love looks like. What a great book. I can't wait to read your next one.
March 2, 2026
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.
July 7, 2026
Swoon!
This book took me awhile to get through simply because I didn't want it to end. I loved the characters, I loved the small town vibe, and I loved how they were both damaged from their pasts and were able to deeply appreciate and respect that in each other. So dang cute! I'm really hoping this will be a series so I can keep reading about them! Not ready to say goodbye yet.
Charlie is going back to her hometown for the summer to spend time with her pregnant sister. She is parting ways with her best friends after living with them for a year after her divorce. Charlie is hiding all of her baggage from her sister and with a change of plans, her route home is a bit altered. A chance seating with a "Cowboy" on the train sets of a small town romance neither of them saw coming.
This book took me awhile to get through simply because I didn't want it to end. I loved the characters, I loved the small town vibe, and I loved how they were both damaged from their pasts and were able to deeply appreciate and respect that in each other. So dang cute! I'm really hoping this will be a series so I can keep reading about them! Not ready to say goodbye yet.
Charlie is going back to her hometown for the summer to spend time with her pregnant sister. She is parting ways with her best friends after living with them for a year after her divorce. Charlie is hiding all of her baggage from her sister and with a change of plans, her route home is a bit altered. A chance seating with a "Cowboy" on the train sets of a small town romance neither of them saw coming.
March 21, 2026
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.
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.
May 3, 2026
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.
July 5, 2026
I was so excited to win an audiobook version of Summer Place to Be! It was one of those feel-good, escape for a little while kind of books!
From the first page, you can almost feel yourself in the story alongside the characters. Yes it’s a romance, but it also brings some drama, comedy and a whole lot of everything in between. There is depth to the summer romance bringing second chances, figuring out who you were and who you want to be and living even when things don’t go as planned.
Light hearted with a little bit of drama, emotion and laughter! The story brought you along for the best and worst of Charlie Taylor’s life and made you feel like you were right there with her. She’s just like many other women her age — wanting love, taking chances, finding herself and doing it all while life revolves around her. The other characters fit into the story in a way that really sets the stage for her life.
Really enjoyed this one and will definitely be on the lookout for more by Melissa Trombetta!
From the first page, you can almost feel yourself in the story alongside the characters. Yes it’s a romance, but it also brings some drama, comedy and a whole lot of everything in between. There is depth to the summer romance bringing second chances, figuring out who you were and who you want to be and living even when things don’t go as planned.
Light hearted with a little bit of drama, emotion and laughter! The story brought you along for the best and worst of Charlie Taylor’s life and made you feel like you were right there with her. She’s just like many other women her age — wanting love, taking chances, finding herself and doing it all while life revolves around her. The other characters fit into the story in a way that really sets the stage for her life.
Really enjoyed this one and will definitely be on the lookout for more by Melissa Trombetta!
June 4, 2026
The Summer Place to Be is the perfect summer read! I loved the Lainey Springs setting and absolutely adored Charlie, Jameson, Shamrock, and Scout. This book made me laugh, swoon, cry, and made me want to attend Nashville’s Music City Fest! I always appreciate a book that gives me all the feels, and this one did that and more.
July 10, 2026
4.5⭐️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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!
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!
Review of advance copy received from Author
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!
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!
June 2, 2026
𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
🤠 love a cute cowboy
🏘️ ever had to move back to your hometown
💞 sometimes wish for a second chance at love with a certain someone
🐕 like cute doggy sidekicks
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
At forty-four, 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.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
What an adorable story about starting over in your forties! It sounds absolutely terrifying, but Charlie handled it with such grace, I was awed at her ability to compartmentalize and get her butt into gear. The characters are so well written that I felt as though I could step into the pages and find myself among them in Lainey Springs. Jameson is to die for, and I definitely found myself falling for him as well. The animals add a splash of comedy in at times, and I was rooting for Charlie the entire time to finally find her, much deserved, happily ever after. Now if only this town was real so I could go visit!
🤠 love a cute cowboy
🏘️ ever had to move back to your hometown
💞 sometimes wish for a second chance at love with a certain someone
🐕 like cute doggy sidekicks
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
At forty-four, 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.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
What an adorable story about starting over in your forties! It sounds absolutely terrifying, but Charlie handled it with such grace, I was awed at her ability to compartmentalize and get her butt into gear. The characters are so well written that I felt as though I could step into the pages and find myself among them in Lainey Springs. Jameson is to die for, and I definitely found myself falling for him as well. The animals add a splash of comedy in at times, and I was rooting for Charlie the entire time to finally find her, much deserved, happily ever after. Now if only this town was real so I could go visit!
Review of advance copy received from Author
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
♞.°˖⋆ ℧ 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
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
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