Summer Moved On

by Jo Lambert

After a long-buried secret tears her family apart, Jess Hayden moves to the South Devon village of Lynbrook to live with her uncle. Rufus owns the village pub, The Black Bull, and having visited before, Jess knows the villagers well…especially one of them.

Talún Hansen has a reputation, making him the kind of man no decent girl should get involved with. Jess, however, has been under his spell from the moment they first met. Although they always seem to bring out the worst in each other, there is no denying the attraction that simmers between them - an attraction Jess knows she needs to keep under control after repeated warnings from her uncle.

As she settles into village life she begins to learn more about this wild, dark-haired gypsy with the compelling eyes, and realises their lives hold many similarities. Despite her uncle’s warnings, she begins to spend time with him. For Jess, the coming summer holds passion; for Talún the hope that he has at last found someone who truly cares for him.

But as autumn approaches, a dark shadow from Jess’s past returns, bringing far-reaching and unwanted changes for both of them.

Genres: Romance

376 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 3, 2015

Reviews

[Lizzie Lamb · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is more scientific than romantic to state that opposites attract and likes repel, but that phrase kept coming into my head as I read this novel. On the surface, the heroine Jess has everything she could desire in her boyfriend Zac. Yet she is drawn to moody, brooding 'Heathcliffe'-esque Talun. And who wouldn't be, at that age? Is he just what Jess needs in the long summer before going up to university. Or is he the worst thing that could happen to her at this stage in her life? Jess has everything that money can provide but lacks a father's love and relies on her lovely uncle Rufus to fill in the gaps. Small wonder then that she appears 'ripe for the picking.' The reader's heart is in her mouth as Jess and Talun's relationship develops and we worry that its all going to end in tears. There's plenty to keep the reader on side - a warm village community, complete with characters who wouldn't be out of place in a Miss Read novel, or Cider with Rosie; a best friend, a scheming womaniser, a cold father and a mystery to be solved regarding Talun's parentage. I'll say no more as I hate spoilers. Suffice to say that, like some of the other reviewers, I'm looking forward to the sequel.

[Sharon Goodwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

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With her dad always working abroad and her mother abandoning her, Jess developed a bond with her uncle Rufus as she was growing up. So when Rufus buys The Black Bull in Lynbrook it's fitting that Jess, her father Leo, step-mother and her boyfriend Zac visit. The antagonism is there between brothers Leo and Rufus from the very beginning and on this visit, Talún sees something he misunderstands and the scene is set for the antagonism between him and Jess.

I enjoyed getting involved in the lives of the Hayden's and leading up to the reveal of the secret it's interesting to see how perceptions and wants are so different from each other. Once Jess is in Lynbrook, The Black Bull patrons add even more colour.

All the characters have their flaws and most have redeeming qualities. I really didn't like Leo. Blinded by ego and so self-centred, he really deserved to be ostracised. There are times when he is so frustrating! Lily is another character who made me angry. We haven't seen the last of her I feel or the three teens whose antics could have proved fatal to others.

Talún's story is interesting. I can't see how Amberleigh and Lynbrook can possibly come together. Although not worlds apart in setting, how can the situation resolve I wonder ... So many missed opportunities!

Jo Lambert has a talent for building conflict and just as it's resolved, along comes another issue that has to be dealt with. This certainly keeps you on the edge of your seat, wondering what is coming next and who it will involve. I love the close knit communities she creates.

Watercolours in the Rain is the sequel to Summer Moved On and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next!

I would like to thank the author for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Justkeepreading · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Drama Driven Publishing and Jo Lambert for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

I love Devon and when I saw that this is where this book is set I just had to read it. The descriptions of Devon and the pub brought the scenery and environment to life for me wishing I was back in Devon.

Jess has moved to Devon to live with her uncle rufas and to escape her problems. Rufas runs a pub called the Black Bull. Meeting bad boy Talun Hansen and falling for him their story is full of massive ups and downs and they spark and conflict constantly with each other. Despite her uncles warnings there is s bond between them that Jess cannot ignore and so starts to spend more time with Talun. But as Jess's troubles seem to catch up with her is there a happy ending to be had?

Plenty to keep the reader engaged in this story, mystery, intrege, love, friendship, interesting characters, and lots of relationship dynamics. This book will have you gripped from the start and wanting to know what is going on from the first page.

Happy reading everyone

[Sheryl Browne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summer Moved On was the perfect title of my second holiday read. Dishevelled, unkempt and undeniably attractive, a Lothario reputation he apparently strives to live up to and Devil may care attitude, Talun is absolutely the kind of man eighteen year old Jess should steer clear of. Noting his penetrating gaze and broody good looks, however, Jess is drawn. As is Talun to Jess, to his chagrin. Talun’s mother was a traveller, his father unknown. He's a farmhand with no prospects. Jess is obviously from a monied family, and obviously unworldly and spoiled, he surmises, noting the comments in regard to his appearance that pass between her and her also monied and arrogant boyfriend on first meeting. The last thing Talun wants is to be attracted to someone like that. Jess and he are poles apart. Or are they? As the story progresses, we learn that Jess, though provided for materially by her father, love and affection is not something that comes naturally to him. Talun is the bad boy you just can’t help but fall in love with. Learning his secret, knowing he never really knows whether the mother he adored, and who apparently adored him, truly abandoned him, we realise why he might seek affection but is perhaps reluctant to give his heart. He doesn’t want to have feelings for Jess. Jess, though, has much more in common with Talun than he could realise. If only sparks didn’t fly every time they meet, she might even be able to tell him so.

Summer Moved on is a beautifully written story, looking at love, life, prejudice and preconception. I actually had goosebumps when Talun came face to face with someone who might unravel his past, who he is, where he came from. Bearing in mind I was lying on a sun lounger in Portugal at the time, that’s some achievement. If you like a moving, thought provoking read with a powerful male point of view, this is the book for you. My only disappointment is that I don’t have the sequel right now.

[Devika Fernando · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title of the book is well chosen, as this is a perfect summer read and also highlights how much can change in one season / a short span of time in one’s life.

There’s a lot to like about this novel, starting from the writing style. It flows effortlessly and the language is simple yet evocative, which fits the genre and story perfectly. The setting is well chosen and comes alive just as much as the protagonists. Also, hats off to the author Jo Lambert for including gypsies and handling the somewhat taboo topic beautifully.

I loved Jess, the main character. She’s the right mix of spunky, intelligent, independent and insecure, and the author portrays her development credibly. Sometimes I could really identify with Jess – especially when it came to everything concerning her unnerving father. He and the whole family situation really added to the story and helped to move the plot forward. I also loved to hate Lily with her scheming. Talun is a fascinating choice for the hero, with a bit of a villain’s qualities in him at first. As much as others want to prevent it and as the two themselves want to deny it, they’re made for each other. It takes a long time and many twists and turns until they get the happy ending they deserve, but that’s part of what makes this book an entertaining read. Kudos to the author for presenting the many emotions and motivations in such an authentic light.

If you like YA and NA novels or well written books with vivid, strong characters that make you think, then you’ll enjoy “Summer Moved On” as much as I did.

[Diz Reads 4TLOReading · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author and I wasn't disappointed.

This is book 1 of 2 and is set in Devon a southern rural county in the U.K. And is written in multiple POVs which I enjoyed.

To begin with I wasn't sure on Jess as she came across as a spoilt brat but as the story continued you grew to like her.

This a story about abandonment and hope there is plenty of intrigue and mystery to keep you reading.

Looking forward to book 2

[Tiziana Langone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just one summer for so many feelings… 

Jess Hayden is an 18 – year old woman who seems to have it all. She is in a relationship with Zach, much to her father’s delight, and she gets very good along with her stepmother Amber.
Yet there is more than sees the eye… the relationship with her father Leo is just non – existing, despite all her effort to please him.
So when Leo brings home Lily, another young woman who he has met, it’s the beginning how Jess’s world falls apart. 
After secrets that tear her family apart, Jess finds solace in the South Devon village of Lynbrook. Her uncle Rufus brings her the so much required peace and love and a feeling of belonging. Jess gets to know the villagers better and even against all warnings, warms towards Talún Hansen, a man with a certain reputation and certainly not someone a decent girl like Jess should get involved with. Yet the heart wants what it wants and a summer full of passion starts. 
But when the past catches up with Jess, changes are ahead and not all of the happy kind… 
Talking about a story that broke my heart… 

Jess is such a positive girl despite her family situation. She is a real genuine young woman, ready to help whenever she can. She truly loves her boyfriend Zac and even if her father will never win the Award For Best Father Of The Year, she loves him. Luckily she has her stepmother Amber, who is more a real mother than her actual mother, and he has also her best friend Roo. And having people who truly care and love you, can make up for those who don’t.  
There are so many characters I just disliked, like Leo and Lily.
Leo was easily to hate, his coldness towards Jess is just unjustified. Even towards his own wife he acts like he can boss everyone around.
Yet even my dislike towards Leo is nothing compared to the actual hate I felt towards Lily… The way she manipulates everything and everyone around her so that she gets what she thinks she deserves is just despicable. 
So when Jess, after trying to bond with Lily yet gets her heart broken over several levels, moves to her uncle Rufus, I was happy that she found a place to call home.
In Lynbrook she can truly just be herself, and is accepted by all the villagers. And I was delighted for her as it would appear that finally luck was on her side.

After a dodgy first meeting, Jess and Talún start bonding and it was just sweet to read how these two people, having both been through so much in their young years, are growing together and realising that the past is just what is it, the past. When love comes, you cannot hang on to what happened in the past, but you have to put it behind you and just go for your own happiness. 
Jo Lambert wouldn’t be Jo Lambert if Jess and Talún getting together would be the end of a beautiful yet heart – wrenching story. There are so many twists and turns, some I didn’t see coming at all that made me turn page after page. 
I found this a difficult book to read. Not because it was not good, but because of what was happening. I just wanted our protagonists to find their happily ever after and when it didn’t happen when I wanted it to happen, it was just terrible. 
This is a story about lovely characters, having terrible people in their lives. Despite all the bad things happening, the characters show a resilience of moving on, not just staying seated and wallow over what has happened to them. 

After I finished reading this book, this book kept being around in my thoughts. I had the need to know if the end of this book was truly the end. 
So I picked up the second part of the series and submerged myself again the bittersweet story of Jess and Talún.

[J.B (Debbie) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love Jo Lambert's writing style. It flows so easily and at a pace that keeps the reader fully engrossed throughout. Having read Jo's previous books I really looked forward to reading Summer Moved On. As per usual, Jo did not disappoint and provided an interesting and engaging story. Poor Jess is quite a mature 18 year old who lives constantly in the shadow of her father's disapproval. He is a cold, uncaring and unloving man yet Jess tries her hardest to make him proud of her. However, she does lose her patience with him more at his treatment of her beloved uncle who seems to care more for Jess than her own father does. Throughout the book I become just as frustrated with her father. What a horrid man! But all becomes evident deeper into the story. When her lovely uncle Rufus buys a village pub and Jess works there for a few weeks during school holidays she experiences village life at its best and becomes popular. It is here that she meets Talun who she likens to Heathcliff and I think that it is a very good comparison as he is indeed dark and brooding.
A bit of a womaniser, Talun suddenly finds himself both infuriated and fascinated by Jess. The pair have a love-hate relationship and the sexual chemistry between the pair is palpable. However, Jess has a boyfriend who she is perfectly happy with and her father has her whole life mapped out for her, ultimately leading to marriage. Talun himself is a man of hidden depths despite his reputation as a love them and leave them type of man and that soon becomes evident throughout the course of the book.
Things take on a strange turn of events when Jess's uncaring and cold father suddenly takes an interest in a local waitress, taking her under his wing. She is out to cause trouble for Jess and certainly succeeds in doing so. I loved how Jess was so grown up in her attitude to many things and mostly very sensible. As were many of her friends. Coming from a fairly well-to-do family, Jess is not a spoiled brat in any sense and settles into village life so well, she becomes an instant hit with the villagers. She is confident and caring and I loved that about her. I loved Talun and his complexities. This is a story rich in interesting characters and an equally interesting plot.This book has lots of twists and turns and I'd highly recommend it. Great reading! I look forward to the next book in the series!

[Anne Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great story, set in beautiful South Devon, with teenager Jess at its heart. I did briefly wonder if I might struggle with such a young focus for the story - it's the summer between the end of school and the beginning of university - but I liked her very much. She's a mature 18 year old, while at the same time a bit unworldly and perhaps a little too open and trusting. When we first meet her she's in a relationship with rich boy Zac, much to her detestable father's delight. But when her life is blown apart by family secrets, she moves in with her Uncle Rufus at his village pub, where her relationship with Talún develops. He seems totally unsuitable for her, a bad boy with a quite dreadful reputation with women: to begin with their exchanges are pretty fiery, but he turns out to be a much more complex character than he at first appears with a soft side, a very sad past, and secrets every bit as life changing as Jess's. And he's also absolutely gorgeous - there's a great scene set on (well, "in" actually) the river that's absolutely guaranteed to make your heart beat faster along with Jess's.

The author has created a wonderful cast of characters - all the villagers, Jess's faithful friend Roo, her foul father Leo, long suffering stepmother Amber, schemer Lily - and the story is a real page-turner, full of twists, turns and surprises. It's quite perfectly paced, and I really like Jo Lambert's writing style - easy to read, flowing, perfect to escape into. And it really is quite a story - it took me in directions I never expected, and left me with a smile on my face and a tear in my eye. Jo describes her writing as "romantic drama driven fiction", and that describes it quite perfectly.

I have to say my smile was even wider when I saw that there will be a sequel - Watercolours In The Rain - because I'd so like to spend more time with Jess, Talún, Rufus and the rest of these wonderful characters who became my friends. This was such a lovely, lovely read.

[Julie Boon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is set in the South West of England (my favourite place!) and is about a young woman called Jess, who is living with her Dad but they have a very awkward relationship. He works abroad a lot and does not show any interest in her. She gets on much better with her uncle, who has just bought a pub in a quaint Devon village. It's there that she meets lots of lovely villagers, but also meets Talum, the tall, dark haired, handsome stranger, who turns her summer upside down!

As the story unfolds, you get to know more about the secret Jess' mother kept from her and the reason why her "Dad" just can't seem to accept her.

Talun is portrayed by the villagers as a womaniser, and to some extent, that is exactly what it is, but when Jess comes along, he tried to play the cool guy but it seems she has some kind of spell on him and falls for her.

I really enjoyed this story. The author describes the characters in detail and it was good that some characters were likeable and others weren't! Lily was particularly nasty, but then so was Jess' "Dad", but they got their comeuppance!

I must admit, when I got to the end of the story, I was a bit disappointed with the end...........until I realised there is a sequel coming!! so the story of Jess isn't finished - yippee! I hope I get the chance to read the next instalment!!

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you discover a writer with the same surname as you and even the same initial it's a done deal that the books going to grab your attention. When its a lovely sweet romantic drama with lots of fascinating characters it's even better.

This is a great summer read, set in rural Devon one summer it focusses on the story of 18 year old Jess. When the story begins her uncle is buying a pub in Devon and at the start of the summer holidays circumstances cuase Jess to go to live in the pub with her uncle Rufus and becomes immersed in village life.

Romance isn't far away and despite being warned against local lad Talun, his smouldering gypsy eyes soon cast a spell on Jess and the young couple find they have more in common than you'd think. But true love never runs smoothly and circumstances conspire against them as the summer passes in a heat haze.

Although you'd think a book with an 18 year old heroine would be more of a coming of age novel for younger readers this book encompasses readers of all ages with a timeless quality and a backdrop of village life worthy of the village stories of Miss Read I used to enjoy.

If you're looking for a lovely heartwarming story with lots of little twists and turns and raw emotion coupled with some nice and some far from nice characters, you won't go far wrong with Summer moved on.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

*This book was received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

It took me a little while to get into the book... nearly making it the first ever on my DNF list; but I persevered and after a somewhat rocky start I started to get into the book. I can honestly say this will never be on my all time favourites list, but the story was ok.

I did find that although she was a bit of a spoiled brat that I liked Jess and wanted to know how her story ended (mainly why I kept reading) so I was slightly disappointed that there wasn't a HEA at the end of the book... I knew it was part of a two book series - but I really do not enjoy books that to me don't have a complete story line. This was more like a snapshot of Jess's life for six months or so - and you know she has more growing to do but you have to read a whole nother book to see this happen. I was also slightly disappointed in "uncle" Rufus and his fickle treatment of Talún... and I still don't really see the point of the Lily character

As I said - I finished the book which I wasn't sure was going to happen at the start!

[Nikki Bywater · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eighteen year old Jess has always felt a much stronger connection to her Uncle Rufus than her own neglectful parents. Leo her father had always been cold towards her and no matter what she does she cannot do anything right by him. Rufus had given her all the care and love she had needed. Jess is a sensible girl with a bright future. Then she meets rough farmhand Talún. Talún has a reputation and is a ladies man with wild ways and although Jess knows she should stay away... The couple are drawn together and find they have something very much in common.

What I really like about Jo Lambert books is that there are never any dull moments. The drama and romance comes thick and fast. The pace of the book builds up to an amazing story. The characters in the book are so alive and real that you will become emotionally involved and fall deep into the story... It will take you a short while to adjust back to your real life. This is the first of a series of books and I have to say I need book two NOW!

[Sally Coles · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the surface Jess has everything she could want - a wealthy family, private school education, hunky boyfriend but the one thing that has been missing in her life is love - her father worked abroad for years and had no time for her when he returned home and her mother ran off with a much younger man leaving Jess to a life of boarding schools and visits to her lovely uncle Rufus

So when Rufus buys a village pub Jess is looking forward to spending time there but her uncle is not happy when she appears to be drawn to the village bad boy Talun. Talun is having an affair with the much older lady of the manor and has a string of girlfriends behind him...would Jess really get involved with him when she has Zac!

A good fun light hearted book - looking forward to the next one to see the outcome!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The two protagonists, Torun and Jess are both vulnerable. Torun was abandoned by his mother and Jess lost her mother at a young age. It would seem that these two young people are meant for each other. The course of true love never did run smooth however and at times I wanted to slap both of them and bring them to their senses. With Lily as prize trouble-maker, it is not surprising that these two seem to fall out and make up on a regular basis. The location and characters are superbly drawn and Jo Lambert certainly knows how to tell a story. I found myself sad as I was coming to the end but then, happy surprise, I discovered that there will be a sequel. I am really looking forward to finding out what happens to these two next.

[Rebecca Emin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those wonderful books you pick up to escape into. By coincidence I read it while on holiday in Devon so the fact the story was based around where I was added to the mental imagery I had as I read it.

The characters in the book are developed and convincing, and the secondary characters supported the main characters well in the story.

I love the sort of book that enables you to float of to another place - this is definitely one of those books and I am already looking forward to reading the sequel next year.

[Anna Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first read from this author. I'm glad I went in blind and I am so impressed! I fell in love with the author's style. The story is set in rural England and written from multiple POVs and there is no explicit sex scenes, quite refreshing actually. It's the story about two young people both abandoned by their mothers. I won't go on and on about the characters you have to find out for yourself. All I can say is, this is an unexpected five star read for me!

[Hannah Symonds · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this story so much, for me it had everything you could want from a brilliantly written story. I loved all the characters, especially Jess as I could see myself in her a little bit. There is really good descriptions in this story which made it come to life more. This is a story with lots of emotions and dark secrets, it is truly captivating.

[Kit Domino · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely Jo Lambert's best book to date. Although slow to start, once hooked had difficulty in putting it down and am now looking forward to the sequel.

[poppy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely read just perfect for a lazy weekend didnt want to put it down a super read recommended to all