A Summer's Tale

by Jen Carter

Some people might have called Livy’s childhood unique, but for her, growing up in a town obsessed with Shakespeare festivals felt like a real-life comedy of errors. She couldn’t wait to graduate from high school and move away for college. All she had ever wanted was a “normal” life. It’s only when she must return home to see a gravely-ill friend that Livy realizes she left behind more than the silly festivals and small-town gossip. There are still pieces of her in Stratford—ones stemming from missed opportunities and misunderstandings. And now might be her chance to resolve the conflicts that have been buried deep inside her, especially those involving her complicated relationship with Hunter. Maybe Livy’s life is more like a Shakespeare comedy than she realized. Can she embrace summer tales of love, friendship, and bad acting by amateur thespians in exchange for a happily ever after? Or will she continue to reject who she is, letting her tale turn tragic? **Previously released as Remembering Summer**

Genres: Magical Realism, Contemporary Romance

285 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 24, 2018

About the author

Jen is a teacher and writer who loves writing for both children and adults, including the Sarafina Series for school-aged children and the new Otto Viti Mystery Series for adults. She lives with her beautiful family in the San Diego area. In her free time, she enjoys running, practicing yoga, and reading.

Reviews

[Rachel Jaadhav · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the book. Until the end. I get that it’s just a book... but this old woman disappeared and every one was just like “oh well! Guess she’s dead!” What?! So she went to the woods to die and is decomposing somewhere? She went to the hospital and is waiting for the people she loved to find her?? She walked outside and died and then puffed into a bit of ash and blew away with the wind? Maybe if the book hadn’t been set in modern times I could have accepted that. Then they were talking about wills and what have you’s... I just couldn’t.

Also I was really disappointed that there was no real resolution with the two main characters. I feel like we went on this epic journey with them as children and then as young adults and then... nothing.

*sigh*

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shakespeare, have you ever thought about living in his time?

If you enjoy reading and want to mix a town who relishes Shakespeare's work, acting, and dressing up this is a story for you. This is a town in our time, located in California. They are not Thespians. They enjoy the fun of his comedy, the camaraderie of getting the town decorated and a play ready to perform. Throw in a little love, the word witch and you have a story.

[Amy Just · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great "feel good" read!

I loved the characters in this book and the mix of new and old. The rich characters have you feeling you are right there.
It is refreshing love story, that just makes you feel good!

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unlike any book!

Live lives in a silly, crazy town! As we watch her live her life as a child, teenager and adult, a real community tale emerges! I was lost and found in this tourist town story!

[Kimberly Westrope · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a delightful story with a full crew of memorable characters. There is plenty of drama, hysterics, humor, and romance. And extra bonus fun for Shakespeare fans.