The Summer Hideaway

by Jenny Hale

One moment can change everything…

Alice Emerson and best friend Sasha Miller have made a pact. They’ve decided to swap city living for the beautiful white beaches of the Outer Banks and pour everything they have into launching an ice cream shop in the little house by the sea where Alice spent blissful childhood holidays with her grandfather. As Alice and Sasha add colour to the walls of the beach house and tempt the locals with their delicious recipes, their fresh new life begins to take shape.

Swept away by her plans, love is the last thing on Alice’s mind. But she keeps running into mysterious doctor Jack Barnes, and finds herself falling for his golden charm and warm smile. As they laugh through sunshine-filled days and long romantic evenings, Alice tries hard not to think he could be the one for her – Jack is only here for the season, and Alice has had her fair share of heartbreak.

Just when Alice’s summer couldn’t be more perfect, she discovers an old letter tucked away in the beach house. It contains a family secret that turns Alice’s world upside down and threatens the future of the ice cream shop. And then Jack reveals a secret of his own...

Will Alice have her dreams shattered and her heart broken, or can she find true happiness this summer?

From the bestselling author of The Summer House, an utterly stunning, uplifting summer romance, about the power of friendship, discovering family secrets, and the beauty of falling in love by the sea.

* Previously published as One Summer *

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Chick Lit, Audiobook, Summer Reads, Beach Reads

292 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2018

About the author

Jenny Hale is a USA Today, Amazon, and international bestselling author of romantic contemporary fiction. Her books have sold worldwide, have been translated into multiple languages, and adapted for television. Her novels Coming Home for Christmas and Movie Guide Epiphany Award winner Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses are Hallmark Channel original movies.

She was included in Oprah Magazine’s “19 Dreamy Summer Romances to Whisk You Away” and Southern Living’s “30 Christmas Novels to Start Reading Now.” Her stories are chock-full of feel-good romance and overflowing with warm settings, great friends, and family.

Jenny is at work on her next novel, delighted to be bringing even more heartwarming stories to her readers. When she isn’t writing, or heading up her romantic fiction imprint Harpeth Road, she can be found running around her hometown of Nashville with her husband, two boys, and their labradoodle, taking pictures—her favorite pastime.

Visit www.itsjennyhale.com to get my latest book! You can also chat with me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/jennyhaleauthor, Twitter: www.twitter.com/jhaleauthor, and IG: www.instagram.com/jhaleauthor

See all my books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Jenny-Hale/e/B...

Reviews

[Berit☀️✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Summertime Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟

A perfect beach read filled with fabulous characters, the sun, the sand, and ice cream 🍦 this was a quick fun read you could read poolside or at the beach in a couple hours... or you could read it on your couch and imagine you are in this beautiful setting of the Outer Banks...

Alice and her BFF Sasha need a fresh start... they have both sworn off men, because the men in their lives have been nothing but heartache... but as they say just as you stop looking, love will walk in (not sure who says this?) when Alice meets Jack there is an instant connection... to be honest I felt as though this was a little quick, but I liked Alice and Jack so much I really wanted happiness for them... but their happiness was challenged by a letter containing a secret... will Alice and Jack get there HEA? you’re going to need to read the book to find out....

Alice was a likable character so down to earth and real... I loved Sasha and her friendship, always a treat when you have a positive female friendship in a book! Jack was also quite the good guy, I could see why Alice would fall for him... The setting also played an important part in this book, it just sounded so beautiful... really brought a sense of summer to life...

Absolutely recommend when you are in the mood for a lovely beach read filled with fabulous characters, a beautiful setting, and love💕

*** thank you so much too Bookouture and Net Galley for my copy of this beautiful book ***

[Elle G. Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Release Date: June 1, 2018
Genre: Women's Fiction and Romance
Actual Rating: 3 stars

One Summer is a sweet and cheerful read that can easily be read in one sitting. Jenny Hale does a nice job at bringing fortunate and fateful events to her characters lives which is exactly what makes it a "feel good" read. I specifically loved the little twist in the end as it put a huge smile on my face and made me feel all sorts of happiness. Some may wonder why I gave it 3 stars rather than 4th. On paper, it looks like the perfect beach read- don't get me wrong, it is. However, everything happened SO QUICKLY that I felt like I was at one part of the book one second and then another the next. Insta love stories are not typically my favorite as they can come off as a bit unbelievable, and this is exactly the kind of love this book portrayed. Therefore, I liked the book, I just felt like everything moved a bit to fast for my personal tastes. Not all readers are going to feel this way, many will love the pace, it's just not what I prefer when reading about a budding romance.

One Summer is a story about a single mom, her son Henry, her best friend Sasha, and a broken down bike shop. Both woman leave their pasts behind after being hurt by the men they love. So they take refuge in the Outer Bay. Both have sworn off men because of how their past relationships were, but sometimes the heart knows what it wants. When Jack comes to town, all her feelings on love, men, and relationships are going to be tested. She just needs to figure out if it's worth the risk to allow love back in her life.

If you are looking for a light and fluffy beach read, this one would be perfect for you. As I mentioned above, it can easily be read in one sitting (it took me only two hours to read it). You can put it in your beach bag, relax, enjoy the story, and be finished with it well before it's time to go home. It's a wonderful summer tale with likable characters, and a gorgeous setting.

[ItaPixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Summer is my favorite book written by Jenny Hale.
I was sucked into the story from the start. I loved the storyline and the characters. The depictions of the beach brought me near the ocean even if I've never set foot in North Carolina.

“When you need to know the answers to life, you turn to the sea. It gives you the calm you need to filter through the static in your head, until you can hear the answers loud and clear.”

After the umpteenth love disappointment Alice decided to take her young son, Henry, and go to live on her Grandpa's beach shack in the Outer Banks. Her best friend, Sasha, joins them for this new adventure, to open an ice cream parlor on the beach together. Will the ocean ease their hearts? Will they open up to new encounters?

I've enjoyed every minute I spent with these characters. Alice is a nice and amiable woman. I could share her fears and doubts about her future, but I wished her to find the courage to be happy and to live her life day by day.
Alice's memories of her late grandfather were tender and endearing.

I'd like to stress more the friendship among the female characters than the romantic side of the sory, that is also sweet, but I adore to see women get together and help each other. These relationship warmed up my heart and put a bright smile on my face.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for kindly giving me an advanced copy of this book to read.

[Mary Jackson _TheMaryReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good getaway. I enjoyed the summer with Jack, Alice Henry and Sasha. It was a sweet summer read. I hope that you get a chance to read this one. There is even a sweet ice cream shop.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Jenny Hale, you did it again. A light-hearted romance with wonderful characters, a great setting, some angst, a child and a dog. What more could I want sitting by the pool reading. A definite winner in my book.

Alice has inherited her Gramps' fishing shack turned bike store on the outer banks. When her boyfriend of 3 years dumps her, she decides to move to Gramps' place and start over with her five year old son and his dog. Her best friend Sasha, recently going through a divorce, decides to go with her. Once there they decide to turn the bike shop into an ice-cream store. As they deal with opening a new business, they have other things that come up that almost derail their plans.

A wonderful second chance story that will make you smile. I have a few more of her books that I have not yet read, but will definitely get out to read over the rest of the summer. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book to read.

[Aleasha · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unfortunately this was extremely boring almost to the point of throwing my kindle across the room. This novel focused on really random things and the characters were so stilted and strange.

Thank you to the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Nila (digitalcreativepages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A light breezy read on a cozy afternoon where the heart just flies with the words of this author.
Jenny Hale's books are the perfect antidote for a broken heart.
Alice, a single mom, returns to her grandfather's town and turns his bike shop into an ice cream shop.
A meeting with Jack causes love to bloom till a secret turns up...
Jenny Hale's way with words, her characters, the romance and suspense makes this book a perfect read to uplift the heart and fill it with hope.
It was the perfect escape for me.

[Steffi · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

Usually I enjoy Jenny Hale's book a lot and have read almost everyone, so I was looking forward to read "The Summer Hideaway".

It took me a while to get into the story and its characters, although I enjoyed the premise with the inheritage and Alices plans to start an Ice-Cream shop in her grandfathers old bike rental.

Overall the story was entertaining and I loved the summer atmosphere at the Outer Banks. It really gave me a summer feeling and I could imagine reading this book on the beach.

Still I couldn't fully connect with the story and especially the characters. It remained it little bit distant to me and I wasn't that much emotionally involved. The story, especially the love story, felt a little bit too rushed for me.

[Lisa Baillie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely feel good summer read. Started off a bit slow but picked up and was really enjoying it. Lovely characters, nice story line. Did start to get rather boring towards the end, but just kept going to see how it would end.

[Gaele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alice and her young son Henry have had a bad few months: her long term boyfriend was cheating on her, leaving both she and Henry more than a bit heartbroken. And, for the first time in months, she’s decided she needs to return to her Grandfather’s bicycle shop on the outer banks, most probably to prepare the shop for sale as she’s got a life in Richmond, and she’s never been quite confident enough to start her own business. But, her best friend Sasha is also in a low point, her divorce was particularly acrimonious and she’s not found work since. A crazy idea for an ice-cream shop, where Henry could spend days in the waves, free to run about and enjoy the space as much has she had as a child. Soon, she and Sasha are packing up and moving in….slowly working on the building and their living space, making changes and choices to get the shop settled.

Across the street is a young woman, Mellie, an amateur photographer who works as a nurse at the hospital, and soon the three women are fast friends – the connection feeling almost destined. When Alice meets Jack – a pediatric neurosurgeon working at the same hospital and searching out land to build his father his ‘retirement’ home in the area he loves, their connection is also instant, and it seems that everyone Alice encounters knew, or knew of, her Grandfather. Secrets, a found locket with a photo of a young girl whose name is not known to Alice, her own worries about making a new life, and her tendency to find the ‘worst case’ scenarios of every situation have her constantly overthinking, worrying and second guessing even waking in the morning.

Slowly but surely the magic of the ocean, the place where her Grandfather always told her to bring her troubles, help her to focus, if momentarily on her questions. With the threat of the pier closing, and it’s resulting closure meaning a dearth of tourist traffic to her end of the island, she’s got to brainstorm – and while preparing her shop for opening and finding a focus on ‘local’ ingredients and people, she’s pushing off what she believes is the inevitable end of a relationship with Jack – as his life and work are truly in Chicago. But, life and circumstances often have their own timetable, with secrets to reveal that could make or break her – if she doesn’t find the connection between her heart, her wishes and the glimmer of hope that is so determined to be grasped with both hands.

Secrets, choices, family and revelations all come to life in this story as Alice finds a way to ‘live in the day’ and stop declaring herself the ‘pragmatic one’ without ideas or talents. She and her memories of time spent with her Grandfather are the lynchpin on which the story circles: her ideas, her wishes and dreams are solely hers, something she never believed until Sasha, and later Mellie and Jack, expressed their delight in what she had accomplished, and in who she is. Lots of growth, plenty of laughter, and a series of characters that you’d hope to find in your new neighborhood, the story is the perfect “beach read’… and with the setting, you are already there!!

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at I am, Indeed

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenny Hale has once again written a wonderfully sunny and summery book, which really transported me to Outer Banks and I could visualise it all so clearly.

The stars of the book without a doubt were Henry, Alice's 5 year old son, and Einstein their dog - such an adorable pairing and its clear boy and dog had a very close bond, which was relied upon with all the upheaval in Henry's young life.

Sasha who is Alice's best friend agrees to move to Outer Banks with her so they can set up an ice-cream parlour in Alice's grandpa's old bicycle shop., however it soon becomes apparent that Sash is hiding something.

This is a lovely warm hug of a book, with friendship and family the key themes. There are secrets and coincidences, fabulous writing, some ice-cream and generally just a lovely feel to this story.

It is a very enjoyable book to sit in your garden with, soak up the rays, as you make whole new friends within the pages. There was a bit of a mystery in the book too, but its not at the heart of the book and the second I had a bit more info I had guessed the outcome first but loved seeing the characters reactions to it.

I swear this is an author that just keeps getting better, already excite to see what the next book will be.

Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful light hearted quick read for an afternoon by the pool. Jenny Hale is a prolific author but this is the first of her books that I've read. Alice and her son Henry move into her grandfather's home when her long time boyfriend breaks up with her. He recently died and she is determined to open an ice cream shop so she can be financially sound. Her best friend Sasha comes along to help and they both find second chances at love. A picture found among her Grandfather's papers send Alice on a quest for an answer to a family secret. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Nessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have literally fallen in love with this book, was a truly wonderful heartfelt and entertaining read from start to finish. It was so much more than a romance story, had lots going on and I was pretty much glued to the pages throughout and couldn't turn the pages quick enough.

I loved getting to know all of the characters, to include seeing the connection between Alice, Sasha and Mellie, it's just how friendships should be. It was of course a pleasure getting to know Alice and the handsome Jack, and seeing how their special relationship developed throughout the story and the difficulties they encountered from time to time and ultimately seeing if they get their happy ending or not. Their story really does prove that love isn't always fair nor straightforward.

Oh and I absolutely adored Einstein, loved how he had his own part to play within the story, so unique and a bundle of joy, it left me with the feeling of wanting to be able to cuddle him all the time. Who or what is Einstein you ask, well you'll just have to read the book to find out for yourself.

I also fell in love with the location of the story, Outer Banks, but then I always did have a soft spot for a beach setting. The way in which the author described all the different places, made it all sound so idyllic and picturesque, I just wanted to be there to experience it all myself. My favourite place having to be Seashell island, I could spend hours there exploring and looking for shells. Complete bliss.

So final words, having read a couple of Jenny's books previously, I am happy to report that she is a wonderful author, has such a amazing way with words that just keeps you wanting more and the way she writes her characters and how they develop throughout a book, really makes them come alive.

If you haven't read a Jenny Hale book yet, then all I can say is don't delay any further, as I can highly recommend her books as truly heart-warming, entertaining and delightful reads.

[Heather Donovan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Your basic feel-good, predictable chick-lit book. After lots of 'heavy' reading, this was a nice light one.

[Despina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this story from NetGalley for a honest review

This is my first Jenny Hale book and its a good beach read. This story is about friendship and making a new start. Alice has inherited a building from grandfather and she decides to pack up and move to open up an ice cream shop, her best friends decides to join her. This story is cute and quite sweet, I wish we got Jack's pov it would have made the story stronger for me but overall I enjoyed how the story played out.

[Kim · Rating 1 out of 5]

This wasn't for me. The author was focusing on the weirdest details at times. For instance the main character was worried about spilling something on her DJNY tank too that she bought in sale. Then we are constantly told what everyone is wearing down to the strangest details. Did we really need to know that a male character is wearing leather sandals? There is a part in this book where a pet goes missing and the lead character takes time to put her hair in a ponytail, dress in her "nice clothes" (which we are treated to a long and unnecessary description of), and slap on some makeup before going to find her pet. Gotta look good in case someone sees her.

Also I felt like there were too many references to the Outer Banks. Yes the book takes place there, but do we really need paragraphs about the lead character buying OBX tourist mugs and other junk ?

The romance didn't work for me either. We find out that the lead character Alice has spent her whole teen to adult life comparing men to a boy she met once in the Outer Banks. Once. Spent part one day with him and is now saying no one has ever held a candle to that fifteen year old boy. How strange. Not romantic, just strange. In fact I found all of the relationships in this book strange. Alice moves back to the area, meets a man, and bam is in love with him almost immediately. After a few hours together they are acting as if they have known each other for a lifetime. Same goes for the friendships in this book, the lead characters meet someone and make friends and then are immediately BFFs. These are adult women. Not teenagers.

Sorry it was just too unbelievable for me.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect summer read any time of year

A sweet tale of friends, dreams and the love of family. Jenny Hale, as always, has knocked another one out of the park.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have had the distinct pleasure of reading and reviewing a couple of Jenny Hale’s books and I absolutely loved them. It was with some excitement that I picked up ‘One Summer’ and began to read. I absolutely loved ‘One Summer’ but more about that in a bit.
Alice is one of those characters that I took to straight away. She is a single parent to a delightful little boy called Henry and she also owns a black Labrador (fantastic choice of dog as I have two of my own) called Einstein. Life has been tough on her in more ways than one. As soon as she told Henry’s father that she was pregnant, he upped sticks and took off. Her most recent boyfriend was unfaithful to her. I so wanted to jump into the pages of the book to sort those excuses for men out and to give Alice a huge hug but obviously with it being fiction, I can’t. Alice was particularly close to her beloved grandfather but he has sadly passed away. This has affected Alice greatly, as you might expect and she is having a hard time dealing with her grief. Her grandfather has left her his cycle shop and in one sense she wants to keep it as it is because she has so many happy, family memories tied up in the place. At the same time she knows that she needs to move on as she needs to build a future for herself and Henry. Alice has the idea of converting her grandfather’s shop into an ice cream shop and she goes into business with her friend Sasha. The ice cream shop is the start of a new beginning for Alice, Sasha and of course the ever so cute Henry. Things are looking up on the romance front for Alice as well. She has a bit of a mishap and this mishap leads to her meeting the absolutely gorgeous sounding Jack, who just so happens to be a doctor and he is currently working at the local hospital. Will Alice and Sasha’s new venture be a success? Will Alice and Jack get together? Will Alice get the happy ever after ending that she so deserves? Well for the answers to those questions and more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
This is one of those books that does just what it says on the tin. It is billed as being an ‘uplifting, feel good summer romance’ and it is all of those things but it is also so much more. Once I started reading this book I really did feel as though I had been transported to the coast and once I shut my eyes, I could hear the seagulls and smell the sea. I know its fiction but I have a very vivid imagination and if I really enjoy reading a book then I tend to ‘live’ the story. I became seriously addicted to reading this book and the time passed in a blur. I just had to read on to find out more about Alice and Sasha and see whether or not Alice got the happy ending that she so deserved. The author’s writing style is such that she captures the reader from the first word on the first page and before you know what is happening, you are hooked. Her characters are so realistically written that they seem to come alive and not only that but I found myself caring about what happened to them. Finishing ‘One Summer’ left me with a smile on my face and a warm fuzzy feeling in my heart.
To conclude, Jenny Hale has another winner on her hands with ‘One Summer’ and I wholeheartedly recommend this author and her books to other readers, particularly to those who love escapist romance novels. I can’t wait to see what comes next from this fabulous author and here’s hoping that we don’t have too long to wait. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a well deserved 5* out of 5*.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though I did not expect it to be a great book after reading the book blurb and some of the early reviews, this one turned out to be a pretty good read. I have read many of Jenny Hale’s other books, so figured this one would be as great as the others—and it was. Alice Emerson and her BFF Sasha Miller have moved to the Outer Banks to open an ice cream shop in the small building Alice inherited from her loving grandfather, who had run a bike shop there for years. Both have poured just about everything they have into this endeavor. However, once there, Alice begins having second thoughts. She really does not want to fail and has her young son Henry and their futures to consider. Sasha has her own problems: a failed relationship, a miscarriage, questions about where her own life needs to be headed. There is one other complication that arises almost as soon as the two women arrive in the Outer Banks and begin designing and setting up their ice cream shop. Alice encounters a young doctor, Jack Murphy, who is in the Outer Banks to help his elderly father find a home in which to spend his remaining days, a place that will not require as much upkeep as the place he is currently renting. Years before, Jack left the Outer Banks to pursue his medical career and has done quite well. He is head of a major department in a huge hospital in Chicago, Nevertheless, Jack has returned to the Outer Banks temporarily, to help his father and to help a school buddy, who is trying to keep the community’s small hospital going by staffing it with well-known experts in the medical field, hoping to enhance its reputation nationally, Neither Alice nor Jack is looking for a relationship, though fate has decided otherwise for them. As the summer begins and the two women put together their ideas for the ice cream shop and begin necessary modifications to the bike shop, as Alice and Jack find themselves in a budding relationship. There is also a lot also going on around and including them. In addition, Alice finds a strange locket among her grandfather’s things, which raises all sorts of questions.

This romance was a pretty good one, as I said. I was immediately taken in by Alice, Sasha and especially Alice’s young son Henry and his dog Einstein. The ending was not difficult to predict from the get-go, but I found myself wondering just how Jack and Alice would get there, as well as what role the other characters, especially Henry and Sasha, would play. Henry was a fantastic addition to the cast of characters. Who could not love a little boy, who at times seemed to operate far beyond his years and who had the age-old boy’s love and devotion to his dog. That was Henry. The inclusion of the mysterious locket Alice found among her grandfather’s things only added to my enjoyment. Even the unraveling of this secret was not easy to figure out early on, though watching it unravel was one more interesting and captivating aspect of the story. This is a great read for anyone who enjoys a good romance or for anyone looking for a great summer or beach read. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.

[Zoé-Lee O'Farrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well wasn’t this just a cute story! Its always the journey we go on in books, regardless if we figure out the ending. It still made my eyes leak and it made me smile.

I could almost feel the sun on my skin, sand between my toes and I could hear the ocean around me despite the awful English weather we are having. This book is pure escapism to me.

I have said this before but I love books where people give up what they know and start a new adventure. Alice and her friend Sasha do just that. Leaving behind the grey clouds, low spirits and broken hearts, they go to a place of blue skies and seas, gold sands and sun and a place to restock and find that joy again.

I must admit my head spun a little bit with how quickly things progressed. From one page Alice has sworn off men, focusing time on her and Henry, her son. To the next falling in love with Jack and spending all her time with him. No doubt this does happen in real life otherwise we wouldn’t have all these stories but I guess I need a chance to breathe. However saying that I would be the same, I tended to fall in love too quickly. I mean who doesn’t love HEA and love at first sight, I know I do.

Jenny has given us a group of people who are all likeable. They always want what is best for each other and its a life without conflict, well without some conflict. But you root for them all, you want that happily ever after for everyone. Second chance stories are my favourite and this made it such an enjoyable read.

This is my first outing with one of Jenny’s book and I know I will be picking up her book again. For a few hours, I can escape to the sunshine and live someone else’s life. Because if all her books are like this then I will be back. I am getting frustrated with myself, I get excited thinking ooh I have The Summer Hideaway to read tonight, get eager to start reading and realise I have finished the bloody book and I don’t have it to read. I need to get my fix now!! Send Help!!!!

[Natalie TBGWP · Rating 3 out of 5]

You all know by now that I’m a huge Jenny Hale fan, so it will come as no surprise that I am all in for this book.

Yet again we are taken on a tranquil beautiful journey of family, friendship and love that our Jenny is best known for.

Taken to the beaches and absolute delightful Outer Backs of North Carolina we are given a read that takes us on a journey of new beginnings with Alice and her son Henry (who I will admit to being a breath of fresh air to the read) and her best friend Sasha. Helping along a great premise we’re given secrets, twists and descriptive and in-depth gorgeous family memories. Together this provides us with a laid-back and easy summer read.

Now as always I’ll give you the truth and my truth today with One Summer is that it did (to me) have pacing issues. It’s slow to build up and then pretty quick near the end. I think some may find it long and tedious at times because of this.

I also really disliked Jack and his manipulative vibe which resulted in him ALWAYS getting his own way. This had me wanting to jump in the pages screaming ‘Alice, leg it!, leg it now, proper fast!’. Red Flags everywhere with that one let me tell you. To be fair this didn’t take much away for me, but because I’m deducting points I know you will want to know why if I say I really enjoyed it, which I did.

Jenny Hale does feel good romance books that are happy go lucky and have magical happy endings. These reads are perfect for those who just want a beautiful escape. Those who just want to relax and forget about their troubles and just be in the sweetness and goodness of it all. Sometimes that is exactly what we need. One Summer has an easy-read, laid-back style, which is perfect for these types of books and what’s so great about that is that Jenny makes no apologies for any of that which I am so grateful for.

One Summer is the perfect accompaniment to your summer this year. Whether it be on holiday, at home, in the sun, wind, rain or snow. It is easy escapism for the romantic in us all.

⭐⭐⭐
3/5

[Els · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a lovely summer read with a lot of descriptions, so it made you feel as if you were there as well.
Some things were maybe a bit to good to be true, but hey, it's a book and not real life and books are made for dreams to come true, aren't they?
If you are somewhere on a beach as well or if you are enjoying the sun elsewhere or maybe you keep the book for reading while there is a storm outside, I am sure you will enjoy it if you like to read about romance, friendship and family with all the ups and downs that they bring.
Thank you, Jenny Hale, Bookouture and Netgalley.

https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com/...

[Judy Churchill · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book acquainted me with the Outer Banks of North Carolina. I can’t say I even knew where they were. This is a book extolling family above all else. Alice has been burned badly by her last two relationships, so finds it hard to believe that Jack is as good as he seems. How will the relationship work out between Alice and Jack? It seems impossible. You have to read the whole book to find out!

[Amy Siegler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very predictable. But romance! True beach read! Happy ending!! Her writing is just ok though. Sometimes her writing appeared very novice-like. Overall it was a happy book.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this author. This is the second book I’ve read by her. These books are perfect when I want something light and fun and a departure from murder mysteries, ghost stories, etc. I’ll definitely read more by this author.

[Chloe Rowan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet, cheesy, feel good summer romance. A fun lighthearted read!

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a sweet story!!! Very light and easy. Left me a bit inspired...

[Best Crime Books & More · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy Jenny Hale’s books and this one is no different. Alice is the lead character along with her little boy Henry and she is currently struggling with her grief. Having lost her Grandfather she is at a point where having been left his old shop on the beach she has an opportunity to start her life over. However the decision is not an easy one as it means leaving her life which means living further from her Father, and possibly her friend. Luckily her friend Sasha who is also battling her own issues decides to star afresh alongside Alice.

The description of the beautiful beach where her Grandfather’s shop is made me want to instantly book a holiday there. Alice and Sasha make a decision to start their own business based out of the shop and the readers get to go along for the ride. I liked all the characters in this book including the very handsome Doctor named Jack and his Father Butch. This was certainly an enjoyable and uplifting summer read but in honesty is maybe not one of my favourites from Jenny Hale. All the same it’s certainly an enjoyable book, it just didn’t leave as much of an impression on me as some of her other books have done.

[Julie Morris · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by Jenny Hale, although I understand it is actually her tenth book, with a previous four summer reads and five Christmas books published so congratulations on reaching that momentous milestone, Jenny. I was originally drawn to the book by its beautiful, summery cover and the setting of the book in a beach resort on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. (Regular readers of my blog will know I am a sucker for a book set in the USA, particularly the Southern states. I am obsessed with them.)

I raced through the book in an afternoon and have been left with mixed feelings which have caused me to give pause and carefully consider what I was going to write in my review before posting it to ensure I am being fair to the book.

There is a huge amount that I loved in this book. The setting was every bit as rich and beautifully brought to life as I had hoped it would be when I picked it up. From the opening line, “Alice Emerson plopped down in the sand, looking out at the restless ocean as it peeked over the sea oats” I was as much in love with the location as the main character is. The ocean, the beach, the little town, the clapboard houses, the cute restaurants – I could see it all perfectly in my mind’s eye and it acts as a character in the book in its own right which is just as it should be. The author has a beautiful way with language and description and has created a wonderful world in this story.

The characters in the book were well-constructed and fully-rounded and very likeable. The main character, Alice, was easy to warm to and got us on side immediately with her dilemmas. The friendship between Alice and her best friend, Sasha, is genuine and heart-warming and I completely believed it. Jack is perfectly drawn as Alice’s potential love interest but it is her son, Henry, who steals the show in this book. He is a gorgeous, vibrant little boy and the channelling of all of Alice’s concerns through the filter of her doing her best for Henry added an extra dimension of challenge to what might otherwise have been a fairly ordinary will-they, won’t-they summer love story. This took it up an emotional level for me as a mother myself and I loved this aspect of the story. The only character I found slightly disappointing and who could have done with rounding out a little more and given more depth to add interest to her role in the story was Melly. I can’t put my finger on exactly what it was about her that I didn’t take to (was she a bit too nice, a bit of a drip – I’m not sure) but I never warmed to her.

The story was fairly gentle but there was enough emotional conflict to keep me interested and this is potentially a perfect, easy summer read save for a couple of issues that spoilt it a little for me.

Firstly, the timeline just did not work at all. Everything happened way too quickly, even allowing for a belief in love at first sight. Alice goes from vowing off men to being head over heels for a man she has spent about four hours with, within a couple of days of arriving in the town. He’s meeting her son, she’s meeting his father and feeling a sense of responsibility towards him before she’s known him a week. It didn’t feel true to me, which spoilt my ability to immerse myself in the story. In addition to the love story, there were other things that just didn’t work from a time perspective. Alice has been in town less than 48 hours and she has already collaborated with a local artist to finalise the logo for her ice cream shop and ordered a transfer for the window, about five minutes after she has picked its name. At the beginning of the book, we are told that Alice’s mother died when Alice was sixteen. However, it is later discussed how Alice’s ‘parents’ were supportive of her when she becomes a single mother and also how her mother started to feel guilt over certain past decisions she had made at the time Alice had Henry, but Henry was born when Alice was nineteen, long after her mother was dead. These kind of details seem minor but are again a distraction from the storyline and a more careful edit was needed.

Secondly, and this may be more an issue of personal preference, the ending was just too saccharine and perfect for my tastes. I expected this book to end in an HEA as would anyone who picks up a book of this nature but this one seemed to have been gift-wrapped, topped with a big bow and had a cherry stuck on the top. If the book had finished at the end of Chapter 29, I would have been happy. I wish I had not read Chapter 30. However, as I said, this may just be my personal taste. The author of this book is American and is writing for a segment of the American market that I am sure would demand Chapter 30 (one of her books has been made into a Hallmark movie) and I think there is a slight difference between what American romance readers expect and what is normal for the UK market. We are much more reserved over here!

These issues aside, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it as a sweet summer holiday read and I would not hesitate to pick up another book by this author. And I still adore that cover, it fits the book perfectly.

I would give this book 3.5 stars if that was an option.

[Cassie Sexton-Riggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun summer read! I found Jenny Hale last summer and fell in love with the first book of her I read. This book did not disappoint- strong women, romance, family, friends, and future stories and all of it takes place in a beach town in NC. What more could you want?!