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The Summer House
From this USA Today bestselling author comes a delightful summer read about friendship, family, and the healing power of love.
Callie Weaver and her best friend, Olivia Dixon, have finally done it: put their life savings into the beach house they admired through childhood summers, on the dazzling white sand of North Carolina's Outer Banks. They're going to buff the salt from its windows, paint its sun-bleached sidings, and open it as a bed-and-breakfast.
Callie's too busy to think about her love life, but when she catches the attention of local heartthrob Luke Sullivan, his blue eyes and easy smile make it hard to say no. He's heir to his father's real estate empire, and the papers say he's just another playboy. But as they laugh in the ocean waves, Callie realizes there's more to this man than money and good looks.
Just when true happiness seems within reach, Callie and Olivia find a diary full of secrets . . . secrets that stretch across the island and have the power to turn lives upside down. As Callie reads, she unravels a mystery that makes her heart drop through the floor.
Will Callie and Luke be pulled apart by the storm the diary unleashes, or can true love save them?
Callie Weaver and her best friend, Olivia Dixon, have finally done it: put their life savings into the beach house they admired through childhood summers, on the dazzling white sand of North Carolina's Outer Banks. They're going to buff the salt from its windows, paint its sun-bleached sidings, and open it as a bed-and-breakfast.
Callie's too busy to think about her love life, but when she catches the attention of local heartthrob Luke Sullivan, his blue eyes and easy smile make it hard to say no. He's heir to his father's real estate empire, and the papers say he's just another playboy. But as they laugh in the ocean waves, Callie realizes there's more to this man than money and good looks.
Just when true happiness seems within reach, Callie and Olivia find a diary full of secrets . . . secrets that stretch across the island and have the power to turn lives upside down. As Callie reads, she unravels a mystery that makes her heart drop through the floor.
Will Callie and Luke be pulled apart by the storm the diary unleashes, or can true love save them?
279 pages, Paperback
First published June 9, 2017
4161 people are currently reading
5418 people want to read
About the author
Jenny Hale
34 books1,942 followersJenny 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...
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...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 663 reviews
June 26, 2017
I'm beginning to see a trend in the books I'm choosing lately. They all seem to be about summer and beaches! Who knew? I love those things so I guess it's appropriate.
"The Summer House" by Jenny Hale was a really enjoyable read. I read it quickly because it was hitting home. The Outer Banks is one of my favorite places in the US to just be myself. I would love, and can picture myself, in a cottage on the shore there (a far cry from where I love - just dreaming). This book sent me there and it made me wish for it more than ever.
The characters were interesting and I wanted to get to know them, which helped me to want to read the novel, the setting was perfect (duh!) and the story was perfect for a summer afternoon on the deck with a glass of iced tea and this book. I promise you won't be disappointed by Jenny's writing. It's nice and smooth! It was good to take some time to relax and pretend I was on the Outer Banks!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review this novel.
"The Summer House" by Jenny Hale was a really enjoyable read. I read it quickly because it was hitting home. The Outer Banks is one of my favorite places in the US to just be myself. I would love, and can picture myself, in a cottage on the shore there (a far cry from where I love - just dreaming). This book sent me there and it made me wish for it more than ever.
The characters were interesting and I wanted to get to know them, which helped me to want to read the novel, the setting was perfect (duh!) and the story was perfect for a summer afternoon on the deck with a glass of iced tea and this book. I promise you won't be disappointed by Jenny's writing. It's nice and smooth! It was good to take some time to relax and pretend I was on the Outer Banks!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review this novel.
May 23, 2017
Callie Weaver is ready for a new start in life, she and her best friend Olivia have just invested in a beach house that they are renovating to open as a bed and breakfast at North Carolina’s Outer Banks. As busy as Callie has been preparing for their opening the last thing on her mind was a relationship but when a chance encounter with local heartthrob Luke Sullivan happens Callie finds herself wanting to get to know him.
While Callie and Olivia are working on the house they stumble across an old diary and wonder what to do with it. The diary is full of old secrets of the prior owners but when a few fall a bit too close to home Callie wonders what it will mean for her new relationship with Luke.
The Summer House by Jenny Hale can easily be called a perfect summer beach read. The author did a wonderful job with this story, the setting was described so well I could almost picture myself in the quaint seaside community at times. The characters were also very likable and it was nice to have a bit of suspense added into the romantic read with the old secrets that were brought out into the light.
Starting off reading this one I thought it was going to be a bit of the rich spoiled boy and the girl that finally turns him but the story became so much more rather quickly. Luke is rich and set to inherit his father's company but he never came across as the "rich jerk" type and it was easy to like him. With the deeper story it was easy to get engaged and root for a happy ending while reading this one.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
While Callie and Olivia are working on the house they stumble across an old diary and wonder what to do with it. The diary is full of old secrets of the prior owners but when a few fall a bit too close to home Callie wonders what it will mean for her new relationship with Luke.
The Summer House by Jenny Hale can easily be called a perfect summer beach read. The author did a wonderful job with this story, the setting was described so well I could almost picture myself in the quaint seaside community at times. The characters were also very likable and it was nice to have a bit of suspense added into the romantic read with the old secrets that were brought out into the light.
Starting off reading this one I thought it was going to be a bit of the rich spoiled boy and the girl that finally turns him but the story became so much more rather quickly. Luke is rich and set to inherit his father's company but he never came across as the "rich jerk" type and it was easy to like him. With the deeper story it was easy to get engaged and root for a happy ending while reading this one.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
June 29, 2021
This was an exceptionally good summer story. It was cute, fun and beachy.
Olivia and Callie have been best friends since they were kids. Now in their thirties they combine their savings and buy an old beach house. They turn it into a B&B. In doing so, they make new friends, fall in love, discover what it means to be a family. They find an old journal that turns a few people's lives upside down and then right the wrongs.
Olivia and Callie have been best friends since they were kids. Now in their thirties they combine their savings and buy an old beach house. They turn it into a B&B. In doing so, they make new friends, fall in love, discover what it means to be a family. They find an old journal that turns a few people's lives upside down and then right the wrongs.
August 21, 2023
3.5 stars
I enjoyed this sweet book. I liked the first half a bit better. The second half may have had one too many “unrealistic” scenarios for me.
“The truth will set your free.”
“The fun in life comes from risking doing something new. That’s how you grow.”
I enjoyed this sweet book. I liked the first half a bit better. The second half may have had one too many “unrealistic” scenarios for me.
“The truth will set your free.”
“The fun in life comes from risking doing something new. That’s how you grow.”
June 9, 2017
All of my reviews can be found on www.novelgossip.com
Can we please take a moment to appreciate the beauty of that cover?! I mean seriously, it’s stunning, it makes me want to dive right in. The Summer House was a perfectly satisfying summer read that I devoured in an afternoon. It had me longing to have my toes in the sand and the sea breeze in my hair, meanwhile I’m actually in Arizona where ninety something degrees is considered “not too hot at all!” Sigh.
Callie was the sort of character that wiggled her way into my heart right away. She was lovely, kind and warm and not in the market for a boyfriend at all. She’s way too busy renovating the Beachcomber with her best friend Olivia to worry about romance, but they say you find love when you’re not looking…
Luke is the love interest of Callie and man was he hot! I have such a vivid picture of him in my minds eye thanks to Hale’s fantastic imagery. The relationship between these two was adorable and not one of those where they fell in love within five minutes. It was realistic as Callie was cautious and hesitant to get involved. Besides the romantic storyline there was a bit of a mystery as Callie finds an old journal and a lockbox left by the previous owner of the house. I just love when a romance author adds some intrigue into the plot, it really breaks things up and adds something special.
This was just a delightful read with fabulous lead characters as well as a really fun group of supporting characters as well. The setting was totally gorgeous as well, I really felt like I could envision the Beachcomber and the town perfectly. If you’re looking for a sweet read to sink your teeth into this summer look no further, The Summer House was a highly endearing read.
Can we please take a moment to appreciate the beauty of that cover?! I mean seriously, it’s stunning, it makes me want to dive right in. The Summer House was a perfectly satisfying summer read that I devoured in an afternoon. It had me longing to have my toes in the sand and the sea breeze in my hair, meanwhile I’m actually in Arizona where ninety something degrees is considered “not too hot at all!” Sigh.
Callie was the sort of character that wiggled her way into my heart right away. She was lovely, kind and warm and not in the market for a boyfriend at all. She’s way too busy renovating the Beachcomber with her best friend Olivia to worry about romance, but they say you find love when you’re not looking…
Luke is the love interest of Callie and man was he hot! I have such a vivid picture of him in my minds eye thanks to Hale’s fantastic imagery. The relationship between these two was adorable and not one of those where they fell in love within five minutes. It was realistic as Callie was cautious and hesitant to get involved. Besides the romantic storyline there was a bit of a mystery as Callie finds an old journal and a lockbox left by the previous owner of the house. I just love when a romance author adds some intrigue into the plot, it really breaks things up and adds something special.
This was just a delightful read with fabulous lead characters as well as a really fun group of supporting characters as well. The setting was totally gorgeous as well, I really felt like I could envision the Beachcomber and the town perfectly. If you’re looking for a sweet read to sink your teeth into this summer look no further, The Summer House was a highly endearing read.
June 29, 2022
2.5. DNF @ 30%. La-la-la. Life is too short to read books that are poorly written and I don't care to finish. Truly though, it's just NOT good. The writing was stilted, the chapters ended weirdly/abruptly, and the dialogue was very meh and boring.
I have reached a new stage in my reading life and that is giving myself permission to DNF more. In this case, it's for a book club and I'll just hear how it wraps up from them.
I have reached a new stage in my reading life and that is giving myself permission to DNF more. In this case, it's for a book club and I'll just hear how it wraps up from them.
September 10, 2021
Another book by Hale that I could not put done. It was a fast fun read and I loved the characters so much. The ending was the best part of the whole book. I loved how it all turned out. If you have not read a book by Hale this would be a great start. You are going to really enjoy her writing.
May 17, 2021
"Лятната къща" е представата ми за романтична книга. История за силата на прошката, честността и доверието.
July 17, 2017
Callie and her friend Olivia decided to buy and restore the cottage across from Olivia's grandmother Gladys. They want to open a bed and breakfast by the late summer and therefore they have a lot of work to do before that. Callie and Olivia are both focused on work and didn't have romance in mind, but life had other plans and Callie's path collides with a local millionaire Luke. She's a bit hesitant, but the time she spend with Luke showed that he's way more than a playboy with a lot of money. The more time they spend together, the more they get to know each other and feel the connection they haven't felt before. Like usually in life, everything can't go only smoothly and when an old diary is found in the cottage, it brings an old secret to the surface, a secret that can and is going to change a lot for some people.
Another wonderful novel by Jenny Hale, it was a great summery beach read. It had all the good elements-great location, wonderful characters, sweet romance and of course the secrets and intrigues entwined into the story. All in all it was a magnificent story to read, especially during the summer!
Another wonderful novel by Jenny Hale, it was a great summery beach read. It had all the good elements-great location, wonderful characters, sweet romance and of course the secrets and intrigues entwined into the story. All in all it was a magnificent story to read, especially during the summer!
August 22, 2019
В сравнение със зимните истории, които съм чела, летните романси й се отдават повече на авторката. Започнах я с очакването да бъда разочарована, но останах приятно изненадана, макар, че към края нещо се разми историята. Все пак тайната, която се разкри, заслужаваше драмата да е по-тежка.
May 15, 2019
Callie Weaver and best friend Olivia Dixon have put their savings together and have purchased a beach house. It is a real fixer-upper, but they are both so motivated and excited and cannot wait to begin renovations. They had admired the house for years, and it sits right on North Carolina's outer banks. When it is completed Callie and Olivia plan on making it into a bed-and-breakfast.
When Callie sees Luke Sullivan, a millionaire trying to learn to surf, she is immediately drawn to him. However, he has a staunch reputation as a playboy, so she is determined not to get involved with him. During their renovations, they discover a diary and it reveals secrets that could ruin everything for everyone involved. At first, Callie is hesitant to read it, so the question is whether or not she will and how it will affect not only Callie and Olivia as owners of the house, but also the brewing relationship between Callie and Luke.
I enjoyed Luke and Callie's relationship, even though it was rather a slow burn, with a lot of the focus on the renovations and the diary. One additional factor in the story is that the past of at least one of the characters might have a long range affect on their futures. I enjoyed how that was blended in. This warm and affecting story by Jenny Hale was a great, quick read and had a satisfying conclusion.
Many thanks to Forever for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
When Callie sees Luke Sullivan, a millionaire trying to learn to surf, she is immediately drawn to him. However, he has a staunch reputation as a playboy, so she is determined not to get involved with him. During their renovations, they discover a diary and it reveals secrets that could ruin everything for everyone involved. At first, Callie is hesitant to read it, so the question is whether or not she will and how it will affect not only Callie and Olivia as owners of the house, but also the brewing relationship between Callie and Luke.
I enjoyed Luke and Callie's relationship, even though it was rather a slow burn, with a lot of the focus on the renovations and the diary. One additional factor in the story is that the past of at least one of the characters might have a long range affect on their futures. I enjoyed how that was blended in. This warm and affecting story by Jenny Hale was a great, quick read and had a satisfying conclusion.
Many thanks to Forever for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
August 27, 2017
No character development, didn't really explain the characters pasts and how they were able to buy this house, being that it's in the Outer Banks and had to be several million dollars. Main character is very unsophisticated and kind of socially awkward and would never realistically attract the love interest, Luke. Frustrating, because the ideas have potential, but they are not well articulated and therefore just not believable.
August 12, 2022
Докато четях първите 50 страници не бях очарована. Разговорите ми бяха много неестествени и банално представени. След това малко се поразкършиха, ама пак си остана някаква вдървеност, която се усещаше на моменти повече, отколкото в други. С главната героиня – Кали, не се разбрах. Правеше прибързани заключения и предпочиташе да вярва на списанията, отколкото тя самата да си на��рави преценка на база нейни изживявания. Беше особена и доста дръпната. За сметка на това, харесах Люк. Беше мил, любезен, възпитан, с чувство за хумор. Много приятен герой. Помагаше на нуждаещите се. И ��ъпреки поведението на Кали, не се отказа, продължи да я подкрепя.
Нотката на мистерия, ако мога така да я нарека, и тя не беше никак лоша. Беше ми интересно да чета. Като цяло, книжката беше симпатична. Лежерно и точно за лятото четиво. Единствено ми се искаше авторката да беше вмъкнала малко дълбочина в персонажите. Но я разбирам, искала е да си остане неангажираща историята и да не я натоварва с твърде много драма и обременени персонажи.
°
Любими цитати:
- "Животът се крие точно в тези моменти. Моментите, в които не мислим за нищо и не правим планове за бъдещето."
- "Забавлението в живота се крие в това да рискуваш да избереш нещо ново. Именно така порастваш. Виж всички тези вкусове! Избери си някой, който искаш да опиташ. Ако не ти хареса, ще ти купя шоколадов. Важното е да пробваш."
Нотката на мистерия, ако мога така да я нарека, и тя не беше никак лоша. Беше ми интересно да чета. Като цяло, книжката беше симпатична. Лежерно и точно за лятото четиво. Единствено ми се искаше авторката да беше вмъкнала малко дълбочина в персонажите. Но я разбирам, искала е да си остане неангажираща историята и да не я натоварва с твърде много драма и обременени персонажи.
°
Любими цитати:
- "Животът се крие точно в тези моменти. Моментите, в които не мислим за нищо и не правим планове за бъдещето."
- "Забавлението в живота се крие в това да рискуваш да избереш нещо ново. Именно така порастваш. Виж всички тези вкусове! Избери си някой, който искаш да опиташ. Ако не ти хареса, ще ти купя шоколадов. Важното е да пробваш."
June 12, 2017
Highly enjoyable summer feel-good read! Would be a great beach book. Has all the right elements to make for fun vacation reading, but also is great to read at home (like I did). It has romance, friendship, and family secrets with a picturesque setting of the Outer Banks. And that cover!! Gorgeous! Perfectly describes what you'll get out of The Summer House.
Callie & Olivia, friends since childhood, are pooling their resources to buy/open a bed and breakfast in a beach house both have long admired. They are working hard to get it ready to open, and neither have thought about or have time for romance right now. But, as we all know, love doesn't wait for perfect timing... Can spoiled rich boy Luke possibly be the man Callie has hoped for? And will Olivia find love right in front of her? Or will long-held secrets coming to light damage the budding relationships?
I've read 2 prior Jenny Hale books, both at Christmas time (and they were holiday themed) and really enjoyed them. No exception here, and I'll be searching for her other books as well. Great writing with warm, fun-loving characters who you'd like to befriend yourself. You'll definitely finish this with warm-fuzzies abounding.
**Big thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC to honestly review!**
Callie & Olivia, friends since childhood, are pooling their resources to buy/open a bed and breakfast in a beach house both have long admired. They are working hard to get it ready to open, and neither have thought about or have time for romance right now. But, as we all know, love doesn't wait for perfect timing... Can spoiled rich boy Luke possibly be the man Callie has hoped for? And will Olivia find love right in front of her? Or will long-held secrets coming to light damage the budding relationships?
I've read 2 prior Jenny Hale books, both at Christmas time (and they were holiday themed) and really enjoyed them. No exception here, and I'll be searching for her other books as well. Great writing with warm, fun-loving characters who you'd like to befriend yourself. You'll definitely finish this with warm-fuzzies abounding.
**Big thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC to honestly review!**
June 25, 2019
I couldn’t put this down once I really got started! I don’t know why I kept sleeping on Jenny Hale’s summertime books when I love her holiday stories so much. She paints a great picture for each season and setting, which is why she excels at these season-specific books. I enjoyed the characters and the town of Waves, plus the slightly serious plot points toward the end. It wasn’t a full-on fluffy summer book, but was still incredibly light and a perfect beach read. I look forward to catching up on some of the books in her summer backlist and now having two Hale books to read each year!
July 27, 2017
The Summer House by Jenny Hale is a well-written fun novel about family relationships, romance and a scandalous diary all mixed into an entertaining read. This was an enjoyable summertime read!
August 11, 2017
Heart-warming story of two women attempting to set up a new guest house, which contains a sweet romance, a slight mystery and a great feel of a small coastal location in North Carolina.
I really enjoyed the characters in this story, especially the leads Callie and Luke. Callie is focused on work and trying to get The Beachcomber ready for guests, and is really closed off to potential romances. She finds a journal that belonged to the previous owner that could contain secrets.
Callie is literally swept off her feet by Luke, in their first meeting. Luke is from the local rich family in town, and tries to escape the press a lot. As Luke’s character is revealed I found myself falling for him a bit more with each chapter. He is a lovely man who has many hidden depths to him.
The Summer House I found started off comfortably and I found myself liking the characters but around half way the pace and action kicks up a notch at which point I found it a lot harder to put down, and I was enticed into the book properly.
This is a good book that I enjoyed reading. I love this authors writing style although often find I prefer her Christmas books to her summer ones. With lovely characters, some surprises and a great feeling from the book, The Summer House is a cosy summer story.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Bookouture for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
I really enjoyed the characters in this story, especially the leads Callie and Luke. Callie is focused on work and trying to get The Beachcomber ready for guests, and is really closed off to potential romances. She finds a journal that belonged to the previous owner that could contain secrets.
Callie is literally swept off her feet by Luke, in their first meeting. Luke is from the local rich family in town, and tries to escape the press a lot. As Luke’s character is revealed I found myself falling for him a bit more with each chapter. He is a lovely man who has many hidden depths to him.
The Summer House I found started off comfortably and I found myself liking the characters but around half way the pace and action kicks up a notch at which point I found it a lot harder to put down, and I was enticed into the book properly.
This is a good book that I enjoyed reading. I love this authors writing style although often find I prefer her Christmas books to her summer ones. With lovely characters, some surprises and a great feeling from the book, The Summer House is a cosy summer story.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Bookouture for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
September 27, 2023
2.5 stars
Even though I would've thought that I would LOVE this novel with its North Carolina beach setting and emotional storyline, this book was just not the one for me.
Multiple times I found myself losing focus because I didn't find any part of the novel capturing my attention whether it be the plot, the characters, or the relationships.
Everything just came across too....average. I did enjoy the writing but everything else was mediocre. I was neither here nor there about it. I didn't love or hate this book because I didn't feel anything surrounding it and remained indifferent.
I'm disappointed that I didn't enjoy this book more because it really does exude all things that I typically would love. Fingers crossed that I will enjoy some of the other Jenny Hale novels that occupy my bookshelves.
***Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
Even though I would've thought that I would LOVE this novel with its North Carolina beach setting and emotional storyline, this book was just not the one for me.
Multiple times I found myself losing focus because I didn't find any part of the novel capturing my attention whether it be the plot, the characters, or the relationships.
Everything just came across too....average. I did enjoy the writing but everything else was mediocre. I was neither here nor there about it. I didn't love or hate this book because I didn't feel anything surrounding it and remained indifferent.
I'm disappointed that I didn't enjoy this book more because it really does exude all things that I typically would love. Fingers crossed that I will enjoy some of the other Jenny Hale novels that occupy my bookshelves.
***Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
June 26, 2021
3,4⭐
Един чудесен старт на лятото.За разлика от другите й книги,които съм чела ,тази ми допадна една идея повече,героите бяха различни и имаше даже лека мистерия с този дневник и тайната ,която крие.Естествено диалозите отново бяха посредствени,а и тайната бързо, бързо стана ясна,но все пак реших да и дам шанс,въпреки че се бях зарекла да не чета повече нейни книги.Е,този път не останах разочарована.Приятна,лятна,кратка.
Един чудесен старт на лятото.За разлика от другите й книги,които съм чела ,тази ми допадна една идея повече,героите бяха различни и имаше даже лека мистерия с този дневник и тайната ,която крие.Естествено диалозите отново бяха посредствени,а и тайната бързо, бързо стана ясна,но все пак реших да и дам шанс,въпреки че се бях зарекла да не чета повече нейни книги.Е,този път не останах разочарована.Приятна,лятна,кратка.
June 27, 2017
Callie Weaver and her best friend Olivia Dixon are starting over. With Olivia's son in tow, they have purchased a large beach house and are renovating to open as a bed and breakfast on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Callie and Olivia are doing a lot of work themselves so the last thing they have time for is a relationship. The timing does not always work as planned. When Callie runs into Luke Sullivan (rich, heartthrob playboy), something happens to both of them. As they tentatively begin to get to know one another, life gets in the way. While Callie and Olivia are working on the house they stumble across an old diary and a lock box belonging to the previous owner and her brother. When Callie starts to read the diary and looks at the contents of the lockbox, secrets emerge. Secrets that could derail her new relationship. If that is not enough, a hurricane is moving in to the Outer Banks and they are forced to evacuate. Will the Bed And Breakfast survive? Will Callie and Luke's new relationship survive? What will the secrets mean to the other residents of The Waves.
The Summer House by Jenny Hale is a great summer read. I loved the story. This was more than girl meets rich handsome playboy. There was a whole story behind both Luke and Callie. His family was likable and very real. I loved Olivia and her son Wyatt. They were a very important part of the story as well. The setting was amazing. The descriptions of the island, the Sullivan home and even the Hurricane and its aftermath were so real, I could picture it all. Yes there is romance, yes there are some happy endings, yes there is also drama and major decisions to be made. Overall, a good story that I have come to expect from Jenny Hale. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
The Summer House by Jenny Hale is a great summer read. I loved the story. This was more than girl meets rich handsome playboy. There was a whole story behind both Luke and Callie. His family was likable and very real. I loved Olivia and her son Wyatt. They were a very important part of the story as well. The setting was amazing. The descriptions of the island, the Sullivan home and even the Hurricane and its aftermath were so real, I could picture it all. Yes there is romance, yes there are some happy endings, yes there is also drama and major decisions to be made. Overall, a good story that I have come to expect from Jenny Hale. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
June 24, 2023
This is not my typical preferred romance style. I’m more of a contemporary romance person. I wasn’t very invested in the romance because I felt like the characters were very under developed. I wish we had gotten more about the house renovation, and the history behind the house. I think that would’ve made it more interesting to me. I liked the family and hurricane drama in the ending made things a bit more captivating.
August 11, 2019
2-1/2 stars rounded up to 3.
I've read several of this author's books that take place during the Christmas holiday season and, despite a lot of implausibility in them, have really enjoyed them. Perhaps it's the "magic of the season" in the Christmas books that make it easier to forgive things in the plot.
There were just several things in this book that were so unlikely. Major plot points that were resolved with barely any discord were a bit unbelievable. It's stressed so many times that these two women could barely afford this house and are on a strict budget for their repairs, and yet the enormity of the structural changes alone they are making to this house would have cost copious amounts of money. Major events that would take a heck of a long time to recover from seem like they're resolved in the blink of an eye (and I'm talking about both the emotional issues of the storyline and physical recovery from acts of nature).
I did like the characters in this book and the setting. But even the characters were a bit much to take at times. Maybe it's because my personality would have made for a much different response to some of the situations these people find themselves in.
All in all, this was an okay "beach read" if you're not looking for a book that requires much thought and you can overlook some ridiculous happenings with an eyeroll and the turn of a page.
I've read several of this author's books that take place during the Christmas holiday season and, despite a lot of implausibility in them, have really enjoyed them. Perhaps it's the "magic of the season" in the Christmas books that make it easier to forgive things in the plot.
There were just several things in this book that were so unlikely. Major plot points that were resolved with barely any discord were a bit unbelievable. It's stressed so many times that these two women could barely afford this house and are on a strict budget for their repairs, and yet the enormity of the structural changes alone they are making to this house would have cost copious amounts of money. Major events that would take a heck of a long time to recover from seem like they're resolved in the blink of an eye (and I'm talking about both the emotional issues of the storyline and physical recovery from acts of nature).
I did like the characters in this book and the setting. But even the characters were a bit much to take at times. Maybe it's because my personality would have made for a much different response to some of the situations these people find themselves in.
All in all, this was an okay "beach read" if you're not looking for a book that requires much thought and you can overlook some ridiculous happenings with an eyeroll and the turn of a page.
January 7, 2020
For me, this was a fantasy novel. The dialogue was not believable, the scenarios were far fetched and too convenient. The novel heavily lacked an antagonist and basic conflict. The cliché of the most eligible bachelor - oh yeah, and SUPER wealthy - falling for the simple girl in a matter of days... while all the other girls he dated prior were flings and meant nothing, but this girl... she "changed" him. Very original. Remove Luke's super wealth and replace it with a modest bank account and you have no story. Weak story, weak writing, and a poor representation of what real dating and love is like.
June 9, 2021
This is a lovely summer read which explores self-discovery and the possibility of an unexpected romance in the midst of some perfectly described stunning scenery which truly brings the story to life as though it is happening right in front of you.
June 19, 2023
A feel good beach read with romance, friendship and family relationships. I quickly read (aka listened) this book over my trip to and from the beach.
May 22, 2019
I've written this review for Really Into This
Check out all of our reviews at https://reallyintothis.com
Happy Reading, friends!
Special thanks to Jenny Hale & Read Forever for providing our copy in exchange for an honest & fair review.
Book Review: The Summer House by Jenny Hale
Second chance romance while renovating a beautiful beach house with your best friend. Does it get any better?
Can I just move into Jenny Hale's books? First, I read Christmas Wishes & Mistletoes Kisses & really enjoyed it. Jenny's writing gave me all the holiday feels & magic.
Well, Jenny Hale does it again with Summer House. All the beach vibes, salty air, possibilities, long days & enduring friendship are present in this book. I love Callie & Luke's love story. This is a sweeter romance. If you're wary of too much steam, you're in the clear. Also, I wasn't expecting the mystery element. For me, it made an otherwise cute love story more meaningful.
THE VERDICT
I am Really Into This book! Jenny Hale's writing makes me feel good. I need that in my life & maybe you do too. At this point, I'll read anything she writes.
Check out all of our reviews at https://reallyintothis.com
Happy Reading, friends!
Special thanks to Jenny Hale & Read Forever for providing our copy in exchange for an honest & fair review.
Book Review: The Summer House by Jenny Hale
Second chance romance while renovating a beautiful beach house with your best friend. Does it get any better?
Can I just move into Jenny Hale's books? First, I read Christmas Wishes & Mistletoes Kisses & really enjoyed it. Jenny's writing gave me all the holiday feels & magic.
Well, Jenny Hale does it again with Summer House. All the beach vibes, salty air, possibilities, long days & enduring friendship are present in this book. I love Callie & Luke's love story. This is a sweeter romance. If you're wary of too much steam, you're in the clear. Also, I wasn't expecting the mystery element. For me, it made an otherwise cute love story more meaningful.
THE VERDICT
I am Really Into This book! Jenny Hale's writing makes me feel good. I need that in my life & maybe you do too. At this point, I'll read anything she writes.
June 13, 2017
This is the second book that I have read by Jenny Hale, so I am familiar with the author's writing. And once again Jenny doesn't disappoint in this beautiful, heartwarming summer read.
Transporting us to the white sand of North Carolina’s Outer Banks, with stunning descriptions that made you feel right there in the story. We meet Callie Weaver and best friend Olivia Dixon. Who are doing up a Beach house to open it has a Bed and Breakfast. Then along comes pretty boy local heartthrob Luke Sullivan who catches Callie’s eye. Luke is from a wealthy family and leads a completely different lifestyle to Callie. She soon begins to realise that there is more to him than money and good looks. But then Callie and Olivia find a diary full of secrets and she begins to unravel a mystery from the past.
Will Callie and Luke be pulled apart by the storm it unleashes, or can true love save them?
To start with I wasn't sure where this story was going with it being a more fluffy read for me. But I loved how the author has weaved the whole diary storyline in dropping pieces of the puzzle throughout the story making this a pageturner. I actually read this in one afternoon I simply couldn't put it down.
I loved the relationship between Callie and Olivia they are both likeable characters. Callie being the main character grows throughout the story after playing hard to get with Luke when she firsts meets him. I loved that about her.
This is a must read for Nicholas Sparks fans which I highly recommend giving it 4 stars.
Transporting us to the white sand of North Carolina’s Outer Banks, with stunning descriptions that made you feel right there in the story. We meet Callie Weaver and best friend Olivia Dixon. Who are doing up a Beach house to open it has a Bed and Breakfast. Then along comes pretty boy local heartthrob Luke Sullivan who catches Callie’s eye. Luke is from a wealthy family and leads a completely different lifestyle to Callie. She soon begins to realise that there is more to him than money and good looks. But then Callie and Olivia find a diary full of secrets and she begins to unravel a mystery from the past.
Will Callie and Luke be pulled apart by the storm it unleashes, or can true love save them?
To start with I wasn't sure where this story was going with it being a more fluffy read for me. But I loved how the author has weaved the whole diary storyline in dropping pieces of the puzzle throughout the story making this a pageturner. I actually read this in one afternoon I simply couldn't put it down.
I loved the relationship between Callie and Olivia they are both likeable characters. Callie being the main character grows throughout the story after playing hard to get with Luke when she firsts meets him. I loved that about her.
This is a must read for Nicholas Sparks fans which I highly recommend giving it 4 stars.
September 17, 2022
Не ми хареса. Тази история беше трагикомична тъпотия!
Следват коментари със СПОЙЛЕРИ!
😣🤢😫🤢😵
Смятам, че това нещо е най-слабата книга на Хейл, която съм чела до този момент. Ужасни 4 часа от моя живот, които никой няма да ми върне... Отвратена съм!!! Това бяха най-трагичните персонажи евър!
・Кари е безгранично дразнеща, наивна, нелепа и абсурдно нахална женица, която ми идеше да напердаша, защото всяко нещо, което си мисли, казва и прави е ТЪПО!!! И въобще няма да коментирам "трудните отношения" с майка ѝ - защото такива НЯ-МА!
・Оливия е глупава страхливка, която обвинява детето си за липсата на мъж в живота си. А освен това е Хейл-клише (има по един такъв герой във всяка от книгите на Хейл, които аз съм чела): жена, която 10тина години се лута на любовния фронт, но на една ръка разстояние има невероятен, мил, добър и (обикновено) богат мъж, който е луд по нея... Но тя - видиш ли - не го е знаела до този момент. О, какъв шок!
・Люк е адското клише за богаташко мамино синче: има проблеми с баща си, харчи чужди пари като свои, има нежна и артистична душа, но е лоялен към семейството си, дори и да трябва да пренебрегне своите собствени желания. Бляк! Бляк! БЛЯК!
Никаква оригиналност! Клишетата се нижат ред след ред, дума след дума...
Всички останали герои са просто пълнеж. Недостатъчно приятни, че да направят някакво впечатление.
Ето още няколко неща, които супер много ме подразниха:
Да издрънкаш нечия чужда тайна никога НЕ Е добро решение! Какво смяташ, че ще се случи?! Той ще те прегърне силно и ще ти каже "Благодаря ти, че си натика носа в тайните дела на моето семейство. Никой никога не го е правил за мен. Обичам те. Ще станеш ли моя жена?"
Ей това вече беше мега тъпо!
Идеята за ремонта на вилата беше хубава, до момента, в който вилата спря да е приоритет на Кари. Хем поема клиенти за септември, хем до никъде не е с работата, хем си фръцка гъза по заведения, яхти и партита. А, да. Освен това къщата е купена с парите на бабата на Оливия. Т.е на Кари ѝ е широко около врата - не е вложила нищо, значи през туй ѝ е какво ще се случи. Стига желснието ѝ "отново да види онази негова усмивка" да се сбъдне.
Ай стига! А какво ще правите като дойдат гостите? Ще им дадете по една палатка ⛺ и ще им пожелаете добро прекарване на двора/плажа ли?! Като имаш работа - запретваш ръкави и я вършиш!
Очевидно - поне според авторката - няма грозни милионери (което мога да си обясня), но няма и грозни обикновени, безработни хора! Всички в крайбрежните райони очевидно са ослепително прекрасни, малко увредени (винаги трябва да имат някакъв проблем, който ПРИНЦЪТ да реши) и пазещи "жестоки тайни", но все пак - КРАСИВИ И НЕУСТОИМИ!
Та... За финал: Не знам как си го причиних отново! Почти усещам физическа болка след това... Мисля, че с четенето на тази книга убих няколко стотин мозъчни клетки 😫
За феновете на авторката: #SorryNotSorry
Следват коментари със СПОЙЛЕРИ!
😣🤢😫🤢😵
Смятам, че това нещо е най-слабата книга на Хейл, която съм чела до този момент. Ужасни 4 часа от моя живот, които никой няма да ми върне... Отвратена съм!!! Това бяха най-трагичните персонажи евър!
・Кари е безгранично дразнеща, наивна, нелепа и абсурдно нахална женица, която ми идеше да напердаша, защото всяко нещо, което си мисли, казва и прави е ТЪПО!!! И въобще няма да коментирам "трудните отношения" с майка ѝ - защото такива НЯ-МА!
・Оливия е глупава страхливка, която обвинява детето си за липсата на мъж в живота си. А освен това е Хейл-клише (има по един такъв герой във всяка от книгите на Хейл, които аз съм чела): жена, която 10тина години се лута на любовния фронт, но на една ръка разстояние има невероятен, мил, добър и (обикновено) богат мъж, който е луд по нея... Но тя - видиш ли - не го е знаела до този момент. О, какъв шок!
・Люк е адското клише за богаташко мамино синче: има проблеми с баща си, харчи чужди пари като свои, има нежна и артистична душа, но е лоялен към семейството си, дори и да трябва да пренебрегне своите собствени желания. Бляк! Бляк! БЛЯК!
Никаква оригиналност! Клишетата се нижат ред след ред, дума след дума...
Всички останали герои са просто пълнеж. Недостатъчно приятни, че да направят някакво впечатление.
Ето още няколко неща, които супер много ме подразниха:
Да издрънкаш нечия чужда тайна никога НЕ Е добро решение! Какво смяташ, че ще се случи?! Той ще те прегърне силно и ще ти каже "Благодаря ти, че си натика носа в тайните дела на моето семейство. Никой никога не го е правил за мен. Обичам те. Ще станеш ли моя жена?"
Ей това вече беше мега тъпо!
Идеята за ремонта на вилата беше хубава, до момента, в който вилата спря да е приоритет на Кари. Хем поема клиенти за септември, хем до никъде не е с работата, хем си фръцка гъза по заведения, яхти и партита. А, да. Освен това къщата е купена с парите на бабата на Оливия. Т.е на Кари ѝ е широко около врата - не е вложила нищо, значи през туй ѝ е какво ще се случи. Стига желснието ѝ "отново да види онази негова усмивка" да се сбъдне.
Ай стига! А какво ще правите като дойдат гостите? Ще им дадете по една палатка ⛺ и ще им пожелаете добро прекарване на двора/плажа ли?! Като имаш работа - запретваш ръкави и я вършиш!
Очевидно - поне според авторката - няма грозни милионери (което мога да си обясня), но няма и грозни обикновени, безработни хора! Всички в крайбрежните райони очевидно са ослепително прекрасни, малко увредени (винаги трябва да имат някакъв проблем, който ПРИНЦЪТ да реши) и пазещи "жестоки тайни", но все пак - КРАСИВИ И НЕУСТОИМИ!
Та... За финал: Не знам как си го причиних отново! Почти усещам физическа болка след това... Мисля, че с четенето на тази книга убих няколко стотин мозъчни клетки 😫
За феновете на авторката: #SorryNotSorry
June 27, 2017
I'm a fan of Jenny Hale's writing,I love to read her stories during Christmas and Summer times and this was not an exception.I really liked this lovely, warm, summery, colourful story.
The author made a beautiful work with the description of the landscape,I'm italian so when I closed this book I went on google to look to some Outer Banks pictures and they looked like what I have envisioned while reading.
Callie, our heroine,is so focused on the success of her business she thinks there is no time and room for love but she realizes pretty soon that to be happy she needs Luke in her life. I appreciated how their relationship developped throughout the book and I wished they could find a way to be together even during the hard times.
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