Summer at Enid’s

by Britt Laux

Lydia is running away from her problems and into her eccentric grandmother’s arms. Spending the summer hidden from the world, she rediscovers faith and creativity... and finds healing for her heart. Weston has been living in the safety of Enid's woods for two years, ashamed of his past. When Lydia comes along, he's forced to look back just to see how far he's come...so he can finally move forward.

Genres: Romance

145 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2019

About the author

Britt is an Ohio-based author and editor, and parent to three. They are inspired by the baby forest they live in, often found wandering through the trees thinking up new stories. You can catch them on Instagram - almost constantly - @authorbrittlaux

Reviews

[Sarah Neofield]

Britt Laux's Summer at Enid's hooked me from the very first page with its pleasant, polished text. While the characters and plot are also well-developed, it was really Laux's deft description of setting that transported me.
Laux is a master of driving the plot forward, and the whole way through, I was keen to see what she had in store next for the characters. Often, I'd intend to stop reading at the end of a chapter, but by the time I got to the final page, I'd find myself turning to the next to keep going.
In Summer at Enid's Lydia returns to her grandmother's house following some personal problems. There, she grapples with all sorts of big questions, rediscovering, as the description says, faith and creativity. But never in a heavy or 'preachy' way. Laux uses dialogue between multiple characters to explore complex philosophical issues, but with a light touch. Ultimately, the reader is left to make their own interpretations of the meaning of life, the nature of God, and the consequences of death, and to decide which of the characters (if any) they side with.
Summer at Enid's is a book about many things - it's about love, but it's also about finding your own way in life, the complexities of family, and the importance of new beginnings.
In many ways it is a unique book, because I believe it can be equally enjoyed on two distinct levels. For those who want to read something light, a piece of escapist fiction with a strong romance narrative, Summer at Enid's is the book for you. But equally, if you want to engage with the issues that Laux so skillfully hints at (whether fate exists, what makes a good relationship, to what extent people can change, as well as the more spiritual/existential questions that are both posed and represented by the characters) you can also draw much deeper meaning out of this book. You may or may not agree with all of it, but it will certainly get you thinking!
Either way, Summer at Enid's won't disappoint!

[Sydney Mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Britt Laux’s books is like taking a pleasant stroll. It’s casual and leisurely but altogether refreshing. The characters are ordinary people with everyday problems, but you can’t help but be drawn in by their story. So it was with Lydia, Enid and Weston. I loved Enid for her generous, beautiful heart and for opening up her home to those who needed hope and healing. I enjoyed observing Lydia’s personal growth as well as the development of the friendship between her and Weston. One critique is that it felt as if the animosity from Orchid wasn’t fully explored and therefore came across as extreme. Otherwise, another enjoyable story from this new author. 4.5 stars.

[Joanna Freire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly, thank you to the author for having given me the opportunity to read her book for free (digital copy) in exchange for an honest review!

Now onto said honest review, which will be entirely spoiler free but I will do my best to entice you to pick up this book when it launches:

*Ugh, I just never wanted it to end*

Right from the start this book gripped my emotions and refused to let go, on the third page I knew my poor sappy heart was in trouble. And I had only met 2 of the main characters.
Before I dive into details, let me just say, by the resolution I thought I'd read a 300 page book, when this was only around 170! It was such a beautiful journey, hence why I never wanted it to end.

THE WRITING STYLE:
Clean, quick, delightful, descriptive but enough so that I got to flex my own imagination while reading. It was really a highlight of the book itself, being really easy to get into, supporting the story rather than stifling it with unnecessary descriptions. And when there were descriptions they were weaved into the actions of the characters rather than chunks of info dumps.

THE CHARACTERS:
Lydia - One of the main characters, although probably the main character considering she gets most chapter time. I really liked Lydia, I can see her as a real person, and I understood her motives and emotions. She felt realistic and well balanced, never did she turn annoying or overbearing, and when she did complain about something it was for good, understandable reasons! By no means was she a Mary Sue, she had her faults to work through and overcome, which did create some conflict for her, but that's the point of having a character flaw - it's supposed to create conflict(:
From the start she was also quite quirky, and her character's voice had some spunk which I could appreciate. She made me laugh out loud quite a bit with her mannerisms and responses to the other characters. Overall, a really good MC that I won't be forgetting any time soon.

Weston "Wes" - ahhh he was so lovely and I couldn't help liking him from the start. Like Lydia he had his own faults, which did cause some sparks between him and Lydia especially 😉 But he was also headstrong and understanding and thoughtful and the moment he and Lydia met I just needed them to hash things out and fall in love because Wes was just too amazing not to love. *More on his dynamic with Lydia later*. I really liked his chapters as well, he also had some snark going for him, but the likeable kind, not the arrogant repulsive kind. Overall, another character that my sappy heart still beats for.

Enid - She was so freaking amazing, all I can say is that I loved her, and I want to meet her and hug and protect her because she was just such a precious character. All the props to Laux for having written and created such a beautiful character with such a vibrant and unforgettable personality. Trust me, the moment you meet her on page you'll understand why I loved her so much. I adored both Lydia and Wes, but Enid just made this entire book so goddamn special to me.

Side characters: Orchid (Lydia's mother), Ryan, and Lydia's father. There were also a few other minor characters brushed on, but these were the main side characters. And despite not being main, they were SO well developed and rounded, and they just jumped off the page, each with their own motives and desires. They all brought an added little something to the story that made everything feel so much more realistic.

THE DYNAMICS:
All the feels between Lydia and Wes and Wes and Enid and Enid and Lydia. I just loved their interactions so darn much.
But let's start with my favourite dynamic. Enid, and Enid.
Haha kidding, Lydia and Wes - I really don't want to spoil anything though, because their dynamic was such a joy to read, and I just shipped them right from the start. So listen here 😏

[“I won’t.” He gives me a curt nod and heads back toward the garden. I can’t help but notice his jeans fit him well. /Really/ well.
“Cute, huh?” Grandma teases, nudging me.
“A little old for you, isn’t he?” I nudge back gently.]

Okay okay that probably wasn't the best example, but I cackled at Lydia and can remember wondering if she wasn't already slightly curious of him. Anyway, their dynamic was an utter highlight of this book, I just really loved how it all developed, not too slow, not too fast, just right.
And even though this is a *clean* contemporary romance, doesn't mean it isn't a little bit of a *steamy* romance. Make of that what you want ;)

Enid/Lydia/Wes - Enid just brought everyone together and my heart just warmed every time it was mentioned what Enid meant to Wes. And everything Lydia learned from Enid. It was just so beautiful and special and ahh, my poor beating heart is such a glorious mess right now.

RESULT:
I laughed at their general sarcasm and hidden humour, and I cried at the genuinely beautiful, heartfelt moments. Summer at Enid's had me feeling so many good things, and I couldn't recommend a book more!

There were no times where I thought "this isn't going anywhere", "this is boring", "I don't like the characters", "I couldn't care less," or "I'd rather be reading something else." Which is all criteria for how I rate my books - if I feel one of these, I knock off a star or half.
I didn't feel any of those, so 5 stars from me!

*It's just such a lovely read.*

[Caroline Noe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lydia breaks her engagement with her unfaithful fiance and runs back to her eccentric grandmother's home in the countryside. She's not the only one hiding out from her past, as the gardener, Weston, can testify.

Whilst the story holds it own, plot isn't the main thrust of the book. Its strength lies in the in depth examination of the human condition, with its regrets and tortures of the soul, and the discovery of redemption through finding oneself. Poignant, compelling and moving on every level.

[Gee Rothvoss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Britt Laux's novella "Summer at Enid's" introduces us to Lydia, who's decided to stay with her grandmother Enid for a few weeks after quitting her job, and finding out that her fiancé has been cheating on her with one of his exes. There's a reason why Lydia hasn't spent all too much time with her grandma in a couple of years; Enid is eccentric and unconventional, the polar opposite of the kind of person Lydia was supposed to become. But she's also free-spirited and alive in a way that fascinates her granddaughter - and has a very handsome gardener to help her keep the house and surrounding forest in check. Even though at first Lydia is skeptical, soon enough she finds herself more and more fascinated by Enid's take on life. 

This sweet little novella was such a delight to read! Having read only one of Laux's works previously, "Bondmates", I didn't quite know what to expect from their works. One thing is clear to me, now: I can always count on Britt to make magic with just a few words. The characters in this novella were so realistic that it sometimes felt as if I knew them personally, and their struggles, those of common people like you and me. Lydia, Orchid, and Enid were excellent depictions of different takes on life; Orchid is driven by ambition and appearances, Enid stays loyal to her love of nature and freedom, and Lydia feels trapped between what she's afraid to want, and what she's always been told she should get. Being in a somewhat similarish situation myself right now - in which what everyone thinks I ought to want and do is far from what my heart tells me to -, I could relate to Lydia a lot. I personally felt that Laux was able to capture the self-doubt and insecurity that come with any significant change in how we decide to lead our lives, and I was really excited to watch Lydia grow and evolve. It made me reflect on where my own bravery has been all this time, and how I only have one life to follow my heart. 

There was also the romance, which I felt very invested in. Wes and Lydia have an enemies to lovers of sorts, and although this is a short novella, Laux still managed to make it believable and really sweet. It was the kind of slow falling in love everyone should get to experience at least once in their lives! 

Once the inevitable plottwist arrived, I really felt for our main characters. What happens to them has happened to me three times already in the past year, and I could most definitely relate to the way Laux depicted the resulting emotions and hardships. 

All in all, this was a very sweet and beautiful novella, and I definitely consider it my favourite March read! I can't wait to read more of Britt Laux's stories. 

[Kelly Hellmuth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful character driven romance!

Lydia, Wes, and Enid are all wonderfully crafted characters. I had no problem getting lost in this story. The plot is simple and predictable in a good way, comfortable and familiar. It shines in its character development, which makes it feel real and believable. I can’t wait to see what Britt writes next.

I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[BreeAnn (She Just Loves Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I Loved: This book’s story was so simple and beautiful. I loved the relationships between each of the characters and I found myself stepping back and thinking about the relationships I have with my own family while reading. Britt Laux’s writing was so real, I was attached to each character quite quickly. Enid was especially touching, you fall in love with her on page 2 and she stays with your heart the whole way through.

How I Felt: This was a beautifully written story. I was drawn in from the first chapter with meeting of the first two characters. The book moved along at a fairly fast pace, not lingering too long on each scene, however, I felt as if I had spent the entire summer with this group, not just two days.

To Read or Not To Read: This is a great book for any readers that enjoy a love story, books about family relationships, and adorable grandmas that are feisty and amazing!

What’s This Book About Anyway?
Lydia’s just quit her job and broken off her engagement. She’s heading to her grandmother Enid’s country home for some rest and time to escape.

Weston was taken on caretaker of Enid’s estate two years ago and has become like family to Enid. She accepted his past and has helped him to find how strong he is. The addition of Lydia into his daily routine has caused him some discomfort. She’s cute, but grumpy and he hasn’t quite worked out his feelings yet.

Enid is a ninety-something feisty woman who is full of love and hope and spunk. She’s determined to steer Lydia to the path of her future, whether Lydia sees it or not.

This ARC was provided to me by the author in exchange for my honest review.

All my reviews are available at: https://shejustlovesbooks.com/

[Nix Damon · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delicious treat this book was. HEART EYES. I tasted summer, I hugged Enid, I picked berries and grew to appreciate life all around me with this book. This gifted author has a delightful way with words, expertly and effortlessly delving into the emotional tangle of humanness without missing a beat. It wasn't overly sentimental or sappy, but held just the right amount of emotional impact needed for me to feel both worlds of sorrow and selfless love. There were moments that had me tearing up, that had me wanting to BE in the world Ms. Laux created with Lydia, Enid, and Weston. Other times, I thought she had taken notes from my diary! HOW DO YOU KNOW ME? Excellent read with food for thought.

[Amanda Pagano · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is like a big warm hug welcoming you home. That’s exactly how Enid makes everyone feel - especially the two main characters, Wes and Lydia. Both of them come to her when they’re feeling lost in their lives, and she provides them with the space to find themselves. Enid is an older woman in her 90s who takes in Wes as her gardener when it’s clear he has nowhere else to go. Two years later, Enid encourages her granddaughter, Lydia, to stay with her after Lydia’s relationship with her fiancé has fallen apart along with her job.

A short and sweet read that exudes the essence of summer days full of the freedom kids get on summer vacation. Enid’s home is definitely hard work for Wes to maintain, but the presence of Lydia forces him to relax a bit more. Even though their first encounters with each other are a bit bristly, they warm up to each other as the summer heats up. All with the help of Enid’s pushiness that makes them do errands and go into town together. It’s clear what she’s trying to do, and they both try to resist her matchmaking, but natural chemistry may prove harder to resist.

We read from three different perspectives, all in the first person. Although the book is heavily focused on chapters for Wes and Lydia, we get a few Enid chapters squeezed in. It takes place in a small town, but most of the story is at Enid’s home. She has a beautiful and slightly overgrown backyard with so many trees and different paths to take. Some paths lead to a pond that provides great refreshment in the summer. Enid also has a famous iced mint tea that I really wanted to taste every time I read them drinking it.

While this book felt very happy and wholesome to me, the characters still came with their own traumas and issues. From drug addiction to death there are a few heavy topics addressed in this book. Grief plays a big role in the back half of the book, but I love how the grieving process is written realistically. Even in grief there can still be beautiful moments and growth. The portrayal of finding oneself in this book is executed extremely well.

I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to others. It was the perfect book for me to pick up when I was feeling stuck and struggling with reading other lengthier books. Being less than 200 pages made it feel less intimidating. While I would have loved more pages of Enid, Wes, and Lydia, I felt the length matched the story perfectly. We even get a nice little jump into the future at the very end. Start your summer reads off with this warm and loving story.

[Dr. Leanna Floyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summer at Enid’s is a beautiful story that captivates the reader from the first few pages. The story takes place at a remote location that’s tucked away deep in the woods, and the author’s ability to paint a picture with words was simply amazing. As I was reading, my mind played out the scenes like a movie. The author’s details transported me to a woodsy dreamworld filled with lush grass and dense trees making me feel like I was inside the story.

Additionally, the author’s ability to portray likable and relatable characters was outstanding. The story is told from three POV, which adds a nice layer to the storyline. I really loved the relationship between Lydia and her grandmother, Enid. The love was palpable, and it reminded me of my relationship with my grandmother. One of my favorite lines in the book was said by Enid, and it spoke to me on a soul level, “You can find truth in many teachings if you remember that the core of it all is love.” There was a level of comfort that this story brings that reminded me to cherish my loved ones and not let time slip away before it’s too late. This is a heartwarming story that will pull on the readers' heartstrings, and they will be rooting for the characters up until the very end.

[Virg · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really lovely look at a woman figuring out what she truly wants in her life. When Lydia's carefully curated life falls apart, she retreats to her grandmother's property in the woods. Enid gently helps her realize what she values, and encourages her to explore new directions. The relationship between grandmother and granddaughter is tender and heartwarming, especially in contrast with the harsher relationship Lydia has with her mother. There's a sweet romance tucked in here as well, and I particularly loved how her relationship with Wes pushed Lydia to grow.

All in all, a heartfelt story of growth and change, and making hard choices. Looking forward to more stories in this series!

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enid, 90 years old, Lydia is granddaughter who came to see her after her boyfriend cheated. Enid had a man working for her, Wes. Enid loved him like a son. Great book

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summer at Enid's had me hooked from the first chapter. Well written.

[F · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story. It was very beautifully written and Britt Laux writing style is quite unique. I think she manages to both be very direct and without unnecessary words and at the same time being very descriptive and at times almost poetic.
I really liked the spirituality in this book and how nature was a theme throughout. I'm not religious at all and I enjoyed the discussions of belief and the meaning with life a lot.
The story is simple but deals with heavy feelings and finding a new path and because the characters feel real the simplicity of the plot feels natural. I loved Wes and Enid and the end I loved Lydia too, even though she took a bit longer for me to connect with because I thought she was too bratty in the beginning, but her personality and choices made sense along the way. I liked the romance in this story even though I would have loved a few more scenes between Lydia and Wes, also because I have a feeling that Britt could write scenes of intimacy beautifully since her descriptions are both powerful and simple all at once, and I would have loved to have seen a bit more of their relationship. Enid is very excentric but she still felt real to me, maybe also because I have a hippie-ish grandmother in her nienties myself, and I could see a lot of similarities.
I smiled a lot and got a little teary. All in all, a very sweet moving read perfect for a cup of tea with a favourite blanket.

[Arly Carmack · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, I have to say that this hit home on so many levels. I have a lot in common with the main character, so it was easy for me to get invested in the book quickly. The story is told from 3 POVs, so I’m sure most readers will find a character to align with. I wanted to follow it through to see if the main character would make the same choices I would’ve. I’m usually a very slow reader and I devoured this book in about a day.

This book deals with so many emotions — disappointment, guilt, love, and grief to name a few. This was the story of the healing journey of two people from different backgrounds finding themselves taking respite in the same place. Enid is the elderly woman who makes this possible by allowing the characters to forgive themselves and really start to listen to their inner needs. This allows for the growth needed to move into their futures.

The descriptions of the cabin, woods, and small town were crisp and concise. It felt like a familiar place, like I knew the layout of the property and the paths in the woods. The smells and sounds took over my senses. The descriptions were wonderful and real.

By the end of the story I felt such a mix of emotions and really just wanted to run away and live in the woods, grow in character, and be inspired by nature, like the makeshift family that Enid had nurtured and loved!

[Aliya Bree Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

As someone who was incredibly close to my grandmother, I really connected with Britt Laux's story. The relationship between Enid and Lydia is beautiful and honest. The dynamic between all the characters is well explored and brings up interesting conflicts that happen in families. I did want the relationship between Orchid and Lydia to be featured more, because even though there is a lot to dislike about Orchid, there needs to be a quality that humanizes them more. We got a taste of it, but I would have liked a little more, even if their relationship stayed strained. That said, the book is beautifully written and Laux manages to bring up questions about spirituality and faith without it being uncomfortable or preachy. A wonderful read!

[J.J. Dobor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summer at Enid's is, quite simply, about love. Lydia spends summer at her grandmother Enid's cottage. When she arrives, she is damaged by life and seeks solace with her elderly grandmother. Suspicious of Enid's gardener Wes, Lydia is less than friendly. As the story unfolds, we get to know our three characters and what drives them, and we fall hopelessly in love with them. Later in the story Lydia's narcissistic mother, Orchid, arrives to stir things up.

I loved this story from start to finish. A sprinkle of magic, a classic love story, laughter and tears. I would have liked Orchid's character to have been more developed. I wanted to discover what had made her the bitter person she was and why she couldn't find the charm and love Enid offered.

This book is beautifully written and comes highly recommended.

[Kat Bostick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Felt like a light read but left my heart heavy the way only a good book can

Wow, this is one of those rare books that actually left me without words. I read it while feeding my baby at 1 am. Baby went back to sleep, I stayed awake to finish the book. It was that good. The character’s had so much life to them. Getting to the ending of the book felt like saying goodbye to old friends. Enid is the free spirit we all wish we could be. She is charming and down to earth and left me inspired. I might read it again just so I can pretend she’s my grandmother too.

[Julia Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous! What a beautiful, cosy read. This story is full of emotion; sadness mingled with happiness and love, and dotted through with unexpected light bulb moments that shone a light on situations in my own life. All written in a wonderful, easy read. I loved this book and I'm looking forward to reading more of Britt Laux's work.

[MrsGhostlyxD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my god! Everybody needs a grandmother like Enid.

The atmosphere of this book really spoke to me and it was such an easy, relaxing read. The peace of Enid’s place really welcomed you.

If your looking for a gentle reminder of how peaceful life can be or what it boils down to in the end, look no further. This is the book for you.

[Ella Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summer at Enid's is so raw and real and so utterly full of beauty from beginning to end. I devoured it in 2 sittings.
Britt's writing is tender and emotive. The words flow like honey. This book is a treasure. Highly recommended. 5*

[F.R. Southerland · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully written and lovely story. It took me a little while to get into it, as the first person changing POVs bugged me at first, but I grew used to it. My favorite character was Enid. Least favorite was definitely Orchid, or Marie, or whatever she called herself. Loved the ending.

[Corinne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summer at Enid's is a heart warming story of redemption and love. It left me smiling through teary eyes!

[Betsy Harloff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written by a mama in Ohio. This book has all the feels I couldn't put it down. If you live that nature loving crunchy lifestyle this book is for you. A clean, wholesome, romance.

[Andie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, beautifully-written character-driven story of two struggling souls, Lydia and Wes, who meet and find a way to overcome their pasts. And Enid, the heart of the story, is a magical character.

[Mae Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored every single second of this book. I wanted the summer to never end... beautiful characters and some of the most romantically honest writing I’ve read in a long while. GORGEOUS book!

[Maggie Friedenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this heartwarming summer read! Enid made me nostalgic for my own grandmother and her magical house by the woods.

[Aleksandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Refreshingly beautiful writing style.