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Seashell Cottage #3
A Summer of Surprises
Families and sisters can be complicated... Jill Conroy is tricked by her sister into becoming the housekeeper and cook for the summer at Seashell Cottage where Greg Campbell and his nephew, Brody, have been hired to do maintenance projects on the house. Annoyed at first, Jill soon realizes how wonderful it is to be away from her home in New York and the memories of her deceased, emotionally abusive husband. Soon the magic of the beach heals Jill enough for her to decide to move to Florida permanently to make a new life for herself. Her part-time work at a summer camp and the promise of a new job as a third-grade teacher in the fall make it seem as if her future is set. But a visit from her sister, followed by her mother, reveals secrets that surprise them all. Jill learns to accept the idea of love not only from Brody but from his daughter, Kacy, as the summer brings even more surprises. This book is a standalone novel that is one of others based at the Seashell Cottage on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Different stories, different characters, same location.Another of Judith Keim’s series books celebrating love and families, strong women meeting challenges, and clean women’s fiction with a touch of romance—beach reads for all ages with a touch of humor, satisfying twists, and happy endings. Be sure to check out her other delightful books and series that readers adore.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 23, 2020
1128 people are currently reading
1002 people want to read
About the author
Judith Keim
125 books970 followers Judith Keim, A USA Today Best Selling Author, is a hybrid author who both has a publisher and self-publishes. Ms. Keim writes heart-warming novels about women who face unexpected challenges, meet them with strength, and find love and happiness along the way, stories with heart. Her best-selling books are based, in part, on many of the places she's lived or visited and on the interesting people that she's met, creating believable characters and realistic settings her many loyal readers love.
She enjoyed her childhood and young-adult years in Elmira, New York, and now makes her home in Boise, Idaho, with her husband and their two dachshunds, Kacy and Wally, and other members of her family.
While growing up, she was drawn to the idea of writing stories from a young age. Books were always present, being read, ready to go back to the library, or about to be discovered. All in her family shared information from the books in general conversation, giving them a wealth of knowledge and vivid imaginations.
Ms. Keim loves to hear from her readers and appreciates their enthusiasm for her stories.
To sign up for her newsletter, go here: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/oeiwdp1vkc
Her website: https://judithkeim.com/
Follow her on Book Bub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/judit...
She enjoyed her childhood and young-adult years in Elmira, New York, and now makes her home in Boise, Idaho, with her husband and their two dachshunds, Kacy and Wally, and other members of her family.
While growing up, she was drawn to the idea of writing stories from a young age. Books were always present, being read, ready to go back to the library, or about to be discovered. All in her family shared information from the books in general conversation, giving them a wealth of knowledge and vivid imaginations.
Ms. Keim loves to hear from her readers and appreciates their enthusiasm for her stories.
To sign up for her newsletter, go here: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/oeiwdp1vkc
Her website: https://judithkeim.com/
Follow her on Book Bub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/judit...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 241 reviews
July 8, 2020
A wonderfully written story that is so much more than just a sweet romance. It's a story of a woman finding her strength and even more, her place in life. She takes control away from those that have kept her in an unhappy place and allows herself to grow into the woman that controls her own path. It's a story of a child overcoming bullying. It's the story of a man overcoming the miserable choices he has made in life. It is sweet, endearing, romantic while also being about strength, kindness, seeing your potential and grabbing life with both hands to live it to the fullest. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more in this series.
July 12, 2020
Jill Conroy's sister, Cristal, asked her to watch a cottage and relax. When Jill gets there she finds out she is to be housekeeper and cook for 2 men a young girl. That is nothing new for how Cristal treats Jill. It has been this way all their lives and even their own mom makes excuses for Cristal and always covers for her and makes Jill ungrateful
But what ends up happening is Jill loves that she is away from New York and meeting new people. So while taking care of the 2 men doing the maintenance work on the house, she becomes friends with them and even getting the little girl to be more open.
I loved the characters except for spoiled Cristal and their mom but even then you start learning more of why they are the way they are.
Thank you Judith Keim and Netgalley for the chance to review this beautiful book.
But what ends up happening is Jill loves that she is away from New York and meeting new people. So while taking care of the 2 men doing the maintenance work on the house, she becomes friends with them and even getting the little girl to be more open.
I loved the characters except for spoiled Cristal and their mom but even then you start learning more of why they are the way they are.
Thank you Judith Keim and Netgalley for the chance to review this beautiful book.
March 23, 2023
We meet Jill who has always been known as the smart one. Her sister invites her to Florida for the summer and come to find out she was asked so that she could do all the work. Jill has gotten to the point that she needs more, what is it that she wants for her life. Jill whole life is about to change and for the better, she is not as plain as she thinks, she will not be a door mat anymore, it is time for her to live.
rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..(netgalley) voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions
rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..(netgalley) voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions
August 18, 2020
Very sweet read about a woman coming into her own in her life after years of a bullying husband and an overbearing, domineering mother.
May 24, 2020
The roles we are given in our families at an early age can affect us through the rest of our lives. Jill and Cristal don't have a close relationship because their mother managed to keep them from being friends by always catering to Cristal and demeaning to Jill. She always referred to Cristal as the pretty one and Jill as the smart one. Now that they are adults, Jill feels she is just plain and normal and is a teacher while Cristal is a party girl who is always looking for a good time and expects everyone to cater to her. As the novel begins, Cristal has asked Jill to go to Florida from her home in upstate New York to house sit at Seashell cottage on the Gulf Coast while she and the owner go to Europe. Jill agrees, even while she is wondering what the catch is, and drives to Florida only to find out that the cottage is being renovated and she is supposed to clean and cook for the two men who are working there - one of whom is bringing his spoiled 8 year old daughter. She decides that it's worth staying - the house is on the beach and she will still have a lot of free time. Plus she needs to get away from her home and the memories of her deceased abusive husband.
As the summer goes on, Jill begins to change and she stands up to her mother and gains more self confidence. She begins working in a summer camp that helps children learn how to feel better about themselves and it helps her as much as the kids. She has decided to change her whole life and start over again in Florida. When her sister and mother show up at Seashell cottage, she has to decide whether she will continue being just the smart one or whether she will remain being happy with the person that she is becoming.
This book has it all -- a beautiful setting at the beach, a hunky guy doing renovations and a summer job at a campground. There is a bit of romance, a lot of family drama and a lot of changes for Jill during that summer. This is a great book with characters who made me smile. The entire book left me feeling happy!
Thanks to the author for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
As the summer goes on, Jill begins to change and she stands up to her mother and gains more self confidence. She begins working in a summer camp that helps children learn how to feel better about themselves and it helps her as much as the kids. She has decided to change her whole life and start over again in Florida. When her sister and mother show up at Seashell cottage, she has to decide whether she will continue being just the smart one or whether she will remain being happy with the person that she is becoming.
This book has it all -- a beautiful setting at the beach, a hunky guy doing renovations and a summer job at a campground. There is a bit of romance, a lot of family drama and a lot of changes for Jill during that summer. This is a great book with characters who made me smile. The entire book left me feeling happy!
Thanks to the author for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
July 8, 2020
When Jill finally decides she needs a break, she takes up her sister's offer to house set at a beach house in Florida. Little did she know that she would end up being the house cook and keeper. She especially did not expect to be the taxi driver for a obnoxious little girl on top of everything else. As she stepped into her role for the summer, she begins to find herself torn between liking Brody, one of the maintenance guys working on the house, and reliving the past from an abusive dead husband. Jill finds she likes the cozy beach town and is weaving her way into change. Change from her dictorial mother, demanding sister, and begins to live her own life on her terms. I loved this story and cannot wait to see what Ms. Keim writes next. She is quickly turning into one of my favorite authors. Thanks to Ms. Keim, NetGalley, and Wild Quail Publishing for the chance to read and review this book.
June 23, 2020
Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for a complimentary copy of A Summer of Surprises by Judith Keim for the purpose of reading and reviewing. My opinions are my own, and no one has influenced them in any way.
A Summer of Surprises is a well written novel with enchanting characters and a unique plot. The writing pulled me in right away and kept me engaged until the end. The story has plenty of emotionally charged scenes.
When Jill Convoy arrives at seashell cottage for her summer vacation, she learns she’s to be the housekeeper to Greg Campbell and his nephew, Brody while they remodel the cottage. She should have realized her sister had hidden the truth from her. She’s attracted to Brody and becomes attached to his daughter. I liked her character and could identify with her lack of confidence. Her ex-fiancée had really torn down her self-esteem.
Greg Campbell is a great hero. He is a loving father and helps his uncle. His patience with Jill amazed me. He will wait as long as she needs for her to be comfortable in her new life.
The romance is sweet and develops slowly due to Jill’s need to make a new life in Florida. This is a story of a young woman overcoming the loss of her dreams, finding many things she thought were true are not. Her willingness to start anew with her sister touched me.
If you enjoy women’s fiction with plenty of depth and substance and endearing characters, then you will enjoy A Summer of Surprises as much as I did. I have fast become a fan of Ms. Keim’s novels. Happy reading!
June 7, 2020
A Summer of Surprises was a wonderful story of reimagining life. Judith Keim was a new author to me and I enjoyed her novel. She is another author to add to my list of authors to read. The reclaiming of a life, and the reimaging of what is possible was wonderful.
It has been a couple of years since her husband died. Jill is just moving in place, but doesn’t know quite what to do. Her sister, Cristal has asked Jill to house-sit for a friend in Florida whose place is being renovated, while she is away. Jill is reluctant (for a few reasons), but decides that a summer away might be freeing. Her reluctance was appropriate as suddeningly she is chief cook and bottle washer for a couple of workmen and a child. All the free time seemed to evaporate as she also added chauffeur to her things to do, but it opened up an opportunity if she was brave enough to take that step. How much change can a person accomplish in a summer? How much can be a surprise? And then Christal returned early and another challenge happened.
The story captured my attention and made me believe that you can start over again with your family, if everyone is really invested. I enjoyed the main characters and found Jill’s reinvention of herself a remarkable feat of strength. A Summer of Surprises by Judith Keim was a good read.
It has been a couple of years since her husband died. Jill is just moving in place, but doesn’t know quite what to do. Her sister, Cristal has asked Jill to house-sit for a friend in Florida whose place is being renovated, while she is away. Jill is reluctant (for a few reasons), but decides that a summer away might be freeing. Her reluctance was appropriate as suddeningly she is chief cook and bottle washer for a couple of workmen and a child. All the free time seemed to evaporate as she also added chauffeur to her things to do, but it opened up an opportunity if she was brave enough to take that step. How much change can a person accomplish in a summer? How much can be a surprise? And then Christal returned early and another challenge happened.
The story captured my attention and made me believe that you can start over again with your family, if everyone is really invested. I enjoyed the main characters and found Jill’s reinvention of herself a remarkable feat of strength. A Summer of Surprises by Judith Keim was a good read.
June 16, 2020
A wonderful story! How can you go wrong with a place at the beach, a hunky carpenter guy and a lonely woman with issues? Never mind that you were tricked into going and expected to cook and clean for 2 men and a child you don't know. This book is all about family and our relationships within those families. And they can be quite odd and quite confining at times. The characters are really well done and naturally, I love the setting of the beach cottage. The romance was good and it left you with very sweet memories.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 26, 2020
I enjoyed this book. It's an engrossing and entertaining read. With a good storyline and likeable characters it makes for a nice light summer read. This was my first book by this author and i will look out for more,
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 23, 2020
If given a chance to change and redefine your life... would you ?
Jill is at a life stand still, unfortunately she doesn’t realize how bad it is until she takes a job as caretaker for seashell cottage in Florida. The “job” is more than her sister leads her to believe, it seems it involves an older gentleman, his nephew and the nephews 8 year old daughter.
Through them Jill, finds herself, her voice and her strength to reimagine and redefine her life
I absolutely loved this book !
I swear I could hear the ocean waves and smell the salt air.
A definite must read!
Jill is at a life stand still, unfortunately she doesn’t realize how bad it is until she takes a job as caretaker for seashell cottage in Florida. The “job” is more than her sister leads her to believe, it seems it involves an older gentleman, his nephew and the nephews 8 year old daughter.
Through them Jill, finds herself, her voice and her strength to reimagine and redefine her life
I absolutely loved this book !
I swear I could hear the ocean waves and smell the salt air.
A definite must read!
June 16, 2022
Jill Conroy thinks she is having a vacation in a cottage in Florida where she has been asked by her sister to housesit for her roommate. When she arrives she finds out she is supposed to be a housekeeper and cook for the summer at Seashell Cottage while it is being renovated by Greg Campbell. One man is okay, but his nephew Brody and his spoiled 8 year old daughter might be more than she bargained for. As she spends more time at the beach and gets to know Greg, Brody and Kacy, she begins to feel peace, something she hasn't had in a long time living with her recently deceased, emotionally abusive husband. This is a summer of finding herself, standing up for herself, shedding some baggage and secrets as well as new beginnings for herself, her sister, Cristal as well as Brody and Kacy.
I really enjoyed this wonderful summer story. It has so much that I love. The characters were well developed, relatable and people I would like to know. Jill has been bullied most of her life, first by her mother, then her sister and finally her husband. She knows what it feels like, so when she sees that Kacy is suffering from bullying and emotional abuse from her mother, she quietly, and carefully supports the young girl and helps her to recognize that she is a wonderful young girl. Finding a BFF also helps Kacy and has she becomes happier, her whole outlook changes. This made my heart happy. I also loved seeing Jill stand up for herself and make plans for a new life that would make her happy. Her intention was not to have a man in her life, but Brody is such a sweetie and a wonderful dad, he is hard to resist. Throw in Cristal and a sister relationship that is on rocky ground, and I was thrilled to see some healing between the two of them as they shared emotions and feelings they had throughout their lives. Of course, communication would have solved and maybe even prevented some of the issues, but it is easier said than done. This is my first book by Judith Keim and with her extensive backlist, I know I will be enjoying more of her books in the future. Angela Dawe narrated the audiobook and I enjoyed her performance. I have listened to many books she has narrated and I enjoy her voices, expression and tone and what they add to the story.
I really enjoyed this wonderful summer story. It has so much that I love. The characters were well developed, relatable and people I would like to know. Jill has been bullied most of her life, first by her mother, then her sister and finally her husband. She knows what it feels like, so when she sees that Kacy is suffering from bullying and emotional abuse from her mother, she quietly, and carefully supports the young girl and helps her to recognize that she is a wonderful young girl. Finding a BFF also helps Kacy and has she becomes happier, her whole outlook changes. This made my heart happy. I also loved seeing Jill stand up for herself and make plans for a new life that would make her happy. Her intention was not to have a man in her life, but Brody is such a sweetie and a wonderful dad, he is hard to resist. Throw in Cristal and a sister relationship that is on rocky ground, and I was thrilled to see some healing between the two of them as they shared emotions and feelings they had throughout their lives. Of course, communication would have solved and maybe even prevented some of the issues, but it is easier said than done. This is my first book by Judith Keim and with her extensive backlist, I know I will be enjoying more of her books in the future. Angela Dawe narrated the audiobook and I enjoyed her performance. I have listened to many books she has narrated and I enjoy her voices, expression and tone and what they add to the story.
May 28, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley, Wild Quail Publishing and Judith Keim for the ARC of A Summer of Surprises In exchange I am giving my personal and honest review.
Jill was asked by her sister Cristal to housesit in Florida for her for the summer. Jill is a kindergarten teacher, and this was a perfect way to spend her summer off.
She was told Seashell Cottage was having a bit of repairs done on it. Little did she know that the repairs being done would be a turning point in her life.
Summer of Surprises is perfect name for the book because that is what her summer is filled with. This is a time of self-discovery for Jill and her sister.
This is the first book I have read by this author and I look forward to reading more.
Jill was asked by her sister Cristal to housesit in Florida for her for the summer. Jill is a kindergarten teacher, and this was a perfect way to spend her summer off.
She was told Seashell Cottage was having a bit of repairs done on it. Little did she know that the repairs being done would be a turning point in her life.
Summer of Surprises is perfect name for the book because that is what her summer is filled with. This is a time of self-discovery for Jill and her sister.
This is the first book I have read by this author and I look forward to reading more.
May 28, 2020
I really enjoy this author's books. I loved the story of Jill and learning about the struggles of growing up and unhappy marriage and how she took charge and started thinking about herself. On a summer vacation to Florida, a so-called quiet beach cottage her sister asked her to house sit for turns into a whole lot more. The story is filled with a roller coaster of emotions and self-discovery. Finding love again and rebuilding family relationships. I enjoy how this book connects with her other books like going to the Salty Key Inn for dinner or Gavins for breakfast. It's like I already know the area. I look forward to reading the next book!
I was given an ARC of this story for an honest review.
I was given an ARC of this story for an honest review.
May 23, 2020
Jill, her sister Cristal and their mother have a love hate relationship. Cristal was always the beautiful child while Jill was the smart one. Her mother played both of them against each other through their entire lives. While this is the story of Jill and her quest to become a stronger person who believes in herself, the theme of this book is so topical for today. There is much said about physical abuse but not much dealing with emotional abuse which is just as devastating. Ms Keim uses this book as an amazing platform to show that with hard emotional work, belief in yourself and love, the scars of abuse can be conquered. It in no way preaches, it's a lovely story with a happy ending. The struggle Jill faces to overcome that emotional abuse gives hope to anyone who has suffered any kind either emotional or physical. Well worth the read.
May 27, 2020
Judith Keim did a remarkable job of putting together the reality that abuse is not just physical and romance! The journey of discovering oneself after being mentally abused is a hard journey to take and learning to trust your decisions and judgment even harder. This a wonderful story with great characters that each had their own life lessons and self to discover. This was a page turner and I couldn’t put the book down until it was finished! Loved it!
Read
May 16, 2021I didn't get far with this. I prefer my protagonists to have a little backbone instead of being a doormat. And the inclusion of a frankly quite obnoxious girl early on made this a no-no for me.
I had serious concerns when the grandfather of said obnoxious child said of her mother: 'She's already damaged Kacy, making her feel ugly because she's a little hefty.'
What a horrid thing to say about your granddaughter. A little 'hefty'? I was going to give the grandfather the benefit of the doubt and say he was repeating what the mother had said, but he didn't disagree, did he???
DNF at 8% though 3% of the book was taken up with guff and 'praise ' for the author. I'd have preferred the guff to go at the end.
I had serious concerns when the grandfather of said obnoxious child said of her mother: 'She's already damaged Kacy, making her feel ugly because she's a little hefty.'
What a horrid thing to say about your granddaughter. A little 'hefty'? I was going to give the grandfather the benefit of the doubt and say he was repeating what the mother had said, but he didn't disagree, did he???
DNF at 8% though 3% of the book was taken up with guff and 'praise ' for the author. I'd have preferred the guff to go at the end.
May 23, 2020
I received an ARC from Judith Keim for an honest review. Once Jill went to Florida for the summer, she began to change. She seemed to have more confidence, decided she wanted a fresh start and started realizing what she wanted. We meet many wonderful people, each one adding something to her life. It was a summer of surprises but Judith added what I thought of little pieces of tidbits that just added to the story. It fascinated me how the owners of the camp ran it. They could get the girls to do things, make healthy, better decisions by the way they went about it.
With all that is going on in the world today, this book was a breath of fresh air, that showed positive ways to get something accomplished, that Jill made a lot of changes but knew it was right for her and that is why people should read this book.
With all that is going on in the world today, this book was a breath of fresh air, that showed positive ways to get something accomplished, that Jill made a lot of changes but knew it was right for her and that is why people should read this book.
May 27, 2020
A Summer of Surprised
by Judith Keim
Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC of this book. It was not an author I was familiar with but I found a new
favorite. I found this book to be like a breath of fresh air. I really like thrillers and mysteries and this was really a nice change.
I will recommend this to our patrons.
by Judith Keim
Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC of this book. It was not an author I was familiar with but I found a new
favorite. I found this book to be like a breath of fresh air. I really like thrillers and mysteries and this was really a nice change.
I will recommend this to our patrons.
July 17, 2020
Book Review: A Summer of Surprises ~ A Seashell Cottage Book by author, Judith Keim
From a quite little town in Upstate New York, to an unexpected destination... a beautiful little cottage on the Gulf Coast proves to be a place where life can begin again.
Jillian Conroy, is a woman full of heartbreak and disappointment. Now widowed by a man, laser-focused in directing his abusive behavior against her throughout their marriage and eloquently projecting himself as exciting, intriguing and passionate towards the community and those closest to them, Jill must now pick up the pieces as she finds herself alone, her self-worth shattered, and now preparing for an emotional journey in finding her true-self again. Add to the mix, a mother~ one who has chipped away at Jill's self esteem since she was a very young girl, and Jill's "golden girl" of a sister, Cristal, who might as well be labeled as the one able to walk on water, Jill is determined to shed the layers that have bound and trapped her for far to long in order to heal the scars... but in her own way, and in her own time. That is, until one day the phone rings, and she's purposely misled on an unexpected path, one she will not find the true meaning of until she's stepped through the front door of Seashell Cottage.
After being lured under false pretense as a house-sitter for the sumner, in a beautiful beach town she quickly becomes enthusiastic about, Jill finds her journey beginning to unfold with responsibilities and drama she didn't sign up for.
With the cottage now full of unexpected guests and having issues of their own, her hopes for a summer filled with the sounds of the ocean, a time to reflect, heal, and create a meaningful and peaceful place in her life, she now feels it slipping away with the tide. But what it brings back to her, is something she never imagined... a reason to open herself up to trusting, living and loving again.
Author Judith Keim has written an uplifting, and atmospheric story. It's full of drama, secrets and yes, surprises which all lead to a satisfying and heartwarming read.
I highly recommend this gem to anyone looking for a great book to get lost in this summer!
5 Stars
#ASummerofSurprises
#JudithKeim
#WildQuailPublishing
Wild Sage Book Blog
From a quite little town in Upstate New York, to an unexpected destination... a beautiful little cottage on the Gulf Coast proves to be a place where life can begin again.
Jillian Conroy, is a woman full of heartbreak and disappointment. Now widowed by a man, laser-focused in directing his abusive behavior against her throughout their marriage and eloquently projecting himself as exciting, intriguing and passionate towards the community and those closest to them, Jill must now pick up the pieces as she finds herself alone, her self-worth shattered, and now preparing for an emotional journey in finding her true-self again. Add to the mix, a mother~ one who has chipped away at Jill's self esteem since she was a very young girl, and Jill's "golden girl" of a sister, Cristal, who might as well be labeled as the one able to walk on water, Jill is determined to shed the layers that have bound and trapped her for far to long in order to heal the scars... but in her own way, and in her own time. That is, until one day the phone rings, and she's purposely misled on an unexpected path, one she will not find the true meaning of until she's stepped through the front door of Seashell Cottage.
After being lured under false pretense as a house-sitter for the sumner, in a beautiful beach town she quickly becomes enthusiastic about, Jill finds her journey beginning to unfold with responsibilities and drama she didn't sign up for.
With the cottage now full of unexpected guests and having issues of their own, her hopes for a summer filled with the sounds of the ocean, a time to reflect, heal, and create a meaningful and peaceful place in her life, she now feels it slipping away with the tide. But what it brings back to her, is something she never imagined... a reason to open herself up to trusting, living and loving again.
Author Judith Keim has written an uplifting, and atmospheric story. It's full of drama, secrets and yes, surprises which all lead to a satisfying and heartwarming read.
I highly recommend this gem to anyone looking for a great book to get lost in this summer!
5 Stars
#ASummerofSurprises
#JudithKeim
#WildQuailPublishing
Wild Sage Book Blog
June 10, 2021
Amazing book
This sweet story had be at the first page. I love the bit of mystery and wondering if it would end the way I hoped it would. Also such a good message about loving yourself the way you are and standing up for what you want and finding a new beginning.
This sweet story had be at the first page. I love the bit of mystery and wondering if it would end the way I hoped it would. Also such a good message about loving yourself the way you are and standing up for what you want and finding a new beginning.
November 28, 2022
I HATE when I leave a book in my TBR pile and then I love it!
After being asked by her conniving sister to "house sit" for the summer and finding out it was really a job to cook and do laundry for the man working on the house; Jill Conroy decides to stick it out and does what's asked of her. A sweet story of healing generational traumas, setting boundaries, and finding your own strength, this quick read is 100% worth picking up.
Thank you Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
After being asked by her conniving sister to "house sit" for the summer and finding out it was really a job to cook and do laundry for the man working on the house; Jill Conroy decides to stick it out and does what's asked of her. A sweet story of healing generational traumas, setting boundaries, and finding your own strength, this quick read is 100% worth picking up.
Thank you Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 3, 2020
I couldn't stop reading when I started this, sad to have to let it down, so eager to pick it back up again. And that, to me, is what good books need to be about - good story, gorgeous locales, engaging and sympathetic characters, and growth and 'betterment' throughout. This book had all this, along with a few surprise twists that warmed the heart or tugged at the heartstrings. Totally fell in love with this series and cannot wait to read more from the author
July 29, 2020
Jill is a kindergarten teacher whose abusive husband has recently died. Her sister Cristal talks her into house sitting at a cottage in Florida which is going through some renovations. Upon her arrival Jill finds she is in fact the housekeeper and cook for the renovation crew. This is the perfect summer beach read. A beautiful setting at the beach, a hunky guy doing renovations and a summer job at a campground. There is a bit of romance, a lot of family drama and a lot of changes for Jill during that summer. This is a great book with wonderful feel good characters who made me smile.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 10, 2021
Simply wonderful story
Is it a romance - yes! But this story is so much more than just a romance. The characters have real issues and find ways to solve them. This book would make a perfect movie!
Is it a romance - yes! But this story is so much more than just a romance. The characters have real issues and find ways to solve them. This book would make a perfect movie!
June 4, 2020
A Summer of Surprises by Judith Keim, is a wonderful book with a sweet romance and sister issues. Jill Conroy is tricked by her sister, who invites her to Florida to house sit Seashell Cottage on the beach. When Jill arrives she realizes that is she is expected to cook and clean for the men working on the cottage improvements. I really enjoyed this book, and love the ending. I will be reading more books by this author, and I highly recommend if you enjoy romances.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 23, 2020
A Summer of Surprises, written by Judith Keim, is another amazing addition to her Seashell Cottage series. After reading this book, I have to say that Judith Keim could not have picked out a better title for this book because every character has a summer filled with unexpected surprises.
Jill Conroy should have known better than to trust her older sister, Cristal, especially since she knows exactly how manipulative she can be. However, she had to admit a summer spent on the Gulf Coast of Florida might do her some good. After all, how difficult can it be to stay at Seashell Cottage while her sister and the owner of the cottage travel around Europe? Jill gets that answer once she arrives at Seashell Cottage. Cristal told her an older man, Greg Campbell, would be sharing the house with her while he is doing some work on the cottage, but she failed to tell her that she would be responsible for cooking and cleaning for him. On top of that, she also learns that Greg's nephew Brody will be staying there for a few weeks to assist Greg with his repairs...and he is bringing his eight-year-old daughter Kacy with him. So much for a quiet summer at the beach.
The story that unfolds is both uplifting and heartwarming. Judith Keim tackles an issue that so many of us can relate to...weight and self-esteem. The author also tackles a very difficult topic...emotional abuse. Anyone that has ever experienced abuse knows exactly how difficult the road to recovery can be. Physical abuse is not the only form of abuse to leave scars because emotional abuse is just as damaging. All of her life, Jill was referred to as the ugly sister, while Cristal was always the beautiful one in the family. In addition to spending her life constantly being demeaned by her mother, Jill married a man that was emotionally abusive as well. Her husband Jay died in a car accident two years ago, but the scars from his emotional abuse are still with her every day. Jill is trying to figure out what to do with her life, and how to finally begin to heal from the scars of her past. The summer may not be what she initially hoped it would be, but it ends up being exactly what she needed in so many ways.
I do not want to reveal too much of the story, but trust me when I say this is definitely a book worth reading. The characters are all extremely well-written, and I loved every single one of them. My heart was breaking for Kacy, especially since she had so much to deal with at such a young age. I loved the way Jill immediately wanted to help Kacy and saw right through her acts of defiance. In addition to her own personal struggles growing up, the experience Jill has from being a teacher is evident in the way in which she deals with Kacy. Brody is a wonderful and interesting character, and all of his training as a school psychologist seems to go out the window when it comes to his daughter Kacy. It is difficult for any parent to see their child suffer, and Brody is hoping this summer at Seashell Cottage will give him the time to figure out his next steps to help Kacy.
Overall, this is a beautifully written story about friendship, family, love, and the long-lasting effects of abuse. This book is a roller coaster ride filled with a lot of emotions that so many readers will be able to relate to. The hurt and pain from the character's pasts are examined, and the road to healing is an amazing thing to witness as the book goes on. This book is truly a breath of fresh air, with characters that take the journey of healing...together.
I would like to thank Judith Keim, NetGalley, and Wild Quail Publishing for allowing me the opportunity to read and review A Summer of Surprises. My views are my own, and are in no way influenced by anyone else.
Jill Conroy should have known better than to trust her older sister, Cristal, especially since she knows exactly how manipulative she can be. However, she had to admit a summer spent on the Gulf Coast of Florida might do her some good. After all, how difficult can it be to stay at Seashell Cottage while her sister and the owner of the cottage travel around Europe? Jill gets that answer once she arrives at Seashell Cottage. Cristal told her an older man, Greg Campbell, would be sharing the house with her while he is doing some work on the cottage, but she failed to tell her that she would be responsible for cooking and cleaning for him. On top of that, she also learns that Greg's nephew Brody will be staying there for a few weeks to assist Greg with his repairs...and he is bringing his eight-year-old daughter Kacy with him. So much for a quiet summer at the beach.
The story that unfolds is both uplifting and heartwarming. Judith Keim tackles an issue that so many of us can relate to...weight and self-esteem. The author also tackles a very difficult topic...emotional abuse. Anyone that has ever experienced abuse knows exactly how difficult the road to recovery can be. Physical abuse is not the only form of abuse to leave scars because emotional abuse is just as damaging. All of her life, Jill was referred to as the ugly sister, while Cristal was always the beautiful one in the family. In addition to spending her life constantly being demeaned by her mother, Jill married a man that was emotionally abusive as well. Her husband Jay died in a car accident two years ago, but the scars from his emotional abuse are still with her every day. Jill is trying to figure out what to do with her life, and how to finally begin to heal from the scars of her past. The summer may not be what she initially hoped it would be, but it ends up being exactly what she needed in so many ways.
I do not want to reveal too much of the story, but trust me when I say this is definitely a book worth reading. The characters are all extremely well-written, and I loved every single one of them. My heart was breaking for Kacy, especially since she had so much to deal with at such a young age. I loved the way Jill immediately wanted to help Kacy and saw right through her acts of defiance. In addition to her own personal struggles growing up, the experience Jill has from being a teacher is evident in the way in which she deals with Kacy. Brody is a wonderful and interesting character, and all of his training as a school psychologist seems to go out the window when it comes to his daughter Kacy. It is difficult for any parent to see their child suffer, and Brody is hoping this summer at Seashell Cottage will give him the time to figure out his next steps to help Kacy.
Overall, this is a beautifully written story about friendship, family, love, and the long-lasting effects of abuse. This book is a roller coaster ride filled with a lot of emotions that so many readers will be able to relate to. The hurt and pain from the character's pasts are examined, and the road to healing is an amazing thing to witness as the book goes on. This book is truly a breath of fresh air, with characters that take the journey of healing...together.
I would like to thank Judith Keim, NetGalley, and Wild Quail Publishing for allowing me the opportunity to read and review A Summer of Surprises. My views are my own, and are in no way influenced by anyone else.
July 8, 2020
A SUMMER OF SURPRISES is the third book in the Seashell Cottage series. Each is a stand-alone sweet romance that takes place at the Seashell Cottage on Florida’s beautiful Gulf Coast.
The oldest child sets the example, is the peacemaker, and is bookish. The baby of the family is cute, flighty, and coddled. This develops sibling rivalry in their younger years and if not addressed it can stunt their adult relationships with one another and with their parents… Oh, boy do I relate with this! I am the oldest of three. I’m just glad I made friends with my siblings before they earned their wings.
This story was such a joy to read as Jill gained the confidence she needed to be able to tell people about the past she had lived and the future she wanted. She became the person that made her happy so that she could make others happy.
In the beginning her sister is shown as manipulative, but even she grows by the end of the book; I’m glad of that. Perhaps a future book will show more of her journey. The seeds have been planted, and it could be a good harvest.
Narration: Angela Dawe has a sweet voice. Though her voice does not reflect the New York accent that Jill would have, and in fact sound like upper New England, I could listen to it at any time. She has beautiful enunciation, pronunciation, and diction. She would be a reason to pick up an audiobook.
Note: While I received this book as a gifted audiobook copy, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
Title: A SUMMER OF SURPRISES
Series: Seashell Cottage #3
Category /Genre: Clean Romance
Recommended for: 16+
Listenability: OK for most ears
Received from: Judith Keim (as an Audible gifted copy)
The oldest child sets the example, is the peacemaker, and is bookish. The baby of the family is cute, flighty, and coddled. This develops sibling rivalry in their younger years and if not addressed it can stunt their adult relationships with one another and with their parents… Oh, boy do I relate with this! I am the oldest of three. I’m just glad I made friends with my siblings before they earned their wings.
This story was such a joy to read as Jill gained the confidence she needed to be able to tell people about the past she had lived and the future she wanted. She became the person that made her happy so that she could make others happy.
In the beginning her sister is shown as manipulative, but even she grows by the end of the book; I’m glad of that. Perhaps a future book will show more of her journey. The seeds have been planted, and it could be a good harvest.
Narration: Angela Dawe has a sweet voice. Though her voice does not reflect the New York accent that Jill would have, and in fact sound like upper New England, I could listen to it at any time. She has beautiful enunciation, pronunciation, and diction. She would be a reason to pick up an audiobook.
Note: While I received this book as a gifted audiobook copy, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
Title: A SUMMER OF SURPRISES
Series: Seashell Cottage #3
Category /Genre: Clean Romance
Recommended for: 16+
Listenability: OK for most ears
Received from: Judith Keim (as an Audible gifted copy)
July 21, 2020
“A Summer of Surprises” by Judith Keim is a wonderful story which drew me right in, making me forget everything else and did not let me go until I turned the last page. I really love stories written by this author. The story was very well written the characters were well defined, likeable and realistic. PI love how in this story the main character is able to to change the direction of her life. Once I started I did not want to stop reading until I had turned the last page. It was a quick and delightful read. It was a breath of fresh air in this time we are living in.
July 8, 2020
A SUMMER OF SURPRISES is the third book in the Seashell Cottage series. Each is a stand-alone sweet romance that takes place at the Seashell Cottage on Florida’s beautiful Gulf Coast.
The oldest child sets the example, is the peacemaker, and is bookish. The baby of the family is cute, flighty, and coddled. This develops sibling rivalry in their younger years and if not addressed it can stunt their adult relationships with one another and with their parents… Oh, boy do I relate with this! I am the oldest of three. I’m just glad I made friends with my siblings before they earned their wings.
This story was such a joy to read as Jill gained the confidence she needed to be able to tell people about the past she had lived and the future she wanted. She became the person that made her happy so that she could make others happy.
In the beginning her sister is shown as manipulative, but even she grows by the end of the book; I’m glad of that. Perhaps a future book will show more of her journey. The seeds have been planted, and it could be a good harvest.
Note: While I received this book as a gifted ARC via Booksprout, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
Title: A SUMMER OF SURPRISES
Series: Seashell Cottage # 3
Category /Genre: Sweet Romance, Contemporary
Recommended for: 16+
Grammar/editing: received as an unedited ARC / errors excused
Received from: Judith Keim
The oldest child sets the example, is the peacemaker, and is bookish. The baby of the family is cute, flighty, and coddled. This develops sibling rivalry in their younger years and if not addressed it can stunt their adult relationships with one another and with their parents… Oh, boy do I relate with this! I am the oldest of three. I’m just glad I made friends with my siblings before they earned their wings.
This story was such a joy to read as Jill gained the confidence she needed to be able to tell people about the past she had lived and the future she wanted. She became the person that made her happy so that she could make others happy.
In the beginning her sister is shown as manipulative, but even she grows by the end of the book; I’m glad of that. Perhaps a future book will show more of her journey. The seeds have been planted, and it could be a good harvest.
Note: While I received this book as a gifted ARC via Booksprout, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
Title: A SUMMER OF SURPRISES
Series: Seashell Cottage # 3
Category /Genre: Sweet Romance, Contemporary
Recommended for: 16+
Grammar/editing: received as an unedited ARC / errors excused
Received from: Judith Keim
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