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Deerbourne Inn (multi-author series)
August Blues
As a daughter of a bestselling novelist, Annie Shaw is determined to establish herself as a romance author apart from her father's name. When a career-threatening review sends her on vacation at Deerbourne Inn, she wonders if she should quit writing.
Book critic Zane Barrett hates all things romance—especially novels. Every August, he travels to Willow Springs, Vermont, to cope with a loss he's never relinquished.
When the two meet in the idyllic town, even Zane admits they've fallen victim to love at first sight. But what will happen when Annie discovers her hated critic and the perfect man are one and the same?
Book critic Zane Barrett hates all things romance—especially novels. Every August, he travels to Willow Springs, Vermont, to cope with a loss he's never relinquished.
When the two meet in the idyllic town, even Zane admits they've fallen victim to love at first sight. But what will happen when Annie discovers her hated critic and the perfect man are one and the same?
168 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 6, 2021
About the author
Amey Zeigler
38 books180 followersAmey Zeigler is an award-winning author of romantic comedies and mysteries. Her laugh-out-loud Rom-Com, The Swiss Mishap, won third place in the OCCRWA's Book Buyer's Best for Contemporary Romance. Her ten years of theater training in college and high school inspired her to narrate her own books. She spins stories with humor, charm, and heart, often with a dash of action and adventure. When she's not writing, she is teasing her three kids, globe-trotting with her husband (for book research of course!), or trying new things.
Follow her adventures on Instagram @ameyzeigler.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 9, 2021
Rating: 4.5/5.0
The chemistry between characters sizzles and the idyllic Willow Springs shines, leaving readers longing to learn more about the town’s residents and to visit again.
Read full review in the 2021 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.
The chemistry between characters sizzles and the idyllic Willow Springs shines, leaving readers longing to learn more about the town’s residents and to visit again.
Read full review in the 2021 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.
February 16, 2021
Being the daughter of a famous author, Annie Shaw wants to make it as an author, but not by riding her father's coattails. She uses a pen name instead and everything looks promising until she receives a scathing review on her upcoming release. Now, she's second-guessing herself and her writing talent. She needs a break so taking her agent's advice, she books a one-week stay at the charming Deerbourne Inn. She meets Zane Barrett in his father's bookstore and a connection is made. What Annie doesn't realize is Zane is the reviewer who tore apart her book. Will she still fall for him when the truth is revealed? Can she and Zane heal each other's hearts or will they depart shrouded in August blues?
August Blues is a heartwarming bookish romance I read in one sitting. It starts out as enemies-to-lovers romance but it flourishes into something much more complex. Can you love someone who is your worst critic? Amey Zeigler answers with a resounding 'yes' and I agree wholeheartedly. Love is not easy, especially when your lover sees all your flaws. The true nature of love lies in truth and helping each other grow. This kind of love is not seen much in romance these days and I wish it was done more. With a tight cast of characters, August Blues is a riveting romance. The plot moves at a good pace with plenty of humor, heartache, and emotion. Fans of Kate Hewitt will love August Blues. Highly recommend!
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I'd review it.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
August Blues is a heartwarming bookish romance I read in one sitting. It starts out as enemies-to-lovers romance but it flourishes into something much more complex. Can you love someone who is your worst critic? Amey Zeigler answers with a resounding 'yes' and I agree wholeheartedly. Love is not easy, especially when your lover sees all your flaws. The true nature of love lies in truth and helping each other grow. This kind of love is not seen much in romance these days and I wish it was done more. With a tight cast of characters, August Blues is a riveting romance. The plot moves at a good pace with plenty of humor, heartache, and emotion. Fans of Kate Hewitt will love August Blues. Highly recommend!
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I'd review it.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
January 30, 2021
Annie tries hard to make her writing career her own instead of riding on the literary success of her father, the great horror author Hank Shaw. But when she receives a bad review for her upcoming book that she was hoping would launch her solo career, it feels like its over before it even started. Annie retreats to an inn in a small Vermont town to escape New York only to be met with the critic of the bad review, Zane Barrett.
I loved the way Zane and Annie complimented and balanced each other. The characters were relatable and likable. Given the length of the book, they were also very well-developed. I really liked the way we saw their character development as well— they taught each other AND learned from themselves. I think that balance between the two is significant; so often in romance the love interest is solely responsible for "changing the other person for the better" and its just ugh so not real, so this was a nice change! It was quite a whirlwind romance and I'm so happy to have been swept up in their story. I would've loved an epilogue just to see where they are after they reunite. August Blues was a sweet romance that got me out of a short lil reading funk and left me feeling hopeful. Bravo to Amey for her ability to write such sweet, feel-good, and clean romances!
side note: I will 100% be *attempting* the blueberry tart recipe included at the end that Zane and Annie made after blueberry picking.
I loved the way Zane and Annie complimented and balanced each other. The characters were relatable and likable. Given the length of the book, they were also very well-developed. I really liked the way we saw their character development as well— they taught each other AND learned from themselves. I think that balance between the two is significant; so often in romance the love interest is solely responsible for "changing the other person for the better" and its just ugh so not real, so this was a nice change! It was quite a whirlwind romance and I'm so happy to have been swept up in their story. I would've loved an epilogue just to see where they are after they reunite. August Blues was a sweet romance that got me out of a short lil reading funk and left me feeling hopeful. Bravo to Amey for her ability to write such sweet, feel-good, and clean romances!
side note: I will 100% be *attempting* the blueberry tart recipe included at the end that Zane and Annie made after blueberry picking.
April 8, 2021
August Blues - Amey Zeigler
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
::: SPOILER-FREE REVIEW :::
STANDALONE
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
SWEET
SHORT READ
Rating: 5 STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Annie is the daughter of a famous author but she doesn't want to use her father's fame. She uses a pen name instead and everything looks promising until she receives a bad review on her upcoming release. She starts second-guessing herself and her talent as a writer. She needs a break so she books a one-week stay at a charming Inn called Deerbourne. She meets Zane Barrett at his father's bookstore and a connection is made instantly.
I loved the characters. They were relatable and likable. They had good chemistry. They were also well developed eventhough the book was short. Zane and Annie taught each other and learned from one another.
This book was SO SWEET! Amey Zeigler's vulnerable, quirky and fun writing shines althrough the book.
Everything else was just super cute, and even with the short lenghth of the book I still managed to finish the book with a huge smile on my face.❤
This book made me think of something. Sometimes bad comments, harsh reviews, unkind words can make people feel bad about themselves. It can leaves scares deeper than any physical ones.
So just a reminder... Kind words cost nothing.
Always be kind to others.
Beacause one kind word can change someone's entire day. 🙏❤
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
::: SPOILER-FREE REVIEW :::
STANDALONE
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
SWEET
SHORT READ
Rating: 5 STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Annie is the daughter of a famous author but she doesn't want to use her father's fame. She uses a pen name instead and everything looks promising until she receives a bad review on her upcoming release. She starts second-guessing herself and her talent as a writer. She needs a break so she books a one-week stay at a charming Inn called Deerbourne. She meets Zane Barrett at his father's bookstore and a connection is made instantly.
I loved the characters. They were relatable and likable. They had good chemistry. They were also well developed eventhough the book was short. Zane and Annie taught each other and learned from one another.
This book was SO SWEET! Amey Zeigler's vulnerable, quirky and fun writing shines althrough the book.
Everything else was just super cute, and even with the short lenghth of the book I still managed to finish the book with a huge smile on my face.❤
This book made me think of something. Sometimes bad comments, harsh reviews, unkind words can make people feel bad about themselves. It can leaves scares deeper than any physical ones.
So just a reminder... Kind words cost nothing.
Always be kind to others.
Beacause one kind word can change someone's entire day. 🙏❤
January 11, 2021
I’ve enjoyed reading books by Amey Ziegler! You should definitely read Summer of Sundaes if you haven’t yet! This book is a little different from her other books she’s written. She shows that she can write funny romantic books and just great romantic books. I loved this one!
I loved the characters. Annie is a struggling author. She is sure that her newest book is going to be her ticket to best selling books. But…she gets a bad review from The Stand. And that really throws her. I loved the way Annie ends up using this bad review to grow. Annie works so hard to make herself better. And she comes out in the end happier for what she’s gone through.
She steps back for a minute, and heads to the Deerbourne Inn. And that’s where she meets Zane. Little does she know at first that he’s the book critic from The Stand that gave her such a bad review for her book. I loved watching their relationship unfold. It was just…magic. But, of course, Annie realizes who Zane was. Zane is also forced to grow. I loved that part.
The plot of this one made me happy. I loved every bit of it. And the ending was amazing! Grab your own copy.
I was sent an e-copy of August Blues as a gift from the author. All opinions are my own.
I loved the characters. Annie is a struggling author. She is sure that her newest book is going to be her ticket to best selling books. But…she gets a bad review from The Stand. And that really throws her. I loved the way Annie ends up using this bad review to grow. Annie works so hard to make herself better. And she comes out in the end happier for what she’s gone through.
She steps back for a minute, and heads to the Deerbourne Inn. And that’s where she meets Zane. Little does she know at first that he’s the book critic from The Stand that gave her such a bad review for her book. I loved watching their relationship unfold. It was just…magic. But, of course, Annie realizes who Zane was. Zane is also forced to grow. I loved that part.
The plot of this one made me happy. I loved every bit of it. And the ending was amazing! Grab your own copy.
I was sent an e-copy of August Blues as a gift from the author. All opinions are my own.
December 15, 2020
First and foremost I absolutely love the self reflection and growth we see the main characters go through!!
It’s also a great reminder that the words we speak (or write) have consequences- for good or for bad! It’s so important to remember that in this digital age when it’s often forgotten! There is someone on the other end of the screen. Their feelings are as valid and important as your own.
This story was beautiful. It was a great and clean read for anyone YA- 115!
****
The book I read was an ARC so I’m certain the few things I didn’t love will be fixed by final publication! There were a few errors such as “The floral shampoos floral smell” but nothing major. It didn’t detract from the strong story! And again, I’m sure they will be fixed by the time it’s published!!
I received this book for free in return for an honest review! I honestly did love it- couldn’t put it down! I read the whole thing in an afternoon.
***edit to add the errors were corrected and I absolutely had to change my rating! It deserved another star- such a heartfelt book!
It’s also a great reminder that the words we speak (or write) have consequences- for good or for bad! It’s so important to remember that in this digital age when it’s often forgotten! There is someone on the other end of the screen. Their feelings are as valid and important as your own.
This story was beautiful. It was a great and clean read for anyone YA- 115!
****
The book I read was an ARC so I’m certain the few things I didn’t love will be fixed by final publication! There were a few errors such as “The floral shampoos floral smell” but nothing major. It didn’t detract from the strong story! And again, I’m sure they will be fixed by the time it’s published!!
I received this book for free in return for an honest review! I honestly did love it- couldn’t put it down! I read the whole thing in an afternoon.
***edit to add the errors were corrected and I absolutely had to change my rating! It deserved another star- such a heartfelt book!
November 22, 2020
3.5 stars
Amey Ziegler’s August Blues is a sweet, clean romance with some poignant moments. It’s a simple story, with minimal angst even though some of the subject matter is on the heavy side, and I think that that lack of steamy scenes actually lends to the overall effectiveness and integrity of the story as a whole.
As protagonists, Annie and Zane balance each other in interesting ways, and I enjoyed the fact that Ziegler doesn’t prolong the inevitable. The story is short and sweet, and my only criticism is that I would have loved to have an epilogue for some additional depth. Because we only get to see the beginning few months of Annie and Zane’s oft-times complicated relationship, I would have loved to have read a look forward to a year or two. Other than that, though, it’s a delightfully refreshing and fast read.
An ARC was generously provided by the author in exchange for my honest review.
Amey Ziegler’s August Blues is a sweet, clean romance with some poignant moments. It’s a simple story, with minimal angst even though some of the subject matter is on the heavy side, and I think that that lack of steamy scenes actually lends to the overall effectiveness and integrity of the story as a whole.
As protagonists, Annie and Zane balance each other in interesting ways, and I enjoyed the fact that Ziegler doesn’t prolong the inevitable. The story is short and sweet, and my only criticism is that I would have loved to have an epilogue for some additional depth. Because we only get to see the beginning few months of Annie and Zane’s oft-times complicated relationship, I would have loved to have read a look forward to a year or two. Other than that, though, it’s a delightfully refreshing and fast read.
An ARC was generously provided by the author in exchange for my honest review.
March 17, 2021
Annie is a writer but unlike her famous author father she has yet to hit the big time with one of the romances she writes under a pen name. When her latest book is panned by a reviewer pre-release she is devastated. Will she ever find the kind of success her father enjoys or should she just give up?
In this angsty story, the writer of the horrible review is Zane a man who meets Annie before either of them know anything about the other. They bond over their enjoyment of books but when Zane realizes Annie is the daughter of the author he has idolized for years and Annie realizes Zane is both the author of the bad review and using his connection with her to get an up close story about her father, things go from bad to worse.
Zane has work to do before Annie will trust him and Annie has some soul searching to do before she makes a decision on her author career. A fast paced read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
In this angsty story, the writer of the horrible review is Zane a man who meets Annie before either of them know anything about the other. They bond over their enjoyment of books but when Zane realizes Annie is the daughter of the author he has idolized for years and Annie realizes Zane is both the author of the bad review and using his connection with her to get an up close story about her father, things go from bad to worse.
Zane has work to do before Annie will trust him and Annie has some soul searching to do before she makes a decision on her author career. A fast paced read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 8, 2020
Annie, a romance author, heads to Vermont to relax and rejuvenate, after receiving a scathing review for her latest novel. Zane, a book reviewer for an online publication, who thinks all romance novels are complete fantasy, is also now in Vermont. When the two meet, there's an almost instant attraction, leading Zane to question his stance on romance. However, things go south when Annie discovers who Zane really is.
This had the sweet, feel-good moments that come with romance novels, with both characters overcoming their own personal issues to find their happy ending. It also provided a little insight into being an author, and how some may handle negative reviews.
Another delightful romance novel from Amey Ziegler!
This had the sweet, feel-good moments that come with romance novels, with both characters overcoming their own personal issues to find their happy ending. It also provided a little insight into being an author, and how some may handle negative reviews.
Another delightful romance novel from Amey Ziegler!
October 19, 2020
Simple story in the world of writers/publishers, easy fast and funny to read, but also with good topics to think about.
"..the biggest legacy you leave me is loving books".
Annie is the daughter of NewYorkTime bestseller horror writer, Hand Shawn.
She believes she isn't as good as her father.
Everyone has talents, each person in different way: writing, teaching, speaking, cooking,..
Sometimes bad comments, hard reviews, harsh words could make bad influence in people.
Always be kind, live and let people live.
"..the biggest legacy you leave me is loving books".
Annie is the daughter of NewYorkTime bestseller horror writer, Hand Shawn.
She believes she isn't as good as her father.
Everyone has talents, each person in different way: writing, teaching, speaking, cooking,..
Sometimes bad comments, hard reviews, harsh words could make bad influence in people.
Always be kind, live and let people live.
February 12, 2021
Her father is an author and she wants the same but without her father name and help. She gets a bad review so she goes away where she meets him. He is still struggling with a loss and he finds himself connecting with her. What if she finds out he was the one wrote the review? Will she use it against him? Can they become a couple? See if the past can be mended
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 22, 2025
What a lovely way to spend my afternoon between the pages of this sweet clean love story.
I love when I find a romance book that's about more than the love story but about character growth as well. A sweet story about believing in yourself, digging deep, and going for what you want.
Love is in the little things and moments and is never perfect.
I love when I find a romance book that's about more than the love story but about character growth as well. A sweet story about believing in yourself, digging deep, and going for what you want.
Love is in the little things and moments and is never perfect.
November 23, 2020
This is a great short story. Annie is determine to be her own person and not be accepted in the book business because of her father. A poor book review sends her on an excursion . Little did she know she’d run into the book critic and their lives would be intertwined.
January 24, 2021
The book is a good enjoyable short sweet love story romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry.
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.
Want to Read
January 9, 2021Nominated for a 2021 Swoony Award, to vote click here: https://tinyurl.com/y593ce67
January 16, 2021
This is a new-to-me author.
I loved the story.
The characters are well done, the pacing well timed, and the ending satisfying.
I loved the story.
The characters are well done, the pacing well timed, and the ending satisfying.
January 19, 2021
Received from an ARC program that I belong to, this was a cute read, cute characters, nice ending.
February 22, 2021
Pure romance is not my normal genre. I really enjoyed this though and it is going to rival Swiss Mishap as my favorite Amey Zeigler novel.
July 8, 2021
Such a cute light and fast pace read and looking forward to reading other things by this author.
December 12, 2020
This is one of the author's most heart-felt works. ;)
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews