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A Summer Affair: Adam and Laura
Originally titled: Laura Takes a Lover, this title was Mary's first Golden Heart Finalist manuscript with the Romance Writers of America. It was also a Maggie Finalist with the Georgia Romance Writers.
What starts as mutual comfort through shared attraction and a passionate summer affair to forget the past lead to a future happily ever after?
Adam: When a drunk driver kills his wife and young son, he's not sure he can overcome the loss. His cousin encourages him to recuperate on the west coast, far away from New York and his memories. Adam head to Tranquility - a beautiful seaside estate belonging to one of his cousin's friends. The perfect place to heal, if only he could be so lucky.
Laura: Fresh out of a divorce from her cheating husband. As a schoolteacher, she now has the Summer to find herself again and figure out her next steps. Her best friend invites her to Tranquility to forget and to get back in shape and lose some of the baby weight she'd gained without the benefit of actually having a baby. Unfortunately, on her drive to Tranquility, a flat tire puts her on the side of the road. That's when her knight in shining armor rescues her.
As fate would have it, Adam and Laura spend time together taking their minds off of their losses, if only this Summer Affair could last forever...or can it...
Praise for Mary Oldham’s other books:
“Love this. From the very beginning you are drawn into and immersed in this love story.” Amazon Reviewer for A Paris Affair
“I could not put this down. Best I’ve read in many years.” Amazon Reviewer for A Silver Linings Wedding Dress Auction
What starts as mutual comfort through shared attraction and a passionate summer affair to forget the past lead to a future happily ever after?
Adam: When a drunk driver kills his wife and young son, he's not sure he can overcome the loss. His cousin encourages him to recuperate on the west coast, far away from New York and his memories. Adam head to Tranquility - a beautiful seaside estate belonging to one of his cousin's friends. The perfect place to heal, if only he could be so lucky.
Laura: Fresh out of a divorce from her cheating husband. As a schoolteacher, she now has the Summer to find herself again and figure out her next steps. Her best friend invites her to Tranquility to forget and to get back in shape and lose some of the baby weight she'd gained without the benefit of actually having a baby. Unfortunately, on her drive to Tranquility, a flat tire puts her on the side of the road. That's when her knight in shining armor rescues her.
As fate would have it, Adam and Laura spend time together taking their minds off of their losses, if only this Summer Affair could last forever...or can it...
Praise for Mary Oldham’s other books:
“Love this. From the very beginning you are drawn into and immersed in this love story.” Amazon Reviewer for A Paris Affair
“I could not put this down. Best I’ve read in many years.” Amazon Reviewer for A Silver Linings Wedding Dress Auction
- GenresRomanceContemporary
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 21, 2021
About the author
Mary Oldham
14 books34 followersSince January 2008, Mary has written seventeen manuscripts and is a three-time Golden Heart Finalist with the Romance Writers of America, including a 2010 Golden Heart nomination for Contemporary Series Romance for LAURA TAKES A LOVER and a 2012 Golden Heart nomination for Romantic Suspense for CHEMICAL ATTRACTION and a 2015 Golden Heart nomination for Contemporary Series Romance for A NIGHT AT THE ROSEMONT.
Mary has been a multimedia account executive for USA Today and Advance for over twenty years.
With a Business degree in Marketing from Oregon State University and a minor in Apparel, Interiors, and Merchandising, Mary writes about smart, business-savvy heroines who find themselves caught between traditional roles and their own independent spirit.
She lives in Portland, Oregon, and regularly travels to a family beach house in the charming town of Yachats, Oregon.
Mary has been a multimedia account executive for USA Today and Advance for over twenty years.
With a Business degree in Marketing from Oregon State University and a minor in Apparel, Interiors, and Merchandising, Mary writes about smart, business-savvy heroines who find themselves caught between traditional roles and their own independent spirit.
She lives in Portland, Oregon, and regularly travels to a family beach house in the charming town of Yachats, Oregon.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 28, 2021
Poor Adam, a drunk driver killed his wife & son, so that should tell you that the emotional aspect to this story will be thick, and it was. His cousin has him going out west to heal a bit more at Tranquility (a seaside estate), and maybe just maybe it will be just what the doctor ordered. Laura is divorcing her husband since their marriage got in the way of his dating life (he was cheating on her) to just breathe to figure out what was next. She just so happens to end up at Tranquility at the same time Adam was there, and maybe just maybe it's just what the doctor ordered for her. This story really did my heart in because I could absolutely feel the MCs emotions like they were my own, and it felt like I needed to go to Tranquility to chill out from all of my feelings running amok LOL! Mary Oldham penned a heartfelt story that just tugged on my heartstrings because it felt realistic in the telling to me. I'm going to have to keep going with this series since I've been reeled in completely. & I believe everyone will feel the same way after hitting those one click buttons so I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
January 4, 2022
Adam’s story is a very emotional one. But Laura’s isn’t all roses either. The Tranquility estate is just what the doctor ordered for them both. A chance to unwind and catch their breath. What they didn’t anticipate was finding something even more valuable in each other. The characters are so well developed and real. Mary Oldham wrote the story in such a way that you feel everything the characters are going through. This was such a beautiful and heartfelt story. I couldn’t put it down! A huge thank you to the author for gifting me this amazing book!
5 summer-lovin stars!
NOLA504NERDS BLOG
5 summer-lovin stars!
NOLA504NERDS BLOG
June 11, 2025
This started out as a good small town read, and quickly got too spicy for me. DNF
January 9, 2022
Adam needed to get out of New York and away from everything that reminded him of what he had lost. Several months ago his wife and young son had been killed when a drunk driver plowed into their car. His wife died on impact and his son AJ had died in his arms.
His cousin Alex and owner of Stark International Hotels decided to send him to California and gave him complete control from studs to completion of their new hotel acquisition. So he handed in his business suits for a hammer. The manual labor should give him something other than his grief to focus on and he could also give Alex's good friends Kat and William advice on their renovations of their property Tranquility.
Adam didn't know the last time he laughed and it felt good. There was an old silver BMW with a flat tired pulled to the shoulder of the road, luggage dumped to the side of the trunk and a beautiful woman kicking the bumper. He sighed as he pulled a safe distance away despite wanting to keep going he knew he had to offer help.
When she looked at him suspiciously he realized that she wasn't just crying, she was expending more tears than a flat tire deserved. He made the mistake of asking how she was doing? Let's just say she had issues that started spewing out of her mouth between tears. He held her until she got it all out, fixed her tire and it wasn't until he was at his destination that he realized he didn't know her name.
Katrina may be a famous movie star, but she had been Laura's best friend her whole life and she was so thankful to be spending a week or two in their fabulous beach house behind their massive home Tranquility. Her divorce finalized today and she needed to decompress before the school year began.
As much as I love Alex and Daisy I have to say Adam's story hit me harder. Both Adam and Laura have been heartbroken and knew from the start that they would only have the summer together, but when the trial was moved forward and Adam had to return to NY Laura realized she didn't want him to leave.
I loved these characters. They are all so amazing. Adam has suffered a devastating loss and is determined to not love again and go through the pain of losing another loved one. Laura is trying to find herself after an emotionally abusive marriage. There is so much to say about this amazing story, but they will all lead into spoiler territory. Adam almost throws it all away before realizing taking the risk is so worth any possible pain.
I love this series! This book is very well written and the characters are fully developed and Mary Oldham draws you in so you feel part of the story. This book is steamy hot and well worth the read!
His cousin Alex and owner of Stark International Hotels decided to send him to California and gave him complete control from studs to completion of their new hotel acquisition. So he handed in his business suits for a hammer. The manual labor should give him something other than his grief to focus on and he could also give Alex's good friends Kat and William advice on their renovations of their property Tranquility.
Adam didn't know the last time he laughed and it felt good. There was an old silver BMW with a flat tired pulled to the shoulder of the road, luggage dumped to the side of the trunk and a beautiful woman kicking the bumper. He sighed as he pulled a safe distance away despite wanting to keep going he knew he had to offer help.
When she looked at him suspiciously he realized that she wasn't just crying, she was expending more tears than a flat tire deserved. He made the mistake of asking how she was doing? Let's just say she had issues that started spewing out of her mouth between tears. He held her until she got it all out, fixed her tire and it wasn't until he was at his destination that he realized he didn't know her name.
Katrina may be a famous movie star, but she had been Laura's best friend her whole life and she was so thankful to be spending a week or two in their fabulous beach house behind their massive home Tranquility. Her divorce finalized today and she needed to decompress before the school year began.
As much as I love Alex and Daisy I have to say Adam's story hit me harder. Both Adam and Laura have been heartbroken and knew from the start that they would only have the summer together, but when the trial was moved forward and Adam had to return to NY Laura realized she didn't want him to leave.
I loved these characters. They are all so amazing. Adam has suffered a devastating loss and is determined to not love again and go through the pain of losing another loved one. Laura is trying to find herself after an emotionally abusive marriage. There is so much to say about this amazing story, but they will all lead into spoiler territory. Adam almost throws it all away before realizing taking the risk is so worth any possible pain.
I love this series! This book is very well written and the characters are fully developed and Mary Oldham draws you in so you feel part of the story. This book is steamy hot and well worth the read!
January 2, 2022
Second in the seried.for me. I've so emgossed. I'm the plot and vhsracters.that I can' wait got 4 & 4. The characters feel like family. Having been to Portland makes them even more enjoyable. I' m hooked on Mary Oldham!
I'm intrigued ,. Impatiently waiting-to find out what part their sister Mary will.play in the next two books in the series.
I'm intrigued ,. Impatiently waiting-to find out what part their sister Mary will.play in the next two books in the series.
December 24, 2021
The best yet! Love Triumphs
Another winner from this author. Such well developed, authentic characters showing us that love is worth the risks. The story has all the elements you want in a romance. Yet it never spills into being rote or trite. The story comes from the characters and is genuine and heartfelt. I stayed up late into the night so I could finish it. Can’t wait for the next in the series.
Another winner from this author. Such well developed, authentic characters showing us that love is worth the risks. The story has all the elements you want in a romance. Yet it never spills into being rote or trite. The story comes from the characters and is genuine and heartfelt. I stayed up late into the night so I could finish it. Can’t wait for the next in the series.
May 20, 2023
Almost didn't read this book
The first book's storyline was good, but some of the writing was choppy, a few conversations seemed odd, and the intimate scenes were awkward and disappointing. Plus, there were enough grammatical errors to wonder why no one did a spell check. By the end of the book, I was on the fence if I actually liked the book or not. In the end, I liked the characters enough to give the second book a try. At the beginning of the book, Laura's demeanor was off putting and over the top, in a bad way, that I almost stopped reading the book. Then there's Tess. Her character was just weird and didn't seem to flow with the rest of the book. Amazingly, spell check wasn't used again. Why so many unnecessary errors? And similar to the first book, some of the dialog was strange and off. Luckily, I kept reading, and to my surprise, what a BIG improvement! I laughed out loud many times, especially with Kat's character, and the intimate scenes were written 100xs better. Overall, I really liked the story, and couldn't put the book down. Notably, Laura's ex husband's character was well written.
The first book's storyline was good, but some of the writing was choppy, a few conversations seemed odd, and the intimate scenes were awkward and disappointing. Plus, there were enough grammatical errors to wonder why no one did a spell check. By the end of the book, I was on the fence if I actually liked the book or not. In the end, I liked the characters enough to give the second book a try. At the beginning of the book, Laura's demeanor was off putting and over the top, in a bad way, that I almost stopped reading the book. Then there's Tess. Her character was just weird and didn't seem to flow with the rest of the book. Amazingly, spell check wasn't used again. Why so many unnecessary errors? And similar to the first book, some of the dialog was strange and off. Luckily, I kept reading, and to my surprise, what a BIG improvement! I laughed out loud many times, especially with Kat's character, and the intimate scenes were written 100xs better. Overall, I really liked the story, and couldn't put the book down. Notably, Laura's ex husband's character was well written.
August 3, 2024
"Fate had given him a second chance"
When I saw the Mary Oldham book in my list the other day I jumped on it.I have fallen in love with Ms.Oldham's work and have adored getting to know the Stark family and their extended relations. And this one has given me hope there will be more.
Laura is introduced to Adam as she frustratingly gives up on trying to change a tire as she is headed for her best friend Kat's sumptuous retreat. Little does she know the man she thinks might be a landscape architect is actually a lot more than that. The summer affair begins healing both of them. Questions remain as he leaves and she returns to her life. Cue the music: will this ever resolve? They love each other but....
One of the reasons I love Mary Oldham's work is that it's realistic. I find myself crying and cheering while each story unfolds. If I could afford it, I'd buy every.single.book and binge read them all. However, my pension doesn't afford such a splurge. But your's might. Enjoy. Highly Recommended 5/5
When I saw the Mary Oldham book in my list the other day I jumped on it.I have fallen in love with Ms.Oldham's work and have adored getting to know the Stark family and their extended relations. And this one has given me hope there will be more.
Laura is introduced to Adam as she frustratingly gives up on trying to change a tire as she is headed for her best friend Kat's sumptuous retreat. Little does she know the man she thinks might be a landscape architect is actually a lot more than that. The summer affair begins healing both of them. Questions remain as he leaves and she returns to her life. Cue the music: will this ever resolve? They love each other but....
One of the reasons I love Mary Oldham's work is that it's realistic. I find myself crying and cheering while each story unfolds. If I could afford it, I'd buy every.single.book and binge read them all. However, my pension doesn't afford such a splurge. But your's might. Enjoy. Highly Recommended 5/5
May 15, 2022
Achy, Angsty Heart
The beginning of the story is fantastic. The main couple has an achy, angsty passion that is also heartfelt. They “click” for each other and make sense.
The rest of the book is a difficult read. The main couple has deep backstories, but the pain of their pasts often overshadows the romance. There are moments that are so real and painful, I had to stop reading for awhile.
It also bothers me that the heartache/headaches of the latter part of the book could/should have been solved by picking up the phone. The HEA feels rushed given how much of the characters’ in-story time is spent not communicating.
Mary knows how to build characters with real hearts. Not as strong as the first book of the series, A Summer Affair is still a good story, with a couple you invest in early and want to see succeed.
The beginning of the story is fantastic. The main couple has an achy, angsty passion that is also heartfelt. They “click” for each other and make sense.
The rest of the book is a difficult read. The main couple has deep backstories, but the pain of their pasts often overshadows the romance. There are moments that are so real and painful, I had to stop reading for awhile.
It also bothers me that the heartache/headaches of the latter part of the book could/should have been solved by picking up the phone. The HEA feels rushed given how much of the characters’ in-story time is spent not communicating.
Mary knows how to build characters with real hearts. Not as strong as the first book of the series, A Summer Affair is still a good story, with a couple you invest in early and want to see succeed.
June 27, 2025
After a drunk driver kills Adams wife and young son he takes time off to recover. Laura is a newly divorced teacher on summer vacation . Adam and Laura fall in love but Adam doesn't want another family so he leaves. Laura doesn't want to interfere with Adams life so she doesn't tell him about her pregnancy. She does want to tell him he has a son
August 1, 2025
Tranquility
This was a very beautiful romance story. He found her on the side of the road kicking her flat tire the day of her divorce. He fixed the tire and thought he'd never Dee her again. But he did s half hour later. It was a wonderful story full of love, miscommunication and more love!
This was a very beautiful romance story. He found her on the side of the road kicking her flat tire the day of her divorce. He fixed the tire and thought he'd never Dee her again. But he did s half hour later. It was a wonderful story full of love, miscommunication and more love!
April 13, 2024
She does it again!
The love story was amazing! It traveled halfway around the world and back. Mary has a way of describing that you can picture it in your head. I don't want to give too much away, but this is a must-read!
The love story was amazing! It traveled halfway around the world and back. Mary has a way of describing that you can picture it in your head. I don't want to give too much away, but this is a must-read!
June 12, 2024
the best
This was one of the best live stories I’ve read in quite a while. Lovely characters, great descriptions of people, emotions, and places. I look forward to reading more of Mary’s books.
This was one of the best live stories I’ve read in quite a while. Lovely characters, great descriptions of people, emotions, and places. I look forward to reading more of Mary’s books.
September 3, 2025
A good story that grabbed me at the beginning and did not disappoint as the story unfolded. Both Laura and Adam arrive at a friend’s place trying to overcome their recent tragedies. Together they heal and find a new life. Cute ending to story! A great beach read.
June 20, 2023
Modern Love Story
A good romance for summer light reading. Good plot started from the first chapter and continued to build. Likable characters you want to be happy.
A good romance for summer light reading. Good plot started from the first chapter and continued to build. Likable characters you want to be happy.
July 3, 2023
Fairy-Tale
Easy read, beautiful story. Tragedy and triumph a human story, gave me hope and made me happy recommend it to my friends.
Easy read, beautiful story. Tragedy and triumph a human story, gave me hope and made me happy recommend it to my friends.
July 5, 2023
Good book
July 6, 2024
l loved it
I can’t say enough good things about this book. From tragedy to love with lots of mistakes in between. This book hits all the right chords!
I can’t say enough good things about this book. From tragedy to love with lots of mistakes in between. This book hits all the right chords!
July 18, 2024
Wonderful love story
Beautiful people, beautiful setting, and a lovely story. I am really enjoying this author's novels. On to the next one.
Beautiful people, beautiful setting, and a lovely story. I am really enjoying this author's novels. On to the next one.
September 29, 2024
Laura is so relatable. As the reader I could relate with her insecurities about her body and herself, having had all of them myself.
October 26, 2024
Worth the read
It starts out slow, but it definitely picks up. It is a positive love story with a Happy ending. ,which every love story shoukd have.
It starts out slow, but it definitely picks up. It is a positive love story with a Happy ending. ,which every love story shoukd have.
December 14, 2024
A great love story
The writing made me fall right into the characters. I loved the storyline and I love the happy ending, too!
The writing made me fall right into the characters. I loved the storyline and I love the happy ending, too!
February 16, 2026
This book is a story of heartbreak and losing something very precious. The road to recovery was a long and hard road for Adam and Laura, but hope and love can conquer all.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews