Summer

Just One Day #3

by Susan Buchanan

List-juggling, business-owner mum-of-three Louisa is reeling after a tragedy, as well as learning how to cope after a life-changing revelation. With oil worker husband Ronnie possibly being able to move onshore, she hopes he can help her manage the burden.

But the secrets she keeps are causing her headaches and she's unsure if her ability to make good decisions has deserted her. All she seems to do is upset those around her.

With Louisa's to-do list gathering pace at an incredible speed, will she manage to provide a stable home for them all, embrace her new normal as well as rebuild their life from what's left?

And if she gets what she has always wanted, will it match up to her expectations?

For fans of Milly Johnson, Sarah Morgan and Heidi Swain.

332 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 13, 2021

About the author

Susan Buchanan lives in Central Scotland with her husband and their two children. She is the author of 13 novels: The Boulangerie on the Corner, A Taste of Christmas Spirit, You Can't Hurry Love, The Leap Year Proposal, A Little Christmas Spirit, Just One Day - Winter, Just One Day - Spring, Just One Day - Summer, Just One Day - Autumn, Return of the Christmas Spirit, The Christmas Spirit, The Dating Game and Sign of the Times.
5.

Susan is also a proofreader and editor and when not working, writing or caring for her two delightful cherubs, loves reading, the theatre, quiz shows and eating out - not necessarily in that order!

Reviews

[mrsljgibbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would firstly just like to say a big thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources who very kindly forwarded me an arc copy of this book, for my Kindle, in return for my honest review.

Just One Day - Summer is the third book in this series and they are all addictive and just want you to keep reading more and more to find out what happens.
Louisa is definitely a strong woman and has a lot going on in her life to keep her busy and I absolutely loved following her story and finding out how everything turns out.

This was a wonderful, heart warming, fun read and it was written really well and I thoroughly enjoyed it all…..

[thewoollygeek (tea, cake, crochet & books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third instalment of the ‘Just One Day’ series which began with ‘Just One Day- Winter’ in November 2021 and then ‘Just One Day- Spring’ in Spring this year funnily enough. These books are lovely, light hearted and fun reads. Within a few pages I was drawn back into into the story as if I had just read the last book yesterday, I love it when a book stays on your memory so clearly, it’s a sign how much I enjoyed it to make a clear impression.
Each book in this series seems to make me more obsessed to know how it’s going to turn out (I have anxiety and I can’t even escape it when I read, but at least book anxiety is a positive thing for me, it means I’m addicted and engrossed) I get so absorbed into the lives of the characters that I don’t notice I am almost at the end and then I get sad because I need the next.

‘Just One Day Summer’ is a gorgeous story, a continuation from Winter and Spring which held my attention and didn’t let me go, but since as a rule I don’t do spoilers I won’t go into detail, other than to say Louisa, what a strong woman, she definitely goes through it and puts up with more than I would - The house, The kids, the new contract with Fabien, Ronnie’s job, Caden, Nicky’s recovery, the pregnancy, I could go on but I’ll let you read yourselves. (Although curse you Susan because I need the last part and I’m not a patient person, do you take bribes)

Susan is a wonderful writer, I find her books are like talking with friends, every time I read it’s like I’m just catching back up with the characters, they are that relatable. She is definitely an expert of human emotion, because she has me feeling every single one , it’s a rollercoaster of emotion and I never know which way it’s going to go. I love the amazing strong women she writes and i still adore the little lists, it reminds me of most mums and women I know.

Fantastic and thoroughly addictive, I can’t wait until October but sadly have to. Thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources and Susan Buchanan for a free e-book in exchange for an honest opinion , all opinions expressed are my own and are freely given

[Jenny McClinton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an E-ARC with a request for my honest review.

This part in the series follows straight on from the Spring book and follows Lou and Ronnie Halliday.

Lou has a never ending to do list, and it doesn’t seem to be getting any shorter.

With big life and work changes adding to her already large list, and the house still not repaired for them to move back, the family are struggling.

Lou decides they need somewhere else to live temporarily, so they set about on their search.

With many ups and downs along the way, and some very awkward moments for Lou.

Will they find somewhere to live? How will Ronnie and Lou’s marriage hold under the pressure?

I am enjoying reading this series as it seems realistic to normal family life and the never ending to do list that it brings.

I did find some very cringe worthy moments from Lou, but it did add to the comedy side of the book even though I did feel embarrassed for her at the same time.

I love hearing everything the children get up to, they are certainly mischievous as times.

I would love to continue reading this series if more were to be published.

Overall, a funny and light-hearted book of family life and the never ending to do list it brings.

[Susanne Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve really been enjoying these wonderful books from Susan, it’s like having a soap opera in book form! This is part three (it could be read as a stand-alone but I highly recommend reading the other two, as you will have some spoilers revealed)
The characters are likeable and believable, you soon find yourself emotionally attached to many of them.
Some brilliant twists in these books too, a proper few jaw dropping moments too!
I can’t wait for the autumn book now to find out what happens.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series and it was lovely to catch up with Louisa and her journey. Her story puts into perspective the lives of many of us, juggling work and family and trying for that all important work-life balance. As Louisa’s 'to do' list gets longer, her life becomes even more complicated with an unexpected discovery. Will her husband Ronnie feel the same though and can they put the past behind them? I'm really looking forward to the final instalment.

[Shelly Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant, just Brilliant. I love this series and highly recommend it. I'm glad I hadn't had to wait for each on to come out! 😊

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just One Day – Summer is Book 3 of 4 in Susan’s series and follows on from the previous two books, but can be read as a standalone. Everything you need to know is mentioned, so you are soon up to date with previous events. (I had read the previous book, but still appreciated the reminder of what had happened.)
The story begins on June 30th with Louisa and Ronnie Halliday seeing the midwife to confirm they are having their fourth child. It’s five years since Louisa had her third baby and as she’ll be forty when number four is born, she is termed a ‘geriatric mother.’ (I could relate to this. I had my fifth baby at 42, sixteen years after number four!) After their house was seriously damaged in the previous book, the baby is a positive thing in their lives.
Their children Gen (12), Hugo (8) and Aria (4) are wonderfully written, they bounce off the pages and you can really see their personalities shining through. (The little two can also be REALLY naughty!) I also love reading about Louisa’s relationship with her sisters Wendy and Jo.
Louisa is pushed so hard at times, you have to feel sorry for her. All the stress around her – Ronnie trying to change his job, Louisa having more work responsibility with Fabien, the kids, the housing situation, arghhh! She is such a strong woman, you have to admire how she copes with everything.
One of the many things I love about Susan’s books is the sense of place and community. Each book feels like you’re returning to a familiar place and catching up with old friends. The village is completely believable and I love visiting it again with each new book.
This novel is another triumph! I was up into the early hours reading it, as I wanted to know what happened. Susan’s books have everything you could want – great settings, wonderful characters and gripping storylines.
5 stars from me.

[Book Escapes Babs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is turning into a terrific series and after the cliff-hanger ending to ‘Spring, I was eager to discover what would happen next. This is going to be a challenge without inadvertently creating spoilers for the earlier books!
Louisa’s daily life is made up of lists that seem to never get completed. She’s constantly being diverted from her best intentions by life and new demands on her time and emotions. ‘Summer sees her finally getting to grips with the major distraction that caught her attention in the first two books, but that leads to new and painful issues. She’s now seeing her marriage through honest eyes and is even more determined to protect her family and keep her relationship alive.
As the family relax into their new surroundings, Louisa has discovered a whole new realm of distractions as her business gets a boost as a result of a casual meeting. Her commitment to her work and family is just what I would expect and could certainly identify with her drive to keep both elements of her life in balance. Of course, her self-care is what suffers as she burns the proverbial candle at both ends.
There is the supporting cast that readers have become accustomed to, and I thoroughly enjoy her interactions with her family and friends. In particular, I was invested in her friendship with Nicky and the challenges to their relationship. The pain of losing a friend can be akin to that of a sibling. Totally debilitating.
For anyone who hasn’t read the previous books, it is possible to read this as a standalone story, but I highly recommend reading the rest of the series in order to fully understand the challenges that Louisa faces.
I will now wait impatiently for Autumn!

[Pam Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this series up at Book 3 and although I was able to read it as a standalone, I am sure you would get more out of the story is you started at the beginning of the series. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the story and became invested in Louisa's story. She certainly emerged as a determined and resourceful figure who did have moments of feeling swamped by life's problems. Her relationship with Ronnie was quite difficult to second guess but overall, this is an uplifting story with some genuine humour.

Louisa's everyday life seems hectic to say the least and I enjoyed the antics of her family- especially when they found themselves in a luxury hotel suite. This is a light-hearted look at life and as Louisa juggles all the elements of her life, I looked forward to reading her never-ending to-do lists which seemed to keep her going. This is an entertaining and warm story and with another in the series to come, more to look forward to.

In short: an entertaining look at family life
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book

[Henriette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this third book in the series really felt like being back with old friends, or even family members. I don't always agree with how Louisa and her husband Ronnie react or behave, but I still love them!

This book can be read as a standalone, but you will get a lot more out of it if you read it as part of the series.

What to expect:
- Louisa and her endless to do lists
- relationship issues between Louisa & Ronnie
- Is Caden gone for good?
- Louisa's 3 kids and all they get up to... messy family life, especially when living in a hotel suite!
- catch up with Nicky & Xander again, see how they have healed since the accident
- Louisa's lovely sisters and wonderful parent
- the cute dogs Bear and Patch
- how is it going with Louisa's business?
- Ronnie's search for an on shore job
- lots of drama!

[Kathy Simmonds · Rating 4 out of 5]

part 3 of this lovely series

Summer has arrived for Louisa and her family, and it brings with it the fallout from Spring’s events. So many things need to be sorted out, decisions need to be made, and there is the challenge of a pregnancy to be dealt with as well. None of which is easy in their cramped living conditions. As if Louisa does not have enough to deal with, her wedding invitation business is taking off. Which brings with it it’s own challenges.
How will the Halliday clan cope with it all? Will the uncovering of a secret bring everything crashing down?
I cannot wait to start reading Autumn, the final instalment in this engrossing saga, set in Scotland.

[Georgina Abbotts · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is the 3rd book in the just one day series.im adoring this series and following the halliday family.this stunning book is set in Scotland and follows Louisa,Ronnie and there 3 children I adore the relationship and bond Louisa has with her 2 siblings.i couldn't put this book down everytime I thought ill put the book down I kept picking it up to read more I love that louisa has some close friends and that her parents are so helpful and supportive and are always willing to help last minute when louisa needs a hand. I can't wait to read the last book in this series but I'll be sad to see the end of the series following louisa and her family.

[Grace Power · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Louisa and her lists! Summer starts with a list, no surprise there and Louisa is getting her head round the fact she is pregnant with her fourth child, her friend and her son’s injuries ( from the accident when a lorry crashed into Louisa and Ronnie’s home), her new business partnership with Fabian, and the fact they are living in a five star country hotel courtesy of Fabian. So much drama and thrills life is never dull for the Halliday family! Another great book in this series and I feel so close to this family, I loved the ending to this one which made me smile.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

So good to catch up with the

[Tiziana Langone · Rating 4 out of 5]

What will summer bring after a spring with disasters? 
Lou is still a woman with lists. Whatever she has to do, is mentioned on her to – do list. But instead of having it all easier, after the last tragedy, her list only grew longer.
More than ever, she now needs the help of her husband Ronnie, especially after their surprise discovery, so fingers and toes are crossed that Ronnie can quickly find an onshore job.
But when things don’t always go as expected, Lou has to face that what she things are good decisions, aren’t always seen as thus by those around her.
Can Lou manage to be on top of everything, and fulfil her own expectations? Or will it all crash down and make her world and family fall totally apart? 
When I started this book, I for sure was prepared, as I have read the previous book ‘Spring’. And even if it was a while ago, I was rather quick with catching up again with what happened there.
But even if you haven’t read the previous parts, it is easy to follow this wonderful story. 
After the disaster that happened in the previous book, we see a Lou that is trying to fix everything. With the help of her new friend/ new boss she and her family are staying in a suite in his hotel. And while it may seem like a dream coming true, I could also understand the struggles. Yes, you have all the luxury, the rooms get cleaned, you can order room service. But it’s also restrictive… because your whole life is just in one room, you cannot move around like you would at your own place.
And I completely understood how the kids would get bored after a while and would be ending up in mischief. 
While things between Lou and Ronnie may be going better, they are still a long way from being what they were a while ago.
Lou is still struggling with keeping all the balls in the air, and Ronnie is being a typical man, not seeing where his help is needed and not seeing Lou practically drowning.
Even if they have received wonderful news, it only adds more pressure on Lou, and even the well meant comments are only adding fuel to the fire, making Lou feel even more inadequate. 
However, no matter what next challenge was waiting for Lou, I admired how she just kept going. At one moment I truly saw her as a Mama Bear protecting her family at any all costs.
Maybe the way she did some things, weren’t the right way, but she did it for the right reasons.
I completely understood her, but I also comprehended how her own family and her closest friends didn’t appreciate the direction she took. 
Lou has so many tests in this book, that I was amazed how she just kept going. It isn’t just the issue with her home, but also the struggles of her family, being there for her friends, keep the business going, that last surprise.
Many people would have thrown the towel in the ring, but Lou cannot afford to lose everything she worked so hard for. She has a determination and fierceness that made me even stand a bit taller as she wouldn’t take ‘no’ for an answer. 
This book shows us the determination of a woman, with her desire to make everything work, but also facing reality that not everything can go as she wants. Lou also come to learn that going too fast means that at one point, you’re going to crash with all its consequences. 
I loved reading this next part of the series, even it shows us not only all the good that happens in life, but also the twists that life has in store for us.
We often take things for granted, or think our secrets are safe, but at one point, we have to face reality and see that all can be lost very quickly.
But that is real life, and this author managed again perfectly to show us that real life is filled with beautiful, wonderful things, but also with things that just aren’t… 
This book is so easy to devour, as I just kept reading if and how the pieces of the puzzle would fall into place.
Susan Buchanan is able to make you feel comfortable at one point, and the next moment you are left flabbergasted as everything seems to fall into pieces again.
But no matter the twists, she also shows us that with the right mindset, determination and strength, even the extension of a surprise is not insurmountable! And that love can maybe even overcome the greatest sense of betrayal. And most important, happiness comes in shapes and forms you never expected.  

[Wendy Ann Neels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous

This series get better each book . The surprises and shocks keep coming and they are brilliant. I love this crazy family and their ups and downs.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Onto book 4 of this series really enjoying it . Highly recommend it