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Mission Cove #1
The Summer of Us
An epic small town, second chance love story a decade in the making from New York Times bestselling author Melanie Moreland -
She was the light in my dark life. The sunshine that warmed me and made me smile.
We had one summer. One perfect summer, until the day it ended.
Years later, she walked back into my life. Older. Sadder. More beautiful than ever.
How can I prove to her that summer was real?
How do I make her see the boy who loved her then, still loves her now?
How do we get back to the summer when we were us?
She was the light in my dark life. The sunshine that warmed me and made me smile.
We had one summer. One perfect summer, until the day it ended.
Years later, she walked back into my life. Older. Sadder. More beautiful than ever.
How can I prove to her that summer was real?
How do I make her see the boy who loved her then, still loves her now?
How do we get back to the summer when we were us?
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 28, 2022
319 people are currently reading
1169 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Moreland
77 books5,499 followersWelcome Romance Readers!
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A bit about me:
NYT/WSJ/USAT International bestselling author Melanie Moreland, lives a happy and content life in a quiet area of Ontario with her beloved husband of lots of lovely years and their rescue cat, Amber. Nothing means more to her than her friends and family, and she cherishes every moment spent with them.
While seriously addicted to coffee, and highly challenged with all things computer-related and technical, she relishes baking, cooking, and trying new recipes for people to sample. She loves to throw dinner parties, and also enjoys travelling, but finds coming home is always the best part of any trip.
Melanie loves stories, especially paired with a good wine, and enjoys skydiving (free falling over a fleck of dust) extreme snowboarding (falling down stairs) and piloting her own helicopter (tripping over her own feet.) She's learned happily ever-afters, even bumpy ones, are all in how you tell the story.
Melanie is represented by Flavia Viotti at Bookcase Literary Agency. For any questions regarding subsidiary or translation rights please contact her at flavia@bookcaseagency.com
Join my newsletter for news on upcoming releases and sales CLICK HERE
Make sure to follow me on Amazon for new release alerts CLICK HERE
Join me on Facebook in my reader group CLICK HERE
Check out my excerpts on Verve Romance CLICK HERE
A bit about me:
NYT/WSJ/USAT International bestselling author Melanie Moreland, lives a happy and content life in a quiet area of Ontario with her beloved husband of lots of lovely years and their rescue cat, Amber. Nothing means more to her than her friends and family, and she cherishes every moment spent with them.
While seriously addicted to coffee, and highly challenged with all things computer-related and technical, she relishes baking, cooking, and trying new recipes for people to sample. She loves to throw dinner parties, and also enjoys travelling, but finds coming home is always the best part of any trip.
Melanie loves stories, especially paired with a good wine, and enjoys skydiving (free falling over a fleck of dust) extreme snowboarding (falling down stairs) and piloting her own helicopter (tripping over her own feet.) She's learned happily ever-afters, even bumpy ones, are all in how you tell the story.
Melanie is represented by Flavia Viotti at Bookcase Literary Agency. For any questions regarding subsidiary or translation rights please contact her at flavia@bookcaseagency.com
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April 24, 2020
The Summer of Us is book one in the Mission Cove series by Melanie Moreland. This was previously released as a short story in the One Hot Summer anthology. Now with added content, it is a full length novel and true to the magic of Melanie Moreland, it has an amazing epilogue that if you weren’t already filled with warm and fuzzies, then you definitely will be.
Linc Thomas and Sunny Jenson have been best friends since they were in kindergarten and shared their crayons. But their lives couldn’t be more different. Linc’s parents were very wealthy. After he lost his mother, he was raised by a cold hearted, brutal, power hungry father that made his life unbearable. The only bright light he had was Sunny. Sunny and her two younger sisters were raised by their single mom. They lived on the wrong side of the tracks so to speak. But their home was full of love. Over the years, Linc and Sunny’s relationship went from friendship to more, so much more.
Linc was forbidden to have anything to do with Sunny. But the summer when they were both seventeen, they were both working for a nearby summer camp. Here they could be together whenever they wanted, they were free and happy and they were in love. It was a beautiful summer full of dreams of a future together. Until everything was ripped away from them.
Now it’s ten years later. Linc has spent the years meticulously implementing his plan of revenge on his father. He never wanted to return to Mission Cove, the town so full of memories of both the darkest parts of his life, and also the brightest, his Sunny. He never could find her, they have had no contact in ten years. And then there she is, right in front of him, his Sunny Girl.
Linc and Sunny are different people now, both shaped by sadness, fueled by pain. But one look and Linc knows that he will do anything and everything in his power to win her back. To make her understand what happened. To give him another chance. Because he lost her once, and he wasn’t going to let her go again.
I fell in love with this the first time I read it as a short story. So you wouldn’t think I could love it more, but I do. I loved Linc so much, his determination, his heart. Don’t even get me started on Sunny. She was the only person that could help Linc to finally move on, to let the past go. And then there is the epilogue of all epilogues. When you close the cover of this book, you will be smiling a big huge smile. Melanie has once again woven a story of pain, of love, of heartbreak, and of happiness. And once again, she has stolen my heart.
“You’ll always be the girl I fell in love with, Sunny. You will always be my girl.”
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Linc Thomas and Sunny Jenson have been best friends since they were in kindergarten and shared their crayons. But their lives couldn’t be more different. Linc’s parents were very wealthy. After he lost his mother, he was raised by a cold hearted, brutal, power hungry father that made his life unbearable. The only bright light he had was Sunny. Sunny and her two younger sisters were raised by their single mom. They lived on the wrong side of the tracks so to speak. But their home was full of love. Over the years, Linc and Sunny’s relationship went from friendship to more, so much more.
Linc was forbidden to have anything to do with Sunny. But the summer when they were both seventeen, they were both working for a nearby summer camp. Here they could be together whenever they wanted, they were free and happy and they were in love. It was a beautiful summer full of dreams of a future together. Until everything was ripped away from them.
Now it’s ten years later. Linc has spent the years meticulously implementing his plan of revenge on his father. He never wanted to return to Mission Cove, the town so full of memories of both the darkest parts of his life, and also the brightest, his Sunny. He never could find her, they have had no contact in ten years. And then there she is, right in front of him, his Sunny Girl.
Linc and Sunny are different people now, both shaped by sadness, fueled by pain. But one look and Linc knows that he will do anything and everything in his power to win her back. To make her understand what happened. To give him another chance. Because he lost her once, and he wasn’t going to let her go again.
I fell in love with this the first time I read it as a short story. So you wouldn’t think I could love it more, but I do. I loved Linc so much, his determination, his heart. Don’t even get me started on Sunny. She was the only person that could help Linc to finally move on, to let the past go. And then there is the epilogue of all epilogues. When you close the cover of this book, you will be smiling a big huge smile. Melanie has once again woven a story of pain, of love, of heartbreak, and of happiness. And once again, she has stolen my heart.
“You’ll always be the girl I fell in love with, Sunny. You will always be my girl.”
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
January 9, 2021
To put it into words why Melanie is a 1-click author for me is in the diversity of tropes and themes in her catalog. She has something for everyone's tastes - romantic suspense, comedy, insta-love, single parent, etc. And now she adds second chance romance.
For those who follow, next to insta-love, second-chance is my favorite theme. The chance for a do-over. Something that all of us have been in a position hoping for that kindness from the fates.
In Part 1, the readers met Linc and Sunny. Wildly optimistic young love can conquer the roadblocks put in to place by Linc's father. Being in love doesn't conquer all in this case. We are then transported ten years when Linc begrudgingly comes home to close his father's estate. What he doesn't expect to find is the girl of his past, the one who touched his heart to be back in his hometown.
Part 2 is their second chance. With life experiences and now walls rather than optimism guard their hearts, they embark on can they connect again. The readers are graced with decisions that the character grapples with in order to accept and love who they are as adults today.
I love this story. It's one of my favorites of hers. Not only my favorite theme, but the emotion leaps off the page and has you rooting for this HEA. The story doesn't drag or burden with unnecessary angst. Just a connection that is frayed but not broken made whole again. I love that Ms Moreland doesn't have the characters fall back to instant relationship, but ask the hard questions of one another. Also - another perfect epilogue.
Safety Note:
For those who follow, next to insta-love, second-chance is my favorite theme. The chance for a do-over. Something that all of us have been in a position hoping for that kindness from the fates.
In Part 1, the readers met Linc and Sunny. Wildly optimistic young love can conquer the roadblocks put in to place by Linc's father. Being in love doesn't conquer all in this case. We are then transported ten years when Linc begrudgingly comes home to close his father's estate. What he doesn't expect to find is the girl of his past, the one who touched his heart to be back in his hometown.
Part 2 is their second chance. With life experiences and now walls rather than optimism guard their hearts, they embark on can they connect again. The readers are graced with decisions that the character grapples with in order to accept and love who they are as adults today.
I love this story. It's one of my favorites of hers. Not only my favorite theme, but the emotion leaps off the page and has you rooting for this HEA. The story doesn't drag or burden with unnecessary angst. Just a connection that is frayed but not broken made whole again. I love that Ms Moreland doesn't have the characters fall back to instant relationship, but ask the hard questions of one another. Also - another perfect epilogue.
Safety Note:
April 30, 2020
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 STARS
This book is heartwarming and such a captivating story. From a young love that's hidden to a journey at a second chance at love. Linc and Sunny’s is a love story that is definitely Hallmark Movie worthy!!! The Summer of Us by Melanie Moreland is an EPIC second chance romance that will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ARISTOCRACY!!!
This book is heartwarming and such a captivating story. From a young love that's hidden to a journey at a second chance at love. Linc and Sunny’s is a love story that is definitely Hallmark Movie worthy!!! The Summer of Us by Melanie Moreland is an EPIC second chance romance that will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ARISTOCRACY!!!
April 23, 2020
Once again, Melanie Moreland had my attention from the first word to the very last word
of the fantastic epilogue!
I was captivated by Linc and Sunny, though I truly wasn't sure they
would be able to overcome all of the obstacles thrown at them. From an
overbearing father to present day choices.
Just enough angst, romance and plenty of heat!
Thank you, Melanie!
Readers, you can't go wrong with this HEA!
of the fantastic epilogue!
I was captivated by Linc and Sunny, though I truly wasn't sure they
would be able to overcome all of the obstacles thrown at them. From an
overbearing father to present day choices.
Just enough angst, romance and plenty of heat!
Thank you, Melanie!
Readers, you can't go wrong with this HEA!
January 24, 2026
With an overbearing father and his future already planned out for him, Linc hides the fact that he is in love with Sunny as his father does not approve. When they both find themselves working at the same summer camp their romance blooms. But Linc's dad is onto their secret and whisks Linc away - never to have contact with Sunny again. Will Linc be able to win her heart again after being away for ten years? Or will Summer always connect him with his hateful father and walk away for good? This story was heartbreaking. Melanie Moreland packs a punch in a wonderfully written story. Great characters, a storyline you do not want to put down and so a depth of emotion you will feel like you are on a rollercoaster. This was an awesome story.
April 25, 2020
I read the shorter version The Summer Of Us by Melanie Moreland when it appeared in an anthology last year. I wanted a bigger story for this sweet, young couple and Melanie has delivered as she always does.
Lincoln and Sunny had known each other since they were kids. They fell in love at fifteen, but Linc’s father (a boorish, hateful man) forbid their romance. When Linc ignored him, he was horribly punished.
Now ten years later, they’re both back in Mission Cove. Sunny has her own bakery and Linc is there to dismantle his hated father’s businesses. They reconnected and their chemistry was immediate and complete.
It’s not all a simple tale of falling in love, they have some issues to work through but watching these two come together as one, was mesmerizing and wonderful. The entire story kept my attention and I LOVED the epilogues. Melanie is outstanding when it comes to this part of a book.
The Summer Of Us is more than just a summer, it’s an always and forever kind of story. It’s got feels galore, angst, and some gritty bits, but most of all, it’s heartwarming and will leave you with a blissful smile on your face.
Lincoln and Sunny had known each other since they were kids. They fell in love at fifteen, but Linc’s father (a boorish, hateful man) forbid their romance. When Linc ignored him, he was horribly punished.
Now ten years later, they’re both back in Mission Cove. Sunny has her own bakery and Linc is there to dismantle his hated father’s businesses. They reconnected and their chemistry was immediate and complete.
It’s not all a simple tale of falling in love, they have some issues to work through but watching these two come together as one, was mesmerizing and wonderful. The entire story kept my attention and I LOVED the epilogues. Melanie is outstanding when it comes to this part of a book.
The Summer Of Us is more than just a summer, it’s an always and forever kind of story. It’s got feels galore, angst, and some gritty bits, but most of all, it’s heartwarming and will leave you with a blissful smile on your face.
April 23, 2020
Well....Melanie has done it again! She writes the perfect story and always weaves the perfect character into it...Linc!! I mean how could you not love him??? Money isn’t everything. Linc learned that the hard way. Sometimes you can have what seems like everything in life only to realize that you actually have nothing. When Linc met Sunny, at a tender young age, he realized that what she had was what he needed in life...a pure heart, a sweet smile and love, lots of unconditional love. Sunny and Linc, total opposites yet so right for each other. But Linc’s dad had other plans for him, ones that he had no say in and ones that definitely did not include Sunny. Years later, fate stepped in. Now, Sunny and Linc have to make a choice. Do they follow their hearts or do they let the past destroy them! Absolutely loved this story of love and redemption!!❤️
May 1, 2020
Another awesome book
Long and Sunny's story has a lot of his and downs. This is a second chance romance that once again tugs at your heart. You feel for the characters and you will end up loving them too.
Long and Sunny's story has a lot of his and downs. This is a second chance romance that once again tugs at your heart. You feel for the characters and you will end up loving them too.
May 1, 2020
Sunny and Linc were best friends since kindergarten when he shared his crayons with her. During their teen years they became boyfriend/girlfriend but had to keep it hidden because of Linc's father. Linc's family had money and with Sunny coming from normal working stock, his father deemed her not worthy of his son.
They managed to have a summer together when Linc's father sends him to work at the summer camp. He had no idea that Sunny had taken a job there for the summer, so they were over the moon when they discovered what had happened! A summer of being together, unrestricted, sounded like a slice of Heaven. The Summer of Us!
But Linc disappears after one glorious, forbidden night never to be seen again for over a decade. Yet, ten years later, Linc materializes in Sunny's Bakery, as surprised to see her as she is to see him. A lot has happened in the time they were apart, but one thing is clear, they both still have strong feelings for each other.
But the years apart have changed Linc. Hatred for his father has dominated and controlled his life since the night he was taken from camp - from Sunny. Sunny is worried that he is turning into his father and knows that she can't be with a man like that. They both have to do some soul searching to figure out if there is anyway to salvage their relationship.
Melanie is a one-click author for me! She always writes such great books and this one was super good! There was such a wonderful Epilogue that extended for several years and I was so, so in love! I would love to read a spin off story about Amanda!
They managed to have a summer together when Linc's father sends him to work at the summer camp. He had no idea that Sunny had taken a job there for the summer, so they were over the moon when they discovered what had happened! A summer of being together, unrestricted, sounded like a slice of Heaven. The Summer of Us!
But Linc disappears after one glorious, forbidden night never to be seen again for over a decade. Yet, ten years later, Linc materializes in Sunny's Bakery, as surprised to see her as she is to see him. A lot has happened in the time they were apart, but one thing is clear, they both still have strong feelings for each other.
But the years apart have changed Linc. Hatred for his father has dominated and controlled his life since the night he was taken from camp - from Sunny. Sunny is worried that he is turning into his father and knows that she can't be with a man like that. They both have to do some soul searching to figure out if there is anyway to salvage their relationship.
Melanie is a one-click author for me! She always writes such great books and this one was super good! There was such a wonderful Epilogue that extended for several years and I was so, so in love! I would love to read a spin off story about Amanda!
April 27, 2020
Linc and Sunny. I can't help but to smile about these two when I think of them. The book is a divided into 2 sections, years apart. I read part 1 in an anthology last year and couldn't wait to finish out their story.
The Summer of Us by Melanie Moreland really will tug at your heartstrings. The young love that Linc and Sunny have with each other is so sweet and so one of a kind. I adored them so much. Linc doesn't really have a loving life at home. He is surrounded by what money can provide but not love. He has a very controlling father and does not want Linc to be with Sunny, the girl from the other side of the tracks. But one day, he's gone out of her life. Its quite the heartbreaking tale of two fated souls who are meant to be together but have such big obstacles to obtain that happily ever after.
Years go by and the are reunited. Oh my heart, these two have so much love for each other but can they really make it work since they haven't seen each other in over a decade? I really felt all the emotions Linc felt. This guy, he loves wholeheartedly, deeply and protects everyone he loves. I enjoyed this second chance at love story so much. Melanie did a great job finishing out their romance.
The Summer of Us by Melanie Moreland really will tug at your heartstrings. The young love that Linc and Sunny have with each other is so sweet and so one of a kind. I adored them so much. Linc doesn't really have a loving life at home. He is surrounded by what money can provide but not love. He has a very controlling father and does not want Linc to be with Sunny, the girl from the other side of the tracks. But one day, he's gone out of her life. Its quite the heartbreaking tale of two fated souls who are meant to be together but have such big obstacles to obtain that happily ever after.
Years go by and the are reunited. Oh my heart, these two have so much love for each other but can they really make it work since they haven't seen each other in over a decade? I really felt all the emotions Linc felt. This guy, he loves wholeheartedly, deeply and protects everyone he loves. I enjoyed this second chance at love story so much. Melanie did a great job finishing out their romance.
April 23, 2020
The Summer of Us reads exactly as it sounds. Dreamy. Melanie writes the sweetest insta-spark love stories and Linc and Sunny were each other’s first loves, first everything. They loved each other unconditionally and made it despite all the odds against them. Mainly his cruel, manipulative, and abusive father who did not approve of his relationship with a girl who didn’t posses the social skills and financial wealth he felt were important.
The parts of the book where Linc was being abused as a young boy, teen, and young adult were hard to read. But this is a positive story of survival and perseverance, and painstakingly demonstrates how one is treated as a child affects them for a lifetime.
Linc and Sunny only shared stolen moments together until, unbeknownst to his father, they were lucky enough to spend one perfect summer together working at the same camp. Due to circumstances out of their control, they were forced apart and did not reconnect for almost a decade.
Even though Linc and Sunny loved each other and shared a past when they were young, they needed to get to know one another again. Learn to trust and depend on each other as they were so used to living their lives separately. As soon as they reconnected, all of the old feelings came back and Melanie writes the swooniest of heroes. Linc was all in and let her know in no uncertain times he was in for the long haul and that he loved her today just as much as yesterday.
He grew up to be a successful, wealthy, businessman intent on doing good, a modern day Robin Hood if you will, trying to right all the wrongs done by his father all those years ago. He was humble and down to earth, and very generous to everyone in need.
Sunny was an independent, hardworking pastry chef and business owner, and had such a loving beautiful heart and optimistic attitude. She was honest and real, and her heart only beat for one man. I loved how she called him out on his behavior when it was warranted, and how she made him a better man.
I think the author secretly enjoys putting her characters and readers through the wringer as there is ample angst in The Summer of Us! My goodness, there are times when I stopped breathing just to get through a passage. The good news is most romances end with a HEA, and their journey was so worth it and we were treated with the multiple epilogues into the future! It’s just getting there and reading their turbulent times that was so emotional.
I have so much empathy and admiration for both of them, and cheered for them the entire time. There is plenty of steam in The Summer of Us too as these two had no problem connecting physically. I also enjoyed the interaction of the secondary characters, especially her younger sisters and their friends Abby and Michael who got a love story of their own.
The parts of the book where Linc was being abused as a young boy, teen, and young adult were hard to read. But this is a positive story of survival and perseverance, and painstakingly demonstrates how one is treated as a child affects them for a lifetime.
Linc and Sunny only shared stolen moments together until, unbeknownst to his father, they were lucky enough to spend one perfect summer together working at the same camp. Due to circumstances out of their control, they were forced apart and did not reconnect for almost a decade.
Even though Linc and Sunny loved each other and shared a past when they were young, they needed to get to know one another again. Learn to trust and depend on each other as they were so used to living their lives separately. As soon as they reconnected, all of the old feelings came back and Melanie writes the swooniest of heroes. Linc was all in and let her know in no uncertain times he was in for the long haul and that he loved her today just as much as yesterday.
He grew up to be a successful, wealthy, businessman intent on doing good, a modern day Robin Hood if you will, trying to right all the wrongs done by his father all those years ago. He was humble and down to earth, and very generous to everyone in need.
Sunny was an independent, hardworking pastry chef and business owner, and had such a loving beautiful heart and optimistic attitude. She was honest and real, and her heart only beat for one man. I loved how she called him out on his behavior when it was warranted, and how she made him a better man.
I think the author secretly enjoys putting her characters and readers through the wringer as there is ample angst in The Summer of Us! My goodness, there are times when I stopped breathing just to get through a passage. The good news is most romances end with a HEA, and their journey was so worth it and we were treated with the multiple epilogues into the future! It’s just getting there and reading their turbulent times that was so emotional.
I have so much empathy and admiration for both of them, and cheered for them the entire time. There is plenty of steam in The Summer of Us too as these two had no problem connecting physically. I also enjoyed the interaction of the secondary characters, especially her younger sisters and their friends Abby and Michael who got a love story of their own.
April 26, 2020
The Summer Of Us was phenomenal.
Melanie dives you into Sunny's and Linc's world from the very beginning. You can immerse into their childhood. You see the paths they take and how it molds them into the adults they become.
Their love for each other is always simmering below the surface. You can feel how their love touches the very depth of their souls. It makes you want to strive for their all consuming love and devotion.
Truly awe inspiring love.
Melanie dives you into Sunny's and Linc's world from the very beginning. You can immerse into their childhood. You see the paths they take and how it molds them into the adults they become.
Their love for each other is always simmering below the surface. You can feel how their love touches the very depth of their souls. It makes you want to strive for their all consuming love and devotion.
Truly awe inspiring love.
April 20, 2020
What can I say? Well I stayed up all night to read about Linc and Sunny. I can say that. Teenagers in love until they weren't no more. One day ten years later Linc was in for a surprise when he came across Sunny in her very own bakery in the town they grew up in. Needless to say the sparks were still there, but they had a lot to work through. They had a few rough patches, but they perservered. This was more then just a summer of them, it's a forever of Sunny and Linc.
March 17, 2026
The Summer of Us by Melanie Moreland will have you feeling the warm fuzzies. The book is broken up in two parts. The beginning is of Linc and Sunny’s young love then fast forward to Part 2 which is their journey to finding love a second time around. If you are looking for a sweet, heartfelt, second chance love story then this is one you shouldn’t miss. 5 plus stars for this wonderfully penned romance. Linc and Sunny’s true love with have you all up in the feels.
AUDIOBOOK:
My heart is so full after listening to this audiobook. John and Maxine has once again transported me into the story wholly. I was in Mission Cove experiencing the journey of Linc and Sunny’s second chance romance. From young love to rekindling a love that never faded. My heart was swooning. John’s voice, as always, was engaging and was perfectly suited for Linc’s character. His deep, velvety voice had me captivated. Maxine’s warm and melodic dulcet was pleasant to the ear. And was how I imagined Sunny would sound. This beautifully written journey of first love had me in my feels. The obstacles these characters navigated to get to their second chance at a happily ever after had me from the opening credits. These narrators never cease to amaze me with their stellar performance and narrating skills. And with this audio not duet you could see the amazing job the audio production did piecing this seamlessly together. John and Maxine make listening to dual narration on point when they take on the role of the opposite sex. A must listen to audiobook! Get ready to feel all the feels with this low-angst, second chance romance.
AUDIOBOOK:
My heart is so full after listening to this audiobook. John and Maxine has once again transported me into the story wholly. I was in Mission Cove experiencing the journey of Linc and Sunny’s second chance romance. From young love to rekindling a love that never faded. My heart was swooning. John’s voice, as always, was engaging and was perfectly suited for Linc’s character. His deep, velvety voice had me captivated. Maxine’s warm and melodic dulcet was pleasant to the ear. And was how I imagined Sunny would sound. This beautifully written journey of first love had me in my feels. The obstacles these characters navigated to get to their second chance at a happily ever after had me from the opening credits. These narrators never cease to amaze me with their stellar performance and narrating skills. And with this audio not duet you could see the amazing job the audio production did piecing this seamlessly together. John and Maxine make listening to dual narration on point when they take on the role of the opposite sex. A must listen to audiobook! Get ready to feel all the feels with this low-angst, second chance romance.
April 30, 2020
This is an expansion of the short story in One Hot Summer which fulfils your need for more of the Lincoln and Sunny Story.
Linc and Sunny had a secret relationship in their youth that was derailed by Linc's overbearing and powerful father who had his own plans. This looks more into the second chance at that relationship as they are brought back together 10 years later. Lincoln has grown up, the balance of power has changed and he knows what he wants. Sunny has built up her own strength and inner power in his absence. I liked the additional material that showed how Lincoln had grown, changed and what had happened to him in the time they were apart. I was impressed with Sunny's determination that she would not settle for less than she deserved in a relationship. The addition of Abby and Mike and the suspense element of the story really added to the strength for me. I would like to see more of Abby's story.
Melanie Moreland always writes these wonderful women who are strong minded and sure of their worth deep down, but have not lost the softness and warmth and traditional qualities, they all seem to show their love with food. I like that.
Linc and Sunny had a secret relationship in their youth that was derailed by Linc's overbearing and powerful father who had his own plans. This looks more into the second chance at that relationship as they are brought back together 10 years later. Lincoln has grown up, the balance of power has changed and he knows what he wants. Sunny has built up her own strength and inner power in his absence. I liked the additional material that showed how Lincoln had grown, changed and what had happened to him in the time they were apart. I was impressed with Sunny's determination that she would not settle for less than she deserved in a relationship. The addition of Abby and Mike and the suspense element of the story really added to the strength for me. I would like to see more of Abby's story.
Melanie Moreland always writes these wonderful women who are strong minded and sure of their worth deep down, but have not lost the softness and warmth and traditional qualities, they all seem to show their love with food. I like that.
May 5, 2020
The Summer of Us was first a novella in an anthology. I remember wanting more, but only because I liked Sunny and Lincoln’s story so much. This full length novel was a wonderful read. I have gotten more about Sunny and Lincoln and it was everything I hoped it would be. I met some awesome secondary characters, so I’m excited that The Summer of Us is only the first book in a new series by the author.
Lincoln and Sunny are lovable characters. Sunny is kind hearted, loyal, caring, talented and hardworking. She has her own business and she loves working there. She’s passionate about it. Sunny has experienced lost and she was hurt so much when Lincoln left. She never felt the same about another man. She couldn’t believe her eyes when Lincoln walked back into her life.
Lincoln is rich, determined, smart, talented and caring. He wants to be anything like his father. I was glad that he had Sunny when he was young and that he found a family with Sunny. Sunny and Lincoln both deserved that love and happiness.
Lincoln and Sunny’s relationship was never easy. When they were teenagers, someone didn’t want them to have a relationship. But they made it work, in secret. Lincoln and Sunny loved being together and did it as much as they could. They loved each other deeply. Sunny and Lincoln had a perfect summer together when they were teenagers. A summer of them.
That summer didn’t end perfectly and it would take years before they saw each other again. It didn’t take too long for them to reconnect then. The love and the attraction were still there, no doubt about that. Sunny and Lincoln’s relationshop was a struggle sometimes, but they were determined to make it work and their love was strong. The epilogue was beautiful and wonderful.
-- My honest review is based on an advanced reader copy of this book. --
Lincoln and Sunny are lovable characters. Sunny is kind hearted, loyal, caring, talented and hardworking. She has her own business and she loves working there. She’s passionate about it. Sunny has experienced lost and she was hurt so much when Lincoln left. She never felt the same about another man. She couldn’t believe her eyes when Lincoln walked back into her life.
Lincoln is rich, determined, smart, talented and caring. He wants to be anything like his father. I was glad that he had Sunny when he was young and that he found a family with Sunny. Sunny and Lincoln both deserved that love and happiness.
Lincoln and Sunny’s relationship was never easy. When they were teenagers, someone didn’t want them to have a relationship. But they made it work, in secret. Lincoln and Sunny loved being together and did it as much as they could. They loved each other deeply. Sunny and Lincoln had a perfect summer together when they were teenagers. A summer of them.
That summer didn’t end perfectly and it would take years before they saw each other again. It didn’t take too long for them to reconnect then. The love and the attraction were still there, no doubt about that. Sunny and Lincoln’s relationshop was a struggle sometimes, but they were determined to make it work and their love was strong. The epilogue was beautiful and wonderful.
-- My honest review is based on an advanced reader copy of this book. --
April 23, 2020
I read this one as part of an anthology and loved it. It was sweet nad fast to read. But when I love a story I always want more, so now, I got more. Not in a million os scenarios thought what their Sunny and Linc's lives would be. After all the years they spent apart, they were different but deep down their love and the summer they spent together was there and because of those feelings they were willing to explore if there was more.
This is what I needed to know about how they got strong at the end.
If you read the anthology, you will love the aditional story. But if you didn't, this is the opportunity to enjoy a great second chance love story.
This is what I needed to know about how they got strong at the end.
If you read the anthology, you will love the aditional story. But if you didn't, this is the opportunity to enjoy a great second chance love story.
April 29, 2020
If you are looking for a great second chance romance look no further than The Summer of Us because this book is one of the best I have read in that genre. This book ticked all my boxes, it has all the feels you want and expect in a great read, it will make you smile and it will certainly pull on your heartstrings as well as having you fall for the adorable characters.
Linc and Sunny have a history, as teenagers they were lovers but it wasn’t their time fate had other plans for them so will the timing be right now, they are 10 years older and have a lot more experience of life under their belts but will the past be just to painful to get over. Well I guess you need to read the book to find that out........
This story drew me in from the first page, I was captivated by the story as well as the characters, I smiled and i held my breath a lot throughout this beautifully written heartfelt romance. I highly recommend this gem of a read and I’m looking forward to more from this very talented author.
Linc and Sunny have a history, as teenagers they were lovers but it wasn’t their time fate had other plans for them so will the timing be right now, they are 10 years older and have a lot more experience of life under their belts but will the past be just to painful to get over. Well I guess you need to read the book to find that out........
This story drew me in from the first page, I was captivated by the story as well as the characters, I smiled and i held my breath a lot throughout this beautifully written heartfelt romance. I highly recommend this gem of a read and I’m looking forward to more from this very talented author.
May 4, 2020
3.5 Stars.
This book tells the story of Linc Thomas and Sunny Jenson, two childhood sweethearts and best friends that fall for each other and have an amazing summer working together in a camp close to Mission Cove.
I LOVE childhood sweetheart stories, and the first half of this book does not disappoint. Their relationship was so sweet. However, Linc's father is your typical hateful villain: he's rich, entitled, beats his kid, has an allergy to anyone less fortunate and is an all-around terrible person. His investments control Misson Cove and he somewhat rules the small town through his many businesses and real estate. He despises that his son is invested in Sunny because she's the kid of one of the maids of his hotel, and therefore scum. He eventually separates them and sends Linc to a boarding school/prison on the other side of the world. I wasn't a fan of this very one-dimensional almost cartoonish aspect of his father, but ok, I could move on from it.
Part 2 is ten years later, Linc comes back to Mission Cove, his father has passed and he's set to set all of his wrongs into rights. He finds Sunny again and their connection is still strong. Now, their mission is to see if they can still be together after so much time and hurt passed between them.
This part surprised me because it was all about building their relationship, and not your typical second-chance romance angst of will they, won't they. But, eventually, it got a bit tiresome. For a book with heavy themes, this always almost too fluffy, to the point of being cheesy. The second part dragged on for a bit too long after they had already reconnected.
Overall, this was an interesting book, and I'm interested in Abby and Michael's story (which I assume will be the next book in the series?). It was a bit too happy and cheesy if that makes sense, but if you're looking for something just light and heartwarming this could be the book for you.
This was an ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
This book tells the story of Linc Thomas and Sunny Jenson, two childhood sweethearts and best friends that fall for each other and have an amazing summer working together in a camp close to Mission Cove.
I LOVE childhood sweetheart stories, and the first half of this book does not disappoint. Their relationship was so sweet. However, Linc's father is your typical hateful villain: he's rich, entitled, beats his kid, has an allergy to anyone less fortunate and is an all-around terrible person. His investments control Misson Cove and he somewhat rules the small town through his many businesses and real estate. He despises that his son is invested in Sunny because she's the kid of one of the maids of his hotel, and therefore scum. He eventually separates them and sends Linc to a boarding school/prison on the other side of the world. I wasn't a fan of this very one-dimensional almost cartoonish aspect of his father, but ok, I could move on from it.
Part 2 is ten years later, Linc comes back to Mission Cove, his father has passed and he's set to set all of his wrongs into rights. He finds Sunny again and their connection is still strong. Now, their mission is to see if they can still be together after so much time and hurt passed between them.
This part surprised me because it was all about building their relationship, and not your typical second-chance romance angst of will they, won't they. But, eventually, it got a bit tiresome. For a book with heavy themes, this always almost too fluffy, to the point of being cheesy. The second part dragged on for a bit too long after they had already reconnected.
Overall, this was an interesting book, and I'm interested in Abby and Michael's story (which I assume will be the next book in the series?). It was a bit too happy and cheesy if that makes sense, but if you're looking for something just light and heartwarming this could be the book for you.
This was an ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
April 27, 2020
When I first met Linc and Sunny in the novella contribution to the One Hot Summer anthology, I hoped like crazy that they would get a full length book.
This book has a lot of angst before and after Linc and Sunny's summer together. Even with all of the angst, there's so much growth that these characters experienced over their 10 years apart. I loved meeting the new people in their lives and seeing how much they changed over Linc and Sunny's lives.
I can't wait to visit Mission Cove again and see which new characters will get their own HEAs!ac
This book has a lot of angst before and after Linc and Sunny's summer together. Even with all of the angst, there's so much growth that these characters experienced over their 10 years apart. I loved meeting the new people in their lives and seeing how much they changed over Linc and Sunny's lives.
I can't wait to visit Mission Cove again and see which new characters will get their own HEAs!ac
April 27, 2020
Such a great story. Every book of Ms Moreland's makes me want MORE! And this book is MORE of Sunny and Linc that I needed. Great story! Linc and Sunny's story was a story that took a hold of your heart and never looked back!
April 30, 2020
4 Stars!
(ARC provided by author)
Lincoln Thomas grew up in the small tourist town of Mission Cove where his wealthy, controlling father owned and ruled just about everything. He was counting the days until he would get his trust fund, and get as far away as possible. The only bright spot in his life was Sunny Jenson. They’d been best friends since grade school, and he’d liked her for as long as he could remember. As they got older their relationship turned into so much more. She was the light in his dark life, and the sunshine he looked forward to seeing. They share one perfect summer together when their seventeen, and then things abruptly ended.
Ten years later their paths cross again when he returns to his hometown to take care of some loose ends. All his good memories have always been tied to her, and he still has unresolved feelings for her that never went away. He wants another chance. A chance to prove everything between them that summer was real.
-You're my world, Linc.
-He was my first everything.
-There was only him. Me. Us.
-We became more, and I knew I would follow him to the ends of the earth.
The Summer Of Us (Mission Cove Book 1) by Melanie Moreland is a full length novel based on the short story the author wrote for the One Hot Summer anthology. If you read the anthology this continues their story in Part 2 with all new content and a fabulous epilogue. After years Linc and Sunny are finally reunited and we get a beautiful second chance romance about true love, forgiveness, and soulmates. A story about overcoming obstacles, and a connection so strong that even time and distance can't break it.
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/2VODVIQ
(ARC provided by author)
Lincoln Thomas grew up in the small tourist town of Mission Cove where his wealthy, controlling father owned and ruled just about everything. He was counting the days until he would get his trust fund, and get as far away as possible. The only bright spot in his life was Sunny Jenson. They’d been best friends since grade school, and he’d liked her for as long as he could remember. As they got older their relationship turned into so much more. She was the light in his dark life, and the sunshine he looked forward to seeing. They share one perfect summer together when their seventeen, and then things abruptly ended.
Ten years later their paths cross again when he returns to his hometown to take care of some loose ends. All his good memories have always been tied to her, and he still has unresolved feelings for her that never went away. He wants another chance. A chance to prove everything between them that summer was real.
-You're my world, Linc.
-He was my first everything.
-There was only him. Me. Us.
-We became more, and I knew I would follow him to the ends of the earth.
The Summer Of Us (Mission Cove Book 1) by Melanie Moreland is a full length novel based on the short story the author wrote for the One Hot Summer anthology. If you read the anthology this continues their story in Part 2 with all new content and a fabulous epilogue. After years Linc and Sunny are finally reunited and we get a beautiful second chance romance about true love, forgiveness, and soulmates. A story about overcoming obstacles, and a connection so strong that even time and distance can't break it.
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/2VODVIQ
May 9, 2020
3 💞☀️💞🌟s
Linc and Sunny were a sweet and beautiful couple❣️
Their relationship went through hard times but it had strong foundations and they managed to find their amazing HEA.
Despite the fine writing, the story was too sweet and pleasant, and the development of the main characters’ relationship felt flat and tiresome.
The fabulous epilogue couldn’t save the whole story though...
Linc and Sunny were a sweet and beautiful couple❣️
Their relationship went through hard times but it had strong foundations and they managed to find their amazing HEA.
Despite the fine writing, the story was too sweet and pleasant, and the development of the main characters’ relationship felt flat and tiresome.
The fabulous epilogue couldn’t save the whole story though...
April 25, 2020
Let me say that Melanie writes epilogues like no one else! I love this author's writing style and The Summer of Us is no exception. Sunny & Linc's tumultuous, heartbreaking love story will grab you by the throat the minute you start reading this book and will never let you go. The anticipation and hope rolls off the pages which is a telltale sign of Melanie's writing -- she always makes me feel grateful and thankful after reading her books -- refreshed and renewed and oh so ready for whatever she has in store for us next! Now I have to go back and read the epilogue again because it's that good! Another 5-star read from this author.
April 28, 2020
ooooh Sunny & Linc and all the feels. I feel like I was transported back to high school. The summers, the tans and the kisses. A second chance at love, great characters and amazing words that transports you to all the places. Melanie knocks it out of the park again! It has a great epi too!
May 3, 2020
Why is it that authors always play with the heroine’s sympathy? The heroine sees something that she takes the wrong way and hero proceeds to tell her the OW’s life story so the heroine can feel sorry for her and ends up feeling bad for making an assumption.
I felt that hero gave the heroine an ultimatum, the words weren’t said but the threat hanged between these words.
So for me it was like you either take this or leave it but I won’t abandon my best friend. If you don’t like it I will cut you out of my life because she won’t be cut out of mine.
Yes it’s possible I’m misconstruing what he said but that’s what I felt and I can’t help with how I felt when I read those words.
He pined for her so much that he had sex with OWs while she remained frozen.
I felt that hero gave the heroine an ultimatum, the words weren’t said but the threat hanged between these words.
“I want you in my life, Sunny. I want to explore this with you. To see if we can get past what happened and have a future with each other. But my world contains Abby, and I won’t walk away from her. Or desert her. Everyone else in her life has done that.”
So for me it was like you either take this or leave it but I won’t abandon my best friend. If you don’t like it I will cut you out of my life because she won’t be cut out of mine.
Yes it’s possible I’m misconstruing what he said but that’s what I felt and I can’t help with how I felt when I read those words.
He pined for her so much that he had sex with OWs while she remained frozen.
April 28, 2020
I never read the initial version of this story that appeared in an anthology, so this was my first introduction to Linc and Sunny. It was wonderful to read about the progression of their relationship from kindergarten friends to teenaged sweethearts. Vicious evil tears them apart with cruel zeal and unmatched enthusiasm for the pain caused.
A decade later, they come across one another again and Linc is determined that he is going to show Sunny that “… the boy who loved her then, was the man who loved her now.” This is a love story for the ages; it brings out every emotion you can imagine; passion, joy, anger, heartbreak, humor, lust, love, fear, sadness, melancholy, regret .. it’s amazing. When I started reading it, I just could not put it down!
In true Melanie Moreland fashion, this book has a wonderful epilogue. Actually, the epilogue is more then wonderful - It is epic. I cannot recommend this book strongly enough.
A decade later, they come across one another again and Linc is determined that he is going to show Sunny that “… the boy who loved her then, was the man who loved her now.” This is a love story for the ages; it brings out every emotion you can imagine; passion, joy, anger, heartbreak, humor, lust, love, fear, sadness, melancholy, regret .. it’s amazing. When I started reading it, I just could not put it down!
In true Melanie Moreland fashion, this book has a wonderful epilogue. Actually, the epilogue is more then wonderful - It is epic. I cannot recommend this book strongly enough.
April 30, 2020
A beautiful second chance
Linc and Sunny’s story spans ten years, the first part young love that’s torn apart by Linc’s rich but abusive father.
As Linc makes his own money he tries to undo the wrongs his father has done eventually ruining his father, after his father passes he finally returns home to finish erases the ghosts of his father he’s surprised to find Sunny is back in town. While taking care of business and trying to get Sunny to forgive the 10 years he’s been gone, Sunny tries to make sure Linc doesn’t fall down the hole his father lived.
I enjoyed watching the young love find it’s way into the adult love, finding the forgiveness and righting the wrongs.
Melanie Moreland always gives you characters that you pull for, always a hea but you’ll enjoy the trip getting there!
Linc and Sunny’s story spans ten years, the first part young love that’s torn apart by Linc’s rich but abusive father.
As Linc makes his own money he tries to undo the wrongs his father has done eventually ruining his father, after his father passes he finally returns home to finish erases the ghosts of his father he’s surprised to find Sunny is back in town. While taking care of business and trying to get Sunny to forgive the 10 years he’s been gone, Sunny tries to make sure Linc doesn’t fall down the hole his father lived.
I enjoyed watching the young love find it’s way into the adult love, finding the forgiveness and righting the wrongs.
Melanie Moreland always gives you characters that you pull for, always a hea but you’ll enjoy the trip getting there!
May 2, 2020
A Summer and a Lifetime
Linc and Sunny's story is an emotional read with low angst and soul deep love. I was immediately enamoured with Linc and Sunny's connection. Their relationship felt innocent, yet arousing. I was swept up in young love and felt every moment of joy, heartache, and hope.
When they were suddenly ripped apart, my heart felt ripped in half. So much like Sunny and Linc themselves felt. They both struggled with their heartbreak. Sunny mourned and then learned to put on a brave face to her family and the world. Linc let his father believe his spirit was broken; that he was an obedient and compliant son, only to systematically strip his father of his money and power. The heartbreak definitely fueled their paths in life.
When fate led Linc and Sunny back to one another, I immediately felt my heart flutter with anticipation. Their love was still as potent as ever, but anger and hurt were also prevalent. Ms. Moreland didn't give them an easy path to their HEA. However, their love always pushed them to try, to trust, and to hope. The Summer of Us is a steamy and stirring love story. And once again, the epilogues were blissfully beautiful.
Linc and Sunny's story is an emotional read with low angst and soul deep love. I was immediately enamoured with Linc and Sunny's connection. Their relationship felt innocent, yet arousing. I was swept up in young love and felt every moment of joy, heartache, and hope.
When they were suddenly ripped apart, my heart felt ripped in half. So much like Sunny and Linc themselves felt. They both struggled with their heartbreak. Sunny mourned and then learned to put on a brave face to her family and the world. Linc let his father believe his spirit was broken; that he was an obedient and compliant son, only to systematically strip his father of his money and power. The heartbreak definitely fueled their paths in life.
When fate led Linc and Sunny back to one another, I immediately felt my heart flutter with anticipation. Their love was still as potent as ever, but anger and hurt were also prevalent. Ms. Moreland didn't give them an easy path to their HEA. However, their love always pushed them to try, to trust, and to hope. The Summer of Us is a steamy and stirring love story. And once again, the epilogues were blissfully beautiful.
nope-nope-nope
May 2, 2020Ten year celibate heroine 🙄
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