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That Camden Summer
LaVyrle Spencer, known for her “heartrending slices of Americana”* writes of how love can be more special the second time around in this New York Times bestseller.It is 1916 and Roberta Jewett is surprised to find that her hometown of Camden, Maine, considers a divorced woman little more than a prostitute. Condemned by her mother and scorned by neighbors, she nonetheless perseveres in her struggle to forge a good life for her girls and herself. Behaving like no “respectable” woman would, she gets a job as a county nurse, learns to drive, and buys her very own Model T.Embittered by her painful marriage to an unfaithful husband, she has no intention of being any man's victim again. So Roberta is taken aback to find the widowed carpenter Gabriel Farley has somehow found his way into her heart. And in the ultimate test of will and devotion, she must depend on the man she has grown to love—and summon the courage to stand up to an entire town.“[LaVyrle Spencer] knows how to tug at readers’ heartstrings.”—*Publishers Weekly
412 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 23, 1996
241 people are currently reading
1869 people want to read
About the author
LaVyrle Spencer
105 books1,586 followersLaVyrle Spencer is an American best-selling author of contemporary and historical romance novels. She has successfully published a number of books, with several of them made into movies. Twelve of her books have been New York Times bestsellers, and Spencer was inducted into the Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame in 1988.
Spencer is known for creating realistic characters and stories that focus on families rather than only the relationship between a man and woman. These "ordinary" men and women are warm and vulnerable and are always portrayed sympathetically.[1] Her heroines tend to be a mix of fire and warmth, strength, savvy and soft–heartedness who must overcome some sort of adversity, such as pregnancy, divorce, a lengthy separation, the loss of a loved one, and then undergo a catharsis. The stories center on themes of abiding love, family ties and strength in difficult times.
In the 1980s and 1990s Spencer wrote 12 New York Times Bestsellers. Her books have been sold to book clubs worldwide, and have been published around the world. Condensed versions of many of her novels have appeared in Reader's Digest and Good Housekeeping.
She retired from writing in 1997.
Spencer is known for creating realistic characters and stories that focus on families rather than only the relationship between a man and woman. These "ordinary" men and women are warm and vulnerable and are always portrayed sympathetically.[1] Her heroines tend to be a mix of fire and warmth, strength, savvy and soft–heartedness who must overcome some sort of adversity, such as pregnancy, divorce, a lengthy separation, the loss of a loved one, and then undergo a catharsis. The stories center on themes of abiding love, family ties and strength in difficult times.
In the 1980s and 1990s Spencer wrote 12 New York Times Bestsellers. Her books have been sold to book clubs worldwide, and have been published around the world. Condensed versions of many of her novels have appeared in Reader's Digest and Good Housekeeping.
She retired from writing in 1997.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 355 reviews
January 16, 2022
4 to 4.5 stars. A lovely story set in Camden, Maine in 1916. It focusses on a newly divorced mother of three teen/pre-teen daughters who's just moved back to the town where she grew up. Roberta's husband was a serial adulterer and sponge, and she's much better off without him. But the town doesn't think so. Divorce is scandalous, and she must be a 'loose woman'.
Then there's the lovely Gabriel. Quiet, steady, a lonely widower with a teen daughter who is also lonely and craving friends. Both MCs are older - late thirties-ish - which I liked.
There's a bit of an enemies-to-lovers thing happening, because Gabe and Roberta get off on the wrong foot. But over a period of months they get to know and trust each other, and start to fall in love.
I loved Roberta's independence and strength of character in the face of challenges. She has a warm and loving, if messy, home, and she brings up her girls beautifully. And her HEA with Gabe is so well-deserved, for both of them. A lovely read that hasn't dated.
Then there's the lovely Gabriel. Quiet, steady, a lonely widower with a teen daughter who is also lonely and craving friends. Both MCs are older - late thirties-ish - which I liked.
There's a bit of an enemies-to-lovers thing happening, because Gabe and Roberta get off on the wrong foot. But over a period of months they get to know and trust each other, and start to fall in love.
I loved Roberta's independence and strength of character in the face of challenges. She has a warm and loving, if messy, home, and she brings up her girls beautifully. And her HEA with Gabe is so well-deserved, for both of them. A lovely read that hasn't dated.
July 24, 2024
After divorcing her cheating husband, Roberta Jewitt moves back to her hometown with her three daughters. She works as a traveling nurse to make a living and keep a roof over her family's heads. But Roberta quickly finds herself the source of gossip in this small town since a divorcee is considered a loose woman by many. Even her mother blames her for leaving her husband since no respectable woman would do such a thing. Gabriel Farley is the carpenter who is fixing up Roberta's house. He is a widower with a daughter who has been befriended by Roberta's children. Gabriel and Roberta do not hit it off right away, but eventually he sees the way she is treated unfairly by her family and starts to grow closer to her.
This is a historical romance with very likeable characters. Roberta is a very independent woman who stands up for herself and her family. She is determined to do the best she can for her daughters. Gabriel is very quiet and laid-back. He is still grieving for his late wife and has kept the house just as she left it. These two characters bring out the best in each other as they develop a friendship that turns into more.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Emily Sutton-Smith. She does a fine job with this story. My rating: 4 Stars.
This is a historical romance with very likeable characters. Roberta is a very independent woman who stands up for herself and her family. She is determined to do the best she can for her daughters. Gabriel is very quiet and laid-back. He is still grieving for his late wife and has kept the house just as she left it. These two characters bring out the best in each other as they develop a friendship that turns into more.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Emily Sutton-Smith. She does a fine job with this story. My rating: 4 Stars.
January 14, 2025
3.75/5⭐️
2/5🌶
Una historia de amor entre gente común, al estilo de Lavyrle Spencer.
Una mujer divorciada en 1916 regresa a su pueblo natal para crear a sus hijas y trabajar como enfermera y se va a enfrentar al los prejuicios y habladurías propias de la época y de una comunidad cerrada y conservadora.
Lo que me gustó:
♥️ Las descripciones y la ambientación son excelentes, uno se puede sentir inmerso en los lugares descritos. Algo que se extraña en las novelas más actuales.
♥️ Los personajes cometen errores. Tienen claroscuros. También tienen problemas reales, cotidianos.
♥️ la historia de amor es creíble y muy tierna.
Lo que no me gustó tanto:
🩵 Los diálogos, les falta fluidez y un poco de naturalidad.
🩵 La protagonista está un poco exagerada en su forma de ser y algo obtusa con sus principios, poco flexible.
En resumen: una novela muy linda, bien escrita que resiste la lectura actual.
2/5🌶
Una historia de amor entre gente común, al estilo de Lavyrle Spencer.
Una mujer divorciada en 1916 regresa a su pueblo natal para crear a sus hijas y trabajar como enfermera y se va a enfrentar al los prejuicios y habladurías propias de la época y de una comunidad cerrada y conservadora.
Lo que me gustó:
♥️ Las descripciones y la ambientación son excelentes, uno se puede sentir inmerso en los lugares descritos. Algo que se extraña en las novelas más actuales.
♥️ Los personajes cometen errores. Tienen claroscuros. También tienen problemas reales, cotidianos.
♥️ la historia de amor es creíble y muy tierna.
Lo que no me gustó tanto:
🩵 Los diálogos, les falta fluidez y un poco de naturalidad.
🩵 La protagonista está un poco exagerada en su forma de ser y algo obtusa con sus principios, poco flexible.
En resumen: una novela muy linda, bien escrita que resiste la lectura actual.
August 11, 2011
LaVyrle Spencer is one of the few romance novelists I can enjoy. Her characters are normal people going about their normal lives -- they're not great beauties or handsome young rakes. Often the two main characters dislike each other or just plain don't notice or care about each other at first. And she does a good bit of historical research about the times and places she sets her stories.
I was a bit disappointed with this one. It's obvious she did a LOT of research on the time (1916), the place (Maine), and on the ridiculous amount of crap you had to do to keep an old car running, but that was about it. It lacked the subtlety I've seen in other books. The characters are all exactly as they seem. Roberta is a divorcee who is independent and stubborn and these characteristics are beaten over your head constantly. Gabe is a widower carpenter, a man of few words. And Elfred is a sleaze. I don't really feel like you had any more knowledge of these characters, or learned anything new, by page 388 that you hadn't learned by page 38. The plot points are also fairly predictable and typical.
It just didn't have that certain something that I liked so much about The Gamble. Everything just felt a little forced, a little loud, a little predictable. It wasn't a bad book, it just wasn't a great one either.
Trigger warning: There's a somewhat explicit rape scene in the book. I'm sorry I'm not hiding this behind spoilers, but that kind of ruins the point of posting a trigger warning, doesn't it? ;)
I was a bit disappointed with this one. It's obvious she did a LOT of research on the time (1916), the place (Maine), and on the ridiculous amount of crap you had to do to keep an old car running, but that was about it. It lacked the subtlety I've seen in other books. The characters are all exactly as they seem. Roberta is a divorcee who is independent and stubborn and these characteristics are beaten over your head constantly. Gabe is a widower carpenter, a man of few words. And Elfred is a sleaze. I don't really feel like you had any more knowledge of these characters, or learned anything new, by page 388 that you hadn't learned by page 38. The plot points are also fairly predictable and typical.
It just didn't have that certain something that I liked so much about The Gamble. Everything just felt a little forced, a little loud, a little predictable. It wasn't a bad book, it just wasn't a great one either.
Trigger warning: There's a somewhat explicit rape scene in the book. I'm sorry I'm not hiding this behind spoilers, but that kind of ruins the point of posting a trigger warning, doesn't it? ;)
Read
January 31, 2019I won't give this a rating after discovering that I inadvertently was listening to an abridged version rather than the full version. I have read books by the author previously and I I know she is capable of spinning a very believable and emotional tale. I will therefore give her the benefit of the doubt and assume that many of my issues with this abridged version - lack of details, jolted plotline, inadequate character development and chemistry - likely would be resolved in the unabridged edition. I can say that the time period that this story is set in (1916) is an interesting one, that I wouldn't mind exploring further.
June 30, 2021
LaVyrle Spencer can spin a lovely story. It's set in Camden, Maine in 1916 and the main MC is a newly divorced mother of three daughters who's just moved back to the town where she grew up. The heroine's husband cheated and lived off the heroine, so she divorces him. Divorce is scandalous, during the era and the town thinks she is a hussy basically.
Gabriel a still grieving widower with a teen daughter who befriends Roberta's 3 girls. Gabriel is also doing construction work on Roberta's house ...so there is a serendipity thing going on that keeps bringing them together kids or house etc.
They start out as more enemies-to-lovers. Gabe says something disparaging about Roberta and lives to regret it and learn from it. So the rest is them falling for each other but the romance wasn't totally my thing and that is on me as a reader and preference...its well told there just is a couple of things that I didn't like.
The constant reference to Roberta being sloppy and a mess and unladylike was one thing but then Gabe's first wife who he loved dearly was petite pretty and a great homekeeper. Roberta's qualities were different and she was loving and joyful but I felt that Gabriel was more attracted to his first wife's physical qualities and fell for Roberta's personality mainly because she was so different to other woman...which is great. I just felt for Roberta.
Still a lovely read if a little OTT at times, fairly light on love/sex scenes.
Gabriel a still grieving widower with a teen daughter who befriends Roberta's 3 girls. Gabriel is also doing construction work on Roberta's house ...so there is a serendipity thing going on that keeps bringing them together kids or house etc.
They start out as more enemies-to-lovers. Gabe says something disparaging about Roberta and lives to regret it and learn from it. So the rest is them falling for each other but the romance wasn't totally my thing and that is on me as a reader and preference...its well told there just is a couple of things that I didn't like.
The constant reference to Roberta being sloppy and a mess and unladylike was one thing but then Gabe's first wife who he loved dearly was petite pretty and a great homekeeper. Roberta's qualities were different and she was loving and joyful but I felt that Gabriel was more attracted to his first wife's physical qualities and fell for Roberta's personality mainly because she was so different to other woman...which is great. I just felt for Roberta.
Still a lovely read if a little OTT at times, fairly light on love/sex scenes.
August 22, 2020
Le doy un 3.5/5 porque me ha sorprendido.
Me daba un poco de miedo LaVyrle porque ya había leído cosas de ella y no me había gustado especialmente. Al ser libros publicados hace unos años ya, muchas veces se cae en ese 'viejunismo' típico con demasiada toxicidad y machismo. E incluso esos momentos empalagosos que te acaban cansando una barbaridad. No ha sido así en este libro.
Tenemos a una mujer divorciada que toma las riendas de su vida para darles a sus hijas el futuro que cree que merecen. Se tiene que enfrentar a las quejas de todo el pueblo, pero también a la de su madre y su hermana, y por si fuera poco, también a un cuñado baboso que lleva años importunando e incluso acosando a la mitad de las mujeres del pueblo y lo único que pasa es que la gente lo llama 'bribón'.
Un vecino viudo la ayuda un poco a encontrar su lugar y entre ellos nace una bonita historia de amor que aunque es "rápida" tiene coherencia y lógica. Hay momentos de tensión y de humor, bien llevados, y tiene un final bastante interesante para la época.
Lo recomiendo.
Me daba un poco de miedo LaVyrle porque ya había leído cosas de ella y no me había gustado especialmente. Al ser libros publicados hace unos años ya, muchas veces se cae en ese 'viejunismo' típico con demasiada toxicidad y machismo. E incluso esos momentos empalagosos que te acaban cansando una barbaridad. No ha sido así en este libro.
Tenemos a una mujer divorciada que toma las riendas de su vida para darles a sus hijas el futuro que cree que merecen. Se tiene que enfrentar a las quejas de todo el pueblo, pero también a la de su madre y su hermana, y por si fuera poco, también a un cuñado baboso que lleva años importunando e incluso acosando a la mitad de las mujeres del pueblo y lo único que pasa es que la gente lo llama 'bribón'.
Un vecino viudo la ayuda un poco a encontrar su lugar y entre ellos nace una bonita historia de amor que aunque es "rápida" tiene coherencia y lógica. Hay momentos de tensión y de humor, bien llevados, y tiene un final bastante interesante para la época.
Lo recomiendo.
May 2, 2016
this is the story of a very strong woman who divorced her wayward husband. She returned to her home town of Camden Main where she met with scorn by everyone including her mother. These were the days where a divorced woman was seen as nothing more than a prostitute. She proved them all wrong by doing everything she could to raise her 3 daughters by buying a car and learning to drive. She got a job as a traveling nurses which gave more fuel to the the rumors that were spread about her that were not true.
good story line. believable characters--and setting. I recommend this book who likes a good love story and a strong woman who overcomes all.
good story line. believable characters--and setting. I recommend this book who likes a good love story and a strong woman who overcomes all.
March 15, 2025
Enjoyable.
June 9, 2019
I remember reading this first on one of those rare breaks during college where I could not stand to write another paper but felt like I had too much to do and couldn't go home. So, I found myself on the second floor of the library where the scanty fiction section was. I wasn't expecting much because this wasn't an author that had ever interested me, but I was instantly captivated and re-read this book several times over the next several years, naturally I was pleased to find a copy of this on OpenLibrary. As with most books you can check out through open library, because they are scanned your best bet is to use Read Now or download PDF using Adobe Digital Editions.
In 1916, Roberta Hewitt returned to her former hometown newly divorced from her philandering and gambling husband, with her three daughters and a job as a nurse and a tendency for independence. The residents of the town are dismissive and critical, even her own family, and her brother in law is worse. Gabriel Farley is the town's handyman and jack-of-all-trades ACS he works on her house. Initially he is as crude as her brother-in-law, but over time they develop a friendship that sets tongues wagging.
So first things first on this. There's a trigger warning.
In 1916, Roberta Hewitt returned to her former hometown newly divorced from her philandering and gambling husband, with her three daughters and a job as a nurse and a tendency for independence. The residents of the town are dismissive and critical, even her own family, and her brother in law is worse. Gabriel Farley is the town's handyman and jack-of-all-trades ACS he works on her house. Initially he is as crude as her brother-in-law, but over time they develop a friendship that sets tongues wagging.
So first things first on this. There's a trigger warning.
May 19, 2015
Another winner from Spencer! I saw this book at a local library used book sale and snatched it up, given the great experience I had with Morning Glory. I was not disappointed!
First off, I adore Roberta! I find her fantastically independent, caring, and vulnerable when she needs to, as well as un-domestic, just like me. There were times where the claims to independence were a bit much with multiple stressing of the point, but I can forgive that with how much I love her character. I also loved Gabriel. He seemed like a truly caring man, who is mourning for his lost beloved wife, loving towards his daughter if a bit exasperated by her teenager-ness, and just trying to build a strong and steady life for his family. He’s the kind of man that truly seems to balance out Roberta’s wild ways.
And boy do I love the love connection between Roberta and Gabriel! They are perfect bookends for each other; high energy meets placid calm, fiery temper meets even keel. I adored the slow burn we got to the relationship, with the emphasis on emotions rather than the sexy times. But then from Spencer’s previous book, I’ve grown to expect that. Another point of awesome is the older age for the leads. I liked that they were more mature than your usual couple, which added a nice bit of difference to the book.
I also liked that the author wasn’t afraid to explore some very serious issues among the sweet romance. While not as emotionally fraught as the previous book I read, the issues in this book still make for some very heavy reading. The author doesn’t get explicit enough to be gratuitous, but the events have true weight with abundant consequences throughout the latter half of the book.
I was so thrilled to get this book and so engrossed by it, that I read the whole thing in 21 hours. Started as soon as I exited the book sale and read the whole way through. Sweet romance, fantastic characters, and some heavy material to balance out the fluff make this a winner historical romance. I look forward to more from this author and recommend the book highly.
First off, I adore Roberta! I find her fantastically independent, caring, and vulnerable when she needs to, as well as un-domestic, just like me. There were times where the claims to independence were a bit much with multiple stressing of the point, but I can forgive that with how much I love her character. I also loved Gabriel. He seemed like a truly caring man, who is mourning for his lost beloved wife, loving towards his daughter if a bit exasperated by her teenager-ness, and just trying to build a strong and steady life for his family. He’s the kind of man that truly seems to balance out Roberta’s wild ways.
And boy do I love the love connection between Roberta and Gabriel! They are perfect bookends for each other; high energy meets placid calm, fiery temper meets even keel. I adored the slow burn we got to the relationship, with the emphasis on emotions rather than the sexy times. But then from Spencer’s previous book, I’ve grown to expect that. Another point of awesome is the older age for the leads. I liked that they were more mature than your usual couple, which added a nice bit of difference to the book.
I also liked that the author wasn’t afraid to explore some very serious issues among the sweet romance. While not as emotionally fraught as the previous book I read, the issues in this book still make for some very heavy reading. The author doesn’t get explicit enough to be gratuitous, but the events have true weight with abundant consequences throughout the latter half of the book.
I was so thrilled to get this book and so engrossed by it, that I read the whole thing in 21 hours. Started as soon as I exited the book sale and read the whole way through. Sweet romance, fantastic characters, and some heavy material to balance out the fluff make this a winner historical romance. I look forward to more from this author and recommend the book highly.
February 6, 2016
Loved this heartwarming book. It was really interesting to read about the turn-of-the-century traditions, inventions and morals of the people back then and I loved the New England setting during my favorite season. As usual, Spencer writes a sweet love story amidst important personal issues.
July 14, 2014
This was the first book I ever reread and over the years have read it probably twenty times. This is the only book of Ms. Spencer's I have ever read, so I cannot compare it to her others. I just know that I love the simplicity of the tale, the ferocity with which Roberta loves her daughters and life, and the creative spirit with which she approaches everything. I find the main characters to be inspiring and entertaining, without being snobbish or outlandish. For me, this book brings a comfort and a sense of going home every time I read it and always makes me feel as though I am in the company of greatness.
May 7, 2016
A very capable and independent woman, Roberta Jewett returns to her home town of Camden Maine. Newly divorced with three daughters. Roberta was different, she had many struggles with the townspeople. She held her head high while teaching her daughters and all their friends new things, making it a very happy time.
When romance comes into the picture, Roberta is very reluctant. Finally she gives in to a wonderful man who had been remodeling her home.
The book is so full of unexpected and happy moments. It was hard to put it down.
When romance comes into the picture, Roberta is very reluctant. Finally she gives in to a wonderful man who had been remodeling her home.
The book is so full of unexpected and happy moments. It was hard to put it down.
June 11, 2019
3.75
Siendo un libro romántico "viejuno" estaba un poco esperando lo peor: escenas rancias, personajes tóxicos, etc. Pero debo decir que por lo que he visto, mi experiencia con LaVyrle Spencer no ha sido en absoluto así.
Está ambientado en 1916 con una mujer divorciada y con tres hijas que vuelve a su pueblo natal y como la reciben ahí. Y bueno os podéis imaginar los perjuicios, la gente tóxica, los comentarios rancios. Por suerte, nada de esto está ensalzado ni romanticado, de ahí que no me queje.
Ha habido un par de escenas que han conseguido impactarme y conmocionarme. Y creo que solo por eso lo recomiendo. No es la mejor lectura de mi vida, ni es la mejor historia romántica, pero aún así tiene un algo.
Siendo un libro romántico "viejuno" estaba un poco esperando lo peor: escenas rancias, personajes tóxicos, etc. Pero debo decir que por lo que he visto, mi experiencia con LaVyrle Spencer no ha sido en absoluto así.
Está ambientado en 1916 con una mujer divorciada y con tres hijas que vuelve a su pueblo natal y como la reciben ahí. Y bueno os podéis imaginar los perjuicios, la gente tóxica, los comentarios rancios. Por suerte, nada de esto está ensalzado ni romanticado, de ahí que no me queje.
Ha habido un par de escenas que han conseguido impactarme y conmocionarme. Y creo que solo por eso lo recomiendo. No es la mejor lectura de mi vida, ni es la mejor historia romántica, pero aún así tiene un algo.
April 29, 2011
I saw that someone I follow added this to her bookswap. Recognizing Camden as a town in Maine, I checked first to be sure it -was- in fact referring to that town, and once I was sure of it I requested the book. I did enjoy the Maine-specific parts of the book, it was kind of cute to read a book with a setting so familiar to my life. It was clear that the author did some research and knew the area. I must admit, though, I was surprised that more people didn't seem to remember Roberta from when she was a child there. Small towns in Maine don't have much ... turnover ... as it were, and I imagine there was even less in the early 1900s. As the book alludes to, most of them grow up staying in the same down and working in "the mill" (or the factory, or whatever). She should have known most, if not all, of the townspeople but there were a lot of introductions, typically as "Grace's sister".
The main character annoyed me. Why, because Roberta was a so-called "independent" woman, does that have to also mean she is a total slob?! I know that was a departure from the norm, but I think you can be independent, get divorced, drive a car, etc, and still keep a decent house and appearance. Maybe not immaculate, especially with three children and no husband to help with housework. But her dirtiness annoyed me. Also I thought the author could have done more with the children. They aren't really individuals, especially the middle one (and I don't even remember her name, as proof). Lydia I suppose was precocious, and Rebecca got a little bit more air-time because she was the oldest, was dating, and understood what her uncle had done to her mother. [And as an aside, that scene between Roberta and Elfred affected me more than any scene of that nature that I've read in any book previously. I had to put the book down for a moment.] And of course, I sensed what would come between Roberta and Gabriel within a page of his introduction. But that's ok.
I didn't find the book to be anything really special. It wasn't bad, in fact it was a cute book, an entertaining read. But nothing I'd want to read over and over.
The main character annoyed me. Why, because Roberta was a so-called "independent" woman, does that have to also mean she is a total slob?! I know that was a departure from the norm, but I think you can be independent, get divorced, drive a car, etc, and still keep a decent house and appearance. Maybe not immaculate, especially with three children and no husband to help with housework. But her dirtiness annoyed me. Also I thought the author could have done more with the children. They aren't really individuals, especially the middle one (and I don't even remember her name, as proof). Lydia I suppose was precocious, and Rebecca got a little bit more air-time because she was the oldest, was dating, and understood what her uncle had done to her mother. [And as an aside, that scene between Roberta and Elfred affected me more than any scene of that nature that I've read in any book previously. I had to put the book down for a moment.] And of course, I sensed what would come between Roberta and Gabriel within a page of his introduction. But that's ok.
I didn't find the book to be anything really special. It wasn't bad, in fact it was a cute book, an entertaining read. But nothing I'd want to read over and over.
August 8, 2020
Leer a LaVyrle Spencer es una autentica maravilla, cada libro que he conocido de ella se ha quedado en mi corazón, son tan reales y con tanto sentimiento que no te dejan indiferente y te hacen vivir un viaje de emociones y sentimientos sin fin.
Esta historia nos cuenta las desventuras y fortalezas de Roberta, una mujer fuerte que se divorcia en una época donde a las mujeres se les consideraba menos por querer salir adelante por su propio medio.
Por sus hijas vuelve a su pueblo natal, se enfrenta a su madre y su constante rechazo, a diversos personajes que serán un constante obstaculo e infortunio, pero ante todo conocerá el amor de la manera más hermosa, la amistad y una constante batalla de caracteres que no te dejara indiferente un solo segundo.
Leanlo y disfruten de este bonito homenaje a las mujeres que luchan y no temen decir lo que piensan.
No pude menos que darle un ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5.
Esta historia nos cuenta las desventuras y fortalezas de Roberta, una mujer fuerte que se divorcia en una época donde a las mujeres se les consideraba menos por querer salir adelante por su propio medio.
Por sus hijas vuelve a su pueblo natal, se enfrenta a su madre y su constante rechazo, a diversos personajes que serán un constante obstaculo e infortunio, pero ante todo conocerá el amor de la manera más hermosa, la amistad y una constante batalla de caracteres que no te dejara indiferente un solo segundo.
Leanlo y disfruten de este bonito homenaje a las mujeres que luchan y no temen decir lo que piensan.
No pude menos que darle un ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5.
June 6, 2013
I have forgotten how I used to LOVE LaVyrle Spencer! I am not so much into "love" stories (romance novels) anymore..but it's nice to go back and read occasionally! I loved the era in which LaVyrle wrote about and the woman (Birdy) well before her time!
Birdy is a woman in the 40's, divorced with a nursing job and three girls to support. In a time that women stayed home and cooked for their husbands and raised families...Birdy lived her life on her terms. She raised her girls with imagination and open minds, while the town prosecuted her! Dubbing her the town "whore".
Wonderful story about perseverance and self respect...in a time when women weren't allowed to have those characteristics without being married! Sheez!
Birdy is a woman in the 40's, divorced with a nursing job and three girls to support. In a time that women stayed home and cooked for their husbands and raised families...Birdy lived her life on her terms. She raised her girls with imagination and open minds, while the town prosecuted her! Dubbing her the town "whore".
Wonderful story about perseverance and self respect...in a time when women weren't allowed to have those characteristics without being married! Sheez!
March 17, 2016
In the summer of 1916, Roberta and her three daughters arrived in Camden, Maine. As Roberta tries to rebuild both her life and a ramshackle house overlooking the harbor, she endures violence, betrayal, and pain. But she also finds love, friendship and acceptance from the most unlikely source.
From People:"A modern fairy tale, complete with a deserving heroine, a prince of a guy, and a happily-ever-after ending."
This is the perfect description of this book!
From People:"A modern fairy tale, complete with a deserving heroine, a prince of a guy, and a happily-ever-after ending."
This is the perfect description of this book!
July 3, 2023
Great, quick listen. I love LS and have read just about all of her historicals and every single one has been good, and some just downright amazing. She’s a very underrated HR author imo, so if you like HR (oh, and she also writes contemporary romance!) I encourage you to try one of hers. They are deep, moving, and feel very real.
Case in point, we do have a rape of the heroine in this one, (of her brother-in-law) so if that bothers you I’d skip this one. Luckily though, we don’t get too much graphic detail. The best part of the whole ordeal though is the way Gabriel cared for her afterward and the way he avenged her. Loved Gabe! 🥰
And now onto Twice Loved! 💕
Case in point, we do have a rape of the heroine in this one, (of her brother-in-law) so if that bothers you I’d skip this one. Luckily though, we don’t get too much graphic detail. The best part of the whole ordeal though is the way Gabriel cared for her afterward and the way he avenged her. Loved Gabe! 🥰
And now onto Twice Loved! 💕
September 21, 2023
Strong female character and tough issues. I enjoyed this book.
May 12, 2017
4 ½ stars. I really enjoyed this.
This has a women’s fiction feel and also fits the definition of romance - a satisfying ending with a couple together at the end. I enjoyed watching Roberta achieve independence at a time when women were expected to marry and serve their husbands. The story begins with Roberta having divorced her husband and moving with her three daughters to Camden, Maine, her home town. Her new job starts in a couple weeks. She will be a traveling nurse, visiting people in their homes, educating them about health, treating medical problems, and giving vaccinations. Roberta bought a cheap house that needed work and Gabe has been hired to fix it. Roberta also learned how to drive and maintain a Ford Model T car for her job.
It is 1916. Most people in Camden look down on Roberta because she is divorced. They also don’t like the idea that she has a job and drives a car. Even though there was justice at the end and some good things happened. A couple characters continued to dislike Roberta and look down on her. That felt like “real life” to me. I liked the idea that some people will never change - doing bad things and ignorant things. But Roberta lives a good life in spite of them.
There is one rape scene. The attack is shown but the sex act is vaguely referred to, no explicit details. There is also another sex scene referred to without details.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Story length: 388 pages. Swearing language: strong including religious swear words but rarely used. Sexual content: two scenes. Setting: 1916 Camden, Maine. Copyright: 1996. Genre: historical romance.
This has a women’s fiction feel and also fits the definition of romance - a satisfying ending with a couple together at the end. I enjoyed watching Roberta achieve independence at a time when women were expected to marry and serve their husbands. The story begins with Roberta having divorced her husband and moving with her three daughters to Camden, Maine, her home town. Her new job starts in a couple weeks. She will be a traveling nurse, visiting people in their homes, educating them about health, treating medical problems, and giving vaccinations. Roberta bought a cheap house that needed work and Gabe has been hired to fix it. Roberta also learned how to drive and maintain a Ford Model T car for her job.
It is 1916. Most people in Camden look down on Roberta because she is divorced. They also don’t like the idea that she has a job and drives a car. Even though there was justice at the end and some good things happened. A couple characters continued to dislike Roberta and look down on her. That felt like “real life” to me. I liked the idea that some people will never change - doing bad things and ignorant things. But Roberta lives a good life in spite of them.
There is one rape scene. The attack is shown but the sex act is vaguely referred to, no explicit details. There is also another sex scene referred to without details.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Story length: 388 pages. Swearing language: strong including religious swear words but rarely used. Sexual content: two scenes. Setting: 1916 Camden, Maine. Copyright: 1996. Genre: historical romance.
May 27, 2025
That Camden Summer (1996) is another wonderful LaVyrle Spencer book full of heartwarming characters… loved it!
Recently divorced Roberta returns to her hometown of Camden Maine with her 3 daughters (ages 16, 14, 10) to start a new life … she buys a rundown old house, a Model T car and starts a job as a visiting nurse to provide for her family. All in the face of society’s disapproval of an independent woman. She meets Gabe a local carpenter who’s going to renovate the house .., he’s a widower with a 14 year old daughter. Although his wife died in an accident seven years earlier he hasn’t moved on .. her clothes are still in the bedroom.
There are many facets to this story… the growing attraction and love between Roberta and Gabe and their differences, the heartwarming blending of their daughter’s friendships, the horrific experience that happens to Roberta, and finally the deeply beautiful descriptions of life in 1916 Camden Maine.
This is a thoroughly enjoyable read with consistently excellent writing that tugs at your heartstrings. One of the joys of Spencer’s stories: you actually feel like you could easily know these people … they’re so real.
That Camden Summer is a nice heartfelt story … warm and fuzzy even tho there’s a shocking episode about halfway thru. Finally, it’s brimming with the atmosphere of Maine .., one of my favorite places, and I’ve actually visited Camden a few times. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Recently divorced Roberta returns to her hometown of Camden Maine with her 3 daughters (ages 16, 14, 10) to start a new life … she buys a rundown old house, a Model T car and starts a job as a visiting nurse to provide for her family. All in the face of society’s disapproval of an independent woman. She meets Gabe a local carpenter who’s going to renovate the house .., he’s a widower with a 14 year old daughter. Although his wife died in an accident seven years earlier he hasn’t moved on .. her clothes are still in the bedroom.
There are many facets to this story… the growing attraction and love between Roberta and Gabe and their differences, the heartwarming blending of their daughter’s friendships, the horrific experience that happens to Roberta, and finally the deeply beautiful descriptions of life in 1916 Camden Maine.
This is a thoroughly enjoyable read with consistently excellent writing that tugs at your heartstrings. One of the joys of Spencer’s stories: you actually feel like you could easily know these people … they’re so real.
That Camden Summer is a nice heartfelt story … warm and fuzzy even tho there’s a shocking episode about halfway thru. Finally, it’s brimming with the atmosphere of Maine .., one of my favorite places, and I’ve actually visited Camden a few times. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 16, 2015
"O afeto é um alimento singular. Abre as bocas quase com a mesma facilidade com que abre os corações" (tradução livre)
Este é um daqueles raros livros que declamam um hino e louvor aos direitos femininos, especialmente em se tratando da época, 1916. A heroína Roberta Jewett é uma mulher totalmente à frente do seu tempo. Ela escandalizou o pequeno povoado de Camden ao retornar divorciada, com três filhas e um diploma de enfermeira. Aos dezoito anos ela saiu de casa contra a vontade de sua mãe e foi à universidade, algo raro na época. Sofreu anos com um marido infiel e pródigo. Ela decidiu seguir em frente e retornou a sua cidade natal e enfrentou de forma audaz os comentários hipócritas das mulheres, o assédio indecoroso dos homens e a violência sexual. Roberta colocava a vaidade feminina em segundo plano, mas inspirava segurança e independência em um mundo dominado pelos homens. Mesmo sem esperar, encontra uma segunda chance para o amor. Gabriel, o herói, se vê aturdido e sem palavras diante de uma mulher que descarta qualquer dependência masculina. O preço a pagar por tanta intrepidez é alto, algumas relações jamais poderão ser reestabelecidas. Adorei as lições de vida e aprendizados desta nobre e valente personagem. Recomendadíssimo!
Este é um daqueles raros livros que declamam um hino e louvor aos direitos femininos, especialmente em se tratando da época, 1916. A heroína Roberta Jewett é uma mulher totalmente à frente do seu tempo. Ela escandalizou o pequeno povoado de Camden ao retornar divorciada, com três filhas e um diploma de enfermeira. Aos dezoito anos ela saiu de casa contra a vontade de sua mãe e foi à universidade, algo raro na época. Sofreu anos com um marido infiel e pródigo. Ela decidiu seguir em frente e retornou a sua cidade natal e enfrentou de forma audaz os comentários hipócritas das mulheres, o assédio indecoroso dos homens e a violência sexual. Roberta colocava a vaidade feminina em segundo plano, mas inspirava segurança e independência em um mundo dominado pelos homens. Mesmo sem esperar, encontra uma segunda chance para o amor. Gabriel, o herói, se vê aturdido e sem palavras diante de uma mulher que descarta qualquer dependência masculina. O preço a pagar por tanta intrepidez é alto, algumas relações jamais poderão ser reestabelecidas. Adorei as lições de vida e aprendizados desta nobre e valente personagem. Recomendadíssimo!
October 19, 2014
Another good Spencer novel. The writing isn't as subtle as some of her other books, but once again the main characters absolutely shine. I loved Roberta Jewett. She's the kind of parent I would like to be if I ever had kids: fiercely independent, imaginative, a bit messy and not at all enthralled by housework, but she never lets her daughters forget they are loved -- kind of like a 1916 version of Lorelai Gilmore. And Gabriel is sort of like the 1916 version of Luke Danes -- a gruff carpenter/handy man who is alternately frustrated and captivated this woman. They're two people who don't exactly need each other, but they want each other and that makes it a good love story. The main villain is a bit cliche with all his cigar-twirling, but the rest of the characters make up for it. I'm gonna keep seeking out more of Spencer's novels.
March 13, 2015
Long time no see Goodreads :D Setelah saya bertapa di kaki pegunungan sekarang saya muncul lagi.
Lagi dan lagi dan tentu aja di bikin terharu sama cerita si oma yang 1 ini. Ngenes, sedih, jadi 1 semua. Bikin bacanya juga agak miris banget.
Tentang Roberta janda beranak 3 yang dikucillkan oleh orang2 di kampungnya dan keluarganya sendiri. Hingga dia bertemu dengan Gab, yang adalah seorang duda juga.
Manis dan masing2 tokoh berkarkter kuat. Suka dengan cerita ini walau memang bisa dibilang agak ngenes. Tapi ada juga beberapa hal yang bikin senyum bahkan bikin gue tertawa. Berharap Gagas Media mau nerbitin novel si oma yg lainnya.
Lagi dan lagi dan tentu aja di bikin terharu sama cerita si oma yang 1 ini. Ngenes, sedih, jadi 1 semua. Bikin bacanya juga agak miris banget.
Tentang Roberta janda beranak 3 yang dikucillkan oleh orang2 di kampungnya dan keluarganya sendiri. Hingga dia bertemu dengan Gab, yang adalah seorang duda juga.
Manis dan masing2 tokoh berkarkter kuat. Suka dengan cerita ini walau memang bisa dibilang agak ngenes. Tapi ada juga beberapa hal yang bikin senyum bahkan bikin gue tertawa. Berharap Gagas Media mau nerbitin novel si oma yg lainnya.
June 19, 2016
Roberta has returned home after 18 years with her three daughters. It is early 1900 and Roberta is apprehensive. She has divorced her husband which is frowned upon and will suffer not only the stares and accusations of Camden, Maine itself, but her mother and sister as well.
Roberta is very self reliant and buys herself a motorcar. She is a trained nurse and intends to support herself and her daughters without anyone's help. Her brother in law starts with snide looks and untoward touches on the very first day. She meets Gabriel, a carpenter and he agrees to fix up her house that her brother in law got for her.
Now the rumors begin.
Roberta is very self reliant and buys herself a motorcar. She is a trained nurse and intends to support herself and her daughters without anyone's help. Her brother in law starts with snide looks and untoward touches on the very first day. She meets Gabriel, a carpenter and he agrees to fix up her house that her brother in law got for her.
Now the rumors begin.
May 1, 2018
Superb.
It’s been a while since I’ve read a book by this author and clearly I have been remiss. Excellent book with great characters who live off the page in your imagination. The plot delivers people you know surviving difficult situations scathed but thriving. What a wonderful book. Highly recommended.
It’s been a while since I’ve read a book by this author and clearly I have been remiss. Excellent book with great characters who live off the page in your imagination. The plot delivers people you know surviving difficult situations scathed but thriving. What a wonderful book. Highly recommended.
April 28, 2014
Usually when I read romance I tolerate and excuse unlikely and unrealistic characters, situations, conversations, personalities and reactions because the predictable happy ending makes me feel good. I didn't have to do that here, it was so honest. I loved it.
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