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Ladies of Summerhill #3
Love by the Book
A sweeping love story set in a lavish seaside mansion in 1901 Rhode Island. Melinda Hollister is a society lady, intent on finding a rich husband before her peers discover her quickly diminishing wealth. Nick Bryson is all business, focused on making a name for himself in his father's teamship line. Despite the marriage of their siblings, they rarely gave each other a second glance-until a tragic accident results in Melinda and Nick being appointed as co-guardians of their three-year-old niece Nell. In order to get better acquainted with Nell and one another, Melinda and Nick agree to spend the summer in their own private quarters of the Bryson family vacation home, Summerhill. As their love for Nell grows, so does their attraction to each other. And for the first time in their lives, they sense that God has a bigger plan in motion. Yet old habits die hard and Melinda and Nick each find it difficult to resist the pull of their former worlds. When the unthinkable happens, they find themselves faced with seemingly impossible choices and a new understanding of God's true love.
314 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
19 people are currently reading
532 people want to read
About the author
Cara Lynn James
9 books112 followersAward-winning writer Cara Slaughter, who writes under the name Cara Lynn James, is a current Golden Heart® finalist in the Inspirational category. Finaling and placing in contests is not new to her, however. She has finaled in twelve contests and won five with three different stories and is a member of the active group of contest-oriented bloggers known as The Seekers.
Cara writes both contemporary and historical romance, having completed three manuscripts in six years. The Gilded Age of the 1890s is one of Cara’s favorite periods and is the time in which her stories are set.
A New Englander, Cara now lives in northwest Florida near the Gulf Coast with her twice-retired husband, formerly a Navy pilot and then science teacher, her grown daughter, two-year-old grandson who calls himself Spiderman and a yappy Papillion named Sparky. Their son lives five minutes away and attends college full-time along with working full-time.
When she’s not busy creating her stories, Cara likes to play with her grandson, eat out, especially at Mexican, Japanese, Italian and seafood restaurants, go camping in her A-liner pop-up camper (it looks like an aluminum tent) and read romances, women’s fiction and mysteries at the beach.
Cara writes both contemporary and historical romance, having completed three manuscripts in six years. The Gilded Age of the 1890s is one of Cara’s favorite periods and is the time in which her stories are set.
A New Englander, Cara now lives in northwest Florida near the Gulf Coast with her twice-retired husband, formerly a Navy pilot and then science teacher, her grown daughter, two-year-old grandson who calls himself Spiderman and a yappy Papillion named Sparky. Their son lives five minutes away and attends college full-time along with working full-time.
When she’s not busy creating her stories, Cara likes to play with her grandson, eat out, especially at Mexican, Japanese, Italian and seafood restaurants, go camping in her A-liner pop-up camper (it looks like an aluminum tent) and read romances, women’s fiction and mysteries at the beach.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
August 20, 2022
Problems abound when both Melinda and Nick are named guardians of their niece Nell whose parents were both relatives of Melinda and Nick. A marriage of convenience for all the right, logical reasons. Can love follow or will headstrong characters make more difficulties?
Written in an atmosphere of a summer get away in Newport with all its posh elegance, the author crafts a story of a heroine in reduced circumstances and a hero who is struggling to keep the family business from ruin by his ailing father and manipulative brother-in-law.
Ms. James captures a glimpse of The Gilded Age and adds in an interesting story of a love that grows in spite of obstacles. The faith of Melinda and Nick and other characters is challenged but we see real growth in them.
I am looking forward to other books in this series.
*I purchased this book from a library sale. All opinions are my own.*
Written in an atmosphere of a summer get away in Newport with all its posh elegance, the author crafts a story of a heroine in reduced circumstances and a hero who is struggling to keep the family business from ruin by his ailing father and manipulative brother-in-law.
Ms. James captures a glimpse of The Gilded Age and adds in an interesting story of a love that grows in spite of obstacles. The faith of Melinda and Nick and other characters is challenged but we see real growth in them.
I am looking forward to other books in this series.
*I purchased this book from a library sale. All opinions are my own.*
August 6, 2020
The only reason I’m giving this book two stars instead of one is because part of it is set in Jamestown and it was SO COOL to read about a place I know well.
Everything else? Blah.
The romance? Blah.
The characters? Blah.
The conflict? Blah.
The dialogue? Blah.
The romance - one of my biggest pet peeves in books is a plot where the characters claim to dislike each other... but do not remotely dislike each other at all . Nick thinks that the heroine (she was so forgettable I already forgot her name) is immature, spoiled, etc, but then at a ball they go to he gets SUPER jealous whenever he sees her talking to other guys. Conversely, Melinda (I went and looked her name up) has thoughts like, “oh, he’s so straight laced and serious. I could never be with someone like him” yet he’s on her mind constantly. Also, this is book is Christian fiction, and the last couple of paragraphs are pretty suggestive for a Christian fiction book. Not to mention cringe-worthy.
The characters - Melinda and Nick were not compelling characters to read about in the slightest. Even the little girl that they were caring for was dull, and I normally love to read about cute kids and their antics.
The conflict - the plot of the book was really repetitive (which was a complaint I also had about the first book in this series). It seemed like every other page the reader was reminded that Melinda had to marry because of poverty. It was painfully obvious who the villain was and Nick’s business deal about purchasing the cruise ship was also referenced constantly.
The dialogue - a lot of times I will say in my reviews that the dialogue was over dramatic, but the dialogue in this book was so understated it was almost comedic.
Examples-
After Melinda takes off after the kidnapper (alone and at night), Nick’s says only, “that was so rash.” Ya think???
While Nick and the villain are wrestling at the edge of Cliffwalk, Melinda ineffectually says, “stop, both of you!” She doesn’t do anything else or try to help.
After the villain’s wife finds out that her husband was involved in the kidnapping, she says, “this will be hard for the girls and me. But we’ll manage to weather the disgrace somehow.” Boy, she got over that betrayal quickly, didn’t she?
Overall I did not enjoy this book, which is a shame because I was looking forward to it and it is set in one of my favorite places.
**read for book scavenger hunt - a book set in Rhode Island or written by a Rhode Island author**
Everything else? Blah.
The romance? Blah.
The characters? Blah.
The conflict? Blah.
The dialogue? Blah.
The romance - one of my biggest pet peeves in books is a plot where the characters claim to dislike each other... but do not remotely dislike each other at all . Nick thinks that the heroine (she was so forgettable I already forgot her name) is immature, spoiled, etc, but then at a ball they go to he gets SUPER jealous whenever he sees her talking to other guys. Conversely, Melinda (I went and looked her name up) has thoughts like, “oh, he’s so straight laced and serious. I could never be with someone like him” yet he’s on her mind constantly. Also, this is book is Christian fiction, and the last couple of paragraphs are pretty suggestive for a Christian fiction book. Not to mention cringe-worthy.
The characters - Melinda and Nick were not compelling characters to read about in the slightest. Even the little girl that they were caring for was dull, and I normally love to read about cute kids and their antics.
The conflict - the plot of the book was really repetitive (which was a complaint I also had about the first book in this series). It seemed like every other page the reader was reminded that Melinda had to marry because of poverty. It was painfully obvious who the villain was and Nick’s business deal about purchasing the cruise ship was also referenced constantly.
The dialogue - a lot of times I will say in my reviews that the dialogue was over dramatic, but the dialogue in this book was so understated it was almost comedic.
Examples-
After Melinda takes off after the kidnapper (alone and at night), Nick’s says only, “that was so rash.” Ya think???
While Nick and the villain are wrestling at the edge of Cliffwalk, Melinda ineffectually says, “stop, both of you!” She doesn’t do anything else or try to help.
After the villain’s wife finds out that her husband was involved in the kidnapping, she says, “this will be hard for the girls and me. But we’ll manage to weather the disgrace somehow.” Boy, she got over that betrayal quickly, didn’t she?
Overall I did not enjoy this book, which is a shame because I was looking forward to it and it is set in one of my favorite places.
**read for book scavenger hunt - a book set in Rhode Island or written by a Rhode Island author**
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2019
Love by the book By Cara Lynn James
5 stars.
I found this book on bookoutlet I Had never heard of this author before this book. I loved it. It had me flipping pages and never wanting to put it down.
Melinda Hollister has lost her older sister in a railroad accident and is left co guardianship of her niece Nell. This would all be okay if she wasn’t fighting with the other co guardian Nick Bryson her sister’s brother in Law. Add on top of that the Hollister’s are about to lose all their money and Melinda must find a wealthy husband by the end of summer. So off to New Port Rhode Island she goes in hopes of getting a marriage proposal before her family’s financial troubles is leaked to the cottagers and all hope is lost. And then dealing with workaholic Nick does not please her but maybe she needs to look below the surface.
Nick Bryson has lost his brother Parker and now must deal with Melinda Hollister in the care of his niece Nell. He finds Melinda to flighty and to quick to spend money. But now Melinda has been invited to bring Nell and spend the summer on the beach with them. Nick wants sole guardianship but can he come to see the real woman behind Melinda and maybe see that she is the right one for him.
Things can’t go to smooth with Jasper Van Tressal around Nick’s unsavory brother in law but why is he so high up on trying to get Custody of Nell and the presidency of Bryson steamships. He’s hiding something but can it be figured out before it’s all too late.
This is a Christian Romance and a very well done one I think as it asks all the Characters to look in on themselves. It’s lovely to see both Melinda and Nick struggle with what they believe God’s path for them is. And I love their interactions with little Nell.
A heart warming story with a bit of action packed in. a book I’d read again and recommend to anyone.
5 stars.
I found this book on bookoutlet I Had never heard of this author before this book. I loved it. It had me flipping pages and never wanting to put it down.
Melinda Hollister has lost her older sister in a railroad accident and is left co guardianship of her niece Nell. This would all be okay if she wasn’t fighting with the other co guardian Nick Bryson her sister’s brother in Law. Add on top of that the Hollister’s are about to lose all their money and Melinda must find a wealthy husband by the end of summer. So off to New Port Rhode Island she goes in hopes of getting a marriage proposal before her family’s financial troubles is leaked to the cottagers and all hope is lost. And then dealing with workaholic Nick does not please her but maybe she needs to look below the surface.
Nick Bryson has lost his brother Parker and now must deal with Melinda Hollister in the care of his niece Nell. He finds Melinda to flighty and to quick to spend money. But now Melinda has been invited to bring Nell and spend the summer on the beach with them. Nick wants sole guardianship but can he come to see the real woman behind Melinda and maybe see that she is the right one for him.
Things can’t go to smooth with Jasper Van Tressal around Nick’s unsavory brother in law but why is he so high up on trying to get Custody of Nell and the presidency of Bryson steamships. He’s hiding something but can it be figured out before it’s all too late.
This is a Christian Romance and a very well done one I think as it asks all the Characters to look in on themselves. It’s lovely to see both Melinda and Nick struggle with what they believe God’s path for them is. And I love their interactions with little Nell.
A heart warming story with a bit of action packed in. a book I’d read again and recommend to anyone.
March 22, 2012
Set in the early 1900s among the upper class society in New England, this book is a Christian historical romance. The book begins with the reading of Melinda Hollister’s sister’s will. Melinda, along with her sister’s husband’s brother, Nick, are granted joint custody of their niece, Nell. Never a fan of the overly serious Nick, Melinda can’t imagine what her sister was thinking, but resolves to make the best of it for Nell.
Melinda has always been the belle of the ball, enjoyed shopping with no worries of the expense, and has never had to concern herself with much responsibility. Now, with Nell, and with the knowledge that she and her mother have burned through her father’s small fortune, leaving them destitute, she is forced to embrace responsibility and frugality. But, before news of this reaches the ears of society, Melinda must attempt to find a rich husband to rescue her from disgrace. Her invitation to Newport for the summer by Nick’s family provides the ideal setting to search for such a husband.
Highly predictable, Melinda and Nick end up married. But Melinda is disappointed that Nick married her only for Nell and out of pity for her situation. She has warmed to him over the few weeks she’s spent with him over the summer, and she wants more than anything for her husband to love her. Nick, not good at verbally expressing himself, also has feelings for Melinda, but misinterprets her quietness and preoccupation with sadness and disappointment at their marriage.
The couple make it through some hard situations and of course, finally profess their love for each other, and all is well. Very predictable, but no complaints.
I definitely consider this a light read. I enjoy a good romance now and then, and this one was very enjoyable. The characters are memorable, realistic, and likeable. I didn’t get annoyed at any of them, which has not been my previous experience with some Christian romance in the past. There was a lack of smut, which I enjoyed, and the references and innuendos were tastefully done, especially since the couple was actually married for the second half of the book. Overall, an enjoyable read.
Melinda has always been the belle of the ball, enjoyed shopping with no worries of the expense, and has never had to concern herself with much responsibility. Now, with Nell, and with the knowledge that she and her mother have burned through her father’s small fortune, leaving them destitute, she is forced to embrace responsibility and frugality. But, before news of this reaches the ears of society, Melinda must attempt to find a rich husband to rescue her from disgrace. Her invitation to Newport for the summer by Nick’s family provides the ideal setting to search for such a husband.
Highly predictable, Melinda and Nick end up married. But Melinda is disappointed that Nick married her only for Nell and out of pity for her situation. She has warmed to him over the few weeks she’s spent with him over the summer, and she wants more than anything for her husband to love her. Nick, not good at verbally expressing himself, also has feelings for Melinda, but misinterprets her quietness and preoccupation with sadness and disappointment at their marriage.
The couple make it through some hard situations and of course, finally profess their love for each other, and all is well. Very predictable, but no complaints.
I definitely consider this a light read. I enjoy a good romance now and then, and this one was very enjoyable. The characters are memorable, realistic, and likeable. I didn’t get annoyed at any of them, which has not been my previous experience with some Christian romance in the past. There was a lack of smut, which I enjoyed, and the references and innuendos were tastefully done, especially since the couple was actually married for the second half of the book. Overall, an enjoyable read.
September 17, 2011
Cara Lynn James continues the Ladies of Summerhill series with a charming "marriage of convenience" story. On the surface, Melinda Hollister may seem like a spoiled society lady, but in truth she's a caring, devoted aunt entrusted with co-guardianship of her orphaned niece. Nick Bryson, the little girl's uncle, also has the child's best interests at heart, but he's busy trying to secure the future of his family's steamship line. The author skillfully weaves this couple's lives together amid conflicting agendas, the pressures of high society, and family bickering, resulting in a story that will keep you turning the pages until the happily-ever-after ending.
January 10, 2019
3.75 stars
Little Nell is an orphan and is cared for by her mother's sister and her father's brother, going back and forth. Both of them think they know what is best for her without really taking consideration of the other co-guardian.
Nick is very business minded and has a deal that is going through. He does what he can for Nell, his niece. He loves her dearly but fears she might become a little too much like her aunt who also cares for her who seems a bit too materialistic and flighty to him.
Melinda loves to spend time with her niece and plays with her and reads to her. She is doing her best to show love to a little girl who is still mourning her parents. She believes Nick is all work and no play, which bothers her a lot. At the same time, her inheritance is running down. She is setting out for a husband who is rich and can care for her but has to also find Nell to be important to them.
Melinda really annoyed me in the earlier half of this book but I started to really enjoy her character growth as the story went on. Nick had a great personality all the way through, in my opinion. I will say that either way, I was pretty sucked into this story once I got started. I read the last 200 pages within a day because of it sucking me in.
I feel this was a great close to the series. I shed tears and I smiled and adored the ending. The story flowed very nicely, which I appreciated.
Little Nell is an orphan and is cared for by her mother's sister and her father's brother, going back and forth. Both of them think they know what is best for her without really taking consideration of the other co-guardian.
Nick is very business minded and has a deal that is going through. He does what he can for Nell, his niece. He loves her dearly but fears she might become a little too much like her aunt who also cares for her who seems a bit too materialistic and flighty to him.
Melinda loves to spend time with her niece and plays with her and reads to her. She is doing her best to show love to a little girl who is still mourning her parents. She believes Nick is all work and no play, which bothers her a lot. At the same time, her inheritance is running down. She is setting out for a husband who is rich and can care for her but has to also find Nell to be important to them.
Melinda really annoyed me in the earlier half of this book but I started to really enjoy her character growth as the story went on. Nick had a great personality all the way through, in my opinion. I will say that either way, I was pretty sucked into this story once I got started. I read the last 200 pages within a day because of it sucking me in.
I feel this was a great close to the series. I shed tears and I smiled and adored the ending. The story flowed very nicely, which I appreciated.
March 20, 2018
Great read!
This was the last series and I enjoyed getting to meet these two opposite characters. At first I have to admit that it took me a lot to understand Melinda at first since she was so absorbed in trying to be a society lady as she absolutely look down on those who would work hard for the money unlike herself.
I did get to like her near the end when she finally helps Nell; however, it was hard for me to see when she really fell in love with Nick.
An epilogue would have satisfied me to see how their relationship further developed.
I wanted so badly an epilogue but again I was left disappointed.
We did get to see George Westbrook from the first novel but I was left wanting to hear more about his new marriage to Miranda. I feel the author should have done a book for them since before I never would have seen their romance possible.
I did love the way these two characters were able to change and develop throughout the story and I did like the kidnaping aspect but it was too obvious in knowing the culprit.
Overall this was an easy read. Although I do wish it could have had more aspects I have to admit that it kept me entertained!
Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
This was the last series and I enjoyed getting to meet these two opposite characters. At first I have to admit that it took me a lot to understand Melinda at first since she was so absorbed in trying to be a society lady as she absolutely look down on those who would work hard for the money unlike herself.
I did get to like her near the end when she finally helps Nell; however, it was hard for me to see when she really fell in love with Nick.
An epilogue would have satisfied me to see how their relationship further developed.
I wanted so badly an epilogue but again I was left disappointed.
We did get to see George Westbrook from the first novel but I was left wanting to hear more about his new marriage to Miranda. I feel the author should have done a book for them since before I never would have seen their romance possible.
I did love the way these two characters were able to change and develop throughout the story and I did like the kidnaping aspect but it was too obvious in knowing the culprit.
Overall this was an easy read. Although I do wish it could have had more aspects I have to admit that it kept me entertained!
Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
May 3, 2022
I was on pins and needles... and so enjoyed the mystery, intrigue, and inspirational elements that worked together to bring growth to most of the characters. I was able to read a copy of this book via Hoopla, but it did not in any way affect my review. All opinions are my own.
June 7, 2024
Actually 3.5 stars, but I didn't love it enough to round it up to 4. Although the story had potential, most of the characters felt pretty flat to me, and the two main characters' choices and reactions to each other were pretty frustrating.
November 20, 2017
Fun & interesting book. Clean romance and engaging story. Great author.
December 17, 2017
The beginning started out well...
March 3, 2022
This was a solid historical Christian fiction read. I liked it, just wish it would have ended a bit differently, it felt rushed. I liked the romance storyline up until then
January 1, 2016
SUMMARY: A sweeping love story set in a lavish seaside mansion in 1901 Rhode Island.
Melinda Hollister is a society lady, intent on finding a rich husband before her peers discover her quickly diminishing wealth. Nick Bryson is all business, focused on making a name for himself in his father's teamship line. Despite the marriage of their siblings, they rarely gave each other a second glance―until a tragic accident results in Melinda and Nick being appointed as co-guardians of their three-year-old niece Nell.
In order to get better acquainted with Nell and one another, Melinda and Nick agree to spend the summer in their own private quarters of the Bryson family vacation home, Summerhill. As their love for Nell grows, so does their attraction to each other. And for the first time in their lives, they sense that God has a bigger plan in motion.
Yet old habits die hard and Melinda and Nick each find it difficult to resist the pull of their former worlds.
When the unthinkable happens, they find themselves faced with seemingly impossible choices and a new understanding of God's true love.
REVIEW: This is the third and final book in The Ladies of Summerhill series. It also can be read as a stand alone or out of order without affecting the storyline. The first and third books in this series were definitely my favorites. In the midst of gilded age opulence and ostentation, Melinda Hollister is trying very hard to change from a young woman who is drawn to everything materialistic to one who puts God's will first in her life. And work obssessed Nick is attempting to learn to put God and family first above work. This book is filled with charm, romance, and suspense. It's pretty easy to figure out who the villain is but that didn't detract from the storyline. All in all, a great series that combined three turn of the century stories with the same setting and some repeated characters into an enjoyable read.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "It's natural to draw close to God in times of trial; it's also natural to become lax when the crisis is over. But we shouldn't forget the importance of God's guidance even when we think we're doing well on our own."
"Did you ever doubt? .....No, I never doubted He heard my prayers. God is with us and He gives us the grace to accept whatever we must face. He doesn't promise us a life free from pain, but He does promise to be with us. That's enough. It has to be."
"Love will come in time, if you let it. It's far better to let love grow, rather than watch it fade away."
"Remember love is more than warm, sentimental feelings. It's about commitment and putting your spouse before yourself."
Melinda Hollister is a society lady, intent on finding a rich husband before her peers discover her quickly diminishing wealth. Nick Bryson is all business, focused on making a name for himself in his father's teamship line. Despite the marriage of their siblings, they rarely gave each other a second glance―until a tragic accident results in Melinda and Nick being appointed as co-guardians of their three-year-old niece Nell.
In order to get better acquainted with Nell and one another, Melinda and Nick agree to spend the summer in their own private quarters of the Bryson family vacation home, Summerhill. As their love for Nell grows, so does their attraction to each other. And for the first time in their lives, they sense that God has a bigger plan in motion.
Yet old habits die hard and Melinda and Nick each find it difficult to resist the pull of their former worlds.
When the unthinkable happens, they find themselves faced with seemingly impossible choices and a new understanding of God's true love.
REVIEW: This is the third and final book in The Ladies of Summerhill series. It also can be read as a stand alone or out of order without affecting the storyline. The first and third books in this series were definitely my favorites. In the midst of gilded age opulence and ostentation, Melinda Hollister is trying very hard to change from a young woman who is drawn to everything materialistic to one who puts God's will first in her life. And work obssessed Nick is attempting to learn to put God and family first above work. This book is filled with charm, romance, and suspense. It's pretty easy to figure out who the villain is but that didn't detract from the storyline. All in all, a great series that combined three turn of the century stories with the same setting and some repeated characters into an enjoyable read.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "It's natural to draw close to God in times of trial; it's also natural to become lax when the crisis is over. But we shouldn't forget the importance of God's guidance even when we think we're doing well on our own."
"Did you ever doubt? .....No, I never doubted He heard my prayers. God is with us and He gives us the grace to accept whatever we must face. He doesn't promise us a life free from pain, but He does promise to be with us. That's enough. It has to be."
"Love will come in time, if you let it. It's far better to let love grow, rather than watch it fade away."
"Remember love is more than warm, sentimental feelings. It's about commitment and putting your spouse before yourself."
June 25, 2011
Cara Lynn James in her new book, "Love By The Book" Book Three in her Ladies Of Summerhill series published by Thomas Nelson takes us to 1902 Newport, Rhode Island.
The sister of Melinda Hollister married the brother of Nick Bryson and this union produced a niece for the siblings named Nell. Everything is fine until, in an accident, both parents die leaving the guardianship of Nell to Melinda and Nick. This would not be so bad except Melinda and Nick hardly pay attention to each other now they are going to raise their niece between them. In an effort for all three to get to know one another Nick suggests that they spend the summer at Summerhill.
"Love By The Book" is a delightful read full of atmosphere and history . Get ready for excitement as Melinda and Nick start to learn how to deal with each other, with Nell and with tragedy. This book is all about family and what it means to be a family. It is about trusting God and learning to lean on Him for His guidance and direction. Melinda and Nick are so real Ms James makes us root for their romance to blossom. Ms. James knows how to tell a story that is both interesting and delightful and I recommend it highly.
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and business professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where it is available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop Christian music please visit our internet radio station http://www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
The sister of Melinda Hollister married the brother of Nick Bryson and this union produced a niece for the siblings named Nell. Everything is fine until, in an accident, both parents die leaving the guardianship of Nell to Melinda and Nick. This would not be so bad except Melinda and Nick hardly pay attention to each other now they are going to raise their niece between them. In an effort for all three to get to know one another Nick suggests that they spend the summer at Summerhill.
"Love By The Book" is a delightful read full of atmosphere and history . Get ready for excitement as Melinda and Nick start to learn how to deal with each other, with Nell and with tragedy. This book is all about family and what it means to be a family. It is about trusting God and learning to lean on Him for His guidance and direction. Melinda and Nick are so real Ms James makes us root for their romance to blossom. Ms. James knows how to tell a story that is both interesting and delightful and I recommend it highly.
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and business professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where it is available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop Christian music please visit our internet radio station http://www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
September 25, 2015
Love by the Book is third in the Ladies of Summerhill series by Cara Lynn James. We are transported yet again to Newport, RI in this pleasing Christian historical romance set in 1901. It's a standalone novel, and I don't believe that anything was given away about the first two books, both of which I also gave four stars.
Mellinda Hollister and Nick Bryson find themselves named as co-guardians for their niece Nell when her parents die. Nell's mother was Melinda's sister, and Nell's father was Nick's brother. As you might expect, this is a prime set up for conflict.
What I liked:
*Cara Lynn James does a nice job with crafting the setting and the characters. The characters' speech and actions felt realistic.
*I really applaud the author for not recapping the first two books. Sometimes I read series out of order, and it's disappointing when a standalone book has too much information about the earlier books!
What I didn't like:
*I found a couple of errors. It really wasn't bad since there weren't many, but it was distracting.
--"wile away the hours dancing" ---> while
--"Here's an exquisite sapphire broach" ---> brooch
I can recommend this clean romance to teens through adults! I look forward to more beautiful covers and stories from Cara Lynn James. Next I'll be reading "The Innkeeper's Promise," a novella available in the "With this Kiss Historical Collection"
Mellinda Hollister and Nick Bryson find themselves named as co-guardians for their niece Nell when her parents die. Nell's mother was Melinda's sister, and Nell's father was Nick's brother. As you might expect, this is a prime set up for conflict.
What I liked:
*Cara Lynn James does a nice job with crafting the setting and the characters. The characters' speech and actions felt realistic.
*I really applaud the author for not recapping the first two books. Sometimes I read series out of order, and it's disappointing when a standalone book has too much information about the earlier books!
What I didn't like:
*I found a couple of errors. It really wasn't bad since there weren't many, but it was distracting.
--"wile away the hours dancing" ---> while
--"Here's an exquisite sapphire broach" ---> brooch
I can recommend this clean romance to teens through adults! I look forward to more beautiful covers and stories from Cara Lynn James. Next I'll be reading "The Innkeeper's Promise," a novella available in the "With this Kiss Historical Collection"
September 17, 2011
Imagine yourself a society lady at the beginning of the twentieth century, well-off and the belle of the ball. Life for you consists of shopping, parties, and being pursued by eligible gentlemen. Then suddenly, you find yourself the co-guardian of your young niece, on the cusp of spinsterhood, and without the wealth necessary to snare a good husband. This is the predicament that the protagonist faces in Love by the Book. This novel, set by the seaside in Rhode Island, is sure to capture your interest as you watch her mature from a selfish, shallow girl to a responsible, dependable guardian who finds herself falling for her niece’s uncle and other co-guardian. Is this really God’s will, or a temptation she should resist? Should she wait for love or marry for security? Cara Lynn James’ characters come alive on the page with engaging dialogue and an intriguing storyline. If you enjoy inspirational romance, you’ll want to be sure to read this latest installment in the Ladies of Summerhill series. I received this book free through Goodreads First Reads.
June 29, 2011
4.5 stars.
Love by the Book was definitely my favorite of the series, but every book was great.
If you read the other books I'm sure you'll want to read this one. But for those who haven't I want to let you know that while the books don't have to be read in order, since each book is about a different couple who are almost entirely unrelated to one another, if your anything like me and you don't want even the little tiny spoilers you would get by reading them out of order to read them in number order - they were all great!
I really hope that there will be more books in this series, I love the location! However, I have a feeling there won't be, it's seems a lot of series only go for three books :(
Love by the Book was definitely my favorite of the series, but every book was great.
If you read the other books I'm sure you'll want to read this one. But for those who haven't I want to let you know that while the books don't have to be read in order, since each book is about a different couple who are almost entirely unrelated to one another, if your anything like me and you don't want even the little tiny spoilers you would get by reading them out of order to read them in number order - they were all great!
I really hope that there will be more books in this series, I love the location! However, I have a feeling there won't be, it's seems a lot of series only go for three books :(
September 7, 2012
Really liked the book. Was thankful both Melinda and Nick improved their individual characters with the trials thrown their way. In spite of her being in mourning, Nick's mother should have seen her husband's dementia was a serious problem, but perhaps she was as big of a flake as Melinda's mother. Same could be said for Florrie who hid away from her children and lousy husband, Jasper in her painting room. Glynna and Stephen were godsends guiding Melinda and Nick with wise counsel all along the way. The only boring parts were the repetitive business, business, business. I wanted to throw up like Melinda did with seasickness.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
January 29, 2012I won this book through goodreads first-reads! The Ladies of Summerhill series only gets better. Love By The Book is a moving story that is difficult to put down. Cara Lynn James writes with a lovely lyrical style that brings the turn of the century era alive. Not only does she bring the era alive, but she highlights interesting points of history in all three of the series that have been published so far. I can't wait for the next book by this author.
April 15, 2012
Love By the Book is the first book I've read by Cara Lynn James. I enjoyed it a lot, even though it's not the time period or setting I normally prefer. Love By the Book is the charming story of two people who share guardianship of a young girl. Both the hero and heroine love darling Nell and want sole guardianship, but neither is willing to yield. Love for family, suspense, and a satisfying slow-developing romance drives this engaging story.
September 10, 2014
Great finish to the series. I enjoyed this one better than the first in the series (as I did #2 Love on Assignment). A sweet, sometimes comical, story with a light romance. Good summer read.
February 2, 2017
Loved it! This was a very easy read that sucks you in as her other books do. I enjoy a good romance with some turmoil and mystery thrown in! I love that this author brings her characters thru things that test their faith and strengthens it as well...she shows that Christians aren't perfect...that we struggle with our trust in God and yet He is faithful!
July 20, 2014
Definitely my favorite of the series Love by the Book was captivating and full of Biblical truths. The characters were memorable but the plot was the most interesting part of the book. I definitely recommend giving this book a try.
January 6, 2012
I truly enjoyed the plot of "Love by the Book." There was love, intrigue and sadness all mixed together with a sprinkling of Christian input. I have not read the first two novels in The Ladies of the Summerhill trilogy, however I certainly do plan to remedy that situation quickly.
October 15, 2014
This was a satisfying conclusion to the Ladies of Summerhill series by Cara Lynn James. You can see my full review here.
Want to read
October 26, 2011I was notified that I won this book in a Goodreads firstreads contest! I can't wait to be able to add it to my "currently reading" shelf. :o)
It never arrived.
It never arrived.
Want to read
July 12, 2011A Goodreads First Reads win! Hooray!!
July 18, 2012
My favorite is still Love on a Dime, but this one is in second place. The plot was a little looney and long, especially toward the end. There are unanswered questions in the plot, too.
January 6, 2013
I didn't think this was quite as good as the other two books in the series, but I still really liked it. Although... it was like an old fashioned version of a movie I saw not too long ago...
January 30, 2013
Extremely cheesy in parts but overall an ok read.
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