The Summer Deal: A Novel

Whenever I pick up a book by this talented author, I know that it will not only be one that I will remember for a long time ,but also one that will be thought provoking , touching and a winner. This one was just that. The story centers around Brynn Turner, Kinsey Davis and Eli Thomas. These three met in summer camp during their childhood, never realizing that they would meet again as adults and that their lives would be intertwined forever. Brynn returns home to Wildstone after her life emblods . Home to her wonderful moms that love her unconditionally. Kinsey, Brynn’s nemesis during camp, has suffered all her life with kidney disease and needs a transplant. Kinsey is not the easiest character to like, but once we learn about her past, we understand her. Eli , now a marine biologist and owner of an old home by the beach, where his half-brother Max and Kinsey also live, has his own demons. He’s been left behind too many times, but he still has a heart of gold. When he sees Brynn in need, he offers her a room to rent and as he sees the opportunity not only to reconnect with her, but mainly to give Brynn and Kinsey a chance of “finding “ each other. As these characters as well as the secondary characters, all perfect in their imperfections, navigate life, they discover that family is not always those we are born into , but those we created. The author also reminds us , “ When it comes to love , there is no paying back…real love goes to the ends of the earth with no regrets.” Kudos to the author for another wonderful story. I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely y own.

This is book #5 in the Wildstone series. This book can be read as a standalone novel. For reader enjoyment, and to understand the series, I recommend reading this series in order. Brynn comes home after another boyfriend makes her feel less than herself. The bright spot in her life is her Mom's. They may be in her business but they bring the fun. Also being at home she runs in to Eli. The very Eli with whom she made the summer deal. Eli has his hands full with Kinsey and her health. With a breath of fresh air, Brynn comes back to town and its like he can breathe again. With his protective attitude, he enjoys being in both women's lives. Even though he is only best friends with Kinsey, her friendship is more like family. This story just kind of pounded into my head. I felt like each chapter was a sock to the stomach and was like watching a very loud play. So much action, so much to it, I felt a little overwhelmed. I do not normally say this about this author's books. This was a hard one to finish. Honestly if it was not an author I love well, I would not have bothered. ***This copy was given in exchange for an honest review by Edelweiss and its publishers.

This is a beautiful, sweet, funny, and heartfelt novel that is a perfect summer read. Brynne is home, embarrassed by her breakup and how her life is going. She wants to turn things around and try to be more in control. She has a hilarious meet cute with her long ago crush from summer camp, Eli. They can still feel the flutters that made them share a first kiss at camp too. Unfortunately he is still best friends with Kinsey, her frenemy from that same camp as well. But he is so charming, and sexy, and he convinces her to move in with him, along with Kinsey, and his brother Max, for the summer. Brynne is quirky, easygoing, and upbeat which is the total opposite of Kinsey who is grumpy, and snarky, but fiercely loyal and protective. They didn't get along as teens but now they seem to fall into a comradery that works for them. Eli has a way of collecting people and making an eclectic family that play, banter, fight and protect each other. Add in Kinsey's big, tatted boyfriend, Deck, who is so swoony with his calming yet adventurous spirit, and you have a great group of people I would love to be friends with. I really loved the dynamics between all six of them as well as Brynne's quirky mothers. The way that they formed their bonds, not easily as there were things they kept hidden at times, just felt so real and honest. I loved the peak at each of Brynne and Kinsey's summer camp journals that gave us a revealing look into both their lives growing up. I really just devoured this story. It was so easy to fall for all these characters and their lives that made me laugh, tugged at my heart, and made me swoon. I haven't read the other books in this series but really loved this funny, charming, and heartwarming romance. I will definitely go back and check out the other books in the Wildstone series!