This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy from my links, at no additional cost to you, I get a small commission so I can buy even more books to review! See full disclosure here.
Summer by the River by Debbie Burns
Genre: Women’s Fiction
My Review Rating: ♥♥♥♥
336 Pages | Published: March 2nd 2021 by Sourcebooks Casablanca
Summer by the River: Book Jacket Synopsis
Bestselling author Debbie Burns combines her love for rescue dogs with a compelling woman’s journey in her brand new romantic women’s fiction.
Making a fresh start in a new part of the country is challenging, but fate and good fortune lead young single mother Josie Waterhill and her six-year-old daughter to a cozy Midwestern town right on the river. There, Josie can raise Zoe away from the violence of the life she once knew, and make a new home in the historic tea house where they’ve been invited to stay.
The tea house seems too good to be true, until Josie’s elderly landlord Myra welcomes more guests—journalist Carter O’Brien and his giant rescue dog, Buttercup. Carter is charming, compassionate…and way too curious. Carter’s interest in Josie deepens and he inadvertently stirs up trouble when he uncovers things that Josie would rather not have known. Ready or not, Josie has to let go of her painful past so she can create a glorious future.
Book Links: Amazon
Favorite Quotes
- “As a writer, you of all people should know that every character’s story is entirely dependent upon the narrator.”
- “There are some things you’re never prepared for. But it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give them a chance.”
- “Knowing something and being ready for it aren’t the same thing, are they?” “It’s been my experience that the most significant things don’t wait fo rus to be ready for them.”
- The best things in life aren’t planned for.
Review & Thoughts
Initial thoughts: Reading the book description this sounds like the type of book that becomes a Hallmark movie!
Themes, Elements & Review Notes: I enjoyed the author’s writing voice and the story had a few twists I definitely didn’t see coming! I enjoyed the relationship that brewed between Josie and Carter and I loved the tidbit about Waterhill. Oh, and Zoe, what a firecracker! This book was filled with difficult topics, family secrets, and endearing, complex, and loveable characters.
Important themes include overcoming the past, rebuilding for the future, and most importantly, learning to let people in.
In a Nutshell: Women’s fiction with an element of suspense and romance. Nothing steamy but so incredibly sweet!
Book Format & Source: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Sourcebooks Casa. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Any ARC editing errors noticed are assumed corrected prior to the final published copy release.
About Debbie Burns
Debbie Burns is a best-selling author who writes happily-ever-afters for her stories’ two- and four-legged stars. While her books have earned many awards and commendations, her favorite praise is from readers who’ve been inspired to adopt a pet in need from their local shelter.
Debbie lives in Saint Louis with her family, two thoroughly spoiled rescue dogs, and a ridiculously grumpy Maine Coon cat who (most) everyone loves anyway. Her hobbies include hiking in the Missouri woods, attempting to grow the perfect tomato, birdwatching, and daydreaming, which of course always leads to new story ideas.
You can also find her on Instagram (@_debbieburns), on Facebook and Pintrest (@authordebbieburns), and on BookBub (@AuthorDebbieBurns).
You May Also Enjoy
Leave a Reply