Cover Image: A Summer to Remember

A Summer to Remember

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

A great summer read with a really good feel good factor.
It grabs you from the first page and is very difficult to put down I read it in one day.
It is a mixture of love lost and found, relationships and family values.
Great ending which makes you feel extremely satisfied.

Was this review helpful?

I loved this book and wanted to instanly move to Nelson's Bar (despite the lack of internet or phone signal!). I could imagine myself staying in one of the holiday cottages and soaking up life in this lovely little place. I'm a sucker for a good romantic story and this one did not disappoint.

Was this review helpful?

Thoroughly enjoyed this book!! I felt like packing my suitcase, and going to meet these brilliant characters!! The village sounds idyllic!! There are a lot of lovely characters, each with their own story!! But two particular characters, Clancy and Aaron, each with their own stories, each centred around all the other characters, and the 'each one thinking they know what each other are thinking' were infuriating, so found myself shouting at them, which really made for a superb book!! Loved it!!!!!!.

Was this review helpful?

Absolutely adored this. Clancy is such an adorable character as well as Aaron. I loved the fact there were no stupid ‘misunderstandings’ that they were adults, they communicated. Both are so believable and likeable. This is a great read, wonderful for holiday reading or a book to read when you want to feel happy. Thoroughly recommended to make you smile.


Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

Was this review helpful?

I love the village of Middledip where many of Sue Moorcroft’s books are set and must admit I was a tiny bit disappointed to hear that this new book wasn’t going to be set there. But I needn’t have been concerned as I loved the new location of quiet Nelson’s Bar. In many ways, it sounded idyllic. A tiny coastal village in Norfolk with a beautiful secluded beach, a B&B but not much else. I’m not so sure I’d manage the internet and phone ‘not-spot’ though, but can see why it would have its appeal.

A Summer to Remember is about Clancy Moss who takes a job as a caretaker at Roundhouse Row following the rather public breakdown of her relationship and loss of her job. She is delighted to be able to hideaway in Nelson’s Bar and, for a while anyway, take on this undemanding job. Not everyone is pleased to see her though as her cousin Alice, who has a half share in the Roundhouse, is definitely not a popular person in Nelson’s Bar and people associate Clancy with Alice. One person who sees this as very unfair is gardener Aaron.

There are several characters who have been damaged by the break down of relationships sometimes in quite sudden ways. We see the profound effect this can have on someone’s mental health and the different ways of coping. Clancy is such a likeable character and I really admired the way she was determined to put the past behind her and make the most of her new life. On the otherhand, there is the whirlwind that is Alice who comes back to the village oblivious to what this may mean to anyone else. She was rather a selfish person to be honest and just when Clancy was settled, seemed to threaten her stability. Aaron is also a character it was really easy to like. He was of course, rather gorgeous but also a steady, caring and conscientious person. He would always try to stick up for Clancy when his family seemed determined to see and believe the worst of her.

Sue Moorcroft really is a superb storyteller. She writes the kind of books which reflect the highs and lows of everyday life, where life doesn’t always run smoothly but where love ultimately wins the day, whatever form that love takes. As in real life, there are annoying and inconsiderate people and there are caring and thoughtful people, there are obstacles to be overcome, there are worries and sadnesses, there are lighter moments and there is happiness. A Summer to Remember is a really enjoyable book and definitely one to consider if you are starting to plan your summer holiday reading.

Was this review helpful?

I’ve read a few of Sue’s books and always enjoyed them, so I was looking forward to reading this.

I enjoyed the story about Clancy and Aaron, both were extremely likeable characters and there was a good amount chemistry.

However, I didn’t love this book. I note from the author’s foreword that she admits to struggling to write this at times, and unfortunately I feel this comes across. Some of the other characters didn’t feel as well written somehow and the story was a bit clunky at times.

So this is a nice light read, but not one of her best.

3.5 stars

Thank you to Avon and Netgalley for the arc and the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my review.

Was this review helpful?

I am sorry this was just not my type of book. I do like romance but this was too long. I prefer shorter romantic stories that I can get lost in for a few hours. I know some of my friends will really enjoy this book.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.

Was this review helpful?

I discovered Sue Moorcroft over the holidays with her marvelous story, A Christmas Gift which really touched my heart. When I saw her newest book, A Summer to Remember, I could not wait to read it. Actually, at the time I got it, the book was simply titled "New Book by Sue Moorcroft" but I knew that regardless I would love it - and I did!

Clancy has had the worst of all luck - her fiancé has dumped her for his former lover which left Clancy homeless and also jobless since she, her fiancé and their best friends all worked at a start-up that they built from the ground up. Somehow, it became Clancy who was the odd man out of the equation but, because she was the financial wiz of the group, at least she walked away with resources. Her cousin, Alice, was part owner of seaside inn in need of a caretaker so Clancy packs up her things and without much thought, she heads off to Nelson's Bar, an inlet on the sea not a place to drink, and sets up shop on a tiny piece of land where everyone knows one another, is not fond of her cousin Alice, there is no cell reception and where Alice's ex-fiancé lives along with his brother, Adam, who is the co-owner of the inn. A lot of exes in this story but it works. Trust me, it isn't nearly as confusing as I just made it sound. Naturally there is an on-again, off-again romance between Clancy and Adam but there is much conflict and baggage that it seems that the two of them are not to be together.

What I found most intriguing about A Summer to Remember, is the aspect that I enjoy in all of Moorcroft's books - the value and realism of her characters. Each of them, from the main characters to the secondary ones, are very vivid and real. They are extremely flawed just as we all are. They are bad tempered, sometimes rude, some very prejudiced, all of whom are growing and changing throughout the book. There is a pair of young men in this book whose secondary storyline was so poignant and brilliantly told that, for me, they became a very integral part of the story itself. I came to care for those two lads quite a lot. When talking with Ms. Moorcroft about the book she told me a bit about the research that she did regarding these two young men and their story and what I learned made their characters even more meaningful. I would encourage you to read A Summer to Remember just for these two fellows and their story alone. Except that I loved every single person in the book, even the snippy older townspeople who were far too opinionated for me and reminded me of some of my own neighbors.

I absolutely loved A Summer to Remember. It's a marvelous summer read, a fabulous women's lit book and a great general fiction tale. I highly recommend it! And now, of course, I have to sit it here and anxiously wait for her next book. <sigh> You will find me in the "M" section of the bookstore.

Thank you to #Netgalley, @SueMoorcroft, and @AvonBooksUK for my copy of my new favorite book.

Was this review helpful?

When Clancy gets a chance to escape her current life & hide out as holiday let caretaker in a village she knows, she grabs it. Although by leaving one drama she inadvertently creates another.
Returning to the village where her cousin Alice jilted her fiancée at the altar stirs up all kinds of memories & upset.
Clancy takes up the role of caretaker at Alices’s cottages alongside Aaron brother of the jilted fiancée.
The cottages of Roundhouse Row with no WiFi or phone reception are a million miles away from Clancy’s hi tech life but she starts to enjoy her escape & her rekindled friendship with Aaron.
But when spoilt Alice returns everything is turned upside down & Clancy is forced to make big decisions about her life.
This is a great read, characters Clancy & Aaron are likeable and the story flows well. The drama and dilemma caused by Alice is portrayed well & you find yourself definitely on Clancy’s side.
I look forward to reading another Sue Moorcroft book.

Was this review helpful?

The story of Clancy and Aaron.

They first met when he cousin was getting married to his brother, only he was jilted at the altar.

6 years later, following a break-up of her relationship, Clancy takes the opportunity to run away to Nelson's Bar in Norfolk, where Aaron lives. Will this be the break she needs, and will she be welcomed to the village given how her cousin left?

Entertaining read.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a voluntary and honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Life is being very cruel right now with Clancy Moss, after she discovered his fiancé cheating on her, she is fired from the company in which she’s a co-founder, and she doesn’t have a home to go now. The only place where she can seek refuge is in Nelson’s Bar, a little village where there is no signal and no Wi-Fi…perfect!

So Clancy takes the position as the caretaker for Roundhouse Row holiday cottages, that belongs to her cousin Alice, but there's a problem Alice shares ownership with Aaron, and Clancy hasn't seen Aaron in six years.

I really enjoyed every part of this book, there is romance, intrigue, lies, angst, and really great characters. I hadn’t read anything from this author before, and now I know who to go when I want something easy to read with romance and a little bit of drama.

I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review. Thank you Sue Moorcroft, NetGalley and Avon.

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoyed this not so predictable feel good story. A book with both heartbreak and laughter in equal measure.

A fantastic beach or slumped on your sofa read. I highly recommend this book.

Was this review helpful?

Cute story and would give it 3.5 stars. It was a fun and quick read. Really enjoyed the story, writing style and characters. Loved Clancy. Leaving London was the best thing for her. I couldn't believe the way her co-directors treated her. All the blame should have been put on Will. The way that Clancy found out her fiancé was cheating on her was horrible. Will had an awful way of letting Clancy find out about stuff, his actions seemed more deliberate than accidental as he claimed. The way Lee's family treated him was on the ridiculous side. All because he was left at the alter. He's thirty-four, has a daughter and should be able to get on with his life after Alice left him. I also couldn't understand why they blamed Clancy for Alice's mistakes. It was six years ago, time to get over it. Clancy genuinely cared for people and seemed like she would be a great friend. She was a great help to Rory and Harry and was a perfect match for Aaron and the very large Nelson. Genevieve and Alice were on my list of people I would not want to be friends with, plus you could throw in Hugo. All three were determined to not allow Clancy to be happy. Alice was just not what I expected. Lee should be glad he didn't marry her.

Definitely recommend the book. Nelson's Bar seemed like a great place to escape to. Especially if you just want to get away, enjoy a secret beach and don't mind having any access to WiFi or cell service. Look forward to reading more books by the author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Avon Books UK through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Was this review helpful?

I recieved this book via Netgalley and give it my honest review.
I loved this book! It was a feel good, heartfelt storyline. I love Clancy and Nelsons Bar. The Norfolk coast comes alive with romance and lots of twists and turns. I was hooked from the first chapter! Well done Sue Moorcroft for writting such an amazing summer time read.

Was this review helpful?

Must admit, struggled to get into this book at the start, however, once I had settled into it & worked out who all the characters were I thoroughly enjoyed it, let's be honest what's not to like about a love story & living near the sea. It follows the tale of the love lives of Clancy & Alice, which is not without it's obstacles, but keeps you gripped right until the conclusion

Was this review helpful?

I have read a previous book of Sue Moorcroft - which I didn't even finish, because it just didn't hold my interest. Unfortunately this was the same way. Clancy has no job and no fiancé so she decides to move to North Norfolk and be the caretaker for her cousins holiday homes. What a perfect job, right?! Clancy's cousin jilted Lee her fiancé at the altar 6 years previous. Clancy is not welcomed by Lee's family, except for his brother Aaron. It was a cute read, but honestly had to push through to the end as it didn't keep my interest. Just get on with it already. Thanks Netgalley for the ARC.

#ASummerToRemember #Netgalley

Was this review helpful?

This was a wonderful good feel novel. I live in North Norfolk and as I was reading I could visualise the salt marshes as I was reading. To say too much will give the plot away. This is the first novel I have read by Sue Moorcroft and would recommend this book to everyone. Clancy finds herself without a job and fiance. What she decides to do is move from London to North Norfolk and caretake her cousins holiday homes. With it comes somewhere to stay whilst she decides what to do with her future. Clancys cousin had jilted Lee her fiance at the altar six years before. Clancy is not made welcome by Lees family, except by his brother Aaron. A truly lovely summer read of love and family intrigue. Thank you Sue Moorcroft for such a brilliant introduction to her novels

Was this review helpful?

When Clancy relocates to Nelson's Bar on the Norfolk coast to get over her broken heart, little does she know she's going to find herself at the heart of a vibrant, if small, community. Struggling at first to ride the wave of prejudice that her cousin Alice's actions caused a few years previously, Clancy gradually makes her home amongst the locals of Nelson's Bar, and begins to look to the future. But it's not all plain sailing when emotions are at the fore. Can Clancy navigate the choppy waters of rural life, distance herself from the chaos that Alice created all those years ago and create a new life that negotiates the tides to a calmer future? And what of Aaron and his family, devastated by Alice's mutinous defection and some still holding a grudge? Will Nelson's Bar merely be a port in a storm for Clancy, or will she find her oasis of calm for a happy ending?

OK, that's more than enough ropey sea metaphors! This is a great read, full of passion and feelgood factor. I found myself drawn in from the first page, willing Clancy to succeed when all the odds were stacked against her. This book has a huge theme, which is what you do when life happens. Just when you thought it was safe, the curve balls come, and for Clancy, they keep coming. Clancy is a complex and engaging character, and she really appealed to me. She kept a cool head in the most stressful of situations, and her cousin Alice is a great foil, creating havoc even when she's not in the area. The hamlet of Nelson's Bar is skilfully painted, and I felt as though I really got to know the place and its people, even though I've never visited the county. All in all, another great read from Sue Moorcroft - I can't wait for the next one!

Was this review helpful?

What gives you comfort? Is it a warm bath and bubbles, a foot massage, soft clothing, a loving embrace, a fleecy blanket, a good bottle of wine, your bed when you are exhausted, a scented candle? Whatever makes you feel good, this book is just like that. Safe, familiar and guaranteed not to upset or make you think too hard. This type of novel is a friend who doesn't let you down, it is someone you can rely on and it will bring a smile to your face. I loved it because it is set in a part of Norfolk I have actually visited and know a little bit about and the descriptions of village life on the coast, away from the busyness of a career and all those work demands, immediately want to make you retreat to Nelson's Bar yourself! The characters are like teddy bears, comforting, nice and you absolutely don't want anything bad to happen to them. You know there will be some discord because every book needs a problem and a resolution but with this type of novel you know that you won't get your heart broken and there's an absence of evil anywhere. Basically, you know before you've started who will have the romantic love forever and that solutions will be found so that the idyll isn't shattered. Join Clancy in her endeavours to recover from a broken heart, find new friends and try her hardest to stop her cousin Alice from wrecking relationships.

Was this review helpful?

Of course... not having wifi becomes a crucial part of this book's storyline ;-)

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the book.

Was this review helpful?