What a beautiful heart-warming book, great story and characters.

Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.

The summer of taking chances by Lynn Shelby

A very enjoyable summer read many feel good bits some characters that make a few disasters when you least expect them I enjoyed the residents of South Quay and main characters Emma and Jake . Emma a resident and Jake the famous actor and former resident returning for the summer after 10years. Everything you want from a summer read though I did find it a bit plodding & repeats itself in the middle though others may not notice. Very likeable .

I very much enjoyed this book. It has a good story and excellent main characters. I would definately recommend this book.

What an enjoyable, fabulous romance to immerse myself. I loved the interplay between Emma & Jake who still had so much chemistry. The setting and the cast of supporting characters also played their part in making this a memorable book.

What a beautiful book this was to read. The seaside setting made me feel as though I was somewhere else for a little while, which I'm sure most of us need right now. Full of love, laughter, and a strong sense of settling for nothing but what you truly deserve.... it is the perfect summer read.

I really enjoyed this book. The seaside setting particularly appealed as it meant it felt like a proper summer holiday read. I loved Emma the main character and seeing the relationship between her and the gorgeous Jake develop after they became reacquainted after 10 years. I like what the book had to say about following your dreams and not settling for second best.

Likeable characters and a heartwarming, satisfying plot coupled with an idyllic seaside setting made this the perfect summer read. Thank you netgalley!

The Summer of Taking Chances is the kind of book that I would normally say is great for reading poolside, or on a tropical beach, with an ice cold cocktail in your hand. As that looks unlikely this year, you might just have to settle for a chair in your back garden and a glass or two of something fizzy – either way, this is definitely a book to be enjoyed al fresco. It is a lovely light read to relax with and escape the stresses of the real world for a little while.

Whilst Emma is warm and relatable, and Jake is as irresistible as every leading man should be, it was the supporting cast of characters that really grabbed my attention in this book. They took me right back to my own amateur dramatics days in my teens, with all the politics and back-biting going on, not to mention the speed at which any snippet of gossip could travel around the entire company. I think anyone who has ever been involved in a village club or society will spot elements of people they know within the ranks of the South Quay Players. The catalogue of disasters that befalls the Players did leave me wondering whether someone had perhaps invoked the name of the Scottish play!

All in all, The Summer of Taking Chances is an enjoyable, fun summer read.

Lovely feel good read. Pick it up and get lost in the book. Lovely setting . Well written. Easy to read, great plot. Perfect for reading when we can’t get away on our own holidays at the moment.

What a book....so many of my favourite things were crammed into this glorious story. By that I particularly mean acting and the Bard. Amateur Dramatic Societies generally go hand in hand with more drama happening off stage to what can be found on stage....I come at this from experience and this story was certainly no different. I mean how hard can it be to put on one of Shakespeare's most iconic plays? Exactly! Everything that could go wrong, did, and then some. But what was so heartwarming was the 'it'll be alright on the night' stoic atmosphere that laced it's way throughout the narrative until even I was tempted to step in and play a part.

As well as the 'Comedy of Errors' surrounding the production, the cast list was equally fascinating in its own right and sported the hunk that is professional actor Jake. I loved each and every character and felt as though they took to their real life roles with extreme gusto and society spirit to raise this book up and I was cheering them on one iambic pentameter at a time. But I must say that my favourite parts were the endless Shakespearean quotes leading the way and the abundance of theatrical metaphors decorating the pages. I mean I'm known for throwing a dramatic metaphor into a review or two but this book brought the masterclass. All in all I was provided with endless entertainment, a pair of star crossed lovers and a play that was hell bent on going wrong. What more could you possibly want from your summer reading?

Emma lives a quiet, happy life organising working as an events coordinator at a hotel and starring in the local amateur drama productions. It's not the life she dreamed of at seventeen, but she's content enough - until first love and famous actor Jake wanders into their local bar. He's just been dumped by his (also famous) on and off again girlfriend and has come back to their small town to avoid the paparazzi.

The story is told from Emma's point of view, including flashbacks to their teenage selves, so we get a really good look inside her head and a front row seat to her rekindling friendship with Jake. While I didn't agree with all her choices, this point of view makes them all understandable.

Jake has changed a lot since he last saw Emma, and I suspect he would not be nearly as sympathetic if he was seen from any other viewpoint. He chooses his roles purely on the payout (though it is made clear he doesn't need the cash) and looks down on amateur theatre. Thankfully, he doesn't stay that way. The way he and Emma quickly slip into Shakespeare is honestly adorable.

There's a great cast of supporting characters, many of them introduced in their dual identities in the town and in the play that forms the backdrop of Emma and Jake's relationship over the summer. We are given enough to appreciate them without them overloading the plot.

Speaking of the plot - I can't put my finger on how exactly, but I found this story perfectly paced and eminently enjoyable. There's no wild twists and turns, but there are the bumps and curves that crop up when people come together and the minor dramas of small town life. It was never boring, never saccharine, and never upsetting. There were a couple of seventeen year olds who made some poor choices, but seventeen wasn't a great year for anyone, so I find them reasonable, if frustrating.

If you're looking for a slow burn second chance romance with Shakespeare, please pick this up.

For a book I just really enjoyed reading and that may well become a comfort read, five stars.

Really good read. Would recommend to friends and family. I could sympathise with characters (important for any fiction novel!) and looked forward to picking it up and reading the next few chapters! Interesting plot line and a good ending. Will look out for more novels by the author. Thank you.

This is a new author to me, it was safe to say I was drawn in by the synopsis and the gorgeous sea views of the front cover.
I live by the sea so I knew it was going to make me feel warm and homely.
This is a lovely little easy and light summer read, perfect to whizz through during a day on the beach.
The characters are all lovely and have their own little quirks to make them unique.
Jake and Emma are the main characters and are very relatable and let’s be honest who dosent love a second chance romance? .
#blogtour #love #romance #beach #drama #play #bookaddict #bookworm

Emma Stevens is happy in her hometown of South Quay. She’s an Event Assistant at the local hotel and amateur actor in the South Quay Players. But her life is about to change by the arrival of famous actor and former best friend, Jake Murray. Who is she kidding? He was her first love, but he didn’t reciprocate the feeling 10 years ago at the young age of seventeen. When he decides to vacation in South Quay after his breakup with his Hollywood girlfriend. He wants to be friends, but can Emma go down that road again?

I seriously do not like Jake. He is an arrogant asshat who thinks he’s better than everyone else. In fact, I really don’t see the chemistry between him and Emma. Jake seems so cold and nonchalant about everything, especially his constant condescension of amateur dramatics which is something dear to Emma’s heart. Personally, I would be waving goodbye at the start. However, Emma apparently sees something in him. Eventually, he does start to change for the better, but is it enough? Emma has her own issues of taking responsibility for her own actions, but she is a good friend to Lizzie with her surprising news and an avid supporter of her community. In addition, there are a number of interesting supporting characters such as Lizzie and Noah as well as the South Quay Players who are integral to the story.

Overall, this is a good story, but I felt there was more love and romance between Lizzie and Noah than there was with Emma and Jake, the main characters. The author has a good writing style and an interesting plotline, but I just didn’t feel moved by it.

Thank you to Ms. Shelby for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

I loved this story, Emma was living a quiet life in South Quay, working in a hotel, living with her best friend and spending her free time rehearsing and performing with the local amdram society. When the boy who broke her teenage heart arrives back in town, ten years later and now a man, her world is tipped upside down. Everyone knows the famous actor Jake Murray and everyone wants a piece of him, everyone that is, except for Emma. She manages to renew their friendship and they mingle as part of a group but she can never trust him again.

I loved the setting for this book and the way the characters were able to take a few steps away from home and be on the gorgeous beach.

Emma's character was gorgeous, she was a lovely friend and I felt for her that she was left unfulfilled after not getting into drama school as a teenager. Jake was gorgeous and arrogant to start off with and his girlfriend was very unpleasant. Emma went on such a journey throughout the book and I could really feel her pain especially after what she did with the seaglass that Jake had given her. I must admit I shouted 'Nooooooooo,' at that point but then again I'm just a real sentimental softie.

The style of writing was lovely and unique, I could really visualise the characters and the settings and I felt I was quickly brought into the friendship group. Unique because just like the theatrical theme of at the heart of the story, the author managed to write about Emma's life as though it was a theatrical performance and she and Jake would quote Shakespeare to each other, I've never seen that done before and it really suited the story.

After saying Jake was arrogant at the beginning of the story I soon warmed to him as did Emma. I found the sexy scenes were hot hot hot and very well written. Emma's story was wonderful as she really went through a whole range of emotions, including fighting her own inner turmoil over her feelings for Jake.

A wonderfully heart-warming read to bring sunshine to your life and a smile to your lips.

This is a second chance romance starring the drama group from South Quay and a local but now famous actor who is returning to holiday there for the summer. Jake Murray left a decade ago but Emma Stevens has never forgotten him as he broke her heart when she was just seventeen. Now he’s back and he definitely looks down on the amateurs who will be performing Romeo and Juliet in their summer performance. He comes across as arrogant, snobbish, belittling, conceited, self-important . . . . . you get my drift? I really didn’t connect with him or like him for most of the story though he redeems himself in the end.

Whilst most of the story is set around South Quay, there is also a few days spent in London and I definitely want to explore some of the areas visited as part of this at some point in the future. There are many quotes from Shakespeare dotted throughout the story as Emma and Jake have a longstanding habit of using them in their conversations so if you enjoy his works it may well add to your enjoyment of this book. I found them funny to begin with.

The cast of Romeo and Juliet is full of great, quirky characters who provide lots of laughter and drama as the story progresses. Emma has the role of Juliet but there are several different Romeos for her before the final performance. The whole production is fraught with problems to be overcome from cast changes to costume dramas, venue issues and difficulties learning lines. If you can think of a potential difficulty, they probably had to sort it out! It really is a case of trying to ensure that the show must go on! Through it all, Emma is reconnecting with Jake but do they really want to rekindle their teen romance or have they now grown too far apart?

There are several different romances in this heartwarming story set in this lovely, seaside community and it is a lovely story to escape into. I requested and was gifted a copy of this book and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.

Every now and again I find a novel which helps to awake a memory from my past. The Summer Of Taking Chances took me back over thirty-five years to a time in my youth when I, like Emma Stevens dreamed of going to drama school Unlike Emma, I never pursued my dream, however, reading this novel triggered so many memories for me and reminded me of a special time in my life. It was an unexpected reaction, but one which will, thanks to this book will stay for me a while. 

When Jake Murray walks into the Armada Inn, his presence sends a ripple of curiosity around the small community of South Quay. It's been ten years since he'd left the small seaside town to go to drama school and now he was a household name and subject of many tabloid articles. For Emma Stevens, it ignites the heartache she felt ten years ago when he broke her heart. 

The chemistry between Jake Murray and Emma Stevens is palpable as the reunited pair quickly fall back into a compatible friendship despite the tainted history between them. It soon becomes clear, old feelings are resurfacing, only Jake's leaving at the end of summer and Emma has spent the last ten years feeling settled and content, after giving up her theatrical ambitions. Besides, she doesn't want to risk heartbreak again. 

Emma has built a comfortable life for herself, working as an event planner at a local hotel. However, the reasons for giving up her dream are not what they seem. Interestingly, Jake calls her out after she blames him for what happened ten years ago when her ambitions were ruined. He makes her take responsibility for her actions. It's a catalyst for her to change the course of her future by deciding whom and what are  important in her life.

Similarly, Emma cuts through Jake's arrogant remarks, calling him out when he oversteps his mark. Her influence also helps to reignite his passion for theatre work, after, becoming jaded with the tedium of working on a T.V. film set. Equally, Jake's blunt honesty, even when it shocks is refreshing and highlights he's far from perfect. For me, he's the perfect leading man because who doesn't love a flawed character? 

A beautifully written second chance romance. The focus is Emma and Jake, but there's also love in the air for other members of the South Quay Players too. Additionally, there's plenty of theatrical drama within the small knit community resulting in a heart-warming display of unity. The ending is heartfelt and leaves a fuzzy feel-good warmth against the picturesque seaside backdrop. 

Overall, a lovely combination of theatre-land, small-town drama and satisfying romances between people meant to be together. 

***arc generously received courtesy of Headline Accent via NetGalley***

This romance has all the ingredients which add to up to heart-warming and satisfying summer read. The setting is inviting with the strolls on the beach and the cosy evenings in the pub. The characters are a lively bunch of would be thespians, all with their own little quirks which makes for a friendly atmosphere. Our two central characters are relatable and likeable- despite Jake's initial feelings about acting. I particularly enjoyed the way you are gradually let into Emma's thoughts as the story progresses and you realise why she feels so hurt by her past.

The background of the ill-fated production of Romeo and Juliet adds some interest as Emma and Jake quickly fall back into their own little bubble of quoting parts of the plays at each other. It shows how there is still a connection, despite the passage of 10 years. I always enjoy a Second Chances novel and as you discover, there are several couples in the story who are hoping for one. Friendship and family add to the mix and make this an enjoyable read which frankly, sped by.

In short: Is there enough courage about to take a risk and try again?
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book.

Lynne Shelby imbues her latest romantic page-tuner, The Summer of Taking Chances with plenty of pathos, humour, warmth and heart. A tale of fresh starts, past regrets and new beginnings, The Summer of Taking Chances is another fantastic read by this talented storyteller!

As a teenager, Emma loved the theatre and longed to be on the stage. She loved her drama lessons at school and had great plans to audition for one of the country’s leading drama schools and become a star of the stage and screen. But when she didn’t get a place at the Royal College of Drama, a dejected Emma had decided to shelve her dreams of stardom and had instead settled into a job working as an events assistant at a local hotel. Her love of the stage hasn’t left her entirely and she is part of the South Quay Players, an amateur theatrics company who are currently in rehearsal for this summer’s production of Romeo and Juliet. Emma is delighted to be playing the lead female role in her favourite Shakespeare play, but this summer in South Quay it looks like romantic drama will not be the stage’s sole domain because Jake Murray is back in town and he brings with him a surfeit of never forgotten feelings and emotions for Emma.

Jake had been a total tearway as a teenager who had been more interested in boozing with his mates on the beach rather than in applying himself to his schoolwork – until he had discovered drama. Jake and Emma used to spend hours on the beach running lines and rehearsing speeches and soliloquys, but whilst Jake had been accepted into drama school and moved to London, Emma had stayed put. Now a star in one of TV’s most popular dramas, Jake Murray is a bona fide celebrity and a regular in the tabloids. Hounded by the press after the break-up of his latest relationship, Jake decided to lie low and hide in South Quays for the summer until interest in his love life dies down. However, could running into Emma give him a reason to stick around for longer than a couple of months?

Emma has spent the last decade playing it safe, but with Jake back in town, she cannot help but wonder what life could have been like had she not given up on her dreams so easily. As her feelings for Jake come flooding back with a vengeance, will she take the plunge and stop hiding in her comfort zone? Or is Emma destined to spend the rest of her life wondering what might have been?

Readers who enjoy Katie Fforde and Jill Mansell’s books who haven’t yet discovered the magic of Lynne Shelby’s entertaining and immensely enjoyable novels are missing out on a treat. The Summer of Taking Chances is a wonderful tale I couldn’t resist gobbling up. Heart-warming, funny and feel-good, The Summer of Taking Chances features a relatable heroine, a gorgeous hero (who I kept picturing as Richard Armitage) and plenty of wit, drama and backstage mischief and shenanigans to keep readers completely glued to this superb summer blockbuster.

An unmissable romantic read from a fast rising star, don’t miss Lynne Shelby’s latest, The Summer of Taking Chances.

If you're looking for a feel good summer romance, then this is the book for you. It's a fairly predictable romance with a likeable heroine and a major Shakespeare theme throughout.

The story centres around the relationship of Emma and Jake. Despite being friends in high school, their lives have taken them in completely different directions and other than a shared love of drama, they don't really have that much in common. Jake is now a famous actor starring in Hollywood productions and as the lead in a TV show, whereas Emma hasn't really left her hometown and acts in her amateur dramatic group. With Jake living in London and Emma in her quaint hometown, their lives are set on completely different courses. That is until Jake reappears in South Quay...

Everything in the story happens fairly as you expect it too. It's one of those books you know you'd love to read on holiday on a sunlounger to relax with. Emma was a truly lovable protagonist and I felt myself really rooting for her to achieve her dreams and act! She seemed to spend so much time concerned about her friends and looking after others, she had forgotten to look after herself.

Whilst I loved the protagonist Emma, I really hated Jake and by the end of the book and honestly, I didn't really want them to get together. He was obnoxious, arrogant and belittling to Emma and the other actors in South Quay. I'm not sure I'd want any of my friends to end up with a partner like Jake...

I loved the Shakespeare references that were dotted around in their conversations but by the end of the book it felt forced. Sometimes there was a reference that seemed to be dropped in for no apparent reason right in the middle of dialogue and it didn't seem to add to the story. A nice touch, but it was a bit too much for me in the end.

Overall, a lovely summer romance to whisk you away and with an extra touch of drama! Perfect for romance and Shakespeare lovers alike. A well written story, even if it's a tad predictable!