Spend the summer in the country and add in romance to the mix and what do you get, a really great summer read. This has been very well written and both the characters and setting come to life . It may take a couple of pages for some people to get into this but once you are there will be no holding back. Personally I fell into this from the very start and so I am giving this wonderful novel 5 stars. If you haven't read any other books by Fay may I suggest that you look them up and enjoy.

Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for this ARC

Today I am delighted to be joining the blog tour for this wonderful summer read, in this story we meet Kate and her 3 teenage sons as they embark on a summer away whilst she considers her options following her recent divorce.

I loved getting to know Kate and spend time with her whilst she decorates her brothers home whilst he is on holiday. Somerset is a lovely part of the country and I loved the idyllic setting of the town and the gorgeous bookshop and coffee shop that played such a huge part of the story.

A story about family and finding the balance between being the best parent you can be and also doing what is right for yourself to allow you to move on. Kate quickly made friends through the most unlikely circumstances and started to feel the magic that her brothers had always spoken about over her summer break.

This was my first story by this author and I really enjoyed it, this is Book 3 in the Willowbury series but I read as a standalone and loved it. I loved the descriptions which were dispersed in key places to help with visualisation and the story is one that will make you smile and forget everything else that is going on around you whilst you are absorbed in Kate’s story.

I liked this run-of-the-mill narrative and think its best qualities were the setting and the feature of a book shop! The story itself is a gentle meander and I could imagine accompanying Kate through the Somerset streets of Willowbury. However, I don’t think the book blew me away with a ‘wow’ factor because I think it followed a formula I have seen too many times this year.

It is like a family reunion when Kate relocates her three boys to Willowbury, living with her two brothers and their partners. Kate has sold her home in Cambridge and, as her husband has moved on with another woman, Kate is looking for a fresh start. Throughout the narrative, Kate cannot deny her attractions to living in Willowbury, recognising the strong relationships her sons have with their aunts and uncles. Yet, can she permanently leave her Cambridge roots behind her, or is this just a summer move?

Whilst in Willowbury, Kate turns her hand to decorating. With her brother away on holiday, she offers to paint his house in return for some rent-free living. This evolves to painting the local bookshop, Vale Volumes, and introduces her to the owner, Harry. As the story progresses, Kate finds her attraction growing for this Somerset village, not to mention the closeness she finds with Harry. Her dilemma about where to live troubles her, especially when it becomes clear that her eldest son is not exactly settled with her ex-husband’s living circumstances.

Willowbury sounds like a lovely village! I say this about a lot of books but I do think the location is such an important element to a good read. Keenan is no different here and I could really picture the quirky visitors strolling around Willowbury, against the backdrop of the Somerset countryside. Sure, set in the summer always helps because the weather is rather glorious, but I think this simply adds to the positive vibes that radiate from the pages.

I grew to love reading about the bookshop. I was really intrigued about the author visit and this was my favourite section. I wished the bookshop had featured more in the narrative, although I’m not sure how Keenan could have done this to ensure the narrative remained lively and varied. At the same time, I wonder if having more chapters from Harry’s perspective would have helped, especially when it comes to understanding his character and his secret emotional baggage. Furthermore, when things get a bit rocky for Harry towards the end, I thought this was rather sudden and unexpected; I think knowing more about Harry from his viewpoint would have made this final development less unpredictable and not just a way of moving the plot forwards.

I did enjoy this book but sadly, with the volume of reads I consume, I don’t think this one will become very memorable! I do feel that the writer has used a formula that I have come across too frequently. Maybe this is an indication of my recent book choices; I need to immerse myself in a few murderous thrillers to truly appreciate the happiness that is part of reading this book.

Although this is part of a series, I certainly did not notice. True, I could recognise where the other stories would feature and which characters would be the focus, but I don’t think it stopped me from enjoying the narrative. The book is so focussed on Kate that the other characters are more of a satellite to her journey.

This was a pleasant read with a happy-ever-after ending. I liked the setting the most and the slow pace that comes from living in Willowbury.

With thanks to Boldwood Books, NetGalley and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

When Kate finds herself at a bit of a loose end, her brother Aidan’s suggestion to redecorate his house in the beautiful town of Willowbury could not have come at a more perfect time. Kate’s three children are spending the summer holidays with their father, so she is in desperate need of a distraction, and spending some time with her brother might be the thing she needs to help her work out what she plans to do next with her life.

Kate is determined to prove to herself that there’s plenty to live for following a divorce, but what she is unaware of when she first sets off to Willowbury is that this may well be the place that provides everything she has been looking for..

Harry Sinclair feels rather content with his life, despite feeling rather restless at times. He loves owning his beloved bookshop on Willowbury high-street, but he has found himself questioning whether or not he is missing out on what else life has to offer. When Kate appears in Willowbury and offers to redecorate his bookshop in preparation for a visit from a famous author, Harry gladly accepts her offer. As they begin to spend more time together whilst the work is underway, their relationship deepens with every passing day until they are both left questioning whether the other person could possibly be the answer to all of their problems.

This is such a feel good story that reels you in from the start. Kate is a character you connect with instantly, she has certainly faced some hardships in her life, but she is still such a caring and considerate person who puts the happiness of her children first and foremost in her life. The relationship she has with her brother is so lovely to follow too.

Harry is another loveable character that you find yourself rooting for from the moment we first meet him. He seems a little lost at times, but as the story progresses he seems to really come out of his shell and easily wins over your heart. The relationship that forms between himself and Kate is beautiful, with a strong friendship formed between them as they began working alongside one another.

A truly gorgeous read that filled me with joy from beginning to end.

*Reviewed for Blog Tour*
Just For The Summer was such a breezy summer read! There aren't a lot of books that captivate you from the very moment the main character gets introduced. So yeah, Just for the Summer is very, very special. :') The book ticked all the boxes for things I love in a beach read. 4.75/5 💫 stars!

This was my first book by Fay Keenan and it definitely won't be the last! Also, after going through Goodreads, I realized Just for the Summer is the third book (standalone) in a series. I SO NEED TO PICK UP THE OTHER BOOKS. The book is set in Willowbury ~ and YOU GUYS. Believe me when I say this: I want to board a train to a British countryside right now. This book served endless cozy feels. Our protagonist, Kate is a wonderful narrator. I loved knowing about her, and how she decided to move on after her divorce.  The author took a very realistic approach while portraying Kate's life. I really appreciated that! The themes of family and relationships were so perfectly expressed through the Kate's storyline. I especially loved her relationship with her eldest son. It was really heart-warming. 💕

And Harry, the bookstore owner was just the perfect addition to the story! The blooming relationship between Harry and Kate made reading this book such a wonderful ride. There were doubts and tears along the way, but the ending was just. Everything. ❤️

In conclusion, I would like thanks Fay Keenan for making me fall in love with women's fiction genre even more.

A blissful bucolic escape, Fay Keenan takes us back to Willowbury with her delightful new novel, Just For The Summer.

Kate is at a bit of a loose end, so her brother Aidan’s suggestion that she comes to redecorate his house in the beautiful town of Willowbury couldn’t have come at a better time. With her three kids spending the summer holidays with their dad, Kate is in desperate need of a distraction and she hopes that she can spend the coming weeks helping her brother out while figuring out what she’s going to be doing next with her life. Kate needs to prove to herself that there is life after divorce, but little does she realise that she is going to find everything she has always wanted right here in Willowbury.

Harry Sinclair has no reason to complain about his lot in life – even if he cannot help but feel a bit restless. Although he is perfectly content running Vale Volumes on Willowbury High Street, he has started to wonder whether there might be more to life than his bookshop. When Kate offers to help him redecorate his shop in time for a visit from a famous author, it quickly becomes apparent that it isn’t just Vale Volumes that could do with a sprucing. As the two of them find themselves getting closer and closer, it seems that Harry and Kate have got a lot more in common than colour schemes and paint swatches!

As their fledgling friendship quickly gives way to something far deeper, Harry and Kate wonder whether they have the courage to take a chance on a fresh start. But when their burgeoning relationship is threatened by old ghosts and past secrets, will they allow their fears and insecurities to get the better of them? Or will they realise that their summer fling could lead to a love that will last a lifetime?

Just For The Summer is such a lovely read! Heart-warming, witty, emotional and so addictive I couldn’t bear to put it down, Just For The Summer is an absorbing romantic read about starting over, second chances and new beginnings that will charm readers everywhere.

Harry and Kate’s love story effortlessly tugs at the heartstrings and makes readers laugh out loud. Both characters are mature, real, flawed and so believable, they will feel like old friends by the end of the book.

A delicious summertime read, Fay Keenan has struck gold with her latest novel, Just For The Summer.

Review
This book made me feel all the emotions and it was just a beautiful read.

I fell in love with the characters and really enjoyed their journeys.

I really related to Kate and her situation and I felt like I had made a friend by the end of the book.

I've since downloaded the rest of the books in the series, I loved it that much.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I love stories about new beginnings and this one is perfect. Kate is on the cusp of change in so many ways in her life: her home, her job, her single status, and all three are in a state of flux throughout most of the story.

I particularly loved the relationship she had with her sons, however I don’t think I'd have been as forgiving as Kate was with her ex.

There are several issues in the book that are handled sensitively yet without too much sentimentality, and all of the associated situations bring the story together.

Kate is mature and sensible, yet as the summer progresses she begins to consider taking chances, and I believe we could all learn from her in that sometimes a leap of faith is what's needed.

A lovely setting, a bookseller in need of some TLC, and the wonderful sense of family, all serve to make this a lovely romantic read.

READ MY REVIEW

Cover: Nice! It feels fresh and fun, just like I’d expect a summer romance to be.

Just for the Summer made me discover the concept of rural romance, and I’ve got to say it won me over right from the start. Call me a new subscriber of the genre. An aficionado. A convert. There’s just something about the countryside that speaks to me, you know? Away from the chaos that permeates every aspect of living in a big town, finding a new rhythm, a different balance– so nice. I wish I could drop my city life like a hot potato and skip back to gentle hills, vineyards and hazelnut trees.

Those kinds of thoughts are also what Kate thinks to herself when the story begins. Of course, the extent of her expectations is limited to a season only. Call it a liminal summer, while she finds her balance again. Is the liminal really liminal? Well.

The other protagonist, Harry, is just as interesting. I tend to favor single third limited POVs when I read, but I have to say that the double POV here works just fine. What I appreciated the most is the fact that his struggles, his flaws are not glossed over, but addressed and portrayed in a realistic way, same with Kate’s. Realism is the number one way to my bookish heart, no matter the setting. Number two is character growth, and that’s another aspect Keenan mastered well.

As for the story itself, it can be summarized like this: are there ups? Sure. Are there downs? You bet. Is it worth it? Wow, yes. Keenan knows how to make you care about characters, even when you don’t agree with their decisions. Even when you give them the britneywhat.gif side eye. That’s something I keep repeating, and every time it rings truer than the previous one: a good writer keeps you hooked despite your personal feelings about X or Y.

The prose itself is good! A couple of imperfections are present, but nothing major. It’s a great read through and through, and I can’t recommed it enough.

When Kate leaves Cambridge to renovate her brother's property in the West Country, she is just divorced and has no intention of entering another relationship. There she spills coffee on Heath, the proprietor of the local bookstore, and perhaps things are going to change?
This was such a refreshing novel to read this summer. I adored the characters. it was light and fun and the brilliant writing kept me interested. Reading Kate and Harry's story was such a delight. Highly Recommend!

I have been a fan of Fay’s work for a while now. I just love her stories. ‘Just For The Summer’ is the third book in the bestselling ‘Willowbury’ series. It is another corker of a read, which I thoroughly enjoyed reading but more about that in a bit.
I absolutely loved the main characters called Kate Harris and Harry Sinclair. In their own way both have been through the emotional mill. Kate was married but the marriage broke up and her ex—husband has now moved on with somebody else. They share custody of their three boys and they remain on reasonably friendly terms for the sake of their children. Harry Sinclair is the owner of a bookshop of Willowbury. He used to work in London, but decided to get out of the rat race. He had been in a relationship, which sadly broke down. Kate and Harry literally run into each other in the local coffee shop and there’s definitely a spark there. Will Kate and Harry find happiness together? Well for the answer to that question and much more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
When you pick up one of Fay’s books, you know that you are in for a treat and then some. As soon as I started to read, I just knew that I wasn’t going to be able to put the book to one side for any length of time. That is exactly what happened too. My Kindle wasn’t exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I just couldn’t bear to miss a single second of the story. I had warmed so much to Harry and Kate that I just had to find out if they both found the happy ever after ending that they so deserved. The pages of the book were turning that quickly that it was almost as if they were turning themselves and the page numbers became a blur. I soon got to the end of ‘Just For The Summer’ and I had to bid farewell to Willowbury and to the characters that live there. I found ‘Just For The Summer’ to be an enchanting read, which held my attention throughout and made me smile.
‘Just For The Summer’ is superbly written but then I thin that to be true of all of Fay’s books that I have had the pleasure of reading and reviewing. Fay has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading one of Fay’s books feels more like a chat between friends than reading an actual book. I hope that makes sense. For me the story hit the ground running and maintained a fairly gentle pace throughout. This was one of those books that made me laugh one minute, made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside and made me develop a slight lump in my throat another minute. I felt as though I was part of the story and that’s thanks to Fay’s very vivid and realistic storytelling.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Just For The Summer’ and I would recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Fay’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

I liked this book. The aiuthors draws a picture of a quaint town, with all its quirky inhabitants and fandoms. I really want to live in this town. But mostly for me this book is about family dynamics, and all its lows and ups. And It is about changing your life and move ON. Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

I really recommend you give this contemporary romance
Much more than just a passing glance,
It tells what happens to Kate Harris with her life changing
Her husband leaves her and all needs rearranging

The house is sold but where should she move and what should she do?
Should she stay where they live or move and start anew?
Her brothers live in Willowbury and welcome her there
With her sons, planning the summer to share.

She starts redecorating her brother’s house and soon discovers that
She’s made an enemy of his irksome cat
In the coffee shop she dramatically meets bookshop owner Harry
Their attraction is there but will they tarry?

This small community is great, the diverse characters, too
Including her three sons who have different ideas, its true.
The chance for romance is a possibility but just for the summer?
No, surely not, there’s nothing dumber!

This is an engaging story with character who’re fun
With secrets to reveal as the work gets done
It is a story of fresh starts, new schemes,
And taking the chance to follow your dreams.

My thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley who
Gave me a copy of this book with no obligation to review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing a free ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was a lovely, lighthearted story full of what it means to be a family. The setting in Willowbury is a highlight of the story, and Fay Keenan paints a beautiful picture of this quirky town. I love any romance involving a bookstore, and this one told a fun and entertaining story about a shy bookstore owner and a newly divorced mother of three. I enjoyed all of the side stories with the other members of the family, and found myself wanting to know more of where there stories lead after this book.

Thank you NetGalley, author Fay Keenan, and Boldwood Books publishing for giving me a free arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
5 stars
TW: Male infertility
While this is the third book in the Willowbury series, it can be read as a stand alone.
This story takes place in the lovely small village of Willowbury, where a small town romance will bloom.
Kate is a divorced 39 year old with 3 sons. Before she has found a new home, her family home is sold. So her brother Aiden asks her to spend the summer redecorating/painting his house across the country in Willowbury.
It is in the small village of Willowbury, Kate will be drawn to the people with a lovely cafe and a handsome bookshop owner, Harry. As she offers to repaint his shop in preparation for a famous local author to hold a book signing event, Harry and Kate begin a romantic relationship. Will they just have the summer or will it turn into something longer lasting?
I loved the characters especially Kate! She was so down-to-earth and likable. She is defiantly someone I could imagine getting coffee with or going on a weekend girls trip. I loved how much she wanted the best for her boys despite the breakup of her marriage. She was so considerate of the people around her, but more specifically to her sons when it came to starting a relationship with Harry. Harry was such a cinnamon roll hero! He was so open and understanding of Kate and her responsibilities to her boys. While this was a romance, the story had some very sensitive topics that were addressed and handle with care. I appreciated how the author was able to bring to light some topics that many people are not always aware of or are uncomfortable with in such a way that did not take the reader out of the story, but added heart to the story. I loved the openness and communication between Kate and Harry, which took their relationship beyond the physical and into some long lasting. The ending had me smiling and well satisfied. Overall, this was a great book and I can't wait to go back and read the previous books in this series. I would recommend this book to those who are fans of small town romances with cinnamon roll heroes!

Dealing With Changes That Mid-Life Divorce Brings
This is a well-written story about family, changes, and moving on. Our heroine is a newly divorced woman with 3 teenage sons dealing with life on her terms. She is portrayed in a completely realistic manner. Self-doubts, excitement, and wanting to remain near family as she tries to co-parent in a fair manner with her ex drives her as she begins her new life and business. All of the characters are completely believable. They all have personal issues, but they all are emotionally available to our heroine and her sons. This is a well-written book that I really enjoyed. I will be looking to read more from this author. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.

I’m disappointed in this book, it just felt like something was missing, there was so much description but then there was telephone conversations that we were told happened but we were not told what was said and other things left unresolved. It’s like there was a story but the author was not sure where to go with it, this was my first by this author and I am sorry to say I don’t think I will be rushing for another, the characters were written well but at times i wasn’t sure who a character was then I realised it was Kates Mam but they were using her name instead of “her Mam/mum”, quire confusing and some descriptions you can tell were a would count builder.

This was my first book by Fay Keenan and I found it to be very delightful! This story of a recently divorced woman who is staying at her brother's home for the summer to paint it for him leads to a family oriented plot. Kate has three sons, but they are supposed to be staying with their father. Just as Kate gets interested in the man who runs the local bookstore, her oldest son shows up on her doorstep. There are several intimate close calls between Kate and Harry, but the son and circumstances keep getting in the way. She's leaving after the summer anyway...isn't she?

Kate and Harry were both incredible characters and they were adorable together. Neither was looking for a relationship, but sometimes they just end up in your lap (Kate ended up in Harry's lap quite a few times!).

This story is about Kate finding her own way and trying to actually put herself first for once. It's also about finding the importance that your grown siblings can have in your life if you just give those relationships a chance. They do seem to become more important as we get older!

I think this was the third in the series and I am definitely considering going back to pick up the first two! It was a great summer read!

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.

I chose this book because of the lovely, colorful cover. It just exudes Summer. The two main characters, Kate and Henry, are likeable and you care for them. You want them to be happy and get their problems solved. The descriptions of the town and countryside are luscious and romantic. Throw in the problems of divorce, teenage angst, and some anxiety and you have a complex story.
This book is a quick read with some humor, soul searching, and a possibility of romance. It’s exactly what I wanted just for the summer and beyond.
Thank you #netgalley and #boldwoodbooks for an advanced copy of #JustfortheSummer.

Thank you NetGalley, Fay Keenan and Boldwood Books for the book Just for the Summer. This is my personal review.
This is the third book in the Willowbury series, but I had no trouble connecting with the characters in the story.
Kate Harris has three sons to raise, and she is newly divorced. They sell their family home and decides to help make the transition to her new life she moves to her brothers’ house in the countryside to redecorate it for him while he is on vacation with Tom, his partner.
While she is doing this for her brother, Harry who owns the bookstore in town asks Kate if she would be interested in redecorating his bookstore.
This book took me into the town and lives of the characters and left me their while I enjoyed the sweet even romance and small-town charm from the first word to the last.
I am looking forward to going back and reading the first two books in this series.