What a lovely story! Definitely a 5 star read from me! It was just the perfect summer read.

Kate is a divorced 39 year old with 3 sons. Just after her marital home is sold, before she has found a new home her brother Aiden asks her to spend the summer redecorating/painting his house across the country in Willowbury. Both of Kate’s brothers live in Willowbury which is just a really quaint little town full of funny people with a lovely cafe and bookshop that both feature in this story. While spending the summer in Willowbury Kate meets the local bookshop owner Harry and a romance starts to develop between them. Is this just a summer fling or is it something more?

Kate was a lovely level headed main character that I could really relate to. We are the same age and I also have boys and have been through a divorce and move and trying to figure out what is best for my son and myself. Kate has a really good relationship with her brothers and their spouses and that just adds to the warm feelings you get when reading this book.

After I had already started reading this book I discovered it was the third in the Willowbury series, but I think each book focuses on different characters so they can be read as standalone books too. I have not read the other books in this series yet, but now I definitely want to.

Certain events in this book really touched me and had me reading with a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. Then during other parts I just sat there smiling. Conclusion… this really is a five star read.

I would like to thank Fay Keenan, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the chance to read this lovely story in exchange for an honest review.

It wasn’t until I looked at Fay’s author page that I realised that I have read and enjoyed quite a few of her books. I also didn’t realise that this was the third in a series, so can honestly say that it works as a standalone story. Having now met the characters in this book, I’m pretty confident that I have a fair grasp of the storyline in the two previous instalments. I will certainly seek them out and feel sure that I will enjoy them as much as Just for the Summer.

I loved Kate’s story and really enjoyed reading about her metamorphosis from a disillusioned and hurt ex-wife into the way she was at the end of this book. I don’t think that it’s a spoiler to suggest that there may be a happy ending. The only problem with fictional villages, is that it’s impossible to visit. I can imagine exploring Willowbury and would certainly pop into Vale Volumes.
For me, the joy in this story came from Kate’s relationships with her brothers and her sons. Each one added a special layer to the story, and it was hard to imagine how she could leave and return to her life in Cambridgeshire. The pain of being left behind, as her sons left for a big-ticket holiday, was tangible and I found myself imagining how I would cope.
The story felt well researched, not all of the storylines were light and fluffy, and the darker elements were handled beautifully. Mental health is a huge focus in today’s world and Just for the Summer treated such issues skilfully and with empathy. That said, the story remained light and an enjoyable read.

Kate decides to take her brother up on his offer of decorating his house while he and his partner are on holiday. As her other brother Sam and his wife also live there she thinks it's a great opportunity to be together.

Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for a review.

I've enjoyed reading Faye Keenan books in the past but the Willoughbury book series seems to have passed me by for some reason. This looks like it's the 3rd in the series but the fact I hadn't read the other two didn't detract from my enjoyment of reading this one.

A lovely summery read - there's a bookshop, there's the countryside - just a perfect combination!

I adore Fay Keenan's books and after reviewing Snowflakes over Bay Tree Terrace, I was glad to receive the ARC of the next book in the series.

In the picturesque town of Willowbury, Kate is helping her brother Aidan redecorate his home before she decides what to do next in life. There's a bookshop there too. Owner Harry is bored with everything. Can Kate help him renovate the shop and his life?

Fay Keenan creates such quaint settings and has a great attention to detail. I thoroughly enjoyed this laid-back novel but with real life issues too. I can't wait for the next Fay Keenan book! I have now reviewed more than one by her and I have loved them all.

Thanks to Fay Keenan, Rachel's Random Resources for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

4 stars

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC for an exchange for an honest review.

Very nice read. Sweet and romantic.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

Fay’s books are so beautifully written and hard to put down.

Kate takes on the job of redecorating her brothers house in Willowbury, but she’s aware that it’s temporary.

With her three sons, she’s aware that there’s decisions to be made on where they’re going to live and what she’s going to do next. Will she be able to make a life for herself after her divorce?

Harry, owns and runs the bookshop on Willowbury High Street. He feels a bit down and thinks his shop, and his life could do with refreshing. Knowing that a famous authors due to visit, he gives Kate the job of sprucing up the shop. Whilst she’s doing so, and through chatting to Harry, she finds that they both have things in common.

I loved how the past of Harry and her brothers lives are weaved into the story, giving an insight on what thru went through before coming to Willowbury.

Will Kate and Harry get past all that’s happened? Will Kate make it her new home? Or is it just a holiday fling?

Really enjoyed reading this.

Kate is spending the summer redecorating her brothers home in Willowbury while she decides what to do with her life after her divorce. Here she meets local bookshop owner Harry. Both have reservations about starting something new, however, the the sparks are flying and can’t be ignored.

I love any book that references Judy Bloom - if you know, you know.

Everything about this book is captivating. This novel is impossible to put down. I downloaded the arc this morning, and by this afternoon, I had finished. The rollercoaster was intense, we all need a bit of romance right now!

Kate meets Harry when she is staying in her brothers house to decorate it while he is away.
She is a single mum, but is on her own in town and connects with Harry, decorating the shop for him and then dating him. Will it be just for the summer, or do they have a chance beyond that?

I really enjoyed this book i was hooked from the start and read in a few days i like the book cover aswell

I enjoyed reading this romantic summery feel good novel. This is the first book that I have read by this author and I’m really looking forward to reading many more of her books. A perfect form of escapism especially at this time. The story follows Kate’s journey in a place called Willowbury which sounds idyllic.

After Kate's marriage breaks down and she is forced to sell the family home. She decides its time for a rethink, her three boys away for the summer she moves into her brothers house to start her painting business. Village life charms her and meeting a local book store owner seals her fate. A story of friendship, family and love, with the reality of divorce thrown in. A charming story with plenty to keep you interested
Although could do without the virtual signalling (going to the coffee shop with reusable cups, etc)
Totally recommend

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. This was a really nice feel good read and made me smile. Great storyline and great characters, I really enjoyed it.

I was given an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This was a light, fun, breezy book. It would be great to take on vacation or to read by a pool.

I was given a copy of this book, for a full and honest review

Kate is a newly divorced mother of three; trying to navigate the changes in her life. I found Kate a hugely relatable and realistic character; one you can imagine being or being friends with. A woman in her late thirties trying to find a new purpose in life; while putting the needs of others first. The author did a great job with the characters; I felt like I could go out for a drink with Kate and her family.

Her descriptions of the locations made it easy to imagine walking down the high street; however, I did find the repetitive use of Willowbury a little grating, particularly at the beginning. Although the author did seem to “settle” after a couple of chapters and the repetition of the town wasn’t as noticeable.

Overall it was a lovely read, seeing Kate’s relationships evolve; particularly with her eldest son. I think readers who are fans of authors like Katie Fforde, Jill Mansell and Milly Johnson will thoroughly enjoy this summer read.

P.S. I noticed an error at the end of chapter 54, where Florence said to Kate “it will make a lovely house for the three of you”…. When Kate has 3 sons…. So it will be 4 in total.


Review minus the p.s. ; will be added to amazon when available

Thanks Netgalley for a arc copy of this book for a honest review..   


Just For The Summer was such a delight read.. Kate and Harry were such fun reading about there story.  4 star read for me 




Happy Reading 📚

Lisa

Kate is a divorced with 3 boys and the marital home has just been sold,she doesn't know what her next steps will be but she isn't sure she likes the idea of living in a small annexe at her mum's house.
Her brother Aiden asks her if she would be willing to decorate his house while he goes on his belated honeymoon, Kate agrees and while the boys are on their summer holiday with their dad heads off to Willowby
Kate accidently spills coffee over Harry who owns the local bookshop and her new start gets a whole lot more interesting
Loved this book, a great read

Another charming entry in the Willowbury series. The author provides us with some great characters, a beautiful setting and of course, romance. Newly divorced Kate is trying to figure out the future for herself and her three sons. Bookstore owner Harry and Kate meet accidentally when Kate temporarily moves to Willowbury to redecorate her brother's home. Dealing with family drama, thanks to her teenage son, Kate is definitely not looking for romance. A great summer read!

I loved this story. Oh I wanted to be Harry and own the bookshop.. Kate was a strong character and her x was an idiot. I loved Kate’s relationship with her brothers. Willowbury sounds a lovely place . You felt for Cory. Divorce is hard for children .A great relaxing feel good book