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Memories of Summer
Brandon Fletcher never stopped loving Summer Blakely.
When she left Sugar Creek ten years ago without looking back, he did his best to move on—but some loves never fade. So when Brandon learns that Summer has been injured while serving overseas, there’s no he’ll be there for her, no matter what it takes.
Summer never expected the army to become her life, but it was easier than facing the pain she left behind. After a devastating injury, she returns to Sugar Creek seeking peace, healing, and anonymity, hoping to avoid the man she never stopped loving. In a town this small, that was never going to happen.
As old feelings resurface, Brandon offers Summer a steady presence, quiet patience, and a love that asks for nothing but honesty. But the past has left scars she’s afraid to share, and trusting someone again may be the hardest battle she’s ever fought.
Memories of Summer is a tender, slow-burn, second-chance, small-town romance about devotion, healing after trauma, and a love strong enough to wait. Perfect for readers who value steadfast heroes, emotional depth, and hard-won, real happily-ever-afters. While Memories of Summer is Book 3 in the Seasons of Sugar Creek series, it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone. Readers who want to start at the beginning may enjoy A Home for Christmas.
Seasons of Sugar Creek Chronological
A Home For Christmas
Catch Me If I Fall
Memories of Summer
8 Things Not to Do This Spring
Ellie vs The New Year's Kiss
The Sugar Creek Blame Game
Content This story includes themes of military service, war-related trauma, survivor’s guilt, and references to past sexual assault.
When she left Sugar Creek ten years ago without looking back, he did his best to move on—but some loves never fade. So when Brandon learns that Summer has been injured while serving overseas, there’s no he’ll be there for her, no matter what it takes.
Summer never expected the army to become her life, but it was easier than facing the pain she left behind. After a devastating injury, she returns to Sugar Creek seeking peace, healing, and anonymity, hoping to avoid the man she never stopped loving. In a town this small, that was never going to happen.
As old feelings resurface, Brandon offers Summer a steady presence, quiet patience, and a love that asks for nothing but honesty. But the past has left scars she’s afraid to share, and trusting someone again may be the hardest battle she’s ever fought.
Memories of Summer is a tender, slow-burn, second-chance, small-town romance about devotion, healing after trauma, and a love strong enough to wait. Perfect for readers who value steadfast heroes, emotional depth, and hard-won, real happily-ever-afters. While Memories of Summer is Book 3 in the Seasons of Sugar Creek series, it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone. Readers who want to start at the beginning may enjoy A Home for Christmas.
Seasons of Sugar Creek Chronological
A Home For Christmas
Catch Me If I Fall
Memories of Summer
8 Things Not to Do This Spring
Ellie vs The New Year's Kiss
The Sugar Creek Blame Game
Content This story includes themes of military service, war-related trauma, survivor’s guilt, and references to past sexual assault.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 6, 2024
3 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
River Ford
40 books34 followersI met the man I would marry when I was twelve years old. We went on our first date to my junior prom when we were sixteen. My hair was teased in true 90's style, stuffed with baby's breath, and my blue dress had the puffiest of sleeves. I felt like Cinderella on her way to the ball.
Our romance was a classic slow burn. Seriously, it took him two years to finally kiss me! But it was worth the wait. We were married at the age of twenty-two and have been chasing our happily ever after since then.
It wasn't all hearts and roses. We supported each other through college, four kids, multiple jobs and moves, and various emotional and health struggles. We've remained best friends through it all, which is why I believe in true love and happily ever afters.
The challenges and successes of finding and fighting to keep love are what I strive to bring to my stories. When I was growing up, everyone acted like finding your love was the end. After that, everything would be wonderful, but life isn't like that. Every day is a choice, and I strive to bring that reality to my romance stories.
Our romance was a classic slow burn. Seriously, it took him two years to finally kiss me! But it was worth the wait. We were married at the age of twenty-two and have been chasing our happily ever after since then.
It wasn't all hearts and roses. We supported each other through college, four kids, multiple jobs and moves, and various emotional and health struggles. We've remained best friends through it all, which is why I believe in true love and happily ever afters.
The challenges and successes of finding and fighting to keep love are what I strive to bring to my stories. When I was growing up, everyone acted like finding your love was the end. After that, everything would be wonderful, but life isn't like that. Every day is a choice, and I strive to bring that reality to my romance stories.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 21, 2024
WHAT IT'S ABOUT
Brandon Fletcher has always loved Summer Blakely. The day she walked away and stopped returning his calls broke his heart. He tried to move on, but ten years later, when he learns she’s been injured in the line of duty, he knows he will do anything for her.
Summer never thought she’d make the army her career, but it was easier than facing her personal trauma. When her convoy is ambushed, she needs the peace only Sugar Creek can offer. If she’s lucky, she can hide at home and avoid the man she never stopped loving. Of course, Sugar Creek, Vermont, is a small town, and Brandon has been patiently waiting for her.
He’s everything she remembers, and everyone is pushing them together—even the ghost of her dead commander. Will Summer finally reveal her secrets and accept the love she desperately needs?
MY TAKE
This was both engaging and frustrating at the same time. lol It was so fun to be back in Sugar Creek, though the Sugar Mamas didn't do much in this story.
Brandon and Summer have been in love for over a decade, though she's been gone for ten years. They were high school sweethearts. At least until she went on a service trip when she was 17 and came back a different person. After graduation, she joins the Army and leaves Brandon behind wondering what happened and questioning if he did something wrong.
The story opens on one of the worst days of Summer's life, the day an IED steals almost everyone on the maneuver, including her best friend and commander, Griff. I LOVED Griff! And he loved Summer. But he remained her friend because he knew Brandon back home had her heart. But Griff's love for her doesn't end with his death. He stays with her to help her get back with her man.
This is a tender, heart-wrenching story of different kinds of love--friends, families, lovers. Poor Summer has alienated herself from so much all because of the other worst day of her life. This is the story of her journey of letting go of the past and no long punishing herself as a victim.
There were times I wanted to smack both Brandon and Summer (him once but her several times). But I also realize that the first lie is too often one we tell ourselves. Once she got out of her way, she freed more than herself and Brandon.
Lovely story.
Brandon Fletcher has always loved Summer Blakely. The day she walked away and stopped returning his calls broke his heart. He tried to move on, but ten years later, when he learns she’s been injured in the line of duty, he knows he will do anything for her.
Summer never thought she’d make the army her career, but it was easier than facing her personal trauma. When her convoy is ambushed, she needs the peace only Sugar Creek can offer. If she’s lucky, she can hide at home and avoid the man she never stopped loving. Of course, Sugar Creek, Vermont, is a small town, and Brandon has been patiently waiting for her.
He’s everything she remembers, and everyone is pushing them together—even the ghost of her dead commander. Will Summer finally reveal her secrets and accept the love she desperately needs?
MY TAKE
This was both engaging and frustrating at the same time. lol It was so fun to be back in Sugar Creek, though the Sugar Mamas didn't do much in this story.
Brandon and Summer have been in love for over a decade, though she's been gone for ten years. They were high school sweethearts. At least until she went on a service trip when she was 17 and came back a different person. After graduation, she joins the Army and leaves Brandon behind wondering what happened and questioning if he did something wrong.
The story opens on one of the worst days of Summer's life, the day an IED steals almost everyone on the maneuver, including her best friend and commander, Griff. I LOVED Griff! And he loved Summer. But he remained her friend because he knew Brandon back home had her heart. But Griff's love for her doesn't end with his death. He stays with her to help her get back with her man.
This is a tender, heart-wrenching story of different kinds of love--friends, families, lovers. Poor Summer has alienated herself from so much all because of the other worst day of her life. This is the story of her journey of letting go of the past and no long punishing herself as a victim.
There were times I wanted to smack both Brandon and Summer (him once but her several times). But I also realize that the first lie is too often one we tell ourselves. Once she got out of her way, she freed more than herself and Brandon.
Lovely story.
February 2, 2026
Memories of Summer is a tender, emotional second-chance romance that really settles into your heart once it gets going. It did take me a little while to fully connect with Brandon and Summer, but once I did, I was completely invested in their journey.
Brandon is the definition of a steadfast hero, patient, loyal, and quietly devoted. His love for Summer never wavered, even after ten years apart, and the way he shows up for her without pressure or expectations is honestly beautiful. Summer’s story is heavier, shaped by military service, trauma, and loss, and her struggle to trust and heal felt raw and real.
This is very much a slow-burn romance, focused on emotional healing, forgiveness, and learning how to let someone love you again. The small-town Sugar Creek setting adds warmth and familiarity, making their reconnection feel both inevitable and deeply personal.
I listened to the audiobook, and AJ Wilder did a wonderful job bringing the emotions to life. The narration added depth to both characters and made the quieter moments really land.
Overall, this is a heartfelt, character-driven romance about devotion, patience, and love that’s strong enough to wait. A satisfying read for anyone who enjoys emotional depth, wounded heroes and heroines, and hard-earned happily-ever-afters.
Brandon is the definition of a steadfast hero, patient, loyal, and quietly devoted. His love for Summer never wavered, even after ten years apart, and the way he shows up for her without pressure or expectations is honestly beautiful. Summer’s story is heavier, shaped by military service, trauma, and loss, and her struggle to trust and heal felt raw and real.
This is very much a slow-burn romance, focused on emotional healing, forgiveness, and learning how to let someone love you again. The small-town Sugar Creek setting adds warmth and familiarity, making their reconnection feel both inevitable and deeply personal.
I listened to the audiobook, and AJ Wilder did a wonderful job bringing the emotions to life. The narration added depth to both characters and made the quieter moments really land.
Overall, this is a heartfelt, character-driven romance about devotion, patience, and love that’s strong enough to wait. A satisfying read for anyone who enjoys emotional depth, wounded heroes and heroines, and hard-earned happily-ever-afters.
September 7, 2024
Brandon has been in love with Summer since they were teenagers,then she left to join the army and broke his heart.She never returned his calls.
When she gets injured he wants to be thete for her.He is there for her every step of the way whenever she needs him.She is the only woman for him and he will wait patiently for her to admit she still loves him too.
Summer is devastated when her convoy is attacked and she loses her best friend.
She goes back home to Suger Creek to recover.She is not looking forward to facing her past and Brandon.She is not looking forward to telling Brandon why she left.
With the help of their family and friends and her friends ghost they sort out the all their issues and get to their happily ever after.
There were a lot of tears,heartbreak,emotions,sad moments,happy moments,swoony hero,strong heroine,laughter,romance and a happily ever after.
I cannot wait for the next book in the series.
I recieved an advanced review copy of this book for free via storyorigin and am voluntarily leaving my review
When she gets injured he wants to be thete for her.He is there for her every step of the way whenever she needs him.She is the only woman for him and he will wait patiently for her to admit she still loves him too.
Summer is devastated when her convoy is attacked and she loses her best friend.
She goes back home to Suger Creek to recover.She is not looking forward to facing her past and Brandon.She is not looking forward to telling Brandon why she left.
With the help of their family and friends and her friends ghost they sort out the all their issues and get to their happily ever after.
There were a lot of tears,heartbreak,emotions,sad moments,happy moments,swoony hero,strong heroine,laughter,romance and a happily ever after.
I cannot wait for the next book in the series.
I recieved an advanced review copy of this book for free via storyorigin and am voluntarily leaving my review
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2024
This one is a close 4 1/2 star rating for me. I was really happy with this book. First of all because my name is Summer and the characters name is Summer. Second of all the charactersDad‘s name is David and my dad‘s name is David. 🤯 I loved how this book delved deeply into the emotions of people who have PTSD or have gone through traumatic events in their lives. Some people don’t understand how much that can affect a relationship with others. River Ford does a great job at helping you to understand the emotions from both sides of the story. Another thing I really liked about the story was about unconventional guardian angels. 😇 Griff’s presence reminds me of my dad’s presence in my life. Sometimes something will just “shout” out at you and is unmistakably meant to be seen or heard. ❤️
July 28, 2024
What a heart wrenching, moving book! I went through quite a few tissues but I love stories that bring out all the emotions!
I was drawn in from the first page and finished the book in one sitting, it was so compelling!
The characters were well rounded, realistic people and the story was a page turner and was definitely real-to-life.
I definitely want to read the rest of the books in the series!
I received an advance review copy courtesy of StoryOrigin and this is my honest, voluntary review.
I was drawn in from the first page and finished the book in one sitting, it was so compelling!
The characters were well rounded, realistic people and the story was a page turner and was definitely real-to-life.
I definitely want to read the rest of the books in the series!
I received an advance review copy courtesy of StoryOrigin and this is my honest, voluntary review.
September 20, 2024
Its Brandon's turn in sugar creek. We have seen a broken man so far but we finally see that he isn't the only one with a broken heart. His high school sweetheart has carried a secret with her the last ten years, whilst serving in the armed forces. A wake up call comes, and Summer can no longer hide away from home. And Brandon is just what she needs. He has always been waiting for her, and this time the Sugar Momma's aren't the ones interfering, its a ghost of her friend and CO Griff. HEA guaranteed. Well worth it.
October 8, 2024
"A Small-Town, Second Chance, Veteran Romance", not to mention - paranormal...
The heroin keeps talking to her dead friend.
I can understand this might be a reference to her post-trauma, but I felt like this was at times too much.
It felt a little like a guidebook to veterans.
Other than that, it was a sweet small-town, second-chance romance book.
The narrator was okay.
I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The heroin keeps talking to her dead friend.
I can understand this might be a reference to her post-trauma, but I felt like this was at times too much.
It felt a little like a guidebook to veterans.
Other than that, it was a sweet small-town, second-chance romance book.
The narrator was okay.
I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 3, 2025
What a thought-provoking story! Such a well written book, that touched me in several ways. I alternated smiling at the happy parts, and crying (and I'm not a crier) as the sad and emotional parts because the story reminded me of things I have gone through. I really wasn't expecting that in a romance, but I'm so glad I read it.
August 27, 2024
This is a small town second chance romance with relatable characters, lots of emotion, and one ghost. No, it’s not a paranormal romance or a cozy mystery. It’s a clean romance that includes faith and the importance of friends and family. A must read!
August 17, 2025
Another great read!
Loving this series!! Can’t wait to start the next one. As a vet I loved this story and feel like you captured some of the things I have gone through. The story was very touching and heartfelt.
Loving this series!! Can’t wait to start the next one. As a vet I loved this story and feel like you captured some of the things I have gone through. The story was very touching and heartfelt.
August 7, 2024
Summer and Brandon's story was so beautiful. I really enjoyed their journey to their second chance. It was a great story that I could not put down.
February 24, 2025
I enjoyed this emotional clean romance about Summer and Brandon falling in love as he tries to win her back.
December 3, 2024
3 Stars!
Summer and Brandon were high school sweethearts and deeply in love. They initially broke up after Summer dumped Brandon, seemingly out of nowhere, and left their small town to join the military. Years later, Summer is stationed in Afghanistan where her convoy is attacked and she is one of the few survivors. She also lost her male best friend in this attack. This results in her leaving the military for treatment, and afterwards, returning home to her small town. There she reconnects with Brandon.
Summer and Brandon find that they never really moved on and still harbour feelings for each other. They are finally able to address all of the things that went on before Summer initially left, and her reasons for leaving. This was a cute, clean second chance romance. And I also liked how the different traumatic experiences/events were handled in this book.
The narration was also good. Narrated by AJ Wilder. She was great at bringing the characters and the story to life.
Thanks to the author, River Ford, and the team at StoryOriginApp for providing me with an audio review copy of this book. All opinions provided in this review are entirely my own.
Summer and Brandon were high school sweethearts and deeply in love. They initially broke up after Summer dumped Brandon, seemingly out of nowhere, and left their small town to join the military. Years later, Summer is stationed in Afghanistan where her convoy is attacked and she is one of the few survivors. She also lost her male best friend in this attack. This results in her leaving the military for treatment, and afterwards, returning home to her small town. There she reconnects with Brandon.
Summer and Brandon find that they never really moved on and still harbour feelings for each other. They are finally able to address all of the things that went on before Summer initially left, and her reasons for leaving. This was a cute, clean second chance romance. And I also liked how the different traumatic experiences/events were handled in this book.
The narration was also good. Narrated by AJ Wilder. She was great at bringing the characters and the story to life.
Thanks to the author, River Ford, and the team at StoryOriginApp for providing me with an audio review copy of this book. All opinions provided in this review are entirely my own.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews