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By Summer's End

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When Holly Holton is willed a house by a great uncle she met only one time, she’s confused but happy. As guardian to her fifteen-year-old half-sister, with whom she doesn’t get along, she hopes that moving will be a catalyst for change in their relationship. The young women fall in love with their new home, but unfortunately, are unaware of a condition of home ownership that may destroy their newfound happiness. Much is at stake, particularly for Holly and handsome neighbor Ryan McGraw. The two develop feelings for one another—but will a series of obstacles prevent the two from finding happiness together? Or will God assure a happy ending for all?

262 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 19, 2014

43 people are currently reading
531 people want to read

About the author

Rosemarie Naramore

40 books32 followers
Rosemarie Naramore's fondest desire has always been to write fiction. She was delighted when her first romance novel, "Just in Time," was published by Avalon Books. She went on to write three other lighthearted romances for Avalon--"Armed and Disarming," "The Detour," and "Lacey's Homecoming," as well as a mystery entitled "The Listing Agent." When Amazon acquired Avalon in 2012, her second mystery/police procedural, "Deputy Down," was published under the Thomas & Mercer imprint. She is pleased that her romance novels have been released by Amazon under their Montlake imprint.

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5 stars
165 (47%)
4 stars
99 (28%)
3 stars
64 (18%)
2 stars
14 (3%)
1 star
9 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Monica Sarff.
183 reviews3 followers
May 25, 2018
Through Him all things are possible

Wonderfully written story of faith conquering all obstacles, if we just get out of our own way. Lively characters and plot.
143 reviews3 followers
October 27, 2018
When you let God in and have a relationship with him he looks after you. I enjoyed reading about Holly Holton a simple kind hearted women who puts others before herself. I enjoyed reading about her half sister Brianna how their relationship growed and developed into a beautiful friendship. Holly inherits her great uncle’s house out of state and they pack up and leave their old life behind in hopes of a new start and new life to settle and be happy and they receive even more than that. Holly never expected to fall in love with a handsome cowboy but his hiding a big secret. This story is about putting your trust in God in everything you do and following God’s will which can lead to happiness. A lovely Christian romance story that all will enjoy!
2,354 reviews27 followers
January 25, 2022
I loved this sweet story of faith, family and love. I really liked Holly, Brianna, Annabelle and Ryan. Holly has had a rough life, but it hasn't dampened her faith in God. She takes in her half-sister after their dad and Brianna's mom die in a car crash and is slowly paying off the bills that accumulated due to her own mother's final illness. There were moments that were sweet and funny as well as serious moments.
Profile Image for Alma Tompkins.
7 reviews2 followers
July 1, 2019
Tender, encouraging

Very sweet story of love, faith and family. Unyielding faith, love and courage to follow what you know and what remains unseen.
40 reviews
May 1, 2023
Nice story

I enjoyed reading this book. It shows God's love and faithfulness. It was also a nice loves story. I recommend.
Profile Image for Jen.
144 reviews
January 11, 2015
Enjoyed the story and the characters. I appreciate how Christ-centered the story was, and admired the faith the main character, Holly, demonstrates. Holly hasn't had an idyllic childhood (made her easy to relate to, because mine was similar) but Holly credits The Lord for drawing close to her and helping her to stay positive and count her blessings, rather than focus on what is missing or the many things that have gone wrong for her. Her faith is truly remarkable. Even aside from her faith, Holly has other great qualities. She has an extraordinarily strong work ethic, agape love for the little sister she was never allowed to get to know, devotion to her family (going so far as to agree to take responsibility for thousands of dollars worth of medical bills so a relative can get treatment that only prolonged her life another six months), she seems to be book-smart and have good common sense, she sticks to her guns, she's humble, noble and kind. She listens before she speaks, believes the best about everyone and never loses her temper. She really is a "cream of the crop" altruistic character. I wish I were more like her.

The one criticism I have is that she (Holly) seemed a little old-fashioned/stale in the words and phrases she used. It could be a personality quirk or simply a regional thing, but it came across as if the book had been written several decades ago or that Holly was much older than she should have been. Some of the phrases and words she used I've only heard out of my grandmother's mouth. It took away from the story a little, because I'd pause every time she said something odd. She's supposed to be young (younger than me) with only two years of community college under her belt, but it kept tripping me up that she'd say some of the things that she did. (Ex: "with..my propensity for finding people's castoff furniture on the sides of local roadways," "your logic is sound," "on the contrary" and other old-fashioned words you just don't hear anymore.) Annabelle and Ryan, too. (Ex: "Out for your Sunday constitutional?" "he sensed her discomfiture," and "did you just insinuate we're simpletons?") But the younger sister, Brianna, spoke like a current, typical (normal) teenager.

She also "gave herself a shake," quite often. I have no idea if this is a physical shaking of her body or mental u-turn kind of thing? Strange wording.

Overall, I enjoyed the characters and felt it was a good story. But not one of my favorites.
24 reviews
February 15, 2017
I enjoyed this book. The characters were interesting and I could relate to them. However some of the conversation was a little forced and the ending was very abrupt.
16 reviews
June 21, 2016
Riveting Story

I felt the storyline was plausible. Holly struggled to make a home for her half sister even though her sister wasn't receptive. Holly felt a new start in a new location might be the answer. So they drove with their belongings to a house that was willed to her by a great uncle she had only met once. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good storyline.
Profile Image for Miriam.
401 reviews8 followers
July 29, 2014
This was an ok book. It was very predictable but sweet. I'm a Christian and knew this was a Christian book but I don't agree with some of the Christian principles in this novel, but this is neither the time nor place to discuss doctrinal differences. Overall a quick, clean read with the expected "Happily Ever After" ending.
157 reviews3 followers
August 4, 2014
Sweet Christian romance

Sweet Christian romance

Quick and sweet read. Shows the strong bond between siblings, the love for Christ and others without being too "preachy".
Profile Image for Randy.
105 reviews
August 2, 2015
Had some problems

It was a decent book but has some grammatical errors. At one point the author wrote Holly when it should have been Brianna. It was also a tad predictable but overall okay.
Profile Image for Della Raines.
48 reviews
November 10, 2016
My confining obstacle.

This story makes you wrap your mind around all the things you take into consideration in your day to day activities, and how you respond to different situations that arise.
Profile Image for Mary Lou.
64 reviews1 follower
November 17, 2016
A very interesting read.

This novel was a real page turner. I loved the characters and the whole plot. It was one of the best contemporary Christian romances I have read, and I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good Christian romance.
Profile Image for Nellie Marcum.
39 reviews
July 26, 2014
Awesome!!

Awesome!!

I loved this book! It was a good, clean family read!! There is a lot about love, family and forgiveness and most importantly GOD!!!
Profile Image for Sara.
335 reviews4 followers
July 30, 2014
such a sweet quick read. Some parts were kind of rushed through and other parts very long but overall it was a pretty good book.
23 reviews
August 11, 2014
Believe

What a wonderful story and a reminder of our faith in God. Thank you Heavenly Father. Loved the story as I'm sure you will to.
5 reviews
January 25, 2015
Good read

Great love story. No violence, no swearing, no sex and God in the center. It's a book you can read in one day.
3 reviews
April 12, 2015
Good book

Typical love e story, which I usually don't read. Would love to sequal. With leading more with horses. And Brianna
Profile Image for Lyndsey.
44 reviews
May 19, 2015
Had a good storyline and loved the characters, but was very predictable and I felt the author skimped on the ending.
Profile Image for Pam Jackson-gorsline.
984 reviews3 followers
December 28, 2015
Summer time

This was a good story with Christian values worked nicely in. It is nice to read a story where people developed their character.
Profile Image for Lloyd Gibson.
10 reviews1 follower
August 17, 2016
Review of Summer's End

I am enjoyed reading this book. It kept me interested and I enjoyed the messages about being equally yoked in marriage and I liked the ending.
4 reviews
September 28, 2016
Great

Precious book for all ages! great way to explain love and how to talk to our Lord Jesus Christ! Praying that this book is read by many !
Profile Image for Darla Damron.
387 reviews3 followers
July 7, 2017
Very good story. Love how God's love and forgiveness is shared by the characters in this book.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews

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