What do you think?
Rate this book
Smith Mountain Lake #2
Dragonfly Summer
When she realizes she's to blame for her nineteen-year-old daughter's disappearance, Keegan Monroe leaves behind a successful career in L.A. for a quieter life on Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia. Raised in the foster care system, Keegan had been determined that her children would live a different life. And so, while she fully met their physical needs, the best schools and a luxurious lifestyle, she hadn't been a daily presence in their lives the way she now knows she should have been. She doesn't intend to waste her son's last year of high school in the same way and determines that things will be different between them in spite of his obvious resentment of the move to Virginia.
Bowie Dare, an ex-FBI agent turned thriller writer, loves the life he’s made for himself and his dog Carson on Smith Mountain Lake. Years of seeing the evil underbelly of society led him to a point where he had to choose a different existence. He'd lost his wife in the process — she liked the old Bowie — the one who had been able to compartmentalize the bad stuff he saw and go on with life per normal.
When Keegan stops at Bowie's house to ask directions the night she arrives at the lake, they're both at a point of questioning their earlier choices and whether those choices had been worth the price. But in this chance encounter, they begin to realize that the puzzle pieces of life don't always make sense until we're a little further down the road. And you just never know when the real thing might come along.
Bowie Dare, an ex-FBI agent turned thriller writer, loves the life he’s made for himself and his dog Carson on Smith Mountain Lake. Years of seeing the evil underbelly of society led him to a point where he had to choose a different existence. He'd lost his wife in the process — she liked the old Bowie — the one who had been able to compartmentalize the bad stuff he saw and go on with life per normal.
When Keegan stops at Bowie's house to ask directions the night she arrives at the lake, they're both at a point of questioning their earlier choices and whether those choices had been worth the price. But in this chance encounter, they begin to realize that the puzzle pieces of life don't always make sense until we're a little further down the road. And you just never know when the real thing might come along.
- GenresRomance
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 14, 2015
3328 people are currently reading
412 people want to read
About the author
Inglath Cooper
63 books938 followersVirginia author Inglath Cooper fell in love with reading as a little girl, devouring most of the books in her elementary school library. At some point, she decided she wanted to pursue a writing career, creating romance fiction that did for others what her favorite books have done for her. “I love character-driven books that leave me feeling as if I’ve really known these people and make me wish I didn’t have to turn the last page.”
“Romance fiction has always appealed to me because it deals with so many of the relationships in a woman’s life. Not only the love of her life, but often her relationship with her mother, sister or best friend. Romance authors have so much room to explore many of the meaningful moments and transitions in women’s lives. And who doesn’t love a good love story?”
Inglath most often writes stories about love and life that are set in small Virginia towns like the one where she grew up. “I like to think the flavor of my hometown shows up in my books both in their setting and through the characters who people it.”
When aspiring writers ask her how to be an author, she says, “Everything I know about writing books I learned from reading books.”
Inglath has been chosen as a RITA® Award winner for best long contemporary romance novel given out each year by Romance Writers of America. Her books are available through Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, itunes.com, and Kobobooks.com.
Outside of writing, Inglath is actively involved in dog rescue, working with The Franklin County Humane Society to place dogs and cats in need of rehoming. She volunteers her time in every capacity possible: serving on the Board of Directors, fundraising, photographing dogs and cats available for adoption and serving as a foster home. “Helping an abused or neglected dog go on to have a wonderful life with a family who loves them is more rewarding than I can possibly say.”
“Romance fiction has always appealed to me because it deals with so many of the relationships in a woman’s life. Not only the love of her life, but often her relationship with her mother, sister or best friend. Romance authors have so much room to explore many of the meaningful moments and transitions in women’s lives. And who doesn’t love a good love story?”
Inglath most often writes stories about love and life that are set in small Virginia towns like the one where she grew up. “I like to think the flavor of my hometown shows up in my books both in their setting and through the characters who people it.”
When aspiring writers ask her how to be an author, she says, “Everything I know about writing books I learned from reading books.”
Inglath has been chosen as a RITA® Award winner for best long contemporary romance novel given out each year by Romance Writers of America. Her books are available through Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, itunes.com, and Kobobooks.com.
Outside of writing, Inglath is actively involved in dog rescue, working with The Franklin County Humane Society to place dogs and cats in need of rehoming. She volunteers her time in every capacity possible: serving on the Board of Directors, fundraising, photographing dogs and cats available for adoption and serving as a foster home. “Helping an abused or neglected dog go on to have a wonderful life with a family who loves them is more rewarding than I can possibly say.”
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
June 20, 2015
Dragonfly Summer is so many things. It is hope. It is love. It is second chances, and starting over, and it is coming home. I was so excited when I saw that Dragonfly Summer, book 2 in the Smith Mountain Lake series, was coming out and author Inglath Cooper doesn't disappoint. I loved the sights and sounds of Smith Mountain Lake woven into Dragonfly Summer. I wouldn't say that Dragonfly Summer is a love story - its a LIFE story with everything that makes life a wonderful, messy, complicated, wonderful experience.
I really identified with Keegan. She is at the same point in her life that I am - children growing up and maturing and she is at a turning point in her life. I envy the courage she demonstrates to uproot her family to give them a better life. She is a former Hollywood actress, and from time to time, she is recognized for that, but she is incredibly down to earth. She is introspective and uses this new start to analyze her relationships with her children and what she can to create better relationships and resultingly better futures for her kids.
Bodie is also an introspective character. He is a loner that has also left his fast-paced life for the peace and solitude of Smith Mountain Lake. His career as an FBI agent has left him with haunted memories and he is tucking those memories away in the books he is now writing.
The author includes dramatic aspects of Bodie and Keegan's lives in the book, but this makes this book a realistic look at life - life is messy, and wonderful, and scary, and wonderful and Keegan and Bodie both experience the highs and lows of life in Dragonfly Summer and come out the other end happy with each other.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really identified with Keegan. She is at the same point in her life that I am - children growing up and maturing and she is at a turning point in her life. I envy the courage she demonstrates to uproot her family to give them a better life. She is a former Hollywood actress, and from time to time, she is recognized for that, but she is incredibly down to earth. She is introspective and uses this new start to analyze her relationships with her children and what she can to create better relationships and resultingly better futures for her kids.
Bodie is also an introspective character. He is a loner that has also left his fast-paced life for the peace and solitude of Smith Mountain Lake. His career as an FBI agent has left him with haunted memories and he is tucking those memories away in the books he is now writing.
The author includes dramatic aspects of Bodie and Keegan's lives in the book, but this makes this book a realistic look at life - life is messy, and wonderful, and scary, and wonderful and Keegan and Bodie both experience the highs and lows of life in Dragonfly Summer and come out the other end happy with each other.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 28, 2017
Inglath Cooper is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. Her stories all have that small town vibe and her characters are likeable and interesting.
Keegan is an actress on a very popular TV show. She has two children. Her daughter has written her mother out of her life and hasn't been in contact for about a year. Her son, Evan is a senior in high school. Keegan decides to leave her high profile life and buy a home on Smith Mountain Lake to try to repair her relationship with her son before it winds up like the one with her daughter. Evan is none too happy to be leaving his home and girlfriend behind. As they are driving to their new home they get a little lost and stop for directions at the house of writer Bowie Dare. He offers to show them where the house is and they strike up a sort of friendship.
Slowly, friendship turns into more as Keegan and Evan find their way in this small town environment. I don't want to give any more away, so I'll just say it was very enjoyable.
Keegan is an actress on a very popular TV show. She has two children. Her daughter has written her mother out of her life and hasn't been in contact for about a year. Her son, Evan is a senior in high school. Keegan decides to leave her high profile life and buy a home on Smith Mountain Lake to try to repair her relationship with her son before it winds up like the one with her daughter. Evan is none too happy to be leaving his home and girlfriend behind. As they are driving to their new home they get a little lost and stop for directions at the house of writer Bowie Dare. He offers to show them where the house is and they strike up a sort of friendship.
Slowly, friendship turns into more as Keegan and Evan find their way in this small town environment. I don't want to give any more away, so I'll just say it was very enjoyable.
December 7, 2017
Actress Keegan Monroe and her son Evan have moved to the lake from Hollywood in an effort to prevent him from getting into trouble like Reese her 19 year old daughter has done. She has walked away from her wildly popular TV show to regain her family. They meet Bowie Dare, ex FBI agent turned author, when Keegan takes a wrong turn looking for their new home. Evan can't believe he has had to give up his privileged life, is stuck in the sticks in Virginia and lets his mom know it. Between Sam's beautiful daughter Analise, finally getting to have a dog and life at the lake - Evan discovers the sticks aren't so bad. Bowie and Keegan discover some things are meant to be.
June 16, 2015
Inglath Cooper is quickly becoming one of my go-to writers. I loved the first Smith Mountain Lake book and this one didn't disappoint. I bought it at 6:30 in the morning, intending to read until I got tired and could fall back asleep. Well, that didn't happen. I read until just past nine--two and half hours later to finish the book. I smiled, I cried, and fell in love.
It was great to see the reappearance of the Marina folk, especially Gabby and Analise.
I hope Inglath has got a third one in the pipeline as I'm anxious to return to Smith Mountain Lake.
It was great to see the reappearance of the Marina folk, especially Gabby and Analise.
I hope Inglath has got a third one in the pipeline as I'm anxious to return to Smith Mountain Lake.
February 29, 2016
Love on the Lake
I live at Smith Mountain Lake so I loved the setting of this novel. The challenges the main characters face finding new friendships and love are universal. The challenging relationships and love between a mother and her children is also explored. Lastly,the importance of living in the moment is highly stressed.
I live at Smith Mountain Lake so I loved the setting of this novel. The challenges the main characters face finding new friendships and love are universal. The challenging relationships and love between a mother and her children is also explored. Lastly,the importance of living in the moment is highly stressed.
December 4, 2021
Second in the Smith Mountain Lake series by this author. The cast of characters from Blue Wide Sky make cameo appearances and new characters are introduced in this book. Keegan, the tv actress of a successful series has decided to leave LA and bring her son Evan with her to rural VA to finish his senior year of high school. They meet Bowie and his dog Carson when they first come to town, stopping in his driveway to ask for directions to their new home. Bowie is a former FBI agent who became disillusioned with his job and his marriage and chose to leave DC behind, make his home in rural VA and write thrillers instead. Neither Keegan nor Bowie are looking for a romantic relationship at this stage and time in their lives believing that being alone is preferable to being in a bad relationship ( something with which I can relate). But they’re both nice people with a genuine interest in helping their fellow man and they’re thrown together often by chance and by design; so they develop feelings for each other. And you can’t help but root for them to fall in love. Seems like stopping to smell the roses in rural VA is a very beneficial choice for all involved.
May 28, 2019
I really enjoyed this second book in the Smith Mountain Lake series - it was emotional and heartwarming. Keegan Moore is an actress who quits the successful TV series she's been on and moves to Smith Mountain Lake to try and take control of her and her son's lives. Her daughter has cut them out of her life, and Keegan doesn't want that to happen with her son. She meets Bowie Dare, an author who has lived in SML for a few years. Neither is looking for romance, but, of course, it finds them. I liked the characters in this book, including how Keegan's son becomes friends with some people from the previous book. While reading the book, it was hard to put down - it's when it's all over and you start thinking, what about this, what about that? that I wasn't completely satisfied. It is a good summer reading book, though, and I LOVED the quotes before each chapter!
January 30, 2026
A little gem.
I have become a fast fan of Inglath Cooper books. As a resident of Nashville, I was first drawn to her Nashville series, which I really liked. There were others, all different plots but sharing some common characteristics: easy to read stories with well-crafted, very likeable characters, interesting locales and enough drama to keep your interest. This one did not disappoint. When popular actress, Keegan Monroe, rolls into Smith Lake, VA with her teenaged son, Evan, she is just seeking sanctuary for her grief-stricken heart. Instead she finds solace in the friendship of FBI agent turned novelist, Bowie Dare, a fresh start for Evan and a sense of belonging she had not expected. Again, the characters are easy to like, and the book feels a little like coming home. Good read.
I have become a fast fan of Inglath Cooper books. As a resident of Nashville, I was first drawn to her Nashville series, which I really liked. There were others, all different plots but sharing some common characteristics: easy to read stories with well-crafted, very likeable characters, interesting locales and enough drama to keep your interest. This one did not disappoint. When popular actress, Keegan Monroe, rolls into Smith Lake, VA with her teenaged son, Evan, she is just seeking sanctuary for her grief-stricken heart. Instead she finds solace in the friendship of FBI agent turned novelist, Bowie Dare, a fresh start for Evan and a sense of belonging she had not expected. Again, the characters are easy to like, and the book feels a little like coming home. Good read.
July 2, 2019
Rollercoaster ride!
This second book in the Smith Mountain Lake series is a doozy. Keagan is an actress at the top of her game, with a hit tv show. She leaves it all to make sure her 17 year old son doesn't make the same mistake his sister made when she turned 18. Keagan is determined to be there for him. She returns to Smith Mountain Lake, one of few happy childhood memories. They meet Bowie, a writer and former FBI agent and his dog, Carson. Friendship, love and an appreciation for what we could lose are some of the themes in the story. It is also nice to see some of the characters from book 1. You don't have to have read book 1, but I think it makes book 2 more enjoyable.
This second book in the Smith Mountain Lake series is a doozy. Keagan is an actress at the top of her game, with a hit tv show. She leaves it all to make sure her 17 year old son doesn't make the same mistake his sister made when she turned 18. Keagan is determined to be there for him. She returns to Smith Mountain Lake, one of few happy childhood memories. They meet Bowie, a writer and former FBI agent and his dog, Carson. Friendship, love and an appreciation for what we could lose are some of the themes in the story. It is also nice to see some of the characters from book 1. You don't have to have read book 1, but I think it makes book 2 more enjoyable.
March 20, 2021
I have just taken up reading after about 35 years. Where the Crawdads Sing is what got me hooked on reading again. I couldn't put it down. Since then I have read over 100 books. I am a big fan of Inglath Cooper. I read all of the Nashville series and now am reading Blue Wide Sky. I will probably read that whole Smith Mountain Lake Series. I got a Kindle for Christmas and enjoying reading the electronic books. The bad part is I could sit all day and read, but then I don't get anything else done. I can't wait for summer to get here so I can sit on my swing outside and read. I can also read at the beach, as I live a block from the beach. Looking forward to reading all of Cooper's books.
Evie Durkin Huron, Ohio
Evie Durkin Huron, Ohio
March 9, 2019
This is a sweet book. I live in the Smith Mountain Lake and love all the local references. I do wish the animal shelter ( "pound") employees were painted in a more sympathetic light, though. We're a small rural community, but have made great strides in saving animals, and euthanasia for space is less prevalent every year. The employees, for the most part, are as dedicated in rescue as anyone. Aside from that, the area and it's beauty and friendliness are described pretty accurately.
I do wish also that an editor had caught the improper spelling of palette versus palate when talking about Evan's teenage taste buds!
I do wish also that an editor had caught the improper spelling of palette versus palate when talking about Evan's teenage taste buds!
March 22, 2019
"A Very Moving Story"
This is an awesome story about Keegan Monroe leaving her career in Los Angeles for a quieter life on Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia. She blames herself for her 19-year old daughter's disappearance from her life. Her remaining son moves reluctantly to Virginia with her where he will be a senior in high school. While settling in to the new town, she meets Bowie Dare, an ex-FBI agent now turned author of thrillers. Their pasts collide and both need to face the future, a better life than the past. Awesome story which is very shocking, yet heartwarming. Highly recommend.
This is an awesome story about Keegan Monroe leaving her career in Los Angeles for a quieter life on Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia. She blames herself for her 19-year old daughter's disappearance from her life. Her remaining son moves reluctantly to Virginia with her where he will be a senior in high school. While settling in to the new town, she meets Bowie Dare, an ex-FBI agent now turned author of thrillers. Their pasts collide and both need to face the future, a better life than the past. Awesome story which is very shocking, yet heartwarming. Highly recommend.
January 11, 2019
5 🌟
Keegan and Bowie have a lot of baggage to get through. She relocated to Virginia with her 17 year old son after giving up a successful career in television. Bowie has given up his career as a FBI agent and settled in Virginia and has become an author. The path to happiness is often very rocky and Ms Cooper excellent at leading her characters through the rubble and finding the dream. She also writes some great dogs into the stories also! Well written and with lovable dogs in the mix you can't go wrong with this one.
Keegan and Bowie have a lot of baggage to get through. She relocated to Virginia with her 17 year old son after giving up a successful career in television. Bowie has given up his career as a FBI agent and settled in Virginia and has become an author. The path to happiness is often very rocky and Ms Cooper excellent at leading her characters through the rubble and finding the dream. She also writes some great dogs into the stories also! Well written and with lovable dogs in the mix you can't go wrong with this one.
December 18, 2024
another excellent story in this series…
Keegan & Bowie are terrific main characters. They come from very different backgrounds but seem to just fit perfectly. But this story is not without trials, pain, anguish, and fear. But that really takes a back seat to this lovely love story! We get to say hi to Gabby & Sam from the first book, so it’s helpful of you read them in order. Love the doggie angle!!
Keegan & Bowie are terrific main characters. They come from very different backgrounds but seem to just fit perfectly. But this story is not without trials, pain, anguish, and fear. But that really takes a back seat to this lovely love story! We get to say hi to Gabby & Sam from the first book, so it’s helpful of you read them in order. Love the doggie angle!!
July 9, 2020
This book reads fast. It's simple. You follow two couples (a mom and her son). Neither is brought full circle to a conclusion. For me, I didn't feel enough was established for me to see an emotional or physical connection between Bowie and Keegan. It was more tell than show for me and it caused me to be not terribly engaged in their relationship.
February 24, 2021
Engaging likable read
I was captivated by the story and characters from the beginning. The Author keeps it moving without losing your interest. I really enjoy books that are interesting, light hearted, and give you a few surprises.
This was an enjoyable read. I didn’t want to put it down.
I was captivated by the story and characters from the beginning. The Author keeps it moving without losing your interest. I really enjoy books that are interesting, light hearted, and give you a few surprises.
This was an enjoyable read. I didn’t want to put it down.
April 1, 2021
Easy Reading
I read this book in a few hours. Real quick read. Now, I, for the most part really enjoy reading this author, but this book seemed to be just kind of thrown together. I also found a few discrepancies in the writing or maybe in the editing of this story. I hate to leave a not so good review, but when it's great I have no problem stating that!!
I read this book in a few hours. Real quick read. Now, I, for the most part really enjoy reading this author, but this book seemed to be just kind of thrown together. I also found a few discrepancies in the writing or maybe in the editing of this story. I hate to leave a not so good review, but when it's great I have no problem stating that!!
March 24, 2024
I do like the author , like her style but she cuts it to short . The first book I’d done that in 2 parts , she actually could have had a story line about rehab I. That book and this book . It takes a person a while to recover from Meth . Keegan’s date should had been in October . I seem to want more of a story than the normal .
August 12, 2017
Good for a rainy day
This romance has a different story line which is enjoyable, while the romance is predictable. This author is consistent, and doesn't make you go through the fake break up.
This romance has a different story line which is enjoyable, while the romance is predictable. This author is consistent, and doesn't make you go through the fake break up.
January 3, 2018
I read the first book in this series yesterday, immediately downloaded this one, and read it last night and today. I really like this author’s stories and her writing style. I wish her editor had corrected her repeated errors with nominative and objective pronouns (especially who/whom.)
January 27, 2019
Good guys finish first
Story of kindness and and good hatred people breaking through barriers that had seemed impossible before. The family learns how to see past other people's preconceived notions and learn to love themselves.
Story of kindness and and good hatred people breaking through barriers that had seemed impossible before. The family learns how to see past other people's preconceived notions and learn to love themselves.
October 1, 2020
Good story
I’ve enjoyed the various stories of Ms. Cooper for some time now. She weaves plots and subplots together effortlessly and holds the readers interest to the last page. I can recommend her work to anyone who enjoys a good-hearted story.
I’ve enjoyed the various stories of Ms. Cooper for some time now. She weaves plots and subplots together effortlessly and holds the readers interest to the last page. I can recommend her work to anyone who enjoys a good-hearted story.
October 11, 2020
Dragonfly Summer
Wow absolutely exciting,emotional and very interesting,lm going straight into book 3, I could not put down this book for too long,I had to get back to it fast, I recommend this book,you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.
Wow absolutely exciting,emotional and very interesting,lm going straight into book 3, I could not put down this book for too long,I had to get back to it fast, I recommend this book,you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.
October 26, 2020
Dragonfly Summer
I really enjoyed the first book in this series and didn't expect the second one to be as good. But I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I didn't want to put it down. The characters were fabulous. I look forward to reading the next book.
I really enjoyed the first book in this series and didn't expect the second one to be as good. But I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I didn't want to put it down. The characters were fabulous. I look forward to reading the next book.
May 17, 2021
Children our everything
We sometimes miss the bad things going on with our kids until it is almost too late. But in this book changes are made in time. Love is found and that is life's bonus.
We sometimes miss the bad things going on with our kids until it is almost too late. But in this book changes are made in time. Love is found and that is life's bonus.
May 20, 2021
Love the writing method!
I was intrigued by the short chapters and the quotes that made me think about the words I had just read. InglathCooper has my interest piqued on what's the next storyline,quote, character. This series is peeking my interest, thank you for a great read!
I was intrigued by the short chapters and the quotes that made me think about the words I had just read. InglathCooper has my interest piqued on what's the next storyline,quote, character. This series is peeking my interest, thank you for a great read!
May 27, 2021
A Feel Good Read
Written with a warmth and realism that makes you believe life can realistically have a happy ending. I can think of several good questions a book club could get out of it.
Written with a warmth and realism that makes you believe life can realistically have a happy ending. I can think of several good questions a book club could get out of it.
November 1, 2021
Great read
Another wonderful book.I love the sayings at the beginning of each chapter.the story line was so interesting I stayed up all night and finished this book.recommended this book to my reading buddy. Thanks.
Another wonderful book.I love the sayings at the beginning of each chapter.the story line was so interesting I stayed up all night and finished this book.recommended this book to my reading buddy. Thanks.
November 16, 2022
Casual read. Sometimes her characters react in a way that seems too soon or an over-reaction. This was mostly a get-to-know-you, dating book. There was a conflict and a big one, and it was resolved in a reasonable way.
January 18, 2023
marvelous writing
This is as good if not better than the first. Filled with actual scenarios of family, life, love, and forgiveness, the story is an emotional journey from beginning to end.
This is as good if not better than the first. Filled with actual scenarios of family, life, love, and forgiveness, the story is an emotional journey from beginning to end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews