Chasing Tomorrow

Summer Lake #9

by S.J. McCoy

Ben Walton grew up in Summer Lake, he's always known that he belongs there. His goal in life has always been to grow the resort that his family has owned for generations.

Charlotte DeWinter spent her childhood summers at the lake, staying with her grandparents. From the age of ten, she believed she would marry Ben someday. Ben believed it too.

Everything looked as though it was on track for these two, until it all went wrong the summer they were eighteen.

If you've read the Summer Lake series, you've no doubt wondered about Ben, and why he hasn't had his own book yet. Chasing Tomorrow is Ben's backstory, an insight into his past and what made him who he is.

WARNING!!! This is not Ben's happily-ever-after story, but a look into his past. Chasing Tomorrow is a shorter story than the other Summer Lake books. This one is around 40k words whereas the others are mostly 70-80k. It begins immediately after The Wedding Dance ends and looks back at one fateful summer.

This book is intended for adult readers 18+
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chasing Tomorrow is NOT intended to be read as a stand alone novel. This book is for my lovely readers who have enjoyed Summer Lake books 1-8. It's especially for those who have wondered about Ben and why he hasn't had his own book already. If you haven't yet, you can start the series for FREE with Love Like You've Never Been Hurt

All the other books can be read as stand alones – no cliff hangers here! Each book contains one couple's story. However, they are best read in order to get full enjoyment of the underlying story and friendships.

Book 1: Love Like You've Never Been Hurt Emma and Jack
Book 2: Work Like You Don't Need the Money - Pete and Holly
Book 3: Dance Like Nobody's Watching - Missy and Dan
Book 4: Fly Like You've Never Been Grounded - Smoke and Laura
Book 5: Laugh Like You've Never Cried - Michael and Megan
Book 6: Sing Like Nobody's Listening - Kenzie and Chase
Book 7: Smile Like You Mean It - Gabe and Renée
Book 8: The Wedding Dance - Missy and Dan's Wedding

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Ebooks, Contemporary

164 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 30, 2016

About the author

Hi, I'm SJ. A coffee addict, lover of chocolate and drinker of good red wines. I'm a lost soul and a hopeless romantic. Reading and writing are necessary parts of who I am. Though perhaps not as necessary as coffee! I can drink coffee without writing, but I can't write without coffee.

I grew up loving romance novels, my first boyfriends were book boyfriends, but life intervened, as it tends to do, and I wandered down the paths of non fiction for many years. My life changed completely a couple of years ago and I returned to Romance to find my escape.

I write 'Sweet N Steamy' stories because to me there is enough angst and darkness in real life. My favorite romances are happy escapes with a focus on fun, friendships and happily-ever-afters, just like the ones I write.

These days I live in beautiful Montana, the last best place. If I'm not reading or writing you'll find me just down the road in the park - Yellowstone. I have deer, eagles and the occasional bear for company, and I like it that way :0)

Reviews

[DJ Sakata · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Rating:

4.5

Favorite Quotes:

“Life’s too short to waste it. Tomorrow isn’t promised to anyone. You two need to kiss and make up and get on with living today.”

“She was always chasing tomorrow… she was more concerned with chasing dreams and ideals than getting the most out of the day we were in.”

“He’d only managed to survive all these years because he kept the past, all his memories and feelings for Charlotte, closed up in a box. They came out sometimes, but he managed to put them away as quickly as he could.”

My Review:

I adore S.J. McCoy’s work – whether it is the Summer Lake series or the Remington Ranch hunks. Her characters are endearing and indelible, and people I would like to spend time with and know. Chasing Tomorrow is largely Ben’s backstory and small slice of his present day. I have been itching and antsy for this sweet and kind man to find his happy ever after, as he has been helping and watching as his friends have achieved theirs. I had even hoped he had a secret love stashed away whom his friends were unaware. However, once revealed, his history squeezed then broke my heart, although I am optimistic that his future looks brighter. So please hurry Ms. McCoy… I beg that you don’t keep Ben waiting much longer. He’s not getting any younger!

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say, I am a huge fan of SJ's work and as usual, this book was no exception.
Chasing Tomorrow is a bit of a departure from the rest of the series as it picks up where the last book left off and then through the memories of both Ben and Charlotte, we learn how their relationship started and ended so many years ago.
SJ did such an amazing job at giving us a glimpse of this beloved Character. Ben has always kept a wall up between him and the others, not revealing much to the readers. Charlotte on the other hand has always been this woman we didn't know who broke the amazing Ben's heart. Through her POV we get a chance to really get to know her and sympathize with her and the situation she was put in.
Another bonus with this story was getting to see some of our favorite Summer Lake residents back in the day when they were just 18 and striking out on their own!
This book left me wanting more from Ben and Charlotte and I cannot wait for the completion of their story!

[Veronica Mostel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

What a story. To finally finding out what happened. They were both so in love. So happy they finally talked. Bring on the next story. I love these guys

[Susanne Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally we get to see some of Ben’s story!
Seeing a young Ben and Charlie so deeply in love was beautiful, making the present day heartache so much more painful. Hearing each other’s story and how the situation was taken control of and manipulated was devastating, knowing they still wanted to be together and wanting to work through things but Charlie’s parents interfering and letting them each think the others doesn’t care and wants them to move on.
Still no happy ending for Ben at the end of this book, but there is a spark of hope that Charlie will sort her life out and come back to him. I
I love visiting this group of friends and Summer Lake.

[Kim Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story

Wow what a powerful story, full of emotions, I laughed, I cried and I laughed some more.
I am so pleased we got to read this story, as it has helped me to understand things about Ben a lot better. I can't believe what they went through at such a young age, but I suppose it can happen to any one at any to e.
As normal I was pulled into the story, it is full of surprises good and bad, remember to have the Kleenex handy.

[Mommaleena · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Must Read


I started reading this series with the Summer Lake box set books 1-3)..... After I finished I kept readingthrough the series... Each story is its own standalone HEA, but then they ALL blend together and go SO well together. I've read through them all-(not just this series!), you will do the same!! I CANNOT wait for SJ's next book!!!

[Judith Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cry for understanding

This story was a beautiful sad tale of how life takes a wrong step. To me personally SJ's notes on why she wrote this book and her feelings about why the story needed to be told ,brought back the raw feelings I had fourty years ago, and she she got it so right. This was a brave story to write, but so well told, thankyou SJ.

[Tina Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for the back story about Ben

I have been waiting patiently for Ben's story. Thankful for the back story, sad that Ben and Charlotte lost all those years due to her parents. Also sad they had to go through the loss of their baby. I can't wait for their HEA story

[Carol Gil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read!

It was nice to finally get the background of what happened with Charlotte and Ben! I am glad to see it was all out side circumstances and they are going to work on being able to be together.

[Stefanie Daby]

Great backstory

Finally hear Ben and Charlotte's backstory. It's full of emotion. Many tastes she'd thru this book. Can't wait to read more of Ben's story and see what happens. Asking with the rest of the Summer lake residents

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you!

I very much enjoy reading series books. I have enjoyed the summer like series tremendously! Thank you very much for all that you put into your stories. An absolute wonderful series. Thank you!

[Hendrix Fan 4ever · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOVED IT!

It has been a minute since I've read one of my favorite authors books! I don't remember how I found Ms McCoy🤔, but I'm certainly glad I did! She is so talented and I can't get enough of all of her series😍

[Brandi Sartin lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glad we finally got to hear about Ben! I glad that he will have his own book but then I will be sad because that will mean it will the end of the series

[Orla · Rating 5 out of 5]

please hurry and write their story!!!

[Pat Christie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eybook

And now Ben gets a chance to be happy. It's not easy and it's amid weddings and celebrations but Charlotte is home

[Michelle Strommen · Rating 5 out of 5]

So this book is Ben and Charlotte’s back story. Still need to find out their happily ever after. These characters are my friends and I am definitely on vacation with them

[Kristy Hollingsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

Another great one. I can’t wait to download the next one and read it. This series just keeps getting better.

[Paula Barto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes when you think love is lost things aren’t what they seem not even years later. True love is always and forever but you have to believe.

[Mary Jane McLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it Great Series

It was so good to finally get Ben's back story. The story was captivating and I can't wait to read the rest Ben and Charlie's story.

[Jeri Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Chasing Tomorrow

I really love this series and I really enjoyed this book. I can't wait to read more of this series.

[karen sperduti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Book but Charlotte needed to grow up and think of others just not herself!

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

love Ben!

I can not wait to get to his Final story. I wouldn’t skip any of the stories though she’s a great writer

[Lillie rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving this series

I am so in love with this series. I realty want to shake some of the parents in her stories and make them see what they are doing to the kids.

[Kristi Cramer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have changed my star rating from four (Which would be more like 4.75) to five to four again, and I may yet change it back before I'm done. The only thing holding me back from the full five is that I had a little trouble (when I stopped to think about it) believing these characters I adore from the other books were eighteen here. That's a *very* small quibble.

For the rest of it, I read all but the first couple chapters in one sitting, and was pretty much riveted to the book. Finally learning what happened between Ben and Charlotte was heartbreaking.

The author deals with a tragic and authentic event with just the right amount of weight: not so heavy-handed that the reader breaks, but by no means so lightly that it doesn't have substance. (I don't want to spoil anything, so I'm being incredibly vague, I know.)

As I said, I didn't quite think of the cast as being eighteen, but it was nice to catch glimpses of them all as they prepare to embark on adulthood, personalities we know and love intact.

I did have a moment while "with" Ben when I deflated for his sake, realizing where things were headed, and I was not sure if he would or even should recover. I was never so glad to be wrong, although what did happen was still...heartbreaking. I'm using that word a lot, but that's the tone of the book.

Chasing Tomorrow is a must read if you are a fan of Summer Lake, but it is not a standalone. You don't want to miss the other books, which set up why this book is so important. SJ McCoy just keeps getting better. This book is well written and clean, and while it is short, it is a most excellent way to spend a couple hours.

[Laurelin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is slightly different to the rest in the Series and I love it all the more for it.

For starters, to understand anything that's going on you have to have read the first 8 books or it just doesn't make sense.

Ben has tinkered along in the previous books and generally has been a bit of a lonesome enigma, resigned to the fact that he lost his one true love, Charlotte.

This is their back story, the build up to their proper book which will hopefully follow in the not too distant future!

I'm so pleased SJ decided to write this book, it gives real insight into why Ben is the way he is, and why there's no one else for him except Charlotte. The depth of the back story means it just would have been touched on briefly if it was part of their main story.

This story isn't quite as light and fluffy as SJ's other books and I love it for that!! Sometimes it's nice to read something that tugs at your heart a little, and reminds you that book characters can have a rough time of it too. I'm hoping SJ uses her newfound confidence to include some more emotional/angsty storylines in her future books because it adds a new depth to her writing.

Looking forward to Ben and Charlottes full story and finding out where they end up.

[S Camp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always and Forever...At least that is what Ben and Charlotte thought at the beginning of that summer so long ago. Life was carefree and full of plans and dreams of starting their lives together fresh out of high school. But things happen and dreams die...

This is a must read for all Summer Lake Lovers. You asked for Ben, now you will find out what made him into the man he is today. It is more than a love gained/love lost sort of story. It paints the lives of all who we have come to love, and why Ben helps everyone find their happy endings. Because he knows what is like to have it slip through his fingers. Charlotte was his Always and Forever, but not anymore.

SJ McCoy weaves her magic words and brings the past alive. A past Ben wants left buried, a past Charlotte never wants to let go.

This story has a deep meaning for this reader and was left totally speechless. With a box of tissues, in hand, every emotion was felt. SJ McCoy is a gifted writer who will pull you into the story, so you can experience it first hand. This story only makes her characters stronger and real. It is a story which must be told and read.

[Joanna Brocklehurst smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, this left me completely speechless, and that never happens!!! It is an emotional roller coaster and a half and everything is not always as it seems.
In the Summer Lake series, Ben has always been an enigma. We all wanted to know more about him. Now we do, I need more… I really can’t wait for Ben’s story to continue. It would be great to think he will get his happy ever after.
We get to learn the history of Ben and Charlotte, why Ben never moved on and why neither of them have let the other go fully.
Even though Charlotte is married, Ben is still on her mind. She knows they both made mistakes, she now wants to be able to correct hers, but is it too late? Both Ben and Charlotte get the opportunity to tell their story, as the two stories merge, the truth comes out. Neither thought that what they believed was for the best was completely the wrong choice for them both. With communication between this pair now open, who knows what will happen, especially with Emma and April helping.

Absolutely loved it.

[Carolyne Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a huge fan of SJ McCoy and it was the Summer lake series that I feel in love with. So many different characters and love stories, each coming together throughout the series. My favourite book boyfriend, even though he hasn't had his own happy ever after, yet, is Ben. Wow, his heart is still in the past with his first and only love, Charlotte. We've seen snipets in each book but never got to the bottom of it. This story is just that, what happened all those years ago. I can tell you there's fun, lots of loving, drama and tears, (I cried, I never cry!!) couldnt put it down, just had to finish and find out. Now I'm inching for the follow up!!
You really need to of read the series to fully appreciate this book.
I can guarantee you, once you go to summer lake you'll never want to leave, I know i don't!!

[Pamela Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok I still dont know what ro say about this book as it took me through a wave of emotions.
Ben and Charlotte's back story is so tragic that it was hard not to get attached even more to Ben.
I will say that if you love a good tear jerker this is a must read.
Ben and Charlotte where childhood sweethearts that grow up loving each othere more and more with everyday that passed.
they where getting ready to go to college and live together untill one of the most tragic things happened.
Charlotte's family kept them apart and the pain got to much and after the years Charlotte yried to move on amd got married.
Ben kept working and lived with the what ifs and could of beens.
After they reunion and they spoke about what happened will they get back together

[Emma Wyatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great outing to Summer Lake and all the people we have opened our hearts to and no more than Ben.
Over the previous books we have been getting snippets of Bens struggle to move on from his true love but we never really knew the extent of his pain but in Chasing Tomorrow we do and all I can say is WOW!!
This book tells us exactly what happened and is gearing up for Bens Happy ever after book which will be coming up! Make sure you have your tissues at the ready for this emotional journey but it is well worth the journey.
Love this series and this book is just another excellent journey SJ has taken us on can't wait for the next.