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Summer Girl
2018 Silver Medalist in Fiction/Social Issues, Readers Favorite International Book Award Contest
2018 Finalist in Fiction, Book Excellence Awards
"Does first love, true love, ever really die?"
Andi Martin asks herself that question as she sits on the porch of the Sloane Cottage, her mind flooded with memories of the summer of '65 and a boy, once loved, but never forgotten.
Jake Chambers is also on a collision course with the past as he returns to Cutter Island for the first time in more than a decade. And, as the ferry approaches the wharf, he finds his mind filled with thoughts of a summer long forgotten and a girl destined to haunt him forever.
From award-winning author, Linda Watkins, comes a story of love, loss, survival, and, most of all, hope...SUMMER GIRL, A Novel.
2018 Finalist in Fiction, Book Excellence Awards
"Does first love, true love, ever really die?"
Andi Martin asks herself that question as she sits on the porch of the Sloane Cottage, her mind flooded with memories of the summer of '65 and a boy, once loved, but never forgotten.
Jake Chambers is also on a collision course with the past as he returns to Cutter Island for the first time in more than a decade. And, as the ferry approaches the wharf, he finds his mind filled with thoughts of a summer long forgotten and a girl destined to haunt him forever.
From award-winning author, Linda Watkins, comes a story of love, loss, survival, and, most of all, hope...SUMMER GIRL, A Novel.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 7, 2018
114 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Linda Watkins
18 books368 followersAward-winning, USA Today Bestselling Author, Linda Watkins, currently resides in Sedona, Arizona and, in another life, was a Senior Clinical Financial Analyst at Stanford University School of Medicine. Born on the east coast, she grew up in a suburb of Detroit. Upon graduation from college (Carnegie Mellon, '70), she moved to the San Francisco Bay Area where she lived and worked for most of her adult life. In 2006, she packed up her belongings and, along with her 3 rescue dogs, took the plunge and moved to a remote island off the coast of Maine.
It was on this island that she wrote her first novel, MATEGUAS ISLAND and, since publication, the novel has garnered the following awards:
* 2014 Gold Medal, Supernatural Fiction, READERS' FAVORITE INTERNATIONAL BOOK AWARD COMPETITION
* 2014 First Place Award, Contemporary Gothic, CHANTICLEER BOOK REVIEW, PARANORMAL AWARDS
* 2015 Outstanding Novel in Horror/Suspense, IAN BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARDS
RETURN TO MATEGUAS ISLAND, the sequel, was awarded the 1st Place Award in Contempory Gothic in the 2015 CHANTICLEER BOOK REVIEW PARANORMAL AWARDS and was named 2016 Finalist in Horror by READERS' FAVORITE INTERNATIONAL BOOK AWARD COMPETITION.
In addition to the Mateguas Series, Linda is also the author of a stand-alone novel, SUMMER GIRL, A NOVEL which was named a Finalist in Fiction in the 2018 BEA Awards and a Silver Medalist in Novellas/Short Stories in the 2018 Readers Favorite International Book Award Competition. She is also the author of an award-winning novella, SARAH & ZOEY, A STORY ABOUT THE POWER OF UNCONDITIONAL LOVE. Her entry into the multi-author box-set, LOVE UNDER FIRE, has secured her place as a USA Today Bestselling Author.
STORM ISLAND, A KATE POMEROY MYSTERY, the first book in a new Gothic series, will be published in late 2018.
Serious about dog welfare and rescue, all net proceeds from sales of THE MATEGUAS ISLAND SERIES are donated to Linda's charitable trust, The Raison d'Etre Fund for Dogs, Dedicated to Rescue and Research.
Linda is a member of the Horror Writers Association, The Great Lakes Association of Horror Writers, The International Association of Crime Writers, and the Authors Guild.
For more information, please visit her website www.lindawatkins-author.com.
It was on this island that she wrote her first novel, MATEGUAS ISLAND and, since publication, the novel has garnered the following awards:
* 2014 Gold Medal, Supernatural Fiction, READERS' FAVORITE INTERNATIONAL BOOK AWARD COMPETITION
* 2014 First Place Award, Contemporary Gothic, CHANTICLEER BOOK REVIEW, PARANORMAL AWARDS
* 2015 Outstanding Novel in Horror/Suspense, IAN BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARDS
RETURN TO MATEGUAS ISLAND, the sequel, was awarded the 1st Place Award in Contempory Gothic in the 2015 CHANTICLEER BOOK REVIEW PARANORMAL AWARDS and was named 2016 Finalist in Horror by READERS' FAVORITE INTERNATIONAL BOOK AWARD COMPETITION.
In addition to the Mateguas Series, Linda is also the author of a stand-alone novel, SUMMER GIRL, A NOVEL which was named a Finalist in Fiction in the 2018 BEA Awards and a Silver Medalist in Novellas/Short Stories in the 2018 Readers Favorite International Book Award Competition. She is also the author of an award-winning novella, SARAH & ZOEY, A STORY ABOUT THE POWER OF UNCONDITIONAL LOVE. Her entry into the multi-author box-set, LOVE UNDER FIRE, has secured her place as a USA Today Bestselling Author.
STORM ISLAND, A KATE POMEROY MYSTERY, the first book in a new Gothic series, will be published in late 2018.
Serious about dog welfare and rescue, all net proceeds from sales of THE MATEGUAS ISLAND SERIES are donated to Linda's charitable trust, The Raison d'Etre Fund for Dogs, Dedicated to Rescue and Research.
Linda is a member of the Horror Writers Association, The Great Lakes Association of Horror Writers, The International Association of Crime Writers, and the Authors Guild.
For more information, please visit her website www.lindawatkins-author.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
June 10, 2019
This book will grip your heart. It is the story of a boy and girl in the summer of 1965. First Love--. However it is not the usual book you will read--it is set in three sections--First you are told the story of Jake--Then the heartbreaking story of Andi (have tissues ready). They don't see each other after that summer but each affected the other's life profoundly.
Many years later they are both married to different people and both end up in that little town at the same time--does true love ever really die? I will leave it to you to decide.
At the very end a third party who has been disabled since that fateful summer-and watched the love play out between Jake and Andi thru his binoculars through his bedroom window. He was amazed that they were both back in town and it somehow gave him the strength to try to see if he too could walk among people again**(more tissues needed.) Which just goes to prove there is a rainbow at the end of every true love story--and not only for the lovers!!
A must read for EVERYONE in my opinion!!
Many years later they are both married to different people and both end up in that little town at the same time--does true love ever really die? I will leave it to you to decide.
At the very end a third party who has been disabled since that fateful summer-and watched the love play out between Jake and Andi thru his binoculars through his bedroom window. He was amazed that they were both back in town and it somehow gave him the strength to try to see if he too could walk among people again**(more tissues needed.) Which just goes to prove there is a rainbow at the end of every true love story--and not only for the lovers!!
A must read for EVERYONE in my opinion!!
February 2, 2018
- Summer Girl is a fantastic read! Andi and Jake’s story is so much more than a coming-of-age novel about young love. The novel captures the magic of the young couple’s summer love—their first real love and how that love survives despite Andi and Jake being parted for years—but the author deftly complicates the plot by adding Andi’s deeper issues of sexual and emotion abuse, which makes the story twist and turn in unexpected ways.
The characters are truly amazing in their depth and realistic natures. This is a well-written and complex story that will tug at your heart strings for a long time to come. Highly recommended!
The characters are truly amazing in their depth and realistic natures. This is a well-written and complex story that will tug at your heart strings for a long time to come. Highly recommended!
March 28, 2019
A sweet coming of age story, blended with mystery, the tragedies of abuse, and lives grown apart, Linda Watkins’ Summer Girl is an evocative tale of island life, literary aspirations, deep hurts, and the coincidences that reunite the lost. Are first-love bonds unbreakable? What about marriage bonds, and bonds of love between a parent and child? And what about those broken bonds that wound and separate…
Andi had a secret that she never told. But she was only a summer girl, a sunshine visitor to an island where Jake lived a tough young hard-working life. The reader watches their growing attachment with the same sense of joy as adults on the island, reminiscing “about their first loves.” But darkness invaedes this sweet romance, and Andi is suddenly gone.
Summer Girl is not an easy tale, but it’s a beautiful, evocative and absorbing read. Dark and light are perfectly balanced. Past and present loves play out convincingly, with their attendant joys and pains. And characters and place both become real. A well-told tale of lives, loves and romance.
Disclosure: I won a copy and I really enjoyed reading it.
Andi had a secret that she never told. But she was only a summer girl, a sunshine visitor to an island where Jake lived a tough young hard-working life. The reader watches their growing attachment with the same sense of joy as adults on the island, reminiscing “about their first loves.” But darkness invaedes this sweet romance, and Andi is suddenly gone.
Summer Girl is not an easy tale, but it’s a beautiful, evocative and absorbing read. Dark and light are perfectly balanced. Past and present loves play out convincingly, with their attendant joys and pains. And characters and place both become real. A well-told tale of lives, loves and romance.
Disclosure: I won a copy and I really enjoyed reading it.
February 27, 2020
Impactful. Much more than a summer romance. Enjoyed that the story is told from the perspective of both of the main characters and went from adolescence to adult. So well written that even during the somber portions you still want to keep reading. It was inspiring in many ways and a true story of love
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February 1, 2020
Does true love every really die?
Well written, kept me reading. I couldn't wait to see what happen next.
Was not expecting the events that happen.
I also loves how the writer provided both sides to the story and what really went down.
Well written, kept me reading. I couldn't wait to see what happen next.
Was not expecting the events that happen.
I also loves how the writer provided both sides to the story and what really went down.
February 24, 2020
Loved it ❤️
This is one of those stories that sticks with you after reading, it’s about young first love , abuse and survival. Jake and Andi’s story is told from his and her perspective, great writing by this Author I couldn’t put it down and now that I’m finished I can’t stop thinking of it .
This is one of those stories that sticks with you after reading, it’s about young first love , abuse and survival. Jake and Andi’s story is told from his and her perspective, great writing by this Author I couldn’t put it down and now that I’m finished I can’t stop thinking of it .
October 22, 2019
Awesome love story
Great writer. Made you bring back memories from when you were young. You never really forgot the so-called first love.Wonderful story.
Great writer. Made you bring back memories from when you were young. You never really forgot the so-called first love.Wonderful story.
May 4, 2020
Summer
I love this book. I love the characters. I love the twists and turns and just how human behavior guides the path.
I love this book. I love the characters. I love the twists and turns and just how human behavior guides the path.
May 21, 2020
A great beach book
Some sad, heartbreaking pages. I enjoyed how Jake got started with his writing career by simply listening to advice from a kind nurse
Some sad, heartbreaking pages. I enjoyed how Jake got started with his writing career by simply listening to advice from a kind nurse
May 9, 2020
I love this book. Andi and Jake's story is remarkable. What transpired between us truly a LOVE. First love never die indeed.
Thanks for writing this book. What happened to Andi made me cry and learns a lot from the story. I am also taking notes of the words you used here.
Thanks for writing this book. What happened to Andi made me cry and learns a lot from the story. I am also taking notes of the words you used here.
May 18, 2020
Awesome feel good read!
Hard to put this book down. A little bit of all emotions--tears, rage, laughter. Looking forward to reading more of this author's books!
Hard to put this book down. A little bit of all emotions--tears, rage, laughter. Looking forward to reading more of this author's books!
February 22, 2018
I started reading this and was immediately impressed with how it was written! Starts with Jake remembering back when he lived in the island and described what happens when the summer tourist show up! How he got to know Andrea (who chose to be called Andi with an i).
This brought back memories of different vacations my family took and how you “never forget your first love!" I can honestly say I haven’t and when we “reconnected” recently, my feelings never changed! We have grown and matured, but he is and always will be my “first love!”
So to answer the question “Do you ever forget your first love?” I can honestly say, “No!”
The second part of the book tells Andi’s side and what she endured as a child into adulthood! I had figured this out but didn’t realize how young she was when the abuse started! Men like her stepfather need to be prosecuted and put away and the child should NEVER feel it is their fault! Someone will believe them! How she survived and moved on is a triumph to her! You can forgive but you should NEVER forget! Live your life to the fullest from the time you are healed and don’t let the past ruin your future!
It ended with another narrator that lived next door and was never mentioned before the Epilogue! You don’t know who this is, but this person, sums up the ending and what he saw that summer so long ago; and what happened to Jake and Andi.
As this revolves to them both meeting, again on the island you wonder what will they do? Jake does go to see her but after, do they try and reconnect with each other? Both have moved on and are married with families, but are they willing to throw their lives away and have another chance? The author, Linda Watkins, has left this a question and if she decides she could continue with it or leave it where it finished.
I received this book free and have voluntarily reviewed it.
This brought back memories of different vacations my family took and how you “never forget your first love!" I can honestly say I haven’t and when we “reconnected” recently, my feelings never changed! We have grown and matured, but he is and always will be my “first love!”
So to answer the question “Do you ever forget your first love?” I can honestly say, “No!”
The second part of the book tells Andi’s side and what she endured as a child into adulthood! I had figured this out but didn’t realize how young she was when the abuse started! Men like her stepfather need to be prosecuted and put away and the child should NEVER feel it is their fault! Someone will believe them! How she survived and moved on is a triumph to her! You can forgive but you should NEVER forget! Live your life to the fullest from the time you are healed and don’t let the past ruin your future!
It ended with another narrator that lived next door and was never mentioned before the Epilogue! You don’t know who this is, but this person, sums up the ending and what he saw that summer so long ago; and what happened to Jake and Andi.
As this revolves to them both meeting, again on the island you wonder what will they do? Jake does go to see her but after, do they try and reconnect with each other? Both have moved on and are married with families, but are they willing to throw their lives away and have another chance? The author, Linda Watkins, has left this a question and if she decides she could continue with it or leave it where it finished.
I received this book free and have voluntarily reviewed it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2018
Summer Girl by Linda Watkins
A wonderful book I read from beginning to end, finishing in the early morning and I’m glad I did. Linda Watkins, I was feeling glad that you’d ended one of the story’s characters in the way you did, but when I began to read the final part of the book I was touched and pleased that you’d finished writing your novel so very different, in a way I’d never experienced before. Thanks from a passionate reader, for making my story reading special. I’m going to ask my sister to buy this book as she is as fussy a reader as me. We love well written books that don’t conform to a pattern from one novel to the next, and yours qualifies. I truly hope that many more readers pick up this book, taking the challenge of a difficult storyline, and keep reading to find out that there is more than one way to to finalise a previously sad tale. I am so glad I chose to read this novel. It made me smile in certain parts, cry in others but finally put it down with a sigh of contentment at completion.
I received a free copy of this book but the review is entirely my own.
A wonderful book I read from beginning to end, finishing in the early morning and I’m glad I did. Linda Watkins, I was feeling glad that you’d ended one of the story’s characters in the way you did, but when I began to read the final part of the book I was touched and pleased that you’d finished writing your novel so very different, in a way I’d never experienced before. Thanks from a passionate reader, for making my story reading special. I’m going to ask my sister to buy this book as she is as fussy a reader as me. We love well written books that don’t conform to a pattern from one novel to the next, and yours qualifies. I truly hope that many more readers pick up this book, taking the challenge of a difficult storyline, and keep reading to find out that there is more than one way to to finalise a previously sad tale. I am so glad I chose to read this novel. It made me smile in certain parts, cry in others but finally put it down with a sigh of contentment at completion.
I received a free copy of this book but the review is entirely my own.
April 4, 2018
Who doesn't love a summer romance? When I first started to read this book I was looking forward to a sweet summer romance, second chance story. I got that. But this book is so much more. This is the story of Andi and Jake. They had their young summer love story. And years later they have a second chance. But this love story is far from typical. And if you think, like I did, that you have this story figured out from the beginning you are wrong. There are surprises in this story. Get ready for an emotional ride.
What I loved about this story was that it made me feel. The author hits on some hard subjects. While I have not personally gone through them, I felt for the character that did. The author puts the reader in the book. First we are put there by the point of Jake but later on we see Andi's point of view as well. I love when an author shows both sides.
I highly recommend this book. This isn't just another love story. This is a raw emotional read that will leave a smile on the reader's face. Be prepared. You won't be able to put it down.
What I loved about this story was that it made me feel. The author hits on some hard subjects. While I have not personally gone through them, I felt for the character that did. The author puts the reader in the book. First we are put there by the point of Jake but later on we see Andi's point of view as well. I love when an author shows both sides.
I highly recommend this book. This isn't just another love story. This is a raw emotional read that will leave a smile on the reader's face. Be prepared. You won't be able to put it down.
January 27, 2018
Heart Breaker
This was a very emotional book to read. It was written very well. I enjoyed the story from Jake's point a view it was hard not knowing what was going on with Andi. But when you got to Andi telling her side my heart broke. The pain she went through from her step father made me cry. It was hard to read but I wanted to see her overcome her awful pass. It took a long time but she did it and my heart rejoiced.
This is not a light read it is a very emotional rollercoaster book on how abuse affects people. It is very hard to read and there were many parts I didn't want to read. But in the end I was happy for Andi and I very much believe in her and Jake's love.
I received this book for free and voluntarily reviewed it.
This was a very emotional book to read. It was written very well. I enjoyed the story from Jake's point a view it was hard not knowing what was going on with Andi. But when you got to Andi telling her side my heart broke. The pain she went through from her step father made me cry. It was hard to read but I wanted to see her overcome her awful pass. It took a long time but she did it and my heart rejoiced.
This is not a light read it is a very emotional rollercoaster book on how abuse affects people. It is very hard to read and there were many parts I didn't want to read. But in the end I was happy for Andi and I very much believe in her and Jake's love.
I received this book for free and voluntarily reviewed it.
March 8, 2018
Despite years of separation, Andi and Jake rekindle their romance from long ago.
This is a much more complex story than just a summer romance and real love with a happy ending. Linda Watkins manages to take the tale of two characters and their supporting cast to a new level with side plots, which are both disturbing and engrossing.
If you are looking for a very well written book with engaging protagonists and settings, you should pick up Summer Girl.
An excellent reading experience. highly recommended.
This is a much more complex story than just a summer romance and real love with a happy ending. Linda Watkins manages to take the tale of two characters and their supporting cast to a new level with side plots, which are both disturbing and engrossing.
If you are looking for a very well written book with engaging protagonists and settings, you should pick up Summer Girl.
An excellent reading experience. highly recommended.
August 21, 2019
"Some Memories Will Never Be Forgotten"
In this wonderful story of love lose, survival, and hope, Andi Martin and Jake Chambers think back to 1965 and share their memories with readers. Our trip takes us to Cutter Island, off the Maine coast. When Andi finally returns to the island 20 years later, will they remember each other and will they live their future lives with each other? Or ... with their families. This is truly a wonderful story which I loved even though Andi's story is very emotional. It's still a beautiful story to read.
In this wonderful story of love lose, survival, and hope, Andi Martin and Jake Chambers think back to 1965 and share their memories with readers. Our trip takes us to Cutter Island, off the Maine coast. When Andi finally returns to the island 20 years later, will they remember each other and will they live their future lives with each other? Or ... with their families. This is truly a wonderful story which I loved even though Andi's story is very emotional. It's still a beautiful story to read.
July 15, 2019
This novel is not your average love story, it delves deep into the hard things life hands out. Andi Martin has had ups and downs in her life, just like Jake Chamber. The two are going to find adventure on Cutter Island. The author does a great job using different perspectives to explain the story that will have readers glued to the pages.
May 3, 2018
Must Read this book about young love!
Linda Watkins does a fabulous job describing young love, both from the boy's point of view and the girl's point of view. This would be a must read. Many details of summer life at the shore back in the 1960's.
Linda Watkins does a fabulous job describing young love, both from the boy's point of view and the girl's point of view. This would be a must read. Many details of summer life at the shore back in the 1960's.
July 29, 2018
Loved this book!
April 25, 2023
This book was kind of sad, tragic, sweet and a bit of a mystery. This book took place in Maine on Cutter Island.
This story revolved around a young boy named Jake Chambers who lived on the island with his brother and his parents on Cutter Island. He worked for his father. He sees a young lady who went to the island with her stepfather and mother. The young lady is named Andrea (Andi) Martin. You learn through the story that Andrea has been something awful in her life. Andi and Jake meet on Cutter Island one day. They experience first love together. One night Andi tries to commit suicide after an incident at home with her stepfather. Andi was placed in a mental hospital. You don’t discover her story until later on in the book.
“Jake with a J” starts writing letters to Andi but you don’t discover until later on that she had read the letters he wrote to her. Jake wrote a book also about Andi and their experience together on Cutter Island. This book kind of felt like it ended on a cliffhanger to me. I wasn’t expecting the book to end the way that it did. I liked the book but it was sad to read at times and it made me mad as well.
This story revolved around a young boy named Jake Chambers who lived on the island with his brother and his parents on Cutter Island. He worked for his father. He sees a young lady who went to the island with her stepfather and mother. The young lady is named Andrea (Andi) Martin. You learn through the story that Andrea has been something awful in her life. Andi and Jake meet on Cutter Island one day. They experience first love together. One night Andi tries to commit suicide after an incident at home with her stepfather. Andi was placed in a mental hospital. You don’t discover her story until later on in the book.
“Jake with a J” starts writing letters to Andi but you don’t discover until later on that she had read the letters he wrote to her. Jake wrote a book also about Andi and their experience together on Cutter Island. This book kind of felt like it ended on a cliffhanger to me. I wasn’t expecting the book to end the way that it did. I liked the book but it was sad to read at times and it made me mad as well.
November 3, 2018
One of the best romantic story’s I’ve read in awhile
Summer Girl by Linda Watkins is not your typical summer love story. We all know summer love, boy and girl meet and spend every moment together during the summer. Summer ends and boy and girl go their separate ways never to see or hear from each other again. But that is not Andi and Jacks story, not even close. Watkins starts the story with Jacks perspective then when you think they story has ended (happily of course), you get part two which is Andis perspective of the same story, which of course has similarities to Jacks perspective but still holds a few surprises! The book is so much more than a summer love story, it touches on hard subjects like sexual abuse and coming of age trials… things you don’t expect to be in a light reading book. But all together it was a good read with a happy ending. I’d like to read more from Linda Watkins.
Summer Girl by Linda Watkins is not your typical summer love story. We all know summer love, boy and girl meet and spend every moment together during the summer. Summer ends and boy and girl go their separate ways never to see or hear from each other again. But that is not Andi and Jacks story, not even close. Watkins starts the story with Jacks perspective then when you think they story has ended (happily of course), you get part two which is Andis perspective of the same story, which of course has similarities to Jacks perspective but still holds a few surprises! The book is so much more than a summer love story, it touches on hard subjects like sexual abuse and coming of age trials… things you don’t expect to be in a light reading book. But all together it was a good read with a happy ending. I’d like to read more from Linda Watkins.
February 18, 2020
What a beautiful story
Sometimes the stars align. Sometimes it takes decades. Be warned. The story of Andi and Jake will make your heart hurt. But there is a hint of an HEA at the end, a knowing that, no matter in what form, HEA’s are possible. Linda Watkins delivers such a moving tale of 2 young people, one dealing with a personal nightmare, one on the cusp of becoming something greater than what he is, who find love during a summer on an island off the coast of Maine. The story, told in flashback, first from Jake’s perspective, then from Andi’s will grip your heart and not let go, even on the last page. Watkins has a true gift with words and shares a story that will stay with you long past the “The End”.
Sometimes the stars align. Sometimes it takes decades. Be warned. The story of Andi and Jake will make your heart hurt. But there is a hint of an HEA at the end, a knowing that, no matter in what form, HEA’s are possible. Linda Watkins delivers such a moving tale of 2 young people, one dealing with a personal nightmare, one on the cusp of becoming something greater than what he is, who find love during a summer on an island off the coast of Maine. The story, told in flashback, first from Jake’s perspective, then from Andi’s will grip your heart and not let go, even on the last page. Watkins has a true gift with words and shares a story that will stay with you long past the “The End”.
February 11, 2020
What I thought was going to be a tender summer love/first love story turned out to be so much more. A very powerful and emotional read that will tug at your heart strings. Told in 2 parts: a tale that involves first love, rape, suicide, and loving and supportive parents on one side and a narcissistic parent on the other side. I totally couldn't put this book down as I had to know the outcome and was very disappointed to be left hanging at the end. The only part I did no like about this book.
June 9, 2019
Not a memoir
I was almost thru the book when I realized it was fiction which gave it a different slant. The author needs to consider that, and if she ever rewrites it, bear it in mind. Because of that, I gave it a 3 star. It is well written with well-developed characters. The stint with the counselor was unrealistic, his character felt far too pushy, and the dates are off during that period of time.
I was almost thru the book when I realized it was fiction which gave it a different slant. The author needs to consider that, and if she ever rewrites it, bear it in mind. Because of that, I gave it a 3 star. It is well written with well-developed characters. The stint with the counselor was unrealistic, his character felt far too pushy, and the dates are off during that period of time.
April 28, 2020
Andi & Jake
This story touched my soul. I too was that young girl who lost her childhood to someone that was supposed to protect her. And I had a mother incapable of standing up for me. It took years, 3 marriages 3 beautiful daughters and 3 divorces and now more than 30 years of living on my own by myself with only the company of my beloved dog. I’m still dealing with the loneliness and feelings of self doubt and blame.
This story touched my soul. I too was that young girl who lost her childhood to someone that was supposed to protect her. And I had a mother incapable of standing up for me. It took years, 3 marriages 3 beautiful daughters and 3 divorces and now more than 30 years of living on my own by myself with only the company of my beloved dog. I’m still dealing with the loneliness and feelings of self doubt and blame.
February 1, 2019
An extraordinary love story
I wad lost from the start! I seldom read love stories, this one gripped me for personal reasons, I felt every emotion and cried every tear! While not my story the written words are amazingly beautiful and will deeply touch the hearts of both men and women who can identify with the joy and pain of a lost first love! A must, must, must read!
I wad lost from the start! I seldom read love stories, this one gripped me for personal reasons, I felt every emotion and cried every tear! While not my story the written words are amazingly beautiful and will deeply touch the hearts of both men and women who can identify with the joy and pain of a lost first love! A must, must, must read!
February 4, 2019
A wonderful story
I absolutely loved reading this well-written story about first love.
It harboured a terrible secret which profoundly affected the lives of the couple involved and indirectly other secondary people as well. The ending spoke of one such person.
Strongly recommended.
I absolutely loved reading this well-written story about first love.
It harboured a terrible secret which profoundly affected the lives of the couple involved and indirectly other secondary people as well. The ending spoke of one such person.
Strongly recommended.
October 22, 2021
Heartbreaking Love
I enjoyed the story, the coming of age, and love between two young people during a summer in Maine, but its heartbreaking and I didn't like the graphic moments of abuse of a nine year old girl. It sickened me, but I did finish the book, skipping those parts. The ending was good, but left me wondering.
I enjoyed the story, the coming of age, and love between two young people during a summer in Maine, but its heartbreaking and I didn't like the graphic moments of abuse of a nine year old girl. It sickened me, but I did finish the book, skipping those parts. The ending was good, but left me wondering.
February 8, 2019
Easy read but...
I liked this book and was prepared to give it 4 stars but the ending was so disappointing that it only gets three. It's like the author was told to write so many pages and ran out of them before she could finish.
I liked this book and was prepared to give it 4 stars but the ending was so disappointing that it only gets three. It's like the author was told to write so many pages and ran out of them before she could finish.
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