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Summer at Urchin's Bluff
Emma Stapleton and her twelve-year-old son, Lincoln, are still reeling after the implosion of Emma’s fourteen-year marriage. A beach holiday to the beautiful coastal town of Urchin’s Bluff promises to be an escape for them both.
Emma plans to enjoy the small-town charm, swimming, and spending time with her best friend, Jane. However, a chance meeting with Cole Merchant—local firefighter and chronic bachelor—sets her pulse racing. Too bad Emma’s sworn off men.
While she unwinds in the quaint beachside setting, Emma falls in love with life by the sea … and the locals steal her heart as well. Just when it looks as if everything is about to come together for Emma and Lincoln, disaster comes calling—in more ways than one.
‘Summer at Urchin’s Bluff’ is a story of overcoming the hurts of the past in order to give love a second chance.
Emma plans to enjoy the small-town charm, swimming, and spending time with her best friend, Jane. However, a chance meeting with Cole Merchant—local firefighter and chronic bachelor—sets her pulse racing. Too bad Emma’s sworn off men.
While she unwinds in the quaint beachside setting, Emma falls in love with life by the sea … and the locals steal her heart as well. Just when it looks as if everything is about to come together for Emma and Lincoln, disaster comes calling—in more ways than one.
‘Summer at Urchin’s Bluff’ is a story of overcoming the hurts of the past in order to give love a second chance.
298 pages, Paperback
First published July 11, 2019
About the author
Eliza Bennetts
10 books17 followersAuthor of Romantic fiction starring women over 40! You're never too old to fall in love!
www.elizabennetts.com
www.elizabennetts.com
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 23, 2020
Emma Stapleton met Dave when they were both in high school. She was convinced he was the only one for her, until Dave threw away their fourteen year old marriage for a woman named Devon. Needing a break, Emma and her twelve year old son Lincoln take off to visit her best friend Jane and her husband Chris in the seaside town of Urchin’s Bluff. Jane has already tried to set up a meeting with a firefighter and likely candidate for Emma to get back into the dating scene. But things don’t work out there as expected. A tense situation involving Linc shows Emma who is the real hero. But just when it looks like life is going to change for the better, life throws another curveball. How will Emma react?
I had mixed feelings about this book. I loved the cover of it and the setting is beautiful from the vivid descriptions I had a pretty fair idea where in Victoria it was set. The description of a bush fire was also brilliantly done and you could just about feel the heat, smoke and flames. Cole turns out to be not at all what Emma expected and vastly different to Jane’s original dismissive opinion of him. Though unsettled and hurt by his parents’ separation, Linc is really the sweetest twelve year old. These two were my favourite characters, I also liked some of the townspeople especially Beryl and Bob. In many ways I found Emma hard to relate to. The sexual conversations and banter between her and Jane, which they called girl talk, struck me as more like that of giddy teenagers than adult women. When I got to the sex scenes I started skimming. I don’t need all the descriptions of who does what. Those who like steamy sex scenes may appreciate them.
I get the feeling I am going to be in the minority in not loving this book as much as some others have. For me, it was rather uneven. Some parts really got me in, like towards the end. Other parts not so much. It certainly didn’t live up to my expectations. But that’s not to say others will not love it. In the end, it just wasn’t the right book for me. I enjoyed some of the writing but didn’t find the book or most of the characters memorable. Liked it but I didn’t love it. Could be just the wrong book for the wrong person, so if it sounds this book of second chances and perhaps a sea change would appeal to you, why not give it a go?
I had mixed feelings about this book. I loved the cover of it and the setting is beautiful from the vivid descriptions I had a pretty fair idea where in Victoria it was set. The description of a bush fire was also brilliantly done and you could just about feel the heat, smoke and flames. Cole turns out to be not at all what Emma expected and vastly different to Jane’s original dismissive opinion of him. Though unsettled and hurt by his parents’ separation, Linc is really the sweetest twelve year old. These two were my favourite characters, I also liked some of the townspeople especially Beryl and Bob. In many ways I found Emma hard to relate to. The sexual conversations and banter between her and Jane, which they called girl talk, struck me as more like that of giddy teenagers than adult women. When I got to the sex scenes I started skimming. I don’t need all the descriptions of who does what. Those who like steamy sex scenes may appreciate them.
I get the feeling I am going to be in the minority in not loving this book as much as some others have. For me, it was rather uneven. Some parts really got me in, like towards the end. Other parts not so much. It certainly didn’t live up to my expectations. But that’s not to say others will not love it. In the end, it just wasn’t the right book for me. I enjoyed some of the writing but didn’t find the book or most of the characters memorable. Liked it but I didn’t love it. Could be just the wrong book for the wrong person, so if it sounds this book of second chances and perhaps a sea change would appeal to you, why not give it a go?
May 12, 2020
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A story of second chances and matters heart defines Summer at Urchin’s Bluff by Eliza Bennetts. A life affirming contemporary fiction novel, with a touch of romance, this series opener was a more than pleasant read from start to finish.
Summer at Urchin’s Bluff brings the reader Emma Stapleton’s story. Emma has recently been hit hard by a series of unexpected blows. Dealing with a heartbreaking marriage breakdown, Emma sets her sights on a much needed holiday getaway. Emma and her son seek solace in the beachside locale of Urchin’s Bluff. Using this time to rest and recoup, Emma is soon taken by Urchin Bluff’s charms. Supporting her through this time is her friend Jane. When local bachelor Cole crosses paths with Emma an instant connection is made, but Emma is hesitant to do anything about her feelings due to her unresolved marriage issues. Slowly, Emma begins to embrace life again. Her broken heart begins to heal and she gains her confidence back. As quickly as Emma starts to consider the possibility of letting a new love into her life, something threatens to derail it all. Questions of love, choice, duty, expectation, loyalty, fulfilment and happiness come into play in Summer at Urchin’s Bluff.
Summer at Urchin’s Bluff marks the start of the ‘Seasons’ series by Australian author Eliza Bennetts. I have two more issues in this delightful mature age romance series sitting on my shelves waiting to be read. The first thing that struck me about this book and writing was just how down to earth the tone and the writing style is, which is thanks to the author’s craftsmanship.
Eliza Bennetts sure does pit her lead against a few obstacles, but these are common problems that many of us will be able to relate to on a very personal level. Alternatively, we may know of a relative or friend who has faced, or is currently dealing with a marriage breakdown and infidelity issues. I have to say it felt great to read about a character who was much closer in age to me (40 plus), as I have struggled of late to relate to some contemporary romance books featuring much younger protagonists. In Summer at Urchin’s Bluff, Bennetts helps us to understand the pure emotions and crushing blows experienced by a woman impacted by the demise of a long standing marriage. Bennetts also explores the fear and anxiety Emma feels by being left alone, with a teenage son to care for and her own broken heart to mend. Thankfully there are support systems in place, from friendship and the healing power of a sea change.
Urchin’s Bluff was a delight to visit. It reminded me of some of the small coastal towns we have here in the south west region of WA. I could very easily picture this locale, which is brought to life thanks to the author’s strong descriptions. Bennetts devotes plenty of time to placing her reader in her principal locale. I could completely understand why Emma was drawn to this place and why it was a source of such soul nourishing solace. Those who enjoy small town rural fiction tales will be sure to connect to Summer at Urchin’s Bluff.
Bennetts presents us with two leads, Emma and Cole, who both have their own set of personal struggles to overcome. These issues form the crux of the novel, providing a source of interest, empathy, tension, drama and emotion. I think Cole and Emma made a great couple. I enjoyed following their pathway to love and life repair. Bennetts introduces a mix of friendship, second chance love, steamy moments, tension, uncertainty and heartache to this tale. It certainly made for an involving novel. After plenty of hiccups, Bennetts closes her first novel of the Seasons series off in a more than satisfactory manner. I know I was tempted to pull the next book I have in the series immediately off the shelf, if only housework and cooking didn’t have to take precedence!
The cold winter nights slowly creeping in means that we will be turning to books that offer us warmth and comfort. I recommend Summer at Urchin’s Bluff by Eliza Bennetts to contemporary fiction fans and those who cannot resist a small town romance.
Summer at Urchin’s Bluff is book #55 of the Australian Women Writers Challenge
A story of second chances and matters heart defines Summer at Urchin’s Bluff by Eliza Bennetts. A life affirming contemporary fiction novel, with a touch of romance, this series opener was a more than pleasant read from start to finish.
Summer at Urchin’s Bluff brings the reader Emma Stapleton’s story. Emma has recently been hit hard by a series of unexpected blows. Dealing with a heartbreaking marriage breakdown, Emma sets her sights on a much needed holiday getaway. Emma and her son seek solace in the beachside locale of Urchin’s Bluff. Using this time to rest and recoup, Emma is soon taken by Urchin Bluff’s charms. Supporting her through this time is her friend Jane. When local bachelor Cole crosses paths with Emma an instant connection is made, but Emma is hesitant to do anything about her feelings due to her unresolved marriage issues. Slowly, Emma begins to embrace life again. Her broken heart begins to heal and she gains her confidence back. As quickly as Emma starts to consider the possibility of letting a new love into her life, something threatens to derail it all. Questions of love, choice, duty, expectation, loyalty, fulfilment and happiness come into play in Summer at Urchin’s Bluff.
Summer at Urchin’s Bluff marks the start of the ‘Seasons’ series by Australian author Eliza Bennetts. I have two more issues in this delightful mature age romance series sitting on my shelves waiting to be read. The first thing that struck me about this book and writing was just how down to earth the tone and the writing style is, which is thanks to the author’s craftsmanship.
Eliza Bennetts sure does pit her lead against a few obstacles, but these are common problems that many of us will be able to relate to on a very personal level. Alternatively, we may know of a relative or friend who has faced, or is currently dealing with a marriage breakdown and infidelity issues. I have to say it felt great to read about a character who was much closer in age to me (40 plus), as I have struggled of late to relate to some contemporary romance books featuring much younger protagonists. In Summer at Urchin’s Bluff, Bennetts helps us to understand the pure emotions and crushing blows experienced by a woman impacted by the demise of a long standing marriage. Bennetts also explores the fear and anxiety Emma feels by being left alone, with a teenage son to care for and her own broken heart to mend. Thankfully there are support systems in place, from friendship and the healing power of a sea change.
Urchin’s Bluff was a delight to visit. It reminded me of some of the small coastal towns we have here in the south west region of WA. I could very easily picture this locale, which is brought to life thanks to the author’s strong descriptions. Bennetts devotes plenty of time to placing her reader in her principal locale. I could completely understand why Emma was drawn to this place and why it was a source of such soul nourishing solace. Those who enjoy small town rural fiction tales will be sure to connect to Summer at Urchin’s Bluff.
Bennetts presents us with two leads, Emma and Cole, who both have their own set of personal struggles to overcome. These issues form the crux of the novel, providing a source of interest, empathy, tension, drama and emotion. I think Cole and Emma made a great couple. I enjoyed following their pathway to love and life repair. Bennetts introduces a mix of friendship, second chance love, steamy moments, tension, uncertainty and heartache to this tale. It certainly made for an involving novel. After plenty of hiccups, Bennetts closes her first novel of the Seasons series off in a more than satisfactory manner. I know I was tempted to pull the next book I have in the series immediately off the shelf, if only housework and cooking didn’t have to take precedence!
The cold winter nights slowly creeping in means that we will be turning to books that offer us warmth and comfort. I recommend Summer at Urchin’s Bluff by Eliza Bennetts to contemporary fiction fans and those who cannot resist a small town romance.
Summer at Urchin’s Bluff is book #55 of the Australian Women Writers Challenge
August 5, 2019
A fabulous read
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Summer at Urchin's Bluff was a fabulous read. I loved this book! It was such an enjoyable read, a story about taking chances on life, living for what you need and taking a chance on love, of choosing to live life in a way that makes you happy.
"At the sight of the twinkling, crystal ocean her worries slid away, slipping from her shoulders like fine-spun silk."
This is just how the ocean makes me feel, so I was immediately drawn to the town of Urchin's Bluff.
When Emma and her son Lincoln head to Urchin's Bluff to stay with her friends, it's just for a break from her marriage breaking down. Lincoln and Emma find peace and much more than they were expecting.
"It was quiet but for the birds, and not for the first time Cole was struck by deep and resounding loneliness—an emptiness that was so pathetic it got on his nerves. Sometimes he worried the only thing that kept him from nose-diving into full-fledged depression was Bess, the border collie who danced at his feet."
I immediately felt drawn to Cole after this introduction to him, I know exactly how he feels at times. Cole is a firefighter who is drawn to Emma despite thinking its a bad idea. There are challenges ahead for both of them and Emma will have to make some big decisions about what sort of life she wants to live and what is best for her and Lincoln.
Emma's friends are great secondary characters and for the most part they have Emma's back. They do make one or two decisions or comments that influence Emma in the wrong way, but even best friends aren't infallible.
I loved how Lincoln was drawn out of himself by the new men around him and by surfing, surfing seems to be a great way to overcome all sorts of issues.
Emma's ex-husband is not a nice guy and doesn't deserve to have Lincoln as his son, or Emma as his ex-wife. When he enters the scene to cause some trouble, I wanted to smack him and smack Emma for even entertaining some of the thoughts she has.
Urchin's Bluff is a small town I'd be more than happy to spend my days in, with great characters and a holiday feel, just like where I live used to be before progress happened. A great read, I can't wait for Eliza Bennetts next book.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Summer at Urchin's Bluff was a fabulous read. I loved this book! It was such an enjoyable read, a story about taking chances on life, living for what you need and taking a chance on love, of choosing to live life in a way that makes you happy.
"At the sight of the twinkling, crystal ocean her worries slid away, slipping from her shoulders like fine-spun silk."
This is just how the ocean makes me feel, so I was immediately drawn to the town of Urchin's Bluff.
When Emma and her son Lincoln head to Urchin's Bluff to stay with her friends, it's just for a break from her marriage breaking down. Lincoln and Emma find peace and much more than they were expecting.
"It was quiet but for the birds, and not for the first time Cole was struck by deep and resounding loneliness—an emptiness that was so pathetic it got on his nerves. Sometimes he worried the only thing that kept him from nose-diving into full-fledged depression was Bess, the border collie who danced at his feet."
I immediately felt drawn to Cole after this introduction to him, I know exactly how he feels at times. Cole is a firefighter who is drawn to Emma despite thinking its a bad idea. There are challenges ahead for both of them and Emma will have to make some big decisions about what sort of life she wants to live and what is best for her and Lincoln.
Emma's friends are great secondary characters and for the most part they have Emma's back. They do make one or two decisions or comments that influence Emma in the wrong way, but even best friends aren't infallible.
I loved how Lincoln was drawn out of himself by the new men around him and by surfing, surfing seems to be a great way to overcome all sorts of issues.
Emma's ex-husband is not a nice guy and doesn't deserve to have Lincoln as his son, or Emma as his ex-wife. When he enters the scene to cause some trouble, I wanted to smack him and smack Emma for even entertaining some of the thoughts she has.
Urchin's Bluff is a small town I'd be more than happy to spend my days in, with great characters and a holiday feel, just like where I live used to be before progress happened. A great read, I can't wait for Eliza Bennetts next book.
August 20, 2019
This is such a delightful story, full of heart, warmth and gorgeous characters and set amongst the beautiful beach setting of Urchins Bluff over an Australian summer. And the best part - it's the first in four books by this author, so there's more to come! Fantastic feel good romance.
January 15, 2020
WELL.... Where do I even start? Not only is the cover of this book absolutely gorgeous, but it also delivered everything it promises. Eliza Bennetts has created a beautiful and carefully woven story between Emma and Cole that I just could not put down. She has it tugging at the heartstrings from the start of the story, and wrapped it up leaving me feeling pleasantly satisfied. I lapped up everything else in between, from the playful banter, to the heated moments, and the heartbreak. A real feel good novel with a perfect balance. Summer at Urchin's Bluff was a fantastic start to a promising series. Highly recommended!
January 9, 2020
This was my first time reading one of Eliza's books and once again she is another author I intend to read more of.
Summer at Urchin's Bluff is the first book in the Season's series and I found it to be a sweet and sassy read. The book engaged me immediately and it was a fantastic holiday read which I finished in a few days as you are invested in the characters and want to see if they will get their happy ever after.
Emma and her son Lincoln head to Urchins Bluff for a much needed holiday after she is left reeling when her Husband moves on with another woman. Emma intends to swim and relax with her best friend Jane and Husband Chris at their holiday house in the hope of reconnecting with her son. Jane has other ideas and wants to set Emma up with a Firefighter called Mark but instead she feels drawn to the sullen Cole who sets her pulse racing but she is sworn off all men and he gives off disinterested vibes anyway.
The will they won't they story line is supported by amazing characters and the location also is a highlight , I found that you do get swept away with the story. I highly recommend this contemporary Australian Romance and look forward to reading Book 2 and 3 ASAP!
Summer at Urchin's Bluff is the first book in the Season's series and I found it to be a sweet and sassy read. The book engaged me immediately and it was a fantastic holiday read which I finished in a few days as you are invested in the characters and want to see if they will get their happy ever after.
Emma and her son Lincoln head to Urchins Bluff for a much needed holiday after she is left reeling when her Husband moves on with another woman. Emma intends to swim and relax with her best friend Jane and Husband Chris at their holiday house in the hope of reconnecting with her son. Jane has other ideas and wants to set Emma up with a Firefighter called Mark but instead she feels drawn to the sullen Cole who sets her pulse racing but she is sworn off all men and he gives off disinterested vibes anyway.
The will they won't they story line is supported by amazing characters and the location also is a highlight , I found that you do get swept away with the story. I highly recommend this contemporary Australian Romance and look forward to reading Book 2 and 3 ASAP!
September 28, 2019
I’m sitting here reading this book for the second time and loving it just as much the first time! I love the characters, and Eliza’s way of connecting you to them, as if they are part of your own circle of friends, is pure art. I can’t wait to see what this author releases next, because she is at the top of my list for romance authors.
September 29, 2019
Eliza Bennetts brings a voice as fresh as Urchin’s Bluff’s ocean breeze to contemporary romance and I especially enjoyed the Australian flavour.
The story of Emma and Cole is beautifully written and it’s hard not to fall in love with their characters and the townsfolk of Urchin’s Bluff.
This book is part one of four around the theme of seasons - I can’t wait to read autumn!
The story of Emma and Cole is beautifully written and it’s hard not to fall in love with their characters and the townsfolk of Urchin’s Bluff.
This book is part one of four around the theme of seasons - I can’t wait to read autumn!
July 23, 2019
Lovely story. Real Australian feel with real characters and struggles. Great to read about love and romance for those over forty. ❤
February 27, 2020
Wow, wow and wow. I loved every minute of this book. I could not put it down. I loved the way the book showed what love is. True struggles, it touched me in so many ways. I can't wait for more amazing books from this fabulous author. Definitely an awesome read
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews