A Summer in Shady Springs

by Sarah Anne Crouch

The last place Madeleine Mullins wants to be is back in Shady Springs, Arkansas—the town where her whole world fell apart. But when her beloved Aunt Clara begs her for help, Madeleine reluctantly takes a job painting a mural at her aunt’s church. Her plan is to finish quickly and leave her bad memories behind. But the more time she spends with the handsome youth minister and the more she reads her Bible, the more she wonders if she has been wrong about God and the Church all along.



Three years out of college and A.J. Young still doesn’t know what he wants to be when he grows up. He knows he wants to settle down and build a family but hasn’t found the wife he’d like to share his life with. Then Madeleine comes to town. Their friendship buds quickly, although it can never be anything more as long as she isn’t a Christian.



An undeniable attraction grows between A.J. and Madeleine, but she’s only in town for a few weeks, and he can’t date someone who doesn’t share his beliefs. How can Madeleine help A.J. discover a passion for the career he’s always wanted? And how can A.J. convince Madeleine to give God and Shady Springs a second chance?

188 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 10, 2021

About the author

Sarah Anne Crouch grew up in a small town much like Shady Springs. She cherishes the close relationships and beautiful memories from her hometown. Though she’s lived everywhere from Malibu, CA to Nashville, TN, Sarah now resides in Arkansas with her husband, three children, and thousands of books.

Reviews

[Jenny Carlisle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forgiveness changes everything

This story hits on so many different levels. I think the readers know early that the main character will come to terms with her something from her past, but the author does a great job of portraying Madison’s journey in a realistic way. All of the characters are well rounded. I love the setting of small-town Arkansas. Give this one a chance, you will be glad you did!

[Amy Anguish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is sweet, but also shows so well the struggle with not only forgiving others, but being able to lay aside the anger and hurt to find true freedom in love. The characters are witty and real, and several times had me laughing or wanting to give them a shake. The author weaves it all together perfectly, and I can't wait to see what she has next.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Summer in Shady Springs is a sweet story of redemption and romance. It was hard to put down! Right now when the world seems so dark and sad, this is a perfect read to remember the all-important hope we have in Christ (and the fun and joy of being young and in love, too!)

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one I could not put down! I love the characters and story is so good and very relatable. One of acceptance and forgiveness. Madeline goes back to paint a mural in her Aunt’s town and deep hurt from the past just might be healed with the help of a handsome teacher, A.J. Young.

[Michal · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good story, well written!