The Inn at Summer Island

by Rachel Magee

Millie Leclair is a mess, complete with a dead-end career and a flat-lining love life. So when she inherits her great aunt’s oceanfront B&B in a resort town in South Carolina’s Lowcountry, she doesn’t hesitate to pack up her car and set off on a new adventure. It’ll be fun.Of course, life seldom goes according to plan. The B&B is barely habitable for one person, let alone ready to open for business. With dwindling funds, Millie has no choice but to roll up her sleeves and tackle the repairs by herself. Yeah, so much fun.Ex-pro golfer Braxton Channing thought being a full-time single parent kept him on his toes. That was before he spotted his new neighbor teetering on her rooftop—which is only the beginning of her long list of renovations for the old house—and he added keeping her safe to his to-do list.But Millie is determined to dive headfirst into repairs regardless of the risk, and suddenly, battling with his daughter over brushing her teeth seems easier than winning an argument with Millie. She’s exasperating. And oddly delightful. And most definitely shouldn’t be let anywhere near a tall ladder.For a guy who’s sworn off romantic relationships, why does he suddenly want to be the one who gets the privilege of watching Millie conquer not just the B&B but his heart as well?

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Fiction, Summer Reads, Beach Reads, Clean Romance

260 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 23, 2021

About the author

Rachel wrote her first novel when she was twelve and entered it into a contest for young author/illustrators. Unfortunately, the judges weren’t impressed with her stick figures. So she dropped the dream of becoming a world famous illustrator and stuck to spinning stories. When she’s not busy working on her latest book, she loves to travel with her family and friends. By far, her favorite destination is the beach, which tends to work its way into most of her stories. Between vacations, you can find her at home in The Woodlands, TX with her wonderful husband, their two adventurous kids and a couple of spirited pets, all of whom share Rachel’s love of the ocean. Well, except the cat and dog. They’re both afraid of water. Find out more about what Rachel has been up to at rachelmageebooks.com.

Reviews

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Inn at Summer Island by Rachel Magee is a contemporary romance that tested my ability to pass by a beautiful cover that looked like it could be my happy place, and of course I failed the test. But after reading this one it was one cover love test that I was perfectly happy to fail.

Millie Leclair has just inherited her great aunt’s oceanfront historic inn in a small resort town in South Carolina’s Lowcountry. With her life at a standstill Millie decided she needed a huge change and took her aunt’s passing as a sign she should continue her aunt’s legacy and reopen the inn but as a bread and breakfast.

After arriving in the small town and finding the inn in serious disrepair Millie wonders if she made the right choice. However, when Millie’s new neighbor Ex-pro golfer Braxton Channing informs her that the HOA has rezoned the area disallowing any business Millie makes the decision then and there to remodel and get the inn back in business no matter what it takes.

The Inn at Summer Island was an enemies to lovers type of romance although I found it incredibly tough to think of Braxton as an enemy, although so did Millie. Braxton had a beautiful little girl he was raising on his own and an old friend struggling with alzheimer’s and having gone through that battle with my own grandmother it always pulls at my heartstrings when involved in a story. Millie on the other hand was a strong female lead and I absolutely loved her for it. And of course I absolutely loved the setting in this one and could just picture every moment as it happened while reading.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet romance set in a small beach town in South Carolina. Millie inherits her Aunt Mildred's oceanfront Bed and Breakfast and she doesn't hesitate to quit her job and pack up her life in Chicago and move to South Carolina. She plans to start a new life and run the B&B. When she arrives though she finds the B&B in terrible shape and in need of many renovations. Millie decides to jump in and do as much of the work as she can herself and contract out the remainder with her declining pot of money.

The first person Millie meets in town is her new neighbor, Braxton Channing. He is an ex-pro golfer and a widower with a two-year-old daughter. He's also the President of the local HOA and becomes a thorn in Millie's side with his long list of rules she will need to follow.

I enjoyed this light romance and the sense of community in the small town. I would recommend this as a beach read or a quick read.

Thanks to Entangled: Amara through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on August 23, 2021.

[Krystal - nerdy_book_lover_1987 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun, laid back story about a Millie and her dog bear moving to Summer Island to take over her Aunts Inn after she passed. Of course sprinkle in some romance, some ups and downs, some hurricanes and lots of tlc to an run down Inn and you have yourself the perfect summer book. Highly recommend picking this one up!

[Linda Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is never a time or place for true love. It happens when you least expect it...

Nothing makes me smile more than a beautifully written romance story. I also love the vibe of this small beach town. Millie and her dog Bear embark on an adventure full of promise only to find the shine on her dreams of her owning a B&B is a little tarnished. She was left the B&B by her beloved Aunt Mildred, but it turned out to be a renovation nightmare. Not to give up easily, Millie rolled up her sleeves and tackled the job.

Braxton Channing, ex-pro golfer first got a glimpse of his new neighbor on the roof of the B&B. He could not believe his eyes. What in the world was this woman doing risking her life fixing a roof? Braxton is a widower with a tenacious 2-year-old daughter. Sparks fly between them when they first meet. But romance was not on either of their agendas. The give and take between them was really quite amusing. Their story was endearing and romantic with a HEA to die for.

[Sierra Brewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.75 stars for me!

I absolutely loved this book so much! The way Rachel wrote Millie and Braxton was so good and I loved learned about them equally. Especially since the book is in 3rd person, it can be hard to delve deep into characters and get into their mindset, and the only one I’ve seen do it well has been Nora Roberts but Rachel did this so well!

The only thing I do wish was seen more throughout this book is the way Millie interacted with Alice, because I really think that would’ve been nice to see their connection and how they interact with each other.


Overall such a good romance read, and I read it so quickly! Thanks Lauren for recommending this book to me!

[Shelley Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Millie Leclair is in desperate need of a change, and that opportunity arises when her great aunt and namesake bequeaths Millie her legendary inn on the South Carolina coast. Having spent many memorable moments growing up at the inn, Millie believes it’s her calling to carry-on her aunt Mildred’s legacy. However, she runs into some unexpected obstacles. Not only is the historically beautiful inn now rundown and in need of a major renovation, but the HOA no longer permits commercial properties within its boundaries. Millie decides to take on the challenge of both. What she doesn’t expect is the particularly handsome, secretive, if prickly, famous neighbor, Braxton Channing.

The Inn at Summer Island has a bit of everything in it. There is a past mystery found in some heartbreaking, but enticingly sweet, secretive love letters. There’s a fierce hurricane, a close friend suffering from dementia, a harassing HOA, female friendship, tender romance, and the theme of overcoming obstacles and facing fears.

The Inn at Summer Harbor is an easy-to-read, small town, enemies-to-lovers romance. It’s full of smiles, camaraderie, a scenic setting, and an inspiring can-do spirit. It’s a touching, charming, delightful story that will lift your spirits and leave you feeling hopeful.

Thank you to @netgalley @entangled_publishing and the author for the free copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Millie Leclair needs a change in her life. When she inherits her great aunt’s oceanfront B&B in a resort town in South Carolina’s Lowcountry, she packs up her car and heads off to begin a new chapter in her life. What she wasn't expecting is that the B&B is rundown and not fit to be opened without major repairs and renovations. With some money in the accounts she can begin, but unless she does a lot of the work herself, she won't be able to reopen the B&B. When she begins to get hope, she runs up against the local homeowner's association and all their rules about what can and can't be done in the community. One thing in their rules is no one can take money for a night's accommodation. How can she run a B&B? How can they forbid the business when it was already running before they formed the association? The final nail in the coffin is that her handsome neighbour is a single father, an ex-professional golfer AND, the president of the HOA. She has one chance to prove to the board that she is entitled to run the B&B and that she will adhere to all their rules and regulations.

The Inn at Summer Island was a great pick for 20 Books of Summer. It had a great summery setting, wonderful characters, a story of new beginnings and a romance all rolled into one. I really enjoyed this story. The characters were wonderful. I loved how Braxton and Millie became friends and eventually tried dating. Braxton has an adorable daughter and he has been grieving since his wife's death. He is also helping his golf coach, who has dementia and is in a nursing home. He is being pulled in so many directions, but Millie seems to have a pull on him, one that is making him get back out there. Millie is so likable, that people in town come out and support her. They all loved her great-aunt and they want to pay her back by helping Millie. There are some setbacks, and some backstabbing, secretive goings on that gave the book a bit of angst, but overall, this was a great story and ends with an uplifting, hopeful ending. Community, Friendship, Family, love and new beginnings make this an enjoyable story.

[Julie Booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

A perfect summer escape book. At a crossroads in her life, Maggie has a decision to make, a new adventure it is. Maggie Inherits her Aunts B&B, and it is in a little rougher shape than she anticipated.

We follow a determined Maggie starting with her first entry into the inn. Through trials and tribulations, multiple obstacles, a twist or two, and the town’s love of her aunt and the inn. A little divine intervention for crucial information, maybe? Will the handsome HOA president next door be her biggest distraction?

Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is exactly the type of book I have been searching for!

I took a chance on this story by the cover alone, I loved the colour, and the cute dog sealed the deal. I have been reading a lot of new authors recently, searching for the perfect small town romance. I love the community feel and wanted a sweet, slow and clean romance. The Inn at Summer Island ticked all of these boxes and more.

Rachel Magee’s writing flowed effortlessly, the situations were described to a degree that I could picture the scenes in my head (renovations, town festivals and even a hurricane) yet, I didn’t feel the story was clogged with description, it was woven impeccably through the characters senses, speech and experiences.

"Don't walk away because it's hard. Walk away when it's over."

Millie and Braxton were the two main characters and I loved the gentle build up of friendship into something more. The situations felt real to me, not forced scenarios just to get them in the same place. Each interaction had a reason and it brought them one step closer each time.

There were a few subplots and I thought they complimented the storyline. One added another dimension to the characters (Braxton and Henry) and another added to the richness of the romance (Mildred’s letters).

I read this book in two sittings (only because I had to parent for a bit in between). I was drawn in from the start and invested in Braxton and Millie getting their HEA.

"Falling for her was no longer a simple possibility of someday. He was all in, cannonballing into the deep end, fully in love with Millie LeClair."

I’m so glad I discovered Rachel Magee and will definitely read more from this author!

[Sheila · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of, The Inn at Summer Island, by Rachel Magee. I found this book to be ok, if a little boring.

[Farida Yasser · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh my god, reading this book felt like listening to this friend of yours who tries to give a dramatic side to every mundane thing that happens in her life... Repeatedly.
The book was filled to the top of certain pet peeves that were making me feeling irritated the whole time, for example, The obsession about eye color, the main male kept describing the heroine's eye color multiple times, it got kind of boring, and it wasn't as if her eye color was rare or something!
Also, the excessive mention of the heroine's "passion" if you counted how many times she was described as passionate, fearless and determined it would fall on about 15 times🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️
There wasn't any character development regarding the heroine, her progress was linear and kind of not worth writing about? I mean there had to be a hook for it to be engaging, it felt like i was reading a boring biography.
The romance was exhausting to read, they keep going back and forth time and again, they deny their feelings then have some kind of epiphany and start to be open about their feelings and then they return to point zero.... EXHAUSTING!!
The added drama towards the end was eye roll worthy, it was a weak attempt to put some life into the book, but it was too late for me, i kind of skimmed the last 20%
I really didn't enjoy it.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange of an honest review via netgalley and the publisher*

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

You'd think I'd love a book in which a labradoodle plays a prominent role, but this book is SO SLOW.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

“What do you mean you read a romance book?” I hear you asking. Yes I know, and whilst it was very strange that everything was happy and joyful and nobody died I did still manage to really enjoy this sweet little read.

Now because I am by no means an expert in romance novels I’m going to assume this is what the experts would call a clean romance. The story was like a great big gooey marshmallow and there was absolutely zero steam, it was just an all-round warm fuzzy book.

I was lucky enough to dip my toe into this genre thanks to Netgally which was perfect for me because I read it on my kindle at night before going to sleep, and it was actually a nice change not to read about psychos and mayhem before turning off the light – lol.

Set in South Carolina, Millie finds herself on Summer Island after having been left her Great Aunts rundown bed & breakfast hotel. With plans for a complete sea change, Millie is looking forward to diving head first into her new life and bringing the bed & breakfast back to its original glory. What better way to honour her Great Aunt Mildred.

Unfortunately the local head of the Home Owners Association Braxton has other ideas and the locals are making it anything but a warm welcome for Millie.

After a few teething problems however Millie soon discovers Summer Island is a wonderful place to live and everyone rallies around to help everyone else. Even the frosty Braxton seems to be coming around. So much so that Millie feels the unwanted flutter of butterflies whenever she is around him.

Braxton himself also seems to be falling hard for the beautiful new arrival, something he’s definitely not ready for and an area of his life he was happy to keep guarded after the tragic loss of his wife.

A light easy read that is perfect to pick up as a quick summer read.

[Tarri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well I know where I am spending my next vacation! A beautiful, fully restored inn, friendly town's people, gorgeous scenery, a town full of stores for browsing, and a golf course for those who golf.

When Millie's aunt dies she leaves her waterfront inn/B&B to Millie, who quits her job, packs up her belongings, puts her dog in the car, and takes off to start her life over at the age of 29. When she arrives she finds a dilapidated building and an HOA who wants her to sell out so they can tear the whole thing down and put up a modern building that meets their vision of their community. Millie, on the other hand, digs in her heels and sets to work fixing all the things the HOA mandates. She hires a contractor and makes a list of things she can do to save money.

With the help of you tube and a few new friends to assist she sets to work. HOA president and single father, Braxton Changing, does not think Millie will be successful, but as he gets to know her he finds he is waking up from the pain of his wife's death two year's prior. As the work continues, someone in the HOA is trying to make trouble for Millie and also make sure Braxton gets the blame.

This book is very good. It's one of those books that you keep reading after you should have turned out the lights and gone to sleep. Millie is witty and the interactions between her and Braxton are funny. The ladies of the book club (don't worry if you don't have time to read the book) are small town wonderful. The Inn at Summer Island is a good book for getting the reader out of a bad mood.

I received this ARC from Entangled Publishing via NetGalley. All opinions in this review are my own.

#NetGalley #TheInnAtSummerIsland #ARC #EntangledPublishingLLC #EntangledAmara #romance

[Ebony Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Millie Leclair quickly became one of my favourite characters. This book was so wholesome, so full of empowerment but yeah so delicately touched upon the pains of tragic and heartbreaking events that make people who they are.

Being left her great aunt Mildred's Inn in her will was the fresh start Millie needed to take control of her own life. What she found when she got there was not the easy transition she hoped but Millie was determined and passionate about keeping her families legacy alive.

Regular setbacks hit Millie before she can reach her dreams, with new friends, new passions in a new community can Millie beat the odds and reopen the Seascape Inn like she hoped?

Now add a handsome ex pro golfer with a whole lot of baggage, caring for his coach and his two year old to the mix what could possibly go wrong and alter Millie's solo plans to a life of freedom and tranquility?

Braxton Channing had his own demons to battle with, his own set ways to push through and a grey cloud following him that needed some light. After the accident, is his new neighbour someone that could help push through this or was this too much to add on to a already complicated life?

I love how the author intertwined her great aunts mystery love letters into the story with the whole community owing some experience or wisdom from Millie's Great Aunt Mildred. But this comes with high expectations of Millie.

I loved the festival scene, I loved the vivid description of the reno and I loved the new allies stepping up for Millie along the way challenging the dreaded HOA.

This was a beautiful story that kept me on my toes with hope, full of empathy and feeling as determined as Millie was portrayed.

[Debby · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading Beach Wedding Weekend and The Beach Escape, I was really looking forward to this book. We have all experienced a point in life like the main character Millie where everything is going wrong and we need a fresh start.

Given the condition of her Aunt’s inn, and her lack of money and expertise, I don’t know that it’s realistic to expect the inn to be open for guests in the time period Millie had to work with, but I didn’t mind because it was so much fun to read - who doesn’t love a makeover story? Braxton‘s complicated life and his wrestling with taking a chance on love again were very well-written.

My only disappointment with this story was the subplot. I loved the discovery of romantic letters to her aunt from an unidentified admirer. I loved Millie‘s new friends in the book club trying to help her solve that mystery. But what I didn’t understand was what actually happened to keep the couple apart. When we learn the identity of the admirer, he only refers to that part of his life as The Big Regret. The author seems to set us up for a time when his memory would clear and he would share more of the story, but that doesn’t happen. In a later scene, Millie finds her aunt’s journals and reads the passage where her aunt refers to “that fateful night.” But nowhere is it explained what actually happened on that night - what was said and the decisions that were made. Did I miss something???

Not having clear answers here left me feeling unsettled when I finished the book. But, overall, this is a wonderful summer read, and I’m looking forward to other books by Rachel Magee.

[TLynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Nothing is impossible. There are simply some tasks
that require more effort than others”

Millie Leclair was excited to move to South Carolina when she inherited the oceanfront Bed and Bath from her Great-Aunt Mildred. She remembers all the fun times she had with her great-aunt and her father when they use to visit every summer. She was taken back by the condition of her new home, but she wasn’t going to let it keep her from her dreams. She was committed to restoring and reopening Seascape Inn. Her next-door neighbor, Braxton Channing, was president of the HOA which was against her reopening the B&B. Braxton admired her tenacity and her passion for life. She brought light back into his life and gave him hope.
This was a beautiful story and I loved how Mildred’s life impacted so many people in the small community of Summer Island. Her words of wisdom inspired a lot of her friends and neighbors. This was a new-to-me author, and I am so glad I had a chance to discover her work. It was a story of regret, guilt, and hope that will surely touch your heart. The characters were charming, and the story was well written. I enjoyed reading it and would read it again.
I received an ARC and am willingly leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Becky Wise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I simply loved this one so much. This is my first read of Rachel Magee and all I have to say is sign me up for more. I love her writing style and how she kept me pulled in with her words. You will have some good giggles, you may tear up and you will have those swoon moments. Millie is adorable. I love her nothing can stop me attitude. She is willing to do what ever it takes to keep the family legacy alive even if it means breaking the bank and going up against the HOA. She is so sweet and caring and fits right in with the rest of the characters of Summer Island. Braxton will pull at your heart strings from being a widowed single father of adorable Alice and taking care of his mentor Henry how can you not fall for him just a little right there. He comes off as grumpy and a little angry at the world but as you get to know him and everything he carries around you will just love him so much. You see such a lighter side in him when it comes to Millie. They have a wonderful slow build relationship that will steal your heart so. I love Millie and Braxton together so much. This such a sweet romance to fall in love with. I could not put this one down.

[Irene S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Millie has fond memories of her great aunt's inn that she spent many of her summers. Millie leaves Chicago behind to start living her dream of taking over her aunt's inn. When Millie arrives, the inn has seen better days and the inn reopening might be in violation of the HOA. Millie is not afraid of hard work and isn't ready to give up her dreams. Millie is also not afraid to spar with Braxton, president of the HOA and her handsome neighbor. Braxton is a sweet and caring widower with a cute daughter. For Braxton, Millie's determination and optimism brings joy back into his life. I received a free copy of this ebook from the publisher through Netgalley. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. I love Millie, who is never ready to let go of her dreams. I love how Braxton is always trying to do the right thing. I love watching the relationship slowly grow between Millie and Braxton. I also love Braxton's relationship with his former golf coach and mentor. This is a wonderful and clean read and I look forward to reading more by this author.

[Lori R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books I have read this year. It was a beautiful story for so many reasons. I really liked all of the characters who made up Summer Island in South Carolina. I liked Millie who had inherited her great-aunts historic, oceanfront B&B and was putting in so much blood, sweat, and tears into the Inn. I will miss her looking up how to videos to repair the Inn.
I also really liked the sweet ex-pro golfer, Braxton who was raising his sweet daughter, Alice. They were next door neighbors to Millie. The relationship between Braxton and Millie was interesting as he was the president of the HOA.
I will miss these characters that felt like they were my friends. I enjoyed the quaint, friendly small town and how everyone looked out for each other. I also enjoyed the mysteries and other events that made this book one I truly enjoyed and will not forget. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Tara Peters · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author and I would gladly read more. While I did find certain aspects to be repetitive, I still enjoyed the story of Braxton and Millie. They had a bumpy ride to find happiness, and they just might let it slip through their fingers.

Braxton is a single father with a heartbreaking past. Millie is a woman who inherited an inn from her great aunt. They don’t get off on the right foot, but learn that first impressions aren’t always accurate. This is definitely a slow burn, but it is also realistic.

I really enjoyed this book and couldn’t wait to see if Millie would get her dream or if the HOA would ruin her plans. Braxton took a little time to grow on me, but he won me over. Whether they can find happiness or not remains to be seen, but every step they take together seems to be leading them to something special.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.

[Fleur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Millie though she had a plan when she thought of how the old B&B looked when she use to visit but well the bubble gets popped when she arrives and finds things are most definitely what she thought they would be which means she has a lot of work cut out for her. Thus begins a love hate relationship with her next door neighbor Braxton who appears to be trying to do anything to stop her from breathing new life into the old B&B yet also helping her with renovations. Millie gets to meet new and old friends who welcome her with open arms and she gets to see what life with love is all about including the hot n cold Braxton. I absolutely loved Millie's attitude and determination to see things through no matter what the obstacles are including a hurricane and also seeing her fall for Braxton just as he does for her, add in the mystery of the letters she gets keep getting makes for a perfect read!!!

[Charlotte Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was looking for a fun summer read and picked up The Inn at Summer Island. While I devoured the book, not wanting to go to bed until I read the very last page, it was not as fluffy as I thought. The storyline had more depth than I expected, and I really really liked it. The characters had real issues, real lives, and huge hearts. In short, I found more then I hoped for while reading The Inn at Summer Island.

Millie is a strong and smart woman. She decided what she wanted and did what she could to follow her dreams. She took what was left to her by her great-aunt and made it into what it use to be. The HOA was working against her, her neighbor was steamy, and the community was supportive. Millie never gave up her dream and did the work to find a way to turn The Inn into its former glory.

Everything about this book is great. I recommend picking up your own copy and meeting the wonderful community of Summer Island.

[Ellen N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you like an enemies to lovers trope? Do you like watching do it yourself home renovation videos or shows? Do you love dogs? Do you wish you lived closer to the beach? If you answered yes to one or all of these, this book is for you! Millie is ready to run her great at Mildred’s Seascape Inn, located on Summer Island. The problem is, it’s needs A LOT of work AND the neighborhood HOA is refusing to let her reopen it, saying it’s against HOA rules and regulations. Millie convinces the HOA president and former pro-golfer, Braxton Channing, to give her time to renovate the old Inn and see that it can become. There are many bumps in the road as Millie is renovating, but small towns are ever so helpful! Even Braxton comes around to helping Millie out. Does Millie get to open Seascape Inn and continue her families legacy? You will have to read to find out!

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The Inn at Summer Island," by Rachel Magee is a quick read, typical chick lit, fun while it lasts, but after just a day, most of the plot has gone out of my brain. It is one of those books that is fun while it lasts, but not one that is neither deeply moving, nor memorable.
From beginning to end, this is the story of Millie, a young woman who is at a crossroads, having just inherited an old B&B from her late great aunt. The home is located in q small SC beach town. Next door lives a seemingly grumpy single father of a precocious little girl. It is not hard to figure out where this one will end up, but along the way there were some laughs, some joy, a giant hurricane, and a happy ending. 3 stars because "The Inn at Summer Island" is not unique, and is a tale that has been told many times by different authors, but that does not mean it was not thoroughly enjoyable. It was!

[Kate Randle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars just don’t seem enough for this romantic summer beach read! Author Rachel Magee will sweep you away to an island paradise where you will get lost in the lives of her memorable characters. You’ll fall in love with Millie and Braxton as they navigate this little thing called life with all of its ups and downs. Pick up this sweet romance and be prepared for an unforgettable story that will tug at your heartstrings and never let go.

Thank you to Entangled Publishing through Netgalley for providing me with an advance copy. This book will be published on August 23, 2021.

[Kinzie Heinrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been looking forward to another book by Rachel Magee for a while now and her newest release did not disappoint! I was enthralled with Millie and her sweet dog (Bear) from the beginning. She's a real go-getter trying to restore her great aunt's inn in South Carolina against some pretty big odds stacked against her. Throw in a hint of mystery and some romance and it's the perfect summer read. Reading this made me feel like I was in Low Country and makes me want to go there and find a place like Millie's Inn!

[Anna Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Rachel Magee is a "one click" author for me, and this is my favorite of hers so far. The setting of Summer Island is fantastic and beautifully executed, you can practically feel the ocean breeze as you read. Millie and Braxton are wonderfully sympathetic characters, caught in an impossible situation as Millie wants to restore an old inn on the coast, and Braxton is the head of the HOA association that won't allow a hotel in the neighborhood. Throw in a fun cast of locals, and an adorable dog named Bear, and you have the perfect read to sweep you away. Highly recommend!

[Courtney Castleberry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book from the very beginning, but felt like it ended just a little abruptly for my taste. I'd love to see a sequel or even prequel about Mildred's life. I really enjoyed the combination of stories and the switching between points of view in the book. I also would watch a film adaptation of this because the idea of a beautiful B&B on the ocean just lends itself so easily to being a feel good film.

[Margie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good, very predictable romance. The characters are fun to read about. It is set at the beach ( my favorite place ) and involves a renovation of an old house - something else that I also enjoy! It's a sweet romance - all about falling in love. The whole community was involved in this story.

I wouldn't mind reading a book about the other people in this community. This is my first read of Rachel Magee - I will look at her other books and look forward to her next new one.