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Blue Water Bay #1
Summer Love
She thinks it’s too late. He wants to start again.
Liv Pennington can't believe it when she runs into Josh Hart thirty years after they last saw each other. A new widow with a troubled teenage daughter, Liv vows not to be distracted by Josh's long lashes, big laugh and strong, tan arms—or the memory of their last night together. But, when their second chance meeting brings Josh to her daughter's rescue, she finds it hard to forget he's back in town.
When Josh Hart returns to Blue Water Bay, he never expects to run into Liv Harrison—Pennington, now. Back in town for only a few weeks, common sense tells him to stay away from his first love. But when the perfect opportunity to see her again lands in is lap he can’t help but hope for a second chance at the first woman who ever stole his heart.
Travel to Michigan for this heartwarming summer romance, the first book in the new Blue Water Bay Series. Meet four lifetime friends, Olivia, Frannie, Lucy and Maggie as they navigate late in life romances, heal heartaches and survive hot flashes all while drinking mimosas at their reserved brunch table in the corner of the Local Cup, their favorite café. See why readers have fallen in love not only with the small coastal town of Blue Water Bay, but with the endearing characters that live there.
For fans of Katie Winters, Kimberly Thomas and Ashley Farley
Liv Pennington can't believe it when she runs into Josh Hart thirty years after they last saw each other. A new widow with a troubled teenage daughter, Liv vows not to be distracted by Josh's long lashes, big laugh and strong, tan arms—or the memory of their last night together. But, when their second chance meeting brings Josh to her daughter's rescue, she finds it hard to forget he's back in town.
When Josh Hart returns to Blue Water Bay, he never expects to run into Liv Harrison—Pennington, now. Back in town for only a few weeks, common sense tells him to stay away from his first love. But when the perfect opportunity to see her again lands in is lap he can’t help but hope for a second chance at the first woman who ever stole his heart.
Travel to Michigan for this heartwarming summer romance, the first book in the new Blue Water Bay Series. Meet four lifetime friends, Olivia, Frannie, Lucy and Maggie as they navigate late in life romances, heal heartaches and survive hot flashes all while drinking mimosas at their reserved brunch table in the corner of the Local Cup, their favorite café. See why readers have fallen in love not only with the small coastal town of Blue Water Bay, but with the endearing characters that live there.
For fans of Katie Winters, Kimberly Thomas and Ashley Farley
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 9, 2022
88 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Lara Alspaugh
13 books36 followersLara writes women’s fiction, clean, wholesome contemporary romance that are set along the fresh coast of Michigan. She looks to real life for common truths and inspiration to tell stories about ordinary women who use every day courage to create extraordinary lives.
Lara is an "almost" empty-nester who enjoys spending time with her boys and family, travel, fitness, hiking and sunshine, her husband of over 25 years and her Labrador Lulu. She can make the perfect lemon drop martini and loves a good glass of Michigan wine.
You can find her on Facebook, Instagram, Goodreads, Bookbub and her website laraalspaugh.com, where you can sign up to receive her newsletter.
Lara is an "almost" empty-nester who enjoys spending time with her boys and family, travel, fitness, hiking and sunshine, her husband of over 25 years and her Labrador Lulu. She can make the perfect lemon drop martini and loves a good glass of Michigan wine.
You can find her on Facebook, Instagram, Goodreads, Bookbub and her website laraalspaugh.com, where you can sign up to receive her newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 19, 2022
If you're looking for a great romance novel, look no further - Summer Love is the book for you!
Two years after her husband’s sudden heart attack Liv is still reeling from his death, as is her teenaged daughter. So intense is their misery that neither has been able to get back to the business of living. Bella has performed miserably in her first year of college and Liv, an author of romance novels, has a serious case of writers block. Although she has already spent her advance, she has nothing to show for it, and her completed book is due in just two months.
When Liv sees Josh Hart in town for the first time in years, her heart does a flip-flop. Thirty years ago they had a summer love but she hasn’t seen him since. Now he’s in town to help his elderly mother and his smile brings back glowing memories. Liv tells herself that she’s being silly, that that was over 30 years ago, that she’s "not ready” - for what she’s not sure. However, her 3 best friends, Frannie, Lucy and Maggie all think that it’s about time.
Although Josh seems interested in reconnecting, Liv is confused. She’s been living in the fog of widowhood but each kiss makes her stomach do summersaults. Plus, there’s Bella’s to consider. Somethings bothered her all summer but Liv doesn’t know what. Keeping secrets has become their modus operandi. Is Liv capable of telling Bella the truth about her book, her debts and her feelings for Josh? Will Bella understand? Was that hope she was feeling?
I really enjoyed this book, once I started I could not put it down. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Summer Love: A Later in Life Romance is book 1 of Alspaugh’s 3rd series, Blue Water Bay. A heartwarming, feel good romance novel. Alspaugh’s books are "clean, wholesome contemporary romance" taking place in Michigan. She "looks to real life for common truths and inspiration to tell stories about ordinary women who use every day courage to create extraordinary lives (as does the author herself.) Full disclosure: Lara was my daughter's figure skating coach 20 years ago, I consider her a friend.
#EmptyNestReader #instagram #SummerLove #ALaterinLifeRomance #BlueWaterBay #LaraAlspaugh #womensfiction #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagramalabama #bookstagrammichigan #bookreviews #bookreviewer #bookrecommendations #JuneReads #readalittlelearnalittlelivealittle #ebooks #kindleunlimited
Two years after her husband’s sudden heart attack Liv is still reeling from his death, as is her teenaged daughter. So intense is their misery that neither has been able to get back to the business of living. Bella has performed miserably in her first year of college and Liv, an author of romance novels, has a serious case of writers block. Although she has already spent her advance, she has nothing to show for it, and her completed book is due in just two months.
When Liv sees Josh Hart in town for the first time in years, her heart does a flip-flop. Thirty years ago they had a summer love but she hasn’t seen him since. Now he’s in town to help his elderly mother and his smile brings back glowing memories. Liv tells herself that she’s being silly, that that was over 30 years ago, that she’s "not ready” - for what she’s not sure. However, her 3 best friends, Frannie, Lucy and Maggie all think that it’s about time.
Although Josh seems interested in reconnecting, Liv is confused. She’s been living in the fog of widowhood but each kiss makes her stomach do summersaults. Plus, there’s Bella’s to consider. Somethings bothered her all summer but Liv doesn’t know what. Keeping secrets has become their modus operandi. Is Liv capable of telling Bella the truth about her book, her debts and her feelings for Josh? Will Bella understand? Was that hope she was feeling?
I really enjoyed this book, once I started I could not put it down. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Summer Love: A Later in Life Romance is book 1 of Alspaugh’s 3rd series, Blue Water Bay. A heartwarming, feel good romance novel. Alspaugh’s books are "clean, wholesome contemporary romance" taking place in Michigan. She "looks to real life for common truths and inspiration to tell stories about ordinary women who use every day courage to create extraordinary lives (as does the author herself.) Full disclosure: Lara was my daughter's figure skating coach 20 years ago, I consider her a friend.
#EmptyNestReader #instagram #SummerLove #ALaterinLifeRomance #BlueWaterBay #LaraAlspaugh #womensfiction #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagramalabama #bookstagrammichigan #bookreviews #bookreviewer #bookrecommendations #JuneReads #readalittlelearnalittlelivealittle #ebooks #kindleunlimited
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October 15, 2022This is a wonderful book to read for straight up enjoyment. Lara Alspaugh has a tender way with words. The book reads like you’re talking to a great friend and they are dishing up their best advice. I appreciate a nice story line and this was fun to read.
May 12, 2022
Heart warming love story
This story felt so good to read! There was a special chemistry, a magic that I felt whenever Josh and Liv connected. Watch out, there a few spoilers…. It took a lot for Liv to realize what she had. She was holding on to the past because she had the best husband. But she grew as a character. I was frustrated with her at first, she really let herself go and lost things that were important to her along the way. I truly enjoyed watching her strength, she pulled it together and got the HEA she deserved. I highly recommend this book!
This story felt so good to read! There was a special chemistry, a magic that I felt whenever Josh and Liv connected. Watch out, there a few spoilers…. It took a lot for Liv to realize what she had. She was holding on to the past because she had the best husband. But she grew as a character. I was frustrated with her at first, she really let herself go and lost things that were important to her along the way. I truly enjoyed watching her strength, she pulled it together and got the HEA she deserved. I highly recommend this book!
May 17, 2022
Summer Love by Lara Alspaugh is a later in life romance that gives you all the feels! The author takes the reader through a wonderfully written tale located on the shores of Lake Huron. This story of a widowed writer, her college-aged daughter, and their close friends covers all the bases if you're looking for a clean wholesome romance that truly delivers. It's written in such a way that you feel you are right there with the characters and what they're going through. By the time you're done reading, you will feel like you have new best friends.
May 9, 2022
I’m so excited for this whole series. Book one is a touching, relatable, feel good romance novel that explores the challenges with adult children finding their own way, the importance of solid girlfriends, how to live through unbearable loss, and of course how to let yourself take a chance on second love. I cannot recommend books by Lara Alspaugh enough. I have loved all her books and this one did not disappoint.
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May 9, 2022FANTASTIC start to an amazing book!! Always a HUGE fan of Lara's writing, this book proves to be the best of them yet! Immediately my heart was captured by the characters Liv & Josh... I'm already planning to forgo the rest of my work day so I can binge read and finish the book. It hits a sweet spot in my heart and soul, especially as a MICHIGAN native. I highly recommend this book and author. Can't get enough!
May 11, 2022
Loved this story! Can’t wait for the next book!
Beautiful story of friendship, family, grief and love! I loved the interesting gang of characters in this Michigan town. I felt like I was in vacation with them, sitting by the lake eating s’mores and watching fireworks. Gotta love summer love!
Beautiful story of friendship, family, grief and love! I loved the interesting gang of characters in this Michigan town. I felt like I was in vacation with them, sitting by the lake eating s’mores and watching fireworks. Gotta love summer love!
May 16, 2022
I am a night reader to shut my brain off.... this book did not allow it. Amazingly beautiful storyline with characters you can embody. The struggles and heartache are personal on so many levels but the love and learning that is found is heartwarming. Love Lara and her magical words, I can't get enough!
XOXO
XOXO
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May 18, 2022Loved this book! A great book about love, loss and friendship. This is a book about mom’s and our busy lives between work and raising kids and enjoying moments with great people. Sit on the beach, pool or just outside and enjoy this quick easy read! You will fall in love with all these women.
June 14, 2022
I loved Last Turn Home and the True North Series by this author so of course I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this new Blue Water Bay Series!! Summer Love is a great story of friendships, heartache, and love!! The characters are so relatable!! I’m already anxiously awaiting Book 2:)
May 31, 2022
This was a wonderful beach read! Read it over the Memorial Day weekend, and enjoyed the ease and flow of the story. Perfect beach or summer read!
December 29, 2023
This book made me a convert, and I've now read all four in the series. If you're just starting out, you have a feast ahead of you. I find second-chance romances particularly gratifying: don't we all need a second chance at something? The characters are very compelling, and I found myself crossing my fingers for Liv after her tragedy of becoming a widow and all that does to one. But there's so much more: you have to read these!
July 9, 2025
This story felt so good to read! There was a special chemistry, a magic that I felt whenever Josh and Liv connected. I loved this book, great story about love, loss, family and a group of friends that become your family. All types of moms with college kids, young boys, busy work lives and unconditional friendship.
August 15, 2024
Amazing
Older characters. Facing the loss of her husband Liv must figure out how to go on again, how to repair her relationship with her daughter, how to live. Then a summer love from the past comes back to town and she has a second chance to love, but can she take it?
Older characters. Facing the loss of her husband Liv must figure out how to go on again, how to repair her relationship with her daughter, how to live. Then a summer love from the past comes back to town and she has a second chance to love, but can she take it?
June 3, 2022
Absolutely beautiful. I fell in love with the people and the town
March 3, 2023
cute love story
Love love and easy read to get lost in
Summer love story with some great moments. And value of friendship
Love love and easy read to get lost in
Summer love story with some great moments. And value of friendship
July 12, 2023
A second chance
I'm not sure about this book. It ended too soon . I'm really hoping the other 3 ladies have a story and live and a josh are in it
I'm not sure about this book. It ended too soon . I'm really hoping the other 3 ladies have a story and live and a josh are in it
July 16, 2023
Summer Love by Lara Alspaugh was one of the best romances not just of the summer, but of the whole year!
July 17, 2023
Sweet read.
September 7, 2023
Amazing
I couldn't stop reading it once i started, it has a way of bringing you back to your own young summer loves!!!
I couldn't stop reading it once i started, it has a way of bringing you back to your own young summer loves!!!
December 31, 2024
Love this author! Michigan author.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews