Goodreads: Summer at Lake Haven by RaeAnne Thayne
My Thoughts: I was a little hesitant about this one going in. Samantha Fremont has probably been one of my least favorite characters in the Haven Point series (topped only by her overbearing, critical mother, Linda). But when the book begins Samantha is recovering from her mother's sudden death and is not the same Samantha I'd seen in previous books. She's grown up a lot and it is easy to see why all the other characters have been friends with her for so long and put up with her nonsense. Underneath all her over the top silly personality was a good kind person with a lot of self doubt. Getting a peek at her internal monologue was illuminating and made her very easy to connect with. Ian Summerhill has his own complicated backstory and is also incredibly likable and sympathetic. And Thayne kept the perfect balance of having children in the story for more then just window dressing but not letting them completely takeover. This was a sweet, authentic feeling romance about two people who need each other more then they knew. My Rating: Really Liked It
My Thoughts: This is one of my absolute favorite cozy mystery series and I must admit I was a bit disappointed when I saw this would be kind of a flashback. I love Jules and the modern day Torte crew as well as the other Ashland residents so I was sad I wouldn't be spending more time with them in this book. However, I absolutely loved how the author handled it. Yes there was plenty of time spent back in the 1980s with Jules' father but we also get to spend plenty of time in modern day Ashland so it was very much the best of both worlds. I really enjoyed seeing how the theater world really got up and running and I do love a cold case! This was a fun read and felt very much like catching up with old friends. If you enjoy cozy mysteries this is really a series you absolutely cannot miss though I don't recommend reading on an empty stomach - the food references are amazing! My Rating: Really Liked It!
Thank you for the two reviews. Both books new to me.
ReplyDeleteI like when an author is able to make you understand a persnickety character allowing them to grow. Both books looks really good!
ReplyDeleteThese both sound good. I'm behind on both series so I need to catch up.
ReplyDeleteSummer at Lake Haven sounds good, I've read. i think the previous 4 in this series. She does write a good story.
ReplyDeleteThe first one sounds like a perfect summer read. Could you read it as a standalone?
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your reviews. 👍✨
ReplyDeleteI want to continue that Bakeshop series. I enjoyed the audiobooks. I'll see if my library has more.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed both books so much. I'm really getting back into my reading with books I know I'll love and it gets me hungry to read more!
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