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A Summer of Dreams
A secret dream, two lonely souls, and a life-changing summer…
Having been abandoned by her father as a teenager, Susie Lucas has learned to rely on herself. Holding down two jobs while studying for an art degree, she secretly dreams of becoming a professional artist.
When she lands a prestigious summer placement in London with a famous artist, it seems that the dream is within her reach.
Unable to afford accommodation, Susie is forced to stay with her old friend Dean Parker for the summer. Though they were once close, Dean has avoided her since a shared trauma cast a shadow over their friendship.
As the summer wears on, Susie realises that the only way to progress with her art — and heal the rift between her and Dean — is to let her guard down and open her heart.
But there are old wounds she’s unwilling to probe, and feelings she isn’t ready to face.
And as she and Dean begin to tentatively reconnect, it seems that Susie is in danger of losing her hard-won control…
Can Susie and Dean face their demons? Will they be able to rekindle their friendship?
And is this the summer when Susie’s dreams come true…?
Having been abandoned by her father as a teenager, Susie Lucas has learned to rely on herself. Holding down two jobs while studying for an art degree, she secretly dreams of becoming a professional artist.
When she lands a prestigious summer placement in London with a famous artist, it seems that the dream is within her reach.
Unable to afford accommodation, Susie is forced to stay with her old friend Dean Parker for the summer. Though they were once close, Dean has avoided her since a shared trauma cast a shadow over their friendship.
As the summer wears on, Susie realises that the only way to progress with her art — and heal the rift between her and Dean — is to let her guard down and open her heart.
But there are old wounds she’s unwilling to probe, and feelings she isn’t ready to face.
And as she and Dean begin to tentatively reconnect, it seems that Susie is in danger of losing her hard-won control…
Can Susie and Dean face their demons? Will they be able to rekindle their friendship?
And is this the summer when Susie’s dreams come true…?
- GenresRomanceContemporary
264 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 18, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 14, 2021
Another Winner by Tanya Jean Russell
A breathtaking story of two flawed people who, out of love, give each other the space to work out their issues.
A breathtaking story of two flawed people who, out of love, give each other the space to work out their issues.
May 19, 2021
I recieved this book as an Arc read in exchange for an honest review.
This book is not my usual story. There isn't any omg action or secrets to excite the reader. This book is perfect friends to lover romance set in London and the countryside of England. The author did a great job keeping the story relevant to the location, even including tourist icons in the read. She also had many phrases and dialogues that indicated their location, things like pubs and flats. The small town and summer nostalgia that she included we're definitely relatable and enjoyed in the story. This story is riddled with complications both as they work past memories, accidents, and bad decisions to embrace their future. Susie is an artist who is overworked and always caring for everyone else ahead of her own needs. She is damaged by history, spends the book trying to prove to everyone she is not the same as the history that changed her life. Dean is a successful computer programmer who is still working through his past and overcoming his own fears. He seems like a regular put-together person, except no relationship, has ever worked out, and he hasn't forgiven himself for past decisions and consequences.
Together they find happiness, but can they forgive each other and move past their history. This book was definitely a new adult fiction; it didn't contain any content to be warned about. However, it did end with a happy ending and a lot of learning for both the characters and the reader. The book has some outstanding life lessons interwoven in the story. If you love a sweet romance with a happy ending, you will love this book.
This book is not my usual story. There isn't any omg action or secrets to excite the reader. This book is perfect friends to lover romance set in London and the countryside of England. The author did a great job keeping the story relevant to the location, even including tourist icons in the read. She also had many phrases and dialogues that indicated their location, things like pubs and flats. The small town and summer nostalgia that she included we're definitely relatable and enjoyed in the story. This story is riddled with complications both as they work past memories, accidents, and bad decisions to embrace their future. Susie is an artist who is overworked and always caring for everyone else ahead of her own needs. She is damaged by history, spends the book trying to prove to everyone she is not the same as the history that changed her life. Dean is a successful computer programmer who is still working through his past and overcoming his own fears. He seems like a regular put-together person, except no relationship, has ever worked out, and he hasn't forgiven himself for past decisions and consequences.
Together they find happiness, but can they forgive each other and move past their history. This book was definitely a new adult fiction; it didn't contain any content to be warned about. However, it did end with a happy ending and a lot of learning for both the characters and the reader. The book has some outstanding life lessons interwoven in the story. If you love a sweet romance with a happy ending, you will love this book.
June 5, 2021
I was given an opportunity to read this book, and as I had read the book "An Imperfect Christmas" by the same author I jumped at the chance expecting it to be a good feel and relaxing book to read.
I was proved right, it was nice to catch up with some of the goings on with "The Parker Family" although them not being the main characters in this particular book they were still part of the story.
Having been abandoned by her father as a teenager in not particular good circumstances and the stigma of the situation still follows Susie Lucas around. Nevertheless she has learned to rely on herself only and is, holding down two jobs while studying for an art degree, although she thinks it is unattainable, she secretly dreams of becoming a professional artist.
She has an opportunity to take up a prestigious summer placement in London with a famous artist, therefore leading he to believe the dream is within her reach.
Unable to afford accommodation, Susie is forced to stay with her old friend Dean Parker for the summer. Though they were once close, Dean has avoided her since a shared trauma cast a shadow over their friendship.
As summer progresses, she lets her guard down and finds herself enjoying her life again and slowly building bridges with Dean. Some of her old wounds still need to heal and she is not actually ready to face them.
All in what transpires is a second chance at changing her life - but does she go for it - or are things still out of her control ......
I highly recommend this book, it made life in this current climate a little softer.
I was proved right, it was nice to catch up with some of the goings on with "The Parker Family" although them not being the main characters in this particular book they were still part of the story.
Having been abandoned by her father as a teenager in not particular good circumstances and the stigma of the situation still follows Susie Lucas around. Nevertheless she has learned to rely on herself only and is, holding down two jobs while studying for an art degree, although she thinks it is unattainable, she secretly dreams of becoming a professional artist.
She has an opportunity to take up a prestigious summer placement in London with a famous artist, therefore leading he to believe the dream is within her reach.
Unable to afford accommodation, Susie is forced to stay with her old friend Dean Parker for the summer. Though they were once close, Dean has avoided her since a shared trauma cast a shadow over their friendship.
As summer progresses, she lets her guard down and finds herself enjoying her life again and slowly building bridges with Dean. Some of her old wounds still need to heal and she is not actually ready to face them.
All in what transpires is a second chance at changing her life - but does she go for it - or are things still out of her control ......
I highly recommend this book, it made life in this current climate a little softer.
May 23, 2021
Susie lives in a small Somerset village, the kind of place where everybody knows each other's business - and tongues wag. Especially about Susie and her mother, who have struggled to make ends meet for years, since Susie's father pilfered funds from the PTA and abandoned his family.
Dean, once Susie's best friend, now lives in London - the friendship ended abruptly after a car crash, while dean was driving, in which another driver was killed and Susie badly injured.
However Susie gets a once in a lifetime chance to spend a term in London studying art under the mentorship of a well known artist, and because she can't afford to rent anywhere to stay, Dean offers her the use of his spare room. Can they rekindle their old friendship and maybe even turn it into something more?
Books of this kind tend to be very predictable, and this is no exception. What kept me reading was not so much the inevitable conclusion, as the way it was reached. The storytelling was good and there were some excellent characters, especially the rather flawed Dorothy, Susie's Mum, and just the right balance of conflict and resolution. The perfect read to cheer up a wet weekend!
Dean, once Susie's best friend, now lives in London - the friendship ended abruptly after a car crash, while dean was driving, in which another driver was killed and Susie badly injured.
However Susie gets a once in a lifetime chance to spend a term in London studying art under the mentorship of a well known artist, and because she can't afford to rent anywhere to stay, Dean offers her the use of his spare room. Can they rekindle their old friendship and maybe even turn it into something more?
Books of this kind tend to be very predictable, and this is no exception. What kept me reading was not so much the inevitable conclusion, as the way it was reached. The storytelling was good and there were some excellent characters, especially the rather flawed Dorothy, Susie's Mum, and just the right balance of conflict and resolution. The perfect read to cheer up a wet weekend!
June 3, 2021
This is an honest review provided in exchange for an arc provided by netgalley.
This book was a refreshing change, for once it wasn’t the girl who was plagued with self doubt and fear and it was great.
Susie is a struggling art student who’s gone to uni as a mature student, she’s emotionally and financially supporting her mum.
Dean is a tech wizard living the London life, they have been friends for years and when Susie gets a placement alongside a renowned artist her only problem is it being in London where she has to leave her mum and live away from home.
Dean steps up and offers her his spare room.
Their history is dark and deep and they have lots of unspoken issues that are simply bubbling to the surface.
Really fab book.
This book was a refreshing change, for once it wasn’t the girl who was plagued with self doubt and fear and it was great.
Susie is a struggling art student who’s gone to uni as a mature student, she’s emotionally and financially supporting her mum.
Dean is a tech wizard living the London life, they have been friends for years and when Susie gets a placement alongside a renowned artist her only problem is it being in London where she has to leave her mum and live away from home.
Dean steps up and offers her his spare room.
Their history is dark and deep and they have lots of unspoken issues that are simply bubbling to the surface.
Really fab book.
April 1, 2022
I enjoyed Susie and Dean’s story overall and it was a quick and easy read.
The main letdown for me was how much Susie annoyed me. Dean put her on a pedestal but she didn’t deserve it. Rather than supporting him during the major life changes he needed to make, she deserted him and told him to do it himself and only then would she consider a relationship. It felt very manipulative. You can have me but only if you deal with your mental health issues first.
Her own issues about her father never felt fully resolved either. She created a few paintings and it was portrayed her recovery came through her paintings. Nothing wrong with that as art is therapeutic, but it still felt incomplete and a tad hypocritical.
The main letdown for me was how much Susie annoyed me. Dean put her on a pedestal but she didn’t deserve it. Rather than supporting him during the major life changes he needed to make, she deserted him and told him to do it himself and only then would she consider a relationship. It felt very manipulative. You can have me but only if you deal with your mental health issues first.
Her own issues about her father never felt fully resolved either. She created a few paintings and it was portrayed her recovery came through her paintings. Nothing wrong with that as art is therapeutic, but it still felt incomplete and a tad hypocritical.
May 26, 2021
I think what I enjoy most about books like this one is that I know what I'm getting, and I'm not disappointed. There's no mystery here, and nothing unexpected happens, it's just a gentle journey to a satisfying end. This story of two adults reuniting after a childhood friendship ending in sudden and anguished circumstances is endearing, with both protagonists growing and evolving. I like that their circumstances are not easy, but they come from good, normal (?) backgrounds that most people can relate to, with supportive families and friends. My thanks to Sapere Books for the opportunity to read the book.
May 31, 2021
This is the perfect romance novel to read curled up with a glass of wine or on the beach. I read it through in one day and I was smiling with the ending. It isn’t explicit like some romance novels are so it can be read and enjoyed by people of all ages. Like many romance novels it is predictable but this one is full of many great characters and it flows smoothly from one chapter to the next.
I loved the main characters as they were not perfect, which made them more believable. Susie is a character so many women can associate with as her life is far from perfect and she has to work hard to get just the basics in life.
Thanks to Sapere publishing for the opportunity to read this book.
I loved the main characters as they were not perfect, which made them more believable. Susie is a character so many women can associate with as her life is far from perfect and she has to work hard to get just the basics in life.
Thanks to Sapere publishing for the opportunity to read this book.
June 17, 2021
Overall 4.5*
This is the kind of story in which you kind of know what to expect as the reader. Two childhood friends who meet up in later life and we follow them along their path. Nothing heavy or sexual ...just a good summer read to enjoy in the sunshine and to relax too. This type of story is not the easiest to write so well done to Tanya for such an enjoyable read.
Thanks to Sapere Books for the ARC to review.
This is the kind of story in which you kind of know what to expect as the reader. Two childhood friends who meet up in later life and we follow them along their path. Nothing heavy or sexual ...just a good summer read to enjoy in the sunshine and to relax too. This type of story is not the easiest to write so well done to Tanya for such an enjoyable read.
Thanks to Sapere Books for the ARC to review.
July 5, 2022
After landing her dream job in London, Susie is unable to afford accommodation. Therefore staying with her old friend Dean seems to be her only option. Since a tragic accident years ago Susie and Dean have had little contact, are they able to reconnect and rekindle their friendship?
A sweet easy read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 18, 2021
I love this cover! Susie and Dean have been friends forever and have a history together. They reconnect when Susie moves closer in order to follow her dream of painting.
Both characters have their issues and you can’t help but root for them both. This was a quick book, a good story and sweet romance. I enjoyed it
Thanks to Sapere for the early copy
Both characters have their issues and you can’t help but root for them both. This was a quick book, a good story and sweet romance. I enjoyed it
Thanks to Sapere for the early copy
May 19, 2021
I enjoyed this quick read. We follow Susie and Dean as they begin to redevelop their friendship many years after an accident ended it abruptly. I liked both characters and both the development and the romance.
Full disclosure- I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Full disclosure- I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
June 26, 2021
A Summer of Dreams is the second book in the Honeyford Romantic Holiday Reads and is a heartwarming read. The characters are likable and realistic. The story is well-written and enjoyable, running smoothly from start to finish with friendship, drama, and a second chance for love.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
May 21, 2021
I really enjoyed this, it was a fun easy read with two loveable main characters.
Was it ground breaking, or something I'd never read before...no.
Was it entertaining, escapist, well written and moved at a great pace...yes it was, and that's why I'd thoroughly recommend it as an ideal summer read
Was it ground breaking, or something I'd never read before...no.
Was it entertaining, escapist, well written and moved at a great pace...yes it was, and that's why I'd thoroughly recommend it as an ideal summer read
June 14, 2021
This was such a fun and enjoyable romance novel.
I was instantly enraptured with the characters and thoroughly invested in the story.
I was given a copy of this from the publisher in exchange for fair and honest review.
I was instantly enraptured with the characters and thoroughly invested in the story.
I was given a copy of this from the publisher in exchange for fair and honest review.
January 6, 2023
So enjoyable
I really loved reading this book about Dean and Suzie. They were childhood friends until an accident which Dean felt was his fault. He felt so guilty about what Suzie went through that it affected their friendship until they are brought together.
I really loved reading this book about Dean and Suzie. They were childhood friends until an accident which Dean felt was his fault. He felt so guilty about what Suzie went through that it affected their friendship until they are brought together.
June 22, 2021
Great book. Easy to read with great characters. Feel good story
July 2, 2021
Good. Interesting characters and story. A nice romantic read even though there are some darker moments they are dealt with in a sensitive manner. Thank you Sapere Books for inviting me to read this.
December 29, 2021
A lovely story of two people trying to move on years after a tragic accident. I loved both of the main characters and the slow burner of them reconnecting and moving on. Heartwarming feelgood book
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews