Welcome to Summer Harbor

Most Christian fictions authors seem to release one book every year. There are a few who are a little more prolific and crank out a couple a year. Probably one of the authors I’ve been reading the longest is Denise Hunter. And on September 8, the first book in her Summer Harbor series is sure to draw readers in.

Eden Martelli is searching for a new life while running from danger. When her car breaks down in Summer Harbor, she finds herself stranded in the small town with no way to provide for her and her son. Her search for a job leads her to the one place several people in town suggest might be hiring. The Callahan Christmas tree farm. But when Beau Callahan informs her all of the positions are filled, she begins to despair.

Beau Callahan turns away a woman who seems desperate for a job so when his aunt requires in-home care, he quickly considers hiring the pretty blond who stood on his doorstep. Despite her reluctance to share anything about her past (not to mention her lack of cooking skills), there is a slight attraction that seems to be growing the more time he spends with her.

But is Eden hiding something? Something that could endanger his family or his girlfriend?

Hunter is a master of drawing out the romantic sparks and tension between her main characters. The addition of what happened to Eden and her son in the past add intrigue to the story. The little town of Summer Harbor, Maine is idyllic and, as someone who has never visited that part of the country, gives me a glimpse into life in the Northeast.

And then there is the complex relationship between the three Callahan brothers and their aunt. The brothers care for each other. They also tease each other and get mad at each other but in the end, they’re family and they love each other.

This book, set mostly in the six weeks before Christmas, made me ready for the holiday season. So put on your cozy sweater and curl up in front of the fire as Eden and Beau fall in love.

I’m already looking forward to book two in the series and Zac’s story!

****Thomas Nelson Fiction provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review. All opinions expressed are my own.