Summer at Lake Haven by RaeAnne Thayne – a Review

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Description:
 A lakeside summer, a new beginning…

Samantha Fremont has been struggling with the weight of her mother’s expectations for years. But now that her mother has passed away, it’s time for Sam to be bold and finally establish the fashion design business she’s always dreamed of. And the perfect opportunity has fallen into her lap. Her friend’s getting married and has asked Sam to create her wedding dress…if only she can avoid the bride’s infuriating brother, who’s temporarily the boy next door.

Ian Summerhill knows a sabbatical in Haven Point is exactly what he and his children need to recover from their mother’s death. His romantic relationship with his ex-wife may have ended years ago, but caring for her throughout her illness broke his heart. All he wants is to watch his little sister walk down the aisle and to see his kids smile again. And somehow his lovely new neighbor is instrumental in both. But as their uneasy truce blossoms into a genuine friendship and more, Ian has obligations in England he can’t ignore—and a secret that threatens the fragile trust he and Sam have built.

Review:

Summer at Lake Haven by RaeAnne Thayne is the 11^th book in her Haven Point series.  I have read one of the books in this series, but I think I need to go back and read the rest; this does read very well as a standalone.

Samantha Fremont, our heroine, is just getting used to living on her own, after the death of her controlling and difficult at times mother. She now owns the dress boutique shop in town, which she worked with her mother, and though she has hired help to run the store, Sam is buried with designing and making wedding gowns. Her friend Gemma (one of the previous books heroine) is getting married, and Sam is determined to created the best dress yet for her friend. In between all this overload, Sam adopted a cute dog, Betsey, who to her surprise a short few days later, gives birth to three adorable puppies.  I loved all four of the dogs.  So cute.

Ian Somerhill, our hero, is Gemma’s brother from England, and he rents out the house next door to Sam.  He meets her after she rescued his young son, who slipped of the docks in front of Sam’s house.  Ian is a widower, with two adorable children, and is working on a project that he needs to use Sam’s dock to monitor Salmon fish.  Sam becomes close to Ian’s endearing two children, as she gets them to help take care of the puppies while she is at work. 

In a short time, the attraction between Sam and Ian begins to complicate things, as neither of them are interested in a relationship, and just try to be friends.  Ian has responsibilities that will change and take over his life when he returns to England after the wedding; Sam knows he is leaving soon, and her business, especially the wedding dress one is demanding all of her time.  Both feel that allowing them to act on their feelings will only cause heartbreak after the wedding, as there is no future for them.  Best laid plans do not always work out. 

Summer at Lake Haven was a wonderful sweet heartwarming romance, with a couple that needed to find away to find their happiness.  I loved all of Sam’s friends, who play a big part in this story, and we also learn more about Gemma living in Haven Point.  I also like Ian and Gemma’s parents who arrived later for the wedding.  This was not only a great romance, but enjoyable even more so with all the wonderful couple, friendships, family and small town atmosphere that makes this so good.  I wholly suggest you read Summer at Lake Haven, so well written by RaeAnne Thayne.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher