When Steven Elliott accidentally rides his bike into Carol Whitney’s car at the cemetery, the summer takes on new and exciting possibilities. Long friendship wends its way into something deeper when their hearts get involved. Feelings neither of them had expected to experience again enrich their days and nights. But what happens when the long summer ends? When Carol wants a family and commitment … commitment and a future, Steven isn’t so sure. He’s had his heart broken before–can he risk it again?
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Liz Flaherty has scored again! I was fortunate enough to preview this novel. The romance in The Healing Summer starts as a simple summer friendship, but Carol and Steven’s attraction is so clear, I couldn’t imagine they wouldn’t be together forever. Steven is my favorite kind of hero–gentle, kind, and intelligent, while I’d love to be Carol when I grow up. She’s smart and independent and knows what it means to care about other people. The secondary characters in this story give it that special warmth that is uniquely Ms. Flaherty’s voice. You’ll be rooting for Carol and Steven from the moment he rides his bike into her car.
Great characters and witty banter make it fun, but the emotional conflict of characters who have been through so much makes my heart sigh with pleasure. Highly recommended.
This is the first book by this Author that I have read and I know it will not be the last one. The Healing Summer is an emotional story that is very well written and has a great storyline. Steven Elliott and Carol Whitney’s story has a man after the lose of his wife not wanting someone else in his life. Carol has also had her share of lose but wants a family still after losing her baby. A story that is well worth reading. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Liz Flaherty creates believable characters who take you on an emotional journey.
This is a new author to me, but I will certainly be looking out for her work in the future. This is Steven and Carol’s story as they deal with loss, grief, and loneliness. This is a beautifully written story which is heart-warming, and had me intrigued and hooked throughout. I recommend for all.
The Healing Summer – This is my first read by this author and I fell in love with everything about the story; the storylines, the characters and the emotions.
I was drawn into this heartwarming story about these wonderful friends, and their families, that grew up together and their journeys traveled the twenty years following high school. All the characters, main and supporting, were well done and likeable and easy to care about and support.
The emotions ran the gamut; joy, grief, loneliness, sacrifice and more. For all the loss, there was also so much gained.
Ms. Flaherty is talented with not only her causal, conversational writing style and realistic, local dialog, but she weaves a story that mesmerizes reader making it impossible to put the book down. Her vivid descriptions place the reader in the fold and keeps the rollercoaster ride at a fast pace.
I found this exciting story on Booksprout. 5*
The Healing Summer by Liz Flaherty is a book about grieving, getting through tough times, and being true to oneself.
Would you want a husband and child after not getting either the right way?
Steven Elliot
Steven Elliot is the main male character of the book and the one that we start following. He is an amazing character that has suffered from losing his wife to breast cancer, and then to learn some devastating news about one of his younger sisters. Steven has decided that maybe he’ll come home for some vacation and perhaps actually stay home. He is a good guy once he finally matured and figured out that not every woman has to be a centerfold.
Carolina “Carol” Whitney
Carolina is a hairdresser and is helping out Grace with a little problem even if it will end hard for her. She is a fantastic person that does a lot of things for others but not really for herself. Carol is a great cook and tries to help all the kids that she can with studying or anything. She is a pretty selfless person that does a lot and is finally receiving things that she needs even if she didn’t know what she needed. Carol’s story is even sadder than Steven’s, and I’m glad that she has a better ending than her beginning.
Four Stars
The Healing Summer by Liz Flaherty is an entirely different book from what I usually read by Ms. Flaherty. Despite that, I did find myself enjoying this book and loving the message it is sending. It is a fabulous book, and one that I think has a great message, especially for girls that are overweight. That it doesn’t matter what size you are but with the person that you share the love you give.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of The Healing Summer by Liz Flaherty.
Anyways, until next time,
Karen the Baroness
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