From New York Times bestselling author Penelope Ward, comes a new standalone novel.What do you do when a sexy, older man moves into your family’s summer rental?Well, apparently, you make a fool of yourself-over and over. Things didn’t exactly get off on the right foot with Noah Cavallari. Our first encounter was embarrassing, to say the least.But despite that, I found myself waking up every day … day with a newfound energy. Nothing exciting ever happened on the lake-not until Noah moved into the small boathouse on our property. He’d booked it for the entire summer¿and I was still trying to figure out why.When my mother became ill, I inherited the responsibility of making sure our guests were well taken care of. I should have been in college. Instead, I was living my best life¿as a maid.Dark, handsome, and mysterious, everything about Noah screamed forbidden. I knew he was just passing through town for the summer.I knew he was probably too old for me.Yet, I was drawn to him.Not to mention, he tried to save my life when he mistakenly thought I was drowning.I wanted him and made no secret of it.His own attempts to warn me away soon gave way to late-night moonlight chats by the lake. We were slowly easing into a friendship that was gearing up to explode into something I might not recover from. Because he’s leaving at the end of the summer.And I have no idea what I’ll do when August ends.
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Life Is An Adventure…Make It Count
An age gap romance that will set you on fire and bring you to tears!!! An emotional journey of life and love!
Heather was a young girl but an old soul. Chronologically she was only twenty, but her life experience said otherwise. Tragedy left her caring for a mother who suffered with depression that left her barely functioning. Heather gave up her dreams to care for her mother, their lakehouse and boathouse rental.
It’s summer and her new tenant has arrived. Noah is in his thirty’s, sexy beyond words and a successful photographer who has traveled the world. If only Heather could figure out why he’s in her small town for the summer. He just plans on keeping to himself and relaxing…
Heather is a breath of fresh air. She is honest to a fault, is able to laugh at her own quirkiness and truly has a heart of gold! She was wonderful. Noah is successful, hard working and a really great guy with some baggage! Noah had his own agenda for the summer, but Heather turned his plans upside down. Now if only they can both get through the summer as just friends.
I enjoyed the friendship that developed between Heather and Noah. The gradual progression of their feelings was a privilege to be a part of. The sexual tension was beyond sexy and their fall was inevitable, because their connection was what fairytales are based upon.
Falling in love was never part of the plan, but can’t plan everything…besides the best things in life are the things that happen unexpectedly! A beautiful story that will make you smile, laugh and shed a few tears!!! This is definitely one of my favorite reads by the author.
“Happiness shouldn’t be about a particular place anyway. It should be something you take with you everywhere you go—transferable.”
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I adored this book! It felt like old school Penelope Ward and I loved that! Her signature style of warmth, heart, real-life scenarios, and fantastic banger roll up together and give When August Ends 5 stars.
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Heather and Noah’s age gap means nothing when their chemistry is so unbelievably present. You can’t help but root for them because really, Noah is basically perfect. I endlessly enjoyed their back and forth banter! Penelope Ward does it again, as When August Ends is the perfect read to get you headed into spring.
I must say, reading the blurb of When August Ends had me hooked immediately. There was just something about it that’s so intriguing and will tug at your heartstrings, and with Noah that made me want to dive in headfirst and not come up for air until it was over. Inhaling the book in its entirety though, was a complete and utterly unique experience all on its own.
“Life is made up of little moments that don’t seem that important at the time, but in retrospect they’re what get you to where you are.”
The storyline had me all kinds of wound up, drenched in feels and pining for Noah Cavallari something fierce from start to finish. It was simply captivating in a way that makes you want to slow down and savor every moment. While it didn’t have as much emotional depth as I was hoping for, it still had Penelope Ward’s brand of heart, heat and humor, as well as the twists and turns you come to expect and look forward to when it comes to her books.
“It wasn’t meant to work that way. I was never meant to save your life. In the end, you saved mine.”
I think what truly drew me in and took the (Poltergeist) cake for me here were the characters. How they were brought together by a circumstance so dire and life-changing, yet it was still fate all the same. Or how they, in the span of only a few months, were able to leave such a huge impact in each other’s lives. I also loved that, no matter how contrasting Heather and Noah’s personalities were, they ultimately found peace and solace in each other. That they built something incredibly deeper and more special than any of them could’ve ever imagined. That the bond they formed in such a short period of time might’ve been unexpected, but it was stronger and more all-consuming than any relationship they had in their life.
“Nothing has ever hurt as badly as the pain of wanting you and not getting to have you, trying to hide my feelings from you. I don’t want to hurt like this anymore.”
Heather and Noah might’ve started off on the wrong foot, but the chemistry between them was as instantaneous as it was intense. They just both radiated with the attraction they felt for one another. And although Heather was more upfront about her feelings, Noah chose to keep his buried underneath his brusque and enigmatic exterior. When they finally collided though, it was like fireworks going off on the Fourth of July. It was scorchingly passionate and a much awaited release of all that pent-up tension that brewed between them from the very beginning.
“Let me taste the scotch.”
“I said you can’t have any.”
“I don’t want you to pour me one. I want to taste it on your tongue.”
When August Ends was nothing short of a sweet, tension-filled, yet heart-melting and swoon-worthy slow burning romance that will definitely leave a smile on your face. You just can never go wrong with a Penelope Ward book. If you’re into age gaps where the hero is much older than the heroine; or gruff, brooding heroes with a big heart and the best intentions; or strong, funny and relatable heroines you’ll want to console and be friends with; then you need to check this book out. It just might be the one you’re craving and looking for.
Heather is a fresh breath of air. She is young, exuberant and has a generous heart and soul. Noah is all man, seemingly surly but with a generous heart and soul. I always love this authors books but this one really did it for me. May we all live and love as openly as Heather and Noah.
This one was definitely a slow burn which is one of my favorites! And though it was a little slow at first I knew it was gonna pick up and get me in the end! Noah is renting the boathouse on Heather’s Lake property for the Summer. Noah and Heather ( I must say I love Penelope’s name choice of the female lead ) have a instant spark from the beginning but considering their age gape Noah puts a relationship between them off limits from the start. This doesn’t stop Heather’s attempt to get a rise out of him at every chance she can! I definitely loved the buildup between the two and when it finally hits the breaking point it is so intense!! Then we’re hit with all the emotions! Not giving anything away but I absolutely loved the way Noah and Heather’s story comes to an end!! Very emotional and oh so sweet at the end!! And it definitely had its hilarious moments; I must say I love Heather’s cheesy taste in music!! Such a good read! Can’t wait to see what Penelope has in store for us next!!
You know what I love about starting one of Penelope Ward’s books? I don’t have to try to get into the story I just am! They always grab me and hold on from the start to the very end.
I love Heather she is a strong heroine with a backbone. For such a young age of twenty she sure has a huge amount of responsibility. She takes care of her family’s lake house, waitresses at a local pub, along with taking care of her Mom that has mental issues. They have a boathouse that they rent out for extra money, and she just happened to rent it to the very attractive Noah Cavallari.
Noah is renting their boathouse for the summer to get away from things. Heather and Noah come face to face in a very embarrassing way, she came to clean the boathouse and he steps out of the bathroom in only a towel…WOW The second meeting Heather is doing an aerobic exercise in the lake waving her arms in the air and Noah thinks she needs help and is drowning so he runs in to save her. LOL
He is very attractive and she is drawn to him and doesn’t hide this fact from Noah but he resists all of her small advances. But they begin to visit more and more and a friendship begins. I loved the banter that they both seemed to enjoy. She had a great sense of humor and somewhat quirky at times.
We are given both of their points of views. I absolutely loved both Noah and Heather and they had some extreme chemistry this was truly a slow burn romance. It did put me thru the different emotions I even laughed out loud a few times.
And in closing this was once again an incredible story from this author and you should one-click it when it goes live!!
One thing I consistently say about Penelope Ward’s books is how much more emotionally draining they are than their blurbs might lend you to believe. When August Ends did not disappoint in that. I was brought to the edge of tears – both happy and sad – on more than one occasion while reading. Heather and Noah’s story took me on an emotional rollercoaster, that was frustrating at times, but ultimately incredibly satisfying.
Heather’s awkward naivete and confidence almost immediately enraptured me. She was such an enigma, her youth often showed in her lack of finesse, but then in the next moment the maturity thrust upon her by the things she’d experienced would be at the forefront. Heather was a fascinating character and utterly irresistible. I was impressed by the way she went after what she wanted, and when things didn’t work out how she’d hoped, instead of avoiding everything she held her head high and persevered. She had incredible strength and sensibility beyond the years of her life.
When August Ends was the epitome of a satisfying slow-burn romance, Heather may have tried to make her moves on Noah from the beginning, but after he rejected her advances, they built a solid and meaningful friendship. The attraction they were both so obviously feeling took a backseat to developing trust and companionship, so when they finally took that step into more, it felt vital and real. It was more than lust and attraction; it was the essential next step into their future. As much as I would have loved for their romance to have started on page one, making them – and the readers – wait made the entire experience more poignant.
I loved Noah for the way he was with Heather, especially when he was actively avoiding and rejecting her advances. He could have easily been cruel and squashed her spirit, but he was thoughtful and direct. He left no room for interpretation of what he wanted – or didn’t want in this case – but he wasn’t demeaning, and that said a lot about his character. The more we learned about him, the more obvious it was that the way he handled Heater wasn’t a fluke, he was considerate and kind, even when he believed himself something different. He was exactly the mix of kind and straightforward Heather needed.
When August Ends, for all the levity that was injected into it by way of Heather and Noah’s banter, dealt with some pretty heavy subject matter. I loved that Penelope Ward didn’t use those themes as arbitrary plot devices, but rather just life moments that Heather and Noah lived through and learned from. They were never things that happened to them; they were things that moved them forward. The heavy themes were dealt with thoughtfully and respectfully, and I greatly appreciated that.
Penelope Ward delivers the most amazing Hot Heroes, doesn’t she? Her latest, Noah Cavallari, is perhaps my favorite yet, although I say that about all of her heroes.
Noah comes to spend the summer at a New Hampshire lake, and he initially keeps himself separated from Heather, the daughter of the owner of the home where he’s renting a boat house. Penelope Ward slowly reveals the reasons for Noah’s reticence, just as she more speedily reveals Heather’s interest in and attraction to Noah.
If you like your romances to build at a deliberate, steady, s-l-o-w pace, you will love this one. Penelope Ward keeps you waiting to the two-thirds point to get to anything physical, but that wait is worth it. You get to spend time with Noah, getting to know him, understanding him, falling for him. It is not difficult to see why Heather likes him so much.
As for our fair heroine, she’s fine. She’s one of those young women who thinks that she has to sacrifice herself for the better good, but thanks to Noah, she learns that it’s okay to look out for herself.
I loved the first three fourths of this book. The last quarter felt a little off-pace. I get why certain things had to happen, but they sort of threw the book off its course. I’m not sure how I would have fixed that–less time spend there, perhaps?–but the good news is that when you get to that last bit, you fall in love with Noah all over again.
I swear I think I love Penelope Ward’s storytelling then she comes out with something so different than her norm then THAT book that makes me love and adore her even more. When August Ends is exactly that book.
Two characters who you would never see together, an age gap that is believable but not the norm. A twenty-year-old girl who’s “stuck” taking care of her mentally ill mother and Noah, a man in his mid-thirties looking to slow down his life are the last two you see together. Only one problem – the attraction is there, the sparks are there, but these two just keep fighting the inevitable. This story delivers angst at it’s best.
There are some heartbreaking moments between these two, but Penelope added in some RomCom to lighten the mood at just the right moments. A great mix of friendship, romance, laughter, and forgiveness.
Noah, a quiet retrospective man, and Heather, the “say it as it is girl ” have found a match in each other. A few twists and turn in the storyline kept me turning the pages until wee hours of the morning. No regrets here! Another fantastic story from the beautiful mind and imagination of Penelope Ward!
Penelope Ward has done it again!
Noah and Heather have a rough start to their relationship – the way they first met, the botched events that started with the best intentions, and Heather throwing herself at Noah didn’t help things become easier. But when they find a happy middle ground for their friendship, it flourishes. Watching as they try to find their way to each other is sometimes funny, sometimes sweet, and sometimes scary.
Definitely a must read, and an amazing journey into their lives.
Slow burn is what this book is!! The anticipation is everything. Lana ~White Hot Reads
Heather and Noah have an instant connection but Noah refuses to acknowledge it. Heather is instantly attracted to older Noah and lets it be known. Noah hasn’t felt like this but won’t let anything happen. He never expected that a young 21 year old could change his life forever. The growth that they do together is wonderful and heartfelt.
5 Stars!
Heather Chadwick is a beautiful 20 yr. old woman who lives on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire on land that’s been in her family for years. It’s a popular destination for tourists looking to escape the city, and they have a boathouse on the property they use for a summer rental. For being so young, Heather had a lot of responsibilities. Life happened, and instead of going off to college, she’s home caring for her mother, and running things. Her life is pretty boring, and then a man named Noah rents their boathouse for the entire summer. All she knows about him is he’s from Pennsylvania. She meets the new tenant and doesn’t make the best first impression. Things are a little awkward from the start, but she’s completely in awe of how gorgeous he is. He’s clearly older than her, but all delicious man. She’s never been so insanely attracted to someone before. He makes her feel bold, and she decides to act on her massive crush, but sadly he continually rejects her advances. Since they met it feels like something has awakened in her, and he excites her.
Noah Cavallari wanted a change of pace and a much needed break for the summer. His rest and relaxation wasn’t to include a young, persistent woman who makes it clear she wants him. He quickly learns she’s as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. She has a heart of gold, and soon even though he lets her know they can never be more than friends, things get complicated. He found himself enjoying her company, and wanting to spend more time with her.
Heather is intrigued and a bit obsessed with Noah. No matter how she tries not to be, she’s drawn to him. He’s a mystery she wants to solve, and a constant temptation. She knows she shouldn’t let herself get so attached to someone just passing through town, but she can’t help herself.
When August Ends is an amazing new standalone novel about forbidden romance, and second chances. It’s emotional, funny, sweet, and sexy. I really loved these characters, and couldn’t put this book down. I’m a huge fan of Penelope Ward’s writing, and this is my favorite book she’s written. There’s just something extra special about it. The story had everything I look for in a 5 star book, and I still can’t quit thinking about it.
4 1/2 Heartwarming Stars –
When August Ends was an emotional, heartfelt, forbidden, unrequited slow burn, and I devoured it. Heather was sweet, bold and sassy and let her heart guide her. Her in your face easy going attitude will win you over. Heather has put her own dreams on hold to help provide for her mother and take care of their family’s rental property. When Noah rents out the boathouse for the whole summer, Heather is intrigued and infatuated with the much older and mysterious man, and she makes her feelings known. Noah can’t get past their age difference and makes it clear that he has come to the lake for an escape and does his best to keep his distance. When Noah offers to help Heather and her mother fix up the property, they start to open up to one another and begin a genuine friendship. Noah is able to let his guard down the more time they spend together and he starts to see what an amazing, selfless and giving person Heather is. But there is still something holding Noah back and Heather does her best to work her way into his life and into his heart. Loved the connection between Noah and Heather and the way they were able to support each other through some tough and heartbreaking moments.
I am super happy that Penelope wrote a story that involves an age gap between the Hero and heroine. I loved the slow burn between Noah and Heather. Penelope always takes us on a journey in her stories and this one focuses a lot on not letting life pass you by.
Heather was very refreshing, young in age but mature in soul. She’s put her own dreams on hold to take care of her mother. When she sees the man who has rented their boathouse for the summer, she feels something for him she’s never felt towards anyone before. But Noah quickly makes it clear, nothing is going to happen between them, no matter how many advances Heather makes.
I really enjoyed the journey Heather and Noah take together. Spending the summer together, fixing up the property so that Heather can put it on the market to sell. These two grew together as friends, learning many lessons from each other along the way. Initially, I was a little put off with how rude Noah came across to Heather with his abruptness and gruffness, but he grew on me over time and by the end of the story I was pretty enamored with him.
There are plenty of emotions in this book, and like the slow burn between Heather and Noah, the emotions built to a crescendo for me up until the very end. With everything that Heather and Noah are dealing with, separately and together, my heart was stretched tight for them, and then Penelope lovingly molded it back into shape and left me with a happy, goofy smile on my face.
Fans of Penelope’s stories are going to fall hard for Noah and want to be besties with Heather.
When August Ends by Penelope Ward is truly an epic love story.
I love that Ward gives her readers a slow burn with in depth character development.
You literally feel as though you are part of the storyline.
Heather and Noah are both at different stages of their lives. Heather still has the whole world in front of her, and Noah feels as though he’s already lived a lifetime.
I love the banter and the wit between these two characters.
You want to root for both of them to have their HEA.
“In the midst of my vulnerability, I have found my self-worth. And it feels really good.”
“Life is made up of little moments that don’t seem that important at the time, but in retrospect they’re what get you to where you are.”
This is definitely a book you will want to savor and devour all at the same time.
5 Huge Stars!!!
#IWantBonnie&Clyde #LoveIsWorthSaving
Penelope Ward has done it again with another amazing different story to add to her amazing already published books and this one did not disappoint at all.
I started reading this one late at night and the whole next day at work i was thinking about it and just wanted to get home and finish this, i needed to know what was going to happen.
I think the first thing that got me hooked was Heather now i am all about the hero and he makes me feel and knowing that i probably picture Chris Hemsworth as every leading man, but for some reason i absolutely adored Heather her character was beautiful, strong amazing personality with a heart of gold, Heather made me laugh, cry and really get excited for what this story was going to be for her. She had a sad life and was always thinking about others and i just loved her sassy attitude. She is one of my favourite heroines i have read to date.
Noah was such an interesting character as well, i wanted to know everything about him really quickly but as the story unfolded there was so much to this man and i always love how Penelope Ward always has that twist that makes you think how did i not see this coming or makes me put my kindle down and just evaluate what just happened. I really loved Noah and the affect they both had on each other to be the best people they could be and i loved their friendship.
I am not usually not a fan of Older guys and younger females and usually stay away from these books in saying that there are certain authors that i will look past this and Penelope Ward is one of them and i am so glad as i loved this story.
This is a story of acceptance, loving life to the fullest it really makes you think about living life and not just existing.
It had laughs, tears, angst, chemistry to its fullest. If you love Penelope Ward you will not be disappointed at all. Amazing 5 stars for this story.
A past connects two strangers.
When Heather comes home to find a new tenant in her family’s boathouse, she gets more than she could ever bargain for.
Noah Cavallari needed to get away from his everyday life. A boathouse in New Hampshire seemed to be the perfect place for him to escape. But little did Noah know that he would be having a summer that he would soon never forget.
In this new novel by Penelope Ward, romance blossoms despite age, despite hardships. Penelope weaves these two characters together to prove that love conquers all, and that when you find that right person, nothing can stand in the way of true love.
To give this book 5 stars simply doesn’t seem like enough! I probably say that about all of Penelope Ward’s books but it’s only because it is true! As usual, she put’s everything into her words and can write the heck out of a story! She gives us amazingly deep characters with which to fall in love with along with an incredibly beautiful story that takes you on an emotional ride, that I for one, will not soon forget! I felt so many different emotions, some deeper than others, while on Noah and Heather’s journey that it will take me some time to recover. I love that their story goes in directions I never expected it to at times. I was absolutely mesmerized by Noah and Heather from their very first meeting. Their connection goes so far beyond the boundaries of age and time. It is so easy to believe that they were destined to meet in this very place at this very time for reasons that are not quite clear to us for a while, but when Penelope reveals all to us it make so much sense and gives even more depth to their story. If ever two people complete each other, it is Noah and Heather. Definitely one of my new favorites!!
When August Ends is a standalone romance. This is Noah Cavallari and Heather Chadwick’s story. Heather is 20 years old, he is … He doesn’t want to tell her and wants her to think he is older than what he is so, she will stay away!
Can Noah resist Heather? She certainly doesn’t make it easy. What happens when August Ends? Noah has rented a boathouse for the summer. He has a secret and Heather keeps trying to find out what it is.
Heather is vibrant & fun but she is young. She has the weight of the world on her shoulders. She takes care of her mother, the household & the rental property. She has a part time job working as a waitress. Noah thinks she needs to get away and doesn’t want to be her anchor. She has enough anchors.
I laughed, I cried…. I had to pick my heart up off the floor.
I love Noah & Heather’s story. What happens when August Ends is… I will have to let you read that for yourself but I LOVED the ending.
I started this journey with Penelope with Gemini a few years ago and have never looked back. When I start reading one of her books, I get nervous, because I tell myself there is no way that this one will be as amazing as her last one. I tell myself that each and every time. This 6 star story had me pulling an all nighter. I just couldn’t get to sleep until I read the last page.
Heather is renting her boathouse for the summer. When she meets him, she’s immediately attracted to him. She doesn’t hide the fact that she is. The only problem, he thinks she’s too young for him. She’s 20 and he’s 34. Things are about very interesting.
I loved everything about this story. It’s so addicting that I had to pull an all nighter. I just couldn’t seem to be able to put it down. I was living in the story. I was captivating by this amazing storyline that made me laugh, swoon and break my heart a time or two.
In order for me to connect and enjoy a story, I need amazing characters that will make me feel so much. These ones were perfectly created to perfection. So it’s safe to say that Penelope has mastered a perfect story again. Bottomline, this is one of 2019 Best Read Story.
Standalone told in a dual POV with an HEA. I strongly recommend this story. All of this authors previous stories are all worth the readers precious time and money.