Publisher: 29th September 2021 by Harlequin Australia, HQ & MIRA
Pages: 384 pages
How I Read It: ARC book
Genre: women’s fiction, contemporary, romance
My Rating: 4 crowns
Synopsis:
Opposites clash in the addictive new small-town romance from USA Today bestselling Australian author Nicola Marsh.
A slick city boy with a mission. A free-spirited country girl with a cause. Fireworks are guaranteed...
Upstanding principal Jy Atherton dreads the next four weeks. As punishment for crossing his bosses, he's been lumped with the inglorious task of assessing Acacia Haven's tiny school with its, dare he say, 'hippie' curriculum. With the lowest test scores in the state, it's no wonder shutting it down is practically a forgone conclusion. But then he crosses paths with a spitfire who knocks him for six - pity he's already public enemy number one...
Teacher Summer O'Reilly loves her small town nestled along the beautiful coast. Returning was the best decision she ever made. The intentional living community of Serenity is thriving, and the children are its future. No way will she allow a jumped-up suit - no matter how good-looking - to close the school her precious students need.
For Rayne O'Reilly, Acacia Haven has always been serene on the surface, but there's a dark secret she's kept from everyone for decades, including her daughter, Summer. But after reviving old friendships and reconnecting with the past, will she finally have the courage to tear down the walls that have kept her trapped?
My Thoughts
‘He didn’t fit in here and the next four weeks would be hell.’
Summer of Serenity by Nicola Marsh is a wonderful tale of letting go of the past and finding a true and better life. I also loved the fact that it is set in my home state of Victoria, Australia and what a coastal community it proved to be!
The basis of this story is really solid and I just love how Nicola writes about place and community. On this occasion, there is a small coastal town that, like many others, is suffering from a lack of resources. The educational story, whilst fabricated, still lent a unique flavour to the tale. I relished the fictional town of Acacia Haven and how it embraces sustainability as a community - a like minded and inter generational group of people striving to achieve a work-life balance that is meaningful.
‘That’s what intentional living’s about, basically. A group of people with similar values living in a shared space. In Serenity, it’s not about common religious or political values, it’s more about self sustainability and caring for the environment.’
There are romantic liaisons for two different age groups which proved interesting in their different approaches to similar issues of hurt and its impact on lives. The added relationship of Rayne (Summer’s mother) lent that extra layer to provide depth whilst touching sensitively on domestic abuse. The romance between Summer and Jy is delightful.
Nicola has excelled with the storyline of Summer of Serenity, providing characters, emotions and a real sense of place and community. There is a lovely country town vibe, an ethos to aspire to and a community one would happily live in.
‘I happen to think kids learn better when they have options and aren’t forced to conform to expectations or fit in a pre-formed box.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
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