Sometimes, a summer romance works beautifully as a palate cleanser. Jenny Hale writes romantic women’s fiction. Summer by the Sea might work for readers who are missing Dorothea Benton Frank. Hale takes readers on a nostalgic visit to the Outer Banks of North Carolina to reunite a family of women.

It’s been years since the Summers women have been back to the Outer Banks. Faith was a teenager when the family cottage was destroyed by a hurricane. After Faith’s older sister, Casey, later stole the boyfriend Faith loved, and married him, Faith blamed Casey. It tore her apart to not see the sister she had always admired, but Faith’s heart was broken a second time when she saw the couple with her newborn niece. Casey has the family Faith always wanted.

Now, the family matriarch, Nan, is celebrating her ninetieth birthday, and she’s asked all of them to return to the Outer Banks to stay at a cottage Nan rented. Faith had a sneak peek, not knowing that when she went to see the view from the land they used to own. She’s stunned to see a not-quite-completed cottage on the same property, looking like their old family one. When she sneaks in to see it, she’s caught by Jake Buchanan, who is putting the final touches on it. He offers to show her around. Faith, an introvert, is caught up by his approachability and understanding eyes.

This may be a summer romance, but there’s conflict as well. When Casey reveals she and her husband, Scott, are having marriage problems, Faith tries to be there for her. But, Faith is angry when she catches Casey, the outgoing one, flirting with Jake. Even with Jake, there are issues. Faith and Jake have different views as to what the Outer Banks should be like, and Jake is a developer. It’s going to take Nan’s wisdom to help to build a bridge in the family, and with Jake.

I did notice a 2015 copyright in the book, and a different cover when I looked for the book. Some might have read this earlier. But, there was just something about Summer by the Sea. Maybe the ending will seem simplistic to some. It was just a book that fit my mood. Looking for an engaging story to end the summer? This might be it.

Jenny Hale’s website is https://www.itsjennyhale.com/

Summer by the Sea by Jenny Hale. Forever, 2015, 2021. ISBN 9781538754719 (hardcover), 335p.

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