Summerhaven by Tiffany Odekirk

Summerhaven
by Tiffany Odekirk

ISBN-13: 9781524421465
Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Released: February 14th 2022

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Hannah Kent and Oliver Jennings pledged their hearts to each other as children. Now, years later, Hannah is thrilled to receive an invitation to spend the summer at Oliver’s family’s country estate. The path to wedded bliss is clear—so long as Oliver’s highbrow older brother, Damon, has ceased his juvenile antics, Hannah’s future looks bright indeed.

But from the moment Hannah arrives at Summerhaven, nothing is as she expected. Oliver seems disinterested in renewing their acquaintance, and Damon is not the brutish boy she remembers but a man intent on avoiding marriage. Although she has loathed Damon her whole life, when he contrives a ruse designed to win them both what they desire, Hannah warily agrees. All she has to do to reclaim Oliver’s attention is pretend to be madly in love with Damon. But when Damon is surprisingly convincing in his role as a suitor, it proves difficult to discern the line between pretense and true love.


My Review:
Summerhaven is a romance set in 1817 in England. Hannah has waited for her childhood friend to call for her and honor his pledge to marry her. When the invitation comes to visit his family’s country estate, she realizes that he's changed and intends to marry for money. She remembers the elder brother's mean pranks but discovers a considerate man who's concerned about others and who builds her up. In contrast, Oliver deliberately humiliates her in front of the woman he's after. Does she really want to marry Oliver, even if no one else is offering for her?

The main characters (even Oliver) were likable and acted in realistic ways. Historical details about clothing and manners were woven into the story. I'll just mention, authors, that male horses also come in a variety called geldings. In a time when a broken bone could mean death and stallions were valuable breeding stock, most people wouldn't use them for daily pleasure riding. Offering one to an inexperienced rider was not a kindness, and even naturally talented riders don't become skilled riders in one ride. Likewise, I'd assume that it's unlikely that even a talented musician could perfectly play an unknown piece on the first try. These were sweet scenes, just not realistic.

There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'm recommend this enjoyable novel.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.