3.5 stars! This was a cute, quaint cowboy romance. “Summer at Mount Joy” was the first book by London that I have read, and based on how I enjoyed this book I would definitely read more of her work! This book was a quick less than 24 hour read for me. The perfect book if you like small country town romances! (If you like “Hopeless” by Elsie Silver, you need to read this book!) I think it was also refreshing seeing the mental health representation in this book and appreciate that the author included it!
Thank you to NetGalley, the Publisher, and Ophelia London for the opportunity to read this ARC!

I appreciate a good women’s fiction book. This definitely fit the bill. I highly recommend it to readers who enjoy the works of authors such as Sheryl Woods.

Summer at Mount Joy by Ophelia London was a wonderful story of love and second chances.
This is a really sweet story. I fell in love with the characters right away, and had to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next.
The author's attention to visual detail made it easy to picture the story in my mind.
I really loved the characters and story line.

Thank You NetGalley and Entangled: Amara for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

3.5 STARS!!

Sometimes you run into stories where you have a hard time connecting with characters or portions of the story. This one has a great vibe to it, and I really enjoyed the premise of the book.

The characters have a really good backstory and the male main character, Josh, had this massive crush on our female main character back in the day. Until she broke his heart.

The author tackles so many different things within the story, such as veteran PTSD, small-town romance, second chance romance, high school crushes, cowboy romance, and more.

I had a lot of hope for the story and there were many pieces of it that I absolutely loved. However, there were a few parts that I did not care for such as Roxy jumping to conclusions and the third-act issues that evolved.

What I loved about the book is the two of them working through their reconnection, the vision, and evolution of the ranch, and the happily ever after, of course!

Summer at Mount Joy is a clean romance ripe with summer love. It hits so many of the right notes and leaves you dreaming of the gorgeous property that they are redoing and hot nights with Josh. He is a dreamboat of a cowboy!!

Summer at Mount Joy by Ophelia London
Rating: 4.5/5 stars

*Summer at Mount Joy* by Ophelia London is a delightful and heartwarming read that perfectly captures the essence of a summer filled with love, self-discovery, and the beauty of second chances. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Mount Joy, this novel is a captivating blend of romance, family, and the charm of small-town life.

Overview:

The story follows our protagonist, Sophie, who returns to her hometown of Mount Joy for the summer after a personal and professional setback. As she navigates the complexities of her past and the uncertainties of her future, Sophie finds solace and new beginnings in the most unexpected places. The idyllic town of Mount Joy, with its vibrant community and stunning landscapes, becomes the perfect setting for Sophie’s journey of healing and rediscovery.

Characters:

Sophie is a relatable and endearing protagonist whose journey is both inspiring and heartwarming. Her vulnerability and determination to rebuild her life make her a character you root for from the very beginning. The supporting cast, including family members, old friends, and a charming love interest, are well-developed and add depth to the narrative. Each character brings their own unique perspective and contributes to Sophie’s growth in meaningful ways.

Plot and Themes:

Ophelia London masterfully weaves a narrative that balances romance, personal growth, and the complexities of returning to one’s roots. The plot is well-paced, with moments of introspection, humor, and heartfelt interactions that keep you engaged throughout. Themes of self-discovery, forgiveness, and the power of community are central to the story. The romance that develops is sweet and genuine, adding an extra layer of charm to the novel.

Writing Style:

London’s writing is evocative and engaging, bringing the scenic beauty of Mount Hope to life. Her vivid descriptions of the town’s landscapes, the warmth of its community, and the emotional journey of the characters create a rich and immersive reading experience. The dialogue is natural and often infused with humor, adding to the overall enjoyment of the story.


*Summer at Mount Joy* is a heartwarming and uplifting read that beautifully captures the magic of summer and the healing power of returning home. Ophelia London has crafted a story that is both entertaining and emotionally resonant, with characters who will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. This novel is perfect for readers looking for a feel-good story about love, family, and the beauty of second chances.

Highly recommended for fans of contemporary romance and small-town stories. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this wonderful book for review. Happy reading!

Until next time, keep finding joy in the simple moments and believing in the magic of new beginnings!

Behind Her Grey Eyes

Over 10 years ago, Josh Manning was excited that the pretty girl he had asked out to the homecoming dance, said yes.
Josh came from a working class family and Roxy Elliott, was from the a very wealthy family. When he is ready to knock on the door to pick her up, what he heard had him turning around. That was also the day his life changed forever.
Back home after two deployments, Josh is struggling with PTSD, injuries from his deployment and cowboy days as well as keeping his mother’s ranch from going into foreclosure.
Meanwhile, Roxy is trying to prove to herself and her family that she can create a special and profitable place in the currently dilapidated ranch belonging to her family.
A foreman is needed to help out and Josh was shocked it was Roxy who was in need of a foreman and that she didn’t recognize him.
As these two navigate through their past, their present, their feelings and trying to make the dude ranch a special place, obstacles occur.
Will they be able to accomplish what they want not only with the ranch but also with their lives and their relationship?
This was a touching story about second chances in life and love. It was also a reminder of the struggles the returning troops encounter as they attempt to re-integrate to civilian life.
The plot was engaging and Josh was a complex and likable character. That said, I felt I was missing something as Roxy’s brothers and their spouses make an appearance. It seemed that at least 2 of the brothers had had their own stories in another series that was not cross referenced in the book. Stories that would have likely aided in the enjoyment of this book. Still, it was entertaining.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley and Entangled Publishing. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

A very sweet romance to thoroughly enjoy. It has touching moments of empathy coupled with times of long held insecurities and miscommunication.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

-Second Chance
-Opposites Attract
-Slow Burn
-Small Town Romance
-PTSD Representation

"Summer At Mount Joy" was a really cozy read! If you enjoy bingeable small town romances filled with main characters who are looking for a second chance, strong family bonds and a sense of community I think that this is a book you definitely want to check out.

The author's writing style is very engaging and the storyline kept me turning pages. I read it start to finish in one day because I needed to know how it ended for the main characters. This book will have your emotions all over the place, it's both heart warming and heart breaking at times. Both the MMC and FMC have experienced different forms of trauma and I think that the author presented each situation in a respectful and sensitive manner.

Overall this was definitely a good reading experience and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future!

Thank you Ophelia London, Net Galley and Entangled Publishing LLC for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own .

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Entangled: Amara, for a beautiful romance.

I enjoy the love story between Entangled: Amara. The author did a great job dealing with the issue of PTSD that many of our returning service men and women face.

The romance was not over board and the characters were believable. A clean, sweet romance. A great summer beach read.

Recommend.

I read this as an ARC on NetGalley
What a wonderful story of coming full circle, repairing past misconceptions and becoming who you are supposed to be. It was a joy to follow Roxy and Josh on their journeys both of self fulfillment and on their journey of love. I do hope that this is the beginning of a series as I wanted more and more of these characters and the others.

Sweet romance. Lots going on with the renovation of a ranch. Second chance romance with the usual misunderstandings. Good characters. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.