A Summer of Surprises: A Seashell Cottage book

Judith Keim

Jun 2020 · Wild Quail Publishing

About this ebook

A delightful beach read about a young woman’s personal growth as she finds new love and deals with one family surprise after another!

Jill Conroy is tricked by her sister into becoming the housekeeper and cook for the summer at Seashell Cottage where Greg Campbell and his nephew, Brody, have been hired to do maintenance projects on the house. Annoyed at first, Jill soon realizes how wonderful it is to be away from her home in New York and the memories of her deceased, emotionally abusive husband.

Soon the magic of the beach heals Jill enough for her to decide to move to Florida permanently to make a new life for herself. Her part-time work at a summer camp and the promise of a new job as a third-grade teacher in the fall make it seem as if her future is set. But a visit from her sister, followed by her mother, reveals secrets that surprise them all. Jill learns to accept the idea of love not only from Brody but from his daughter, Kacy, as the summer brings even more surprises. 

Another of Judith Keim’s series books celebrating love and families, strong women meeting challenges, and clean women’s fiction with a touch of romance—beach reads for all ages with a touch of humor, satisfying twists, and happy endings. Be sure to check out her other delightful books and series that readers adore. 

Contemporary Women's Fiction, Family Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary Women's Romance, Sisters Fiction, Family Fiction, Florida Beaches, Beach Read, Mothers and Daughters, New beginnings

Ratings and reviews

A Summer of Surprises is a wonderful, heartwarming, romance that shows emotional abuse can be as devastating as physical abuse. I loved watching Jill learn to stand up for herself and blossom as she took charge of her life. Jill blossoms as she decides to move to Florida, works with the summer camp and develops a new family with Greg, Brody and Kacy. This book has marvelous character development and a plot that kept me reading far into the night! I highly recommend this book!

I really enjoyed this amazing book. It has many wonderful characters that adds to the central story. This is more than a romance, it’s also about opening up and forgiveness. Jillian thinks she’s going on a relaxing vacation at the Seashell Cottage in Florida. When she arrives, she learns she’s expected to cook and clean for the uncle and nephew who are doing repairs on the cottage. The nephew also has an eight-year-old daughter. Her sister, Cristal, failed to mention that. Grab your copy and see what all Jillian decides while she’s in Florida. I received an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review

Loved this book! Judith Keim is thee best!!

About the author

Judith Keim enjoyed her childhood and young-adult years in Elmira, New York, and now makes her home in Boise, Idaho, with her husband and their two dachshunds, Winston and Wally, and other members of her family. 

While growing up, she was drawn to the idea of writing stories from a young age. Books were always present, being read, ready to go back to the library, or about to be discovered. All in her family shared information from the books in general conversation, giving them a wealth of knowledge and vivid imaginations.

A hybrid author who both has a publisher and self-publishes, Ms. Keim writes heart-warming novels about women who face unexpected challenges, meet them with strength, and find love and happiness along the way. Her best-selling books are based, in part, on many of the places she's lived or visited and on the interesting people she's met, creating believable characters and realistic settings her many loyal readers love. Ms. Keim loves to hear from her readers and appreciates their enthusiasm for her stories. 

Readers of Susan Wiggs, Karen White, Danielle Steel, Nora Roberts, Kristin Hannah, Debbie Macomber and Susan Mallery will be drawn to her stories.