One Summer: A Shelter Bay Novel

One Summer by JoAnn Ross
Contemporary Romance - July 5th, 2011
4 stars

Charity Tiernan left Chicago behind for cozy, sleepy Shelter Bay. There she bought an old Victorian house and turned it into a shelter and animal clinic. Working with animals and living a less stressful lifestyle, she is rethinking her dating policy when she meets the sexy, brooding Gabriel St. James. A Pulitzer winning photographer and an ex-Marine, Gabriel resigned from the army to live an unplanned life. Now he enjoys driving through the 48 states taking photos of American life during the Iraqi war. During his stop in Shelter Bay, he becomes drawn to the lovely and courageous Charity and somehow ends up adopting a stray dog. Will his temporary stay turn permanent?

This is a sweet and touching read. But it may be a little difficult to get into in the beginning. At first, I found myself a little disoriented since the author started introducing a lot of side characters and telling the story using these side characters as the narrator. From Adele Douchette, Gabe's friend's grandmother, to Johnny Harper, a lost foster boy, there are tons of characters involved in this story, so much so that I get the feeling that this is not a simple romance, but a story that focuses on a tight-knit and warm small town. I usually prefer my romance to focus more on the two main characters. Thankfully, the author does devote a lot of pages to their budding relationship as Gabe and Charity. I was warmed to learn more about each of their pasts and dreams.

Sweet and enchanting, this is a tender, thoughtful romance that takes place in a cozy, idyllic American town. This is a perfect summer read.

Reviewed by Pauline from the Bookaholics Club

Gabriel St. James's life has been somewhat nomadic ever since leaving the Marines. The handsome photographer travels the country, never staying in one place too long, never letting anything - or anyone - tie him down. But all that changes when he comes to the small town of Shelter Bay, Oregon to take pictures at a friend's wedding. Fate takes charge and sends Gabe into the path of veterinarian Charity Tiernan. Sparks fly between Gabe and Charity and Gabe finds himself extending his stay in Shelter Bay. He's sure there's no way his burgeoning relationship with Charity will last beyond the summer, but how can one summer with Charity ever be enough?

Return to the world of Shelter Bay in One Summer. JoAnn Ross delivers a lovely tale that's warm and sweet without ever becoming saccharine. As in the first Shelter Bay novel, The Homecoming, Ms. Ross makes it easy to become invested in One Summer's romance. Charity and Gabe are incredibly likeable heroes who have been through much to get where they are today. They both possess an inner strength and a core of honor that is sure to appeal to everyone who reads One Summer. Because I adored them, I was swept away into the world of One Summer and I found myself reluctant to put the book down whenever the outside world interrupted my reading time.

One Summer is the second Shelter Bay novel, but it can easily be read as a standalone. For those who enjoyed The Homecoming, Sax and Kara, the hero and heroine of that story, do appear in One Summer. As much as I liked The Homecoming, I loved One Summer even more. One Summer has romance, a light splash of intrigue, two wonderful protagonists, endearing supporting characters, and an enchanting, fast-paced rhythm, making it the perfect summer read.

Shayna
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

JoAnn Ross takes us back to the idyllic world of Shelter Bay in One Summer.

Gabriel St. James travels to Shelter Bay as a favor for a fellow ex-Marine. Shelter Bay will just be a quick in and out for Gabe. He promised to take pictures of his buddy's wedding. Next thing he knows he has a dog that the local vet thinks is perfect for him. Charity Tiernan is one veterinarian that intrigues Gabe more then he is willing to admit to at first.

Charity Tiernan moved to Shelter Bay for a simpler way of life and to escape her broken engagement. Charity has come into her own there and enjoys her life. She feels like she belongs there and lacks for nothing. After leaving her ex groom to be at the altar Charity was positive she wasn't ready to be attracted to anyone. Gabe St. James is like no man she has ever met. Even though he is tough and strong there is something vulnerable about him.

Charity and Gabe slowly circle each other in the time old ways of dating. Charity draws Gabe into the community and notices he isn't as uncaring as he initially seemed to be. Both go into this relationship knowing Gabe's stay on Shelter Bay isn't a long one but when their feelings grow deeper will Gabe be able to leave?

One Summer is exceptional. It is an emotional journey that will tug at your heart. Both Charity and Gabe has to let go of the past in order to give the future a fighting chance. The secondary characters add another dimension of feelings that will pull you in deeper. This story is another keeper from JoAnn Ross, her stories are a delight from page one. Looking forward to the next book from her.

This was a light, very sweet contemporary romance. I've really enjoyed the Shelter Bay series from the beginning and even if you have not started from the beginning, you can read this on its own; you'll just want some character background by reading the others in the series.

One Summer is the story of Marine photojournalist Gabriel who is traveling the United States to capture the US thru his camera lens. While on a stop in Shelter Bay to help out a friend he meets local veterinarian Charity. Even though they have instant sparks, Gabriel is determined to move on at the end of the summer to complete his photography project. They embark on a summer romance expecting fall to bring an end to their relationship but the end of the summer is too soon for them to say goodbye.

I really enjoyed not only the love you see between Gabe and Charity, but the secondary characters and secondary story lines were great. They helped to build on the community feel of this romance and really drew the reader in to Shelter Bay. Good read and great addition to the Shelter Bay series.

Each of the prior Navy Seal books had one or more intrigues in the plot. The Homecoming, the first in the Shelter Bay series, at least had solving of the mystery of the human bones in the seacoast cave. In One Summer, however, the lady veterinarian and the Marine photojounalist have pasts/lifestyles which have kept them from committing to a lifelong love, and that's it---no mystery. They each eventually hook up, i.e., commit, in the end. Also, the editors need to review the very basic rules of grammar---such as a verb can only be modified by an adverb, NOT an adjective, and the characters should not say "Is it her?".

Enjoyed this book a lot. Ms. Ross is an excellent writer and I enjoy her works.

The book itself was in bad condition. Haven't read the story yet but I trust that the author will deliver.

Good story. It seems like each book is about Navy seals,.????

Great read....

Great series