RaeAnne Thayne has once again penned a captivating read in her novel A Brambleberry Summer featuring engaging characters Rosa Galvez and Wyatt Townsend. Wyatt’s adorable son Logan and a couple of lovable canine characters add to the charm of the story. Rosa’s traumatic past keeps her from wanting to become involved with Wyatt, but their friendship continues to grow.

With some intrigue and suspense, a dash of romance, and a whole lot of heart, this is a lovely and touching story of healing and hope. Although the outcome is fairly predictable, I enjoyed this addition to the Women of Brambleberry House series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ( )

Terrific story of love and healing. Rosa manages Brambleberry House, an old Victorian house separated into three apartments. She lives in the top one, her friend and former college roommate, Jen, and her little girl live on the second floor, and the bottom floor apartment is vacant. Then Rosa's friend Carrie asks if Rosa will rent it to her brother Wyatt and his little boy for a month or so. Rosa is reluctant for several reasons but can't refuse her friend.

Wyatt is a widower who moved to town after his wife died. He needed his sister's help to take care of his son while Wyatt worked and dealt with his grief. Carrie invited them to stay with her when his home was damaged in a fire, but it's taking longer than expected to fix it. Tired of sleeping on a too-short couch, Wyatt is stunned when Carrie finds him a place before he has a chance to look for himself.

Wyatt and Rosa already know each other before he moves into Brambleberry House. Though neither will admit it, the sparks of attraction are already there. Neither Rosa nor Wyatt is looking for a relationship. Wyatt lost the love of his life and isn't interested in risking his heart again. Instead, he's locked down his emotions. Rosa has a turbulent past and feels that the choices she made make her unworthy of love. Very few people know her story, and Rosa prefers to keep it that way.

Because of her secrets, Rosa is very skittish around Wyatt. She's certain he would see right through her. Wyatt senses that she has secrets but tells himself they are none of his business. Both are determined to steer clear of each other, but they don't count on the effects of a matchmaking sister, an adorable little boy, two mischievous pups, and maybe one ghost. Rosa quickly falls for Wyatt's son Logan, who sees Rosa as a great new friend. Their Spanish lessons are sweet. Wyatt's sister, Carrie, seems determined to throw the two together at every opportunity, and even the dogs seem to be in cahoots with the house ghost. Rosa and Wyatt don't stand a chance.

I liked seeing Wyatt and Rosa spend time together though they insisted they were just friends. It isn't too long before she finds her solo days and evenings shared with Wyatt and Logan. Her heart wants more, but her fears insist she keeps him at a distance. Wyatt finds that his time with Rosa breaks through the walls he built around his heart. Suddenly he feels things he hasn't felt since his wife died, but Rosa pulls away. When trouble comes to Brambleberry House, the aftermath breaks Rosa's grip on the past. I ached for her because she was sure it would change how he looked at her when she told Wyatt everything. And so it did, but not the way she thought it would. Wyatt won major points with me for his obvious respect and admiration for her strength and resilience. I loved the epilogue and seeing their happy-ever-after come to pass.

I also liked the secondary storyline about Rosa's friend Jen. She moved to Cannon Beach at Rosa's urging to escape a dangerous situation back home. Her nervousness at the beginning of the book is understandable as her story is revealed bit by bit. Rosa's love and support help Jen see that she can trust Wyatt. That trust is rewarded when Jen's past shows up and puts Rosa's life at risk. I loved Rosa's defense of her friend in spite of, or maybe because of, the memories it stirred up. Wyatt's part was great too.

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