Book Review: A New Shade of Summer (Love in Lenox) by Nicole Deese

Nicole Deese’s A New Shade of Summer is a heartwarming and uplifting romance set in the charming town of Lenox. The story follows Callie Quinn, a free-spirited artist, and Davis Carter, a single father struggling to connect with his teenage son. Their unexpected connection blossoms into a tender romance as they navigate the challenges of love, family, and self-discovery.

Deese’s writing is beautifully descriptive, painting vivid scenes of Lenox and the characters’ emotions. The story balances lighthearted moments with deeper themes of forgiveness, trust, and embracing change. The chemistry between Callie and Davis is authentic and heartening, making this a delightful read for fans of sweet, faith-based romances.

A New Shade of Summer is a charming tale about second chances and finding beauty in life’s imperfections. It’s perfect for readers seeking a feel-good story with depth and heart.

If it weren't for the fact that I meant every single star I awarded Deese's previous books, I'd take one away from each of them so this one could rank higher. I think it's her best one yet!

Sometimes you just want to pick up a book and sit down to read something that's clean, heartwarming, has the ability to transport your mind to a happier place, and leaves you feeling like in some part of the world, maybe there really is the kind of happily-ever-after we only read about in books yet never see for ourselves. And sometimes an author's ability to suspend our disbelief, to make us feel like we are in that kind of happy place and that perfect, warm-and-fuzzy endings truly exist, is the very thing we need more of when it comes to fiction.

If you need that kind of book, if you want to read something that lifts you up, gives you the good kind of tingles, makes you smile and drive a few hundred miles out West to an imaginary town to shake hands with two imaginary characters... this is the one you need.

I loved Callie. She was free-spirited and whimsical, compassionate without even trying, and she's even described in the book as being "more like the music itself, creating a beat that inspired everyone around her to respond with a dance of their own." We should all be so lucky to know or meet someone like Callie. But... ('cause there's always a 'but', right?) Callie, somewhere along the way, confused fear and freedom, and in so doing lost her faith in having a happily ever after of her own.

Then you have Davis. Just a regular guy trying to survive the onset of adolescence for his son and those raging hormones and emotions, combined with a misaligned work/life balance, buried pain and maybe even regret, as well as a whole slew of misunderstandings, have strangled their father-son relationship.

Davis needed his life and his son to fit inside a certain mold. A mold that was formed the day he found himself a single parent as a means to survival. But, what happened when two people grew (and grew up) and that mold no longer fit? Well, in this story, that's when a woman determined to live her life outsidea mold, comes in to rock their world (and her own.)

I had goosebumps a couple of times, I let out a contented sigh at least once or twice, and there were even a few tears during a poignant moment in their story when I just...needed the chance to let my emotions about the book and life in general just overflow.

A New Shade of Summer is a beautiful read, and I'm so glad to have had the privilege!

A New Shade of Summer is a quintessential Nicole Deese novel.

Nicole Deese's stories always bring so much to the table in terms of development and intensity. From their plot, to their characters, they always go above and beyond to deliver readers a tale that connects as well as entertains.

I've always admired the way that Nicole Deese manages to balance 'connection' with 'entertainment', not sacrificing one for the other. Her Love in Lenox series has so far proven again and again that it is possible for a book to keep you hooked, laughing and content - and for it to make you think deeply on love, life, and loss. And A New Shade of Summer is no different. In fact, it may just be one of Nicole Deese's most heart-tugging reads to date!


Callie Quinn is a kindred spirit.

A wandering soul that secretly yearns for roots of her own, Callie was a delight to discover. There were so many moments where the story unfolded yet another layer of her character, building her into this multi-faceted woman whose determination, fears, and strengths made her all the more relatable.

Her connection with David Carter was utter magic from the very beginning. It's impossible for me to be unbiased here (because I am a romantic at heart!) but there was this zing! when the two characters interacted. Their romance didn't feel force-fed to the reader and had as many depths as it did stepping stones.


Prepare yourself for some cathartic reflection.

I love books that subtly - or not-so-subtly - interweave some 'moments of reflection' or 'life lessons' into the story's framework. A New Shade of Summer had so many bookmark-worthy moments to read (and re-read!) and to just sit back and take in.

One of my favourite moments was a realistic lesson on love and loss and on opening ourselves to both:


'"I had to decide what I was more afraid of - living life without her, or facing death with her. There was no second-guessing once my decision was made."

Again, my nose tingled with ready emotion. Would I ever allow myself to experience that kind of love? "Wow. That's really...extraordinary."

He gave a slight chuckle. "It didn't feel extraordinary at the time."

Didn't it? I wondered. How would it feel to love so deeply? To give myself to another person so willingly? I couldn't even begin to imagine. "Well, take it from me, a love like that is beyond rare."'

But my favourite lessons above all from A New Shade of Summer was that love is unconditional and that when you love someone, you love them as they are. You're accepting all of them, not the 'good' parts in the hopes of shaping them into your 'ideal' partner along the road.

'"I didn't fall in love with some maternal, bread-making, scrapbook-saving traditionalist. I fell in love with you. You. (...) You, the ever-whimsical, have-an-inside-picnic-on-a-Sunday-afternoon, mural-painting, dog-saving, teenage-boy-whispering you. No one else."'


Overall, A New Shade of Summer is not a read to miss out on experiencing.

Whether you're looking for a read to make you smile, or a novel with depths to explore, A New Shade of Summer certainly offers both!

I adored this story!!

If you've been following the Love in Lenox series then you're familiar with the generous town veterinarian, Davis Carter. In A New Shade of Summer readers finally get to see the vulnerable and courageous heart of a man who's willing to lay it all on the line for the right woman. But is Callie Quinn that woman? Never tied to one place, Callie packs her bags with rejection and art supplies wherever she goes and believes commitment isn't in her DNA. Ms. Deese delivers another transcending story of love that curls the fears of rejection and wraps it into the truth of unconditional love.

What I love about Ms. Deese's writing is her ability to capture moments of authenticity and bring them to life. My favorite part of the story comes toward the end when Callie's gift offers something Davis has never experienced. I enjoyed the relationship development between the cast of characters and the way each unique individual brings out the best and worst in each other. It. Was. Real. And it's what makes Ms. Deese one of my FAVORITE contemporary romance writers.

This inspirational story epitomizes much of what defines love: it's kind, generous, patient, honoring, and worth the risk when the right person comes around. Life changing. Life giving. And the perfect shade for a summer romance.

Nicole Deese never disappoints! What I loved most about this book, is that it tackled the topic of the power of definitive words spoken over us. I'm not talking about the "words hurt" movement that seems to be going on right now. I'm talking, things spoken over us from people that we love and trust, that wound deep. We often find our identity in relationships, and when those relationships hurt or disappoint us, we find ourselves reeling. We begin to question everything we though we knew about ourselves. Thankfully, we have a Father who puts other people in our paths to help counteract those moments, to show us that our identity should be found in Him.
A New Shade of Summer tackles this topic with grace and love! Nicole is so good about making her story follow the "love sandwich" rule! We love it, then we get frustrated, then we love it again. Kudos Nicole on another great book!

I have been looking forward to the third book in the this series and I finally got to read it this week! Oh my goodness. You know how sometimes you wonder if book 3 will be as good as book one and two, well, you need not fear! A New Shade of Summer, which is book 3, is soooo good! I could not put it down. There were some unexpected aspects that came out in the story that I so did not see coming!

You will quickly fall in love with the main characters in this installment, and Callie Quin is one of those characters I wish I knew in real life. Davis Carter is oh so swoony and heroish and handsome. Goodness, what an example of a man of character, no he is not perfect, but wow. What unselfish love.

Then there is his son, Brandon and I have to say, a certain character who shows up and almost, (ALMOST) steals the show, his name is Kosher.

You know you have read a good book when you are sad when it is over and the last page is turned. These characters lived on in my thoughts after the book was finished.

Callie goes on a journey of finding the courage to reject a lie she has believed all her life. I could so relate to her story, because we all have issues we face, and their root is in believing a lie, whether it is that you are not good enough, or that you will never succeed or that you will never live up to expectations. Those voices are out there, but believing them is something we have to guard against daily.

Davis has his own issues to deal with, although they are a little deeper under the surface. In the end, each of them has to face some issues and Brandon, who is Davis' teenage son, is the catalyst for much of it. And Kosher too, but you will have to read the book to find out what that's all about.

Without giving away spoilers, I LOVED the ending! (and by that I mean the last 3 chapters).


I received a copy of this book from the publisher, my opinions are my own.

Callie Quinn has utilized her artistic abilities to maintain a nomadic lifestyle. Learning the root of her choices and what she thinks of herself just made me love her more for her authenticity. Davis Carter is a devoted dad! He has a great support system even when his pride makes it uncomfortable to ask for help. Davis and Callie's personalities compliment one other so beautifully!

I'll be revisiting this series for future pleasure reading and I highly recommend it!

I requested the opportunity to read this book through the publisher and later borrowed it through Kindle Unlimited. The opinions expressed are my own.

I wrote this book so I find it a little bias to write a review, BUT... for the sake of my netgalley ratios I must. I miss these characters and think of them often. Started the spin off series to Love in Lenox last week. Grateful for my readers. And for Zipfizz. Two critical components of writing life :)

A New Shade of Summer, by Nicole Deese, is a thoroughly enjoyable contemporary fiction novel that simply sparkles with amiable charm and refreshing originality. Never dull or digressive, the warm and inviting plot of the novel is well-paced and truly engaging. Written from the point of view of the two main characters, the story flows effortlessly between their individual perspectives fully immersing the reader in the thoughts, feelings, motivations, and desires of the characters themselves. Like the dancing colors of a multi-hued sunset, the themes of adversity, faith, perseverance, redemption, and romance mingle together to paint a relatable story that is full of heart and authenticity.

Though it certainly can be enjoyed easily as a stand-alone novel, A New Shade of Summer is a thoroughly delightful addition to Nicole Deese’s absolutely wonderful “Love in Lenox” series. With its witty dialogue, endearing characters, and effervescent charm, A New Shade of Summer easily captured my devoted attention from the very first sentence straight through to the last. With her remarkable writing talent and gift for story-telling, Nicole Deese has once again crafted a novel that will linger in my heart for a very long while.

A New Shade of Summer is a book I wholeheartedly recommend to all readers who take delight in outstanding works of contemporary fiction.

I loved Callie and Davis! I'm always a sucker for a man with a kid so it really wasn't surprising that I fell in love with Davis pretty quickly. And I loved the relationship that Callie had with her niece and nephew. I don't see mine enough for them to even really know me so I found her bond with hers extra special.

I love Lenox. It is a wonderful little town. I really enjoyed getting back there to see some old friends briefly and of course to make new ones. This book has so many wonderful moments between many different groups of people. I really liked all the different dynamics of this book. I especially was fond of the moments with Callie's sister and brother-in-law.

It is always wonderful to find an author who isn't afraid to tackle difficult conversations between her characters. This book covered quite a few of those including but not necessarily limited to death, divorce, grief, and parent/child relationships. None of those are easy topics but Deese handled them beautifully. I really enjoyed watching relationships blossom in this book. Deese doesn't sugar coat anything and reminds her readers that hard times happen but that they can also be overcome!

And of course the romance was wonderful. There were a few scenes that were quite sizzling! I love her ability to write those scenes but never cross a line to where the book becomes even slightly inappropriate for Christian readers of any age. I love that a teenage girl could read this book and her parents wouldn't have any concerns. But if you love good kissing scenes then definitely pick up this one!

Last but certainally not least. I love that Deese places a strong importance on her character's spiritual lives without coming across as preachy at all. I love Christian books that point readers to God while still leaving room for a great story!

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

A New Shade of Summer, written by Nicole Deese, is another lovely book from Love in Lenox that you don't want to miss!
I love the way Deese writes! When I started reading this book, I knew it wasn't going to be easy to go to bed before it was done! Amazingly written in such a way that the reader not only sees with their eyes but with their heart. The characters of Callie and Davis are characters who could be you or me. They struggle, they don't trust, and then when they finally see what's before them, they learn that they can love, can accept, can trust.
My favorite character...Davis. He got the raw end of the deal in A Season to Love...but somehow in all the heartbreak that he's had in his life, he might just be able to see the gold at the end of the rainbow.
A beautiful Christian romance that isn't preachy but has inspiration woven through the pages seasoned with love and faith.
I received A New Shade of Summer as an ARC from the author. I recommend this book for teens on up...anyone who has loved and lost, doubted and ran away, looked and didn't see should read this love story!

What a treat this book is! Nicole Deese is an expert at capturing the essence of small town living. Her vividly drawn characters which populate the town of Lenox are so endearing and captivating that I can see them clearly in my mind. I absolutely adored Davis and Callie, the two main characters. They complemented each other perfectly, although their personalities and characteristics were somewhat opposite. Callie is spontaneous and quirky, and Davis is more conventional and grounded, but they balance each other beautifully. I enjoyed seeing their relationship grow and develop and was sad to see the story end. Nicole Deese has become one of my favorite authors, and I’m eagerly awaiting more of her stories.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. All opinions are my own.

A New Shade of Summer is Nicole Deese's best book yet. I've seldom seen such a naturally-developed romance paced so perfectly. Avoiding cheap plot devices, Davis and Callie's story is authentic and oh-so-sweet.

The alternating first person point of view works, allowing all the smart, funny interior thoughts to shine, and the reader to see into each character's soul.

The minor characters are well-developed and given their own little storylines, which support and enrich the novel. The pieces of this story - little bright spots, if you will - meld perfectly into a brilliant, unforgettable romance I did not want to end.

After Davis was let down by Willa in the previous book of the series, I was so hoping that the author would give him his own story of finding love. And she did! And it is fabulous! I love how different Callie is and exactly what Davis and Brandon need. Her personality shines right off the page and yet has complexity woven in. Her connection to Brandon's artistic side draws him out which makes Davis take notice, in more ways than one. I loved how she was able to perceive people and their strengths, and communicate that to others. There are so many awesome nuggets in this book, but I want you to discover them for yourself! The chemistry between Davis and Callie is palpable and I loved how their romance budded naturally. Because Callie is so carefree in many aspects of her life, is seems that she is also free of fear, but her perceptions of herself and her innate characteristics are shaded by her father's choices and his words of legacy to her. Davis also has fears but he is an example to Callie in overcoming them by processing feelings of grief and anger through turning to God, allowing him to live life to the fullest. This book is full of light and humor, depth and compassion. Highly recommend!!!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

I don't know what it is about Ms. Deese's writing, but it sucks me in every single time. I am a mess of emotions after reading this one, friends! If you get nothing else out of this review, please just remember this one thing...READ IT. Don't wait, but read it now! I really don't think you'll regret it.

(But y'all know I like lots of words, so no way am I planning to just leave you there! ;)

To be truthful though, it had been a while since I read book two, A Season to Love, so I'd kind of forgotten who was who in the awesome town of Lenox. Not to worry though, because Ms. Deese gave just enough hints and background (without actually giving background, just sliding the info in around the goings on, kudos to her) for my recall to get kicked into gear! And I remembered how badly I felt for Davis in that book, yet how I just knew he wasn't the right guy for Willa. So I became all anxious to make sure Callie would be a good fit for him! And for Brandon. (I can't tell you how badly I wanted to make he and Brandon's father-son relationship all better. SO many times did I want to jump in the story and give both of them a hug. Thank goodness for Callie!)

Oh friends, can I just tell you how much I loved Callie? I seem to say that with each new character I meet in this series, but it's really true this time! ;) She really does shine bright in every way, not just in her hair color. Her ability to make others immediately feel comfortable in her presence is amazing (except for maybe Vivian, but she seems a hard nut to crack in general anyway). So please believe me when I say that Davis and Callie fit perfect! One bad first impression could not keep their friendship from blossoming, and once again, I was reminded how much I love reading about a really great friendship that turns into something more. Their rapport was fair immediate, bad first impression notwithstanding, and they truly brought out the best in each other. The way they both brought new color into each other's lives? In more ways than one? Ah, my heart! They truly love each other so, so well. And the way that Callie was able to connect to Brandon right from the getgo? That was cause for plenty of heartwarming moments for me. I loved how she innately understood him and what he needed without him having to say a single word. And she thought she wasn't cut out to be a mother! Silly girl.

Also I loved, loved, LOVED getting the perspectives of both Callie and Davis during pivotal moments. I've read plenty of stories that involved more than one point of view, but this seems like the first one where each chapter led to a different POV but not always a different scene. So seamless was the transition that it felt natural and real. (Plus I just really liked getting in both of their heads during certain moments especially! ;) I had the thought early during my reading that I really liked this way of handling dual viewpoints, because it simply felt less discombobulating than changing POV mid-chapter. This isn't to say that one is better than the other, but it just worked really well for this story in my opinion!

Last but not least, can I just mention this? Ms. Deese has often swept me up onto her fictional town of Lenox and the myriad of wonderful people who live there, but I am simply in amazement once again at her ability to make me feel the incredible chemistry between two people. I felt those zings and crackles right along with Callie! How does a writer do that anyway? Oh! And one more thing, can Lenox actually exist in real life? I'd really like to visit there and see Callie's murals in person! That would be amazing. :)

**I received a complimentary copy from the author via Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Nicole Deese has done it again!! Another brilliant romance that had me swooning over her latest hero, Davis. He was a widowed father of a preteen son. The heroine, Callie was a free spirited artist who never wanted to settle down. The chemistry was sparked from the get go. It was fun watching things play out between the two. And, oh the sweet romance!! Awwww!! It was just so precious!! Needless to say, if you are a romantic at heart, you will love this book. In fact, all of this author's books are amazing.

Have you ever wanted to be someone else? Don't get me wrong--I'm happy with who I am, but sometimes I wish I could be more carefree, outgoing, talented, and fun. When Callie blows into town with her bright red hair, wicked artistic abilities, and carefree bohemian attitude, Davis doesn't even know what's hit him. She has a way about her that draws people to her like moths to a flame and her confidence in herself brings a sense of peace to those around her. I want to be her...maybe for a day.

As a mom, I can only imagine how hard it would be to be a single parent as Davis is, but he is one great dad, even though he struggles finding that balance with a soon-to-be teenager. I adore Davis! He's hardworking, smart, sweet, and puts others needs above his own, even when it's not convenient or easy.

For him to find someone like Callie is extremely satisfying, but that relationship right there is not immune to problems. Through all of the conflicts, there are moments of chemistry, which takes this book to a deeper level. I loved every minute of it! I want to live in Lenox, OR (is it a real place?); I want to be friends with Callie and her sister, Clem; I want to take my dog and cat to Davis's vet practice; I want to associate with these people.

Ms. Deese is a very talented writing that draws me right into the thick of her books and leaves me with a book hangover--I honestly don't want to finish that last page because then it will be over.

Content: mild religious elements; mild romance

*I received a copy from the publisher, through Netgalley, which did not influence my thoughts in any way. All opinions are my own.*

Ahh, bliss! Nicole Deese has delivered a story that’s both entertaining and heartwarming, and coupled it with a romance that is the perfect blend of sweet and swoony. What more could you ask for?

From the moment Callie Quinn appeared on the page, her ‘freckles happily populating under the sun’s intoxicating rays’, I knew I would like her. But when she asserted that ‘front doors were for conventional relatives only’ I was completely sold! (Just secretly, I think she might be my favourite of Nicole Deese’s characters to date. But, shhhh!) Callie is the ‘fun auntie’: vivacious and colourful (literally as well as figuratively!), and she loves the freedom of her life as an itinerant artist. But coming to stay with her sister’s family and then meeting the more staid and considerably less artistic Davis Carter challenges the way she views herself, and ultimately, how she defines freedom.

Davis Carter was the perfect counterbalance for Callie, and my heart couldn’t help going out to him as a single father. He works full time, he’s struggling to work out how to parent a teenage son who’s become emotionally distant and difficult to handle, and he’s trying to head off interference from the parents of his late wife. He’s not perfect, but he is genuine, both in wanting to do what’s best for Brandon, and in the way he handles the emotionally charged situation between his son and his in-laws. And really, he’s as good for Callie as she is for him!

This a perfectly balanced contemporary romance, with heart, soul, and a whole lot of colour!

I received a copy of this novel from the author. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.

So so good!! One of my favorite reads of the entire year! Left me making little contented sighs and a goofy grin plastered across my face. #swoon #allthefeels