Summer at Lake Haven is the eleventh title in RaeAnne Thayne's Haven Point series, and it's the seventh novel in the series I've read and enjoyed, but for some reason it felt as if there was something missing in this novel, which is why I can only give it a 4-star rating. I liked it, but it didn't move me as much as some of the previous novels in this series.

We meet Samantha Fremont, the heroine in this story, as she looks out her window at the lake and sees two young children, one male, one female playing on her dock, unsupervised. When the little boy falls into the lake, Samantha rushes out to rescue him. She soon meets their father, Ian Summerhill, a handsome British college professor who has rented the house next door, was told by the realtor that the dock was included in his rental (it wasn't), and the attraction between these two happens fast. The children, Thomas and Amelia are adorable, and are over the moon when they learn that the dog that Samantha bought as a companion after her mothers' death 6 months earlier, was pregnant and had just delivered 3 puppies.

Samantha is a seamstress and dress designer, and took over Fremont Fashions, her mother's retail store after the death of her mother 6 months earlier. Samantha's father killed himself years earlier when Samantha was just a child and it was then that her mother underwent quite a personality change, becoming very critical, very negative, very pessismistic, and very controlling. As a result, Samantha has low self-esteem, and always manages to hear her mother's negative voice in her head, something that prevents her from fully experiencing joy, a relationship, and even her own success as her wedding gown designs are stunning and she's developed quite a following. She's also aware that her mother used to refer to her as the town flirt, falling in love with every guy she met and dated. Now, Samantha is 30 years old, unmarried, alone, as she sees her friends all finding love and happiness around her.

She's currently working on her friend Gemma's wedding gown. Gemma moved to Lake Haven from England, and it's in Lake Haven that she met and is about to marry the love of her life. It doesn't take long to discover that Ian is Gemma's brother and he and his children are only in town for the month of the wedding, while he also does research on a specific type of salmon in the lake. It came as no surprise that Samantha soon found herself falling for the handsome professor and his adorable children. We also learn that he was in the process of divorcing his ex-wife when she was diagnosed with cancer and didn't have long to live. Ian brought her back into his home and cared for her until her death, thinking that he was done with love and marriage for good. Additionally his older brother, David, had died, and that is, as the British say, the spanner in the works, but that's all I'll say about it in this review.

These are interesting characters, I'm already familiar with so many of the characters in this novel who were either featured or became secondary characters in previous novels, but I felt that Samantha spent far too much of her time wondering and worrying about what her mother would say about her decisions to carry more trendy clothing at her shop, about her design for Gemma's wedding gown, about her attraction to Ian and his children, and every other facet of her life. I kept thinking she needed to visit a psychotherapist, because at age 30, she needed to believe in herself and her own decisions, rather than live her life the way her dead mother might have wanted.

Also, the attraction between Ian and Samantha happened way too quickly, and I've never been much of a fan of insta-love romances. Additionally, I missed seeing any real dramatic conflict in this novel. Aside from Ian's "secret," most of the novel was spent with Samantha hearing her mother's voice in her own head, Ian spending a good deal of time is his own head, and nothing much happening outside of that. As a fan of RaeAnne Thayne's well-written novels, this one just seemed to miss the mark when it came to plot, and while it was an enjoyable read, it wasn't one of Ms. Thayne's best.

I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of the novel. The opinions expressed as my own.

The 11th book in a series where like most romance books each book is self contained, but it is always great to read in order because other's stories build on each other and then you can know everyone's back story as you read along. I started this series when it first released and with each book loved how they built on each other.

This book centers around Samantha Fremont who has recently lost her mother and is still processing the life her mom built that she was very much involved in and the dreams she has for herself. Ian Somerhill is in Haven Point for a short time to celebrate his sister's wedding and to regroup after his own loss. When these two meet sparks will fly, but not without a few hiccups!

My favorite thing about romance books is finding out how they will meet and then what they will have to overcome to end up in a positive place. The journey of a romance book is the reason for the story and as they usually end up in the same place, the journey is the basis of the story.

I loved this series and I loved this couple. They had such a great arc that reminded me why I love to curl up with a romance book and get swept away.

Sam is dealing with the grief over her mother’s sudden death five months prior. She has taken over both her childhood home and her mother’s business in the wake of her passing. One afternoon Sam sees two children standing on her dock and the youngest boy falls in to the water. Sam races outside and jumps in to save him. Upon rescuing the boy, his father comes out to check on the children and realizes what has happened. Ian the father, two children and the nanny have traveled from England and are spending the summer at the lake. It just so happens that Ian is her best friend Gemma’s brother and they will both be attending her wedding in a month. Does love ensue from there? I guess you will just have to read it and find out!

I thought the twist in this book was unique and caught me by surprise. I loved the relationship that formed between Sam and Ian although at first, they seemed to have trouble communicating. I also really enjoyed the bonding between Sam and Ian’s children. And puppies? I mean who does not love reading a story with puppies in it?

My one complaint about this book is that the scenes seemed to be short. This book was said to be 384 pages, but I think the edition I had was shorter, so I am curious to see if the book was beefed up by the final copy.

This is the first novel by RaeAnne Thayne that I have read, and it looks like I jumped right in at number eleven in the series. I do plan to go back and start this series from the beginning.

Big thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin and RaeAnne Thayne for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book. My review has been posted to Goodreads already.

Sam and Ian are great. I love the misinterpretation between them due to cultural differences. Then they break that barrier while talking at night on a bench by the dock.

Both are swamped by family obligations. I loved watching them figure it out.

What a great story!

What a satisfying end to this series.

If you’ve read the other Haven Point books, you’ll know Samantha from each one. Best friend or friend to all, a little flirty, a little boy crazy but such a sweetheart. Well, now that all her friends are married and starting their lives, it’s time for Sam to get her Happily Ever After too.

Ian and his 2 children have come to Haven Point for his sister Gemma’s wedding. He had no intention on finding and falling for anyone, since he’ll have to go back to England after the wedding, but love has a way of sneaking up on you and sneak up it does, for Ian and Samantha can’t help but falling for each other.

I loved this story so much! It was such a sweet and entertaining read and I was so sad to see it end. Ian and Samantha were perfect for each other, the kids were amazing and the people of Haven Point were as wonderful as ever. Just like every other time I finish a book in this series, I want to live there.

RaeAnne Thayne never disappoints me and her stories always leave me so happy. Emotional at times but truly happy when it’s all over. I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next.

I received a early copy of this book from the author through NetGalley in exchange for my review.
Once again a book of RaeAnne Thayne ‘s steals my heart, what’s not to love about a love story with adorable kids and cute puppies and a laugh out loud moment when Samantha imagines her pregnant dog Betsy explaining how her babies happened to be in the oven.
Oh such a feel good ending I don’t want anyone to miss, so my recommendation is grab this one.

Summer at Lake Haven by RaeAnne Thayne is the 11th book in her Haven Point series. I have read one of the books in this series, but I think I need to go back and read the rest; this does read very well as a standalone.
Samantha Fremont, our heroine, is just getting used to living on her own, after the death of her controlling and difficult at times mother. She now owns the dress boutique shop in town, which she worked with her mother, and though she has hired help to run the store, Sam is buried with designing and making wedding gowns. Her friend Gemma (one of the previous books heroine) is getting married, and Sam is determined to created the best dress yet for her friend. In between all this overload, Sam adopted a cute dog, Betsey, who to her surprise a short few days later, gives birth to three adorable puppies. I loved all four of the dogs. So cute.

Ian Somerhill, our hero, is Gemma’s brother from England, and he rents out the house next door to Sam. He meets her after she rescued his young son, who slipped of the docks in front of Sam’s house. Ian is a widower, with two adorable children, and is working on a project that he needs to use Sam’s dock to monitor Salmon fish. Sam becomes close to Ian’s endearing two children, as she gets them to help take care of the puppies while she is at work.

In a short time, the attraction between Sam and Ian begins to complicate things, as neither of them are interested in a relationship, and just try to be friends. Ian has responsibilities that will change and take over his life when he returns to England after the wedding; Sam knows he is leaving soon, and her business, especially the wedding dress one is demanding all of her time. Both feel that allowing them to act on their feelings will only cause heartbreak after the wedding, as there is no future for them. Best laid plans do not always work out.

Summer at Lake Haven was a wonderful sweet heartwarming romance, with a couple that needed to find away to find their happiness. I loved all of Sam’s friends, who play a big part in this story, and we also learn more about Gemma living in Haven Point. I also like Ian and Gemma’s parents who arrived later for the wedding. This was not only a great romance, but enjoyable even more so with all the wonderful couple, friendships, family and small town atmosphere that makes this so good. I wholly suggest you read Summer at Lake Haven, so well written by RaeAnne Thayne.

Another wonderful vacation in Lake Haven. One of my favorite getaway spots. RaeAnne Thayne describes the area so well I feel as if I am there. A romance that seems to be impossible but not easily ignored, not only by the couple but all those around them. Two adorable children and puppies complete the happy picture.

This was my first book from RaeAnne, and I was intrigued by the title, beautiful cover and the synopsis. I'm so glad that I dove in! I loved it, and am looking forward to reading another by her.

Another beautifully written romantic story of two people from different way of lives but make their romance work. Very well written story. Heartwarming through and through. A definite joy to read.

I read the first two books in this series (Haven Point) and I liked them so I was excited to read the latest in this series by RaeAnne Thayne,

This book centers around Samantha Fremont (Sam), a local wedding gown designer in her spare time. In her main working hours, she runs and owns the local boutique, Fremont Fashions, She inherited this shop after her mother passed away only six months earlier. Her mother was never very loving to Sam - she always criticized every choice she made and she made Sam feel less than perfect. For this reason, Sam always seemed to fall in love with every guy she dated - I assume she was looking for love in any place she could. After all, her father died when she was only 8 and she had no other family members to speak of.

Sam's friend Gemma was getting married to a guy Sam once thought she was in love with as well. But Gemma and Josh were truly in love and meant to be and Sam was truly happy for them. Sam designed Gemma the most beautiful wedding gown.

Gemma's brother, Ian, and his two children came over from England to spend the summer with Gemma before her wedding. Ian rented the house next door to Sam and Sam immediately began to cherish Ian's children, It turns out that their mother had died of cancer the year before so Sam felt very compassionate towards the 6 year old and 8 year old.

Ian and the kids will only be in Idaho for a summer - and Sam lives in Idaho and has practically never left the state. Will she fall in love again so fast? Could a romance across the world possibly work out for her?

This book also included a bonus novella, A Haven Point Beginning, which tells the story of Gemma.

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review. The opinions stated above are mine without biases.

Always enjoy a book by RaeAnne! This one doesn't disappoint. Loved the setting of Lake Haven and really loved all of the characters especially the kids and the puppies! I even enjoyed the secondary characters that lived in the town and also his family from the UK. I think so many people will relate to the main character of Samantha and her domineering mother!

I love this series. You can feel the angst, confusion and a myriad of other feelings that Ian and Samantha experience as you read.

Samantha and Ian's story is a quick, cute read. Especially in quarantine. Summer at Lake Haven is the perfect way to pass an afternoon.

Summer at Lake Haven is a somewhat angsty story two people trying to let go of their negative past relationships. Englishman Ian is divorced with two children, whose mother is dead. Samantha was raised by a very critical mother who left her questioning her decisions. Both have let past relationships color present day actions. He’s only in the US for a month and she is swamped with wedding dress orders, but the attraction is so strong. Ms. Thayne has written a compelling story about moving forward and accepting happiness even though it requires change. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book from NetGalley.

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. I enjoy RaeAnne Thayne's books but this one just moved a bit too slowly for me. I will try to listen to it on audio.

Fans of the Haven Point series will enjoy visiting the scenic Idaho lake town this summer. Samantha has her hands full with a successful boutique and design business. She is putting the finishing touches on Gemma Summerhill's wedding dress when she meets the bride's brother Ian and his children. They are renting the cottage next to hers and make a somewhat instant connection thanks to some adorable pups. Neither Ian nor Samantha are looking for love but isn't that just the time when love finds you? So if you're a reader who enjoys a gorgeous setting, nice people who deserve a chance at love, and the appearance of familiar characters from previous books you'll love Summer at Lake Haven.

Once again, another wonderful summer read. It's always nice to go back to Haven Point and catch up on the residents. This story of Ian and Samantha made me tear up. I like how the author focuses on both characters' feelings and struggles. Ian has to live with taking over the family business while raising two small children on his own., helping them to adjust to the death of their mother. Samantha has the specter of her late mother still surrounding her and making it hard for her to move on and make choices that are the best for her. The coming together of these characters was sweetly written, as all of Ms. Thayne's other novels have been. It' s as if she creates characters that are destined to come together, no matter the differences in backgrounds and the struggles they need to overcome before coming together and creating new lives.

Samantha’s story starts out six months after her very controlling, very critical mother, passed away. Sam always lived at home, even commuted to college or took online classes, to help her mother with the dress boutique and related sewing. Linda, Sam’s mother, and Sam were all that the other had. Sam’s father passed away when Sam was just a child. Sam had very low self- esteem. Often Sam would hear “the negative voice in her head that still spoke in her mother’s voice” when she was trying to make a decision or a choice. Before Linda’s death, Sam had a reputation as the town flirt. She didn’t have much experience with men and often “fell in love” immediately. In moves a very handsome man with two adorable children to the rental house next door. Sam is determined to change her ways and grow up. After all, Ian and his children will be returning to England at the end of the summer and Sam has a business to run. As in all of the Haven Point books, these characters have real conflicts in their lives. It is a very enjoyable read. There has never been a RaeAnne Thayne book that I have not enjoyed and I look forward to the next one.

Samantha is trying to move on after the death of her domineering Mother. Ian and his children have come over from England for a family wedding and rented the cottage next door. Cute puppies, cute kids, and a romance. What more could you ask for. This is a delightful fun read, a perfect get away read for an afternoon. Thank you to net galley for an advanced copy.