Another well written novel by Nicola Marsh.
I did enjoy this novel, although small parts did annoy me, more the character actions, but that's a bit like life to be fair! So made them quite realistic.

Meeting and getting to know all the characters is interesting, and engaging, but can be a little confusing at times (possibly just for me though)

A lovely small town romance, involving a pair of school teachers, a community, and what is important to them. Also some points to get you thinking about the education system and hierachies involved

Jy Atherton is a city boy and principal of a prestigious private school in Melbourne, he loves his job and the differences he has made at his school but when he takes his passion and speaks out against the education board he finds himself in purgatory. Jy is sent to the very small town of Acacia Haven to write a report on their school and it’s viability.

Jy knows he is being punished and he has a pretty fair idea that the writing is already on the wall, his findings aren’t going to make a difference but he’s going to go in and do the job he’s been tasked with. He knows he enters the town as the enemy but he is determined to do the job right and be objective. He doesn’t think he goes in with any preconceived notions but is soon shown what a judgemental city-boy he was.

Summer O’Reilly is a born and bred resident of the small intentional living community, leaving only to attend boarding school in Melbourne where she couldn’t wait to return home. Now she teaches at the tiny school a few days a week and helps in her mum’s store. She is a feisty one that still suffers a fractured relationship with her mother after the sudden departure of her father when she was a teen.

Rayne O’Reilly is also a lifelong resident of Acacia Haven and though she loves the place, she also yearns for the city streets of Melbourne. A divorcee who has been on her own for a long time, never quite recovering from her relationship with Summer’s father. An eventual reconciliation with an old friend sees her decide that it’s time to rejoin the dating world and hope to find someone to spend some time with.

We do get a little of a dual timeline as Marsh acquaints us with Rayne’s past and how this came to be her life but most of the story is set in the present, except where we need the bits of backstory to piece together how everything fits.

Jy is determined to get in, get the job done and get out. He knows it’s a pretty foregone conclusion that the department want to close the school but he doesn’t intend to make it easy for them. He wasn’t planning on the complication of Summer O’Reilly who fascinates him, and sees him as the enemy here to shut down the school that is absolutely imperative to the town.

The school has the lowest test scores in the state and that’s what raised the axe over it’s head, but there is so much more to the school than test scores. There is so much more to the students and the town than test scores and hopefully Summer can show Jy a bigger picture.

Summer is happy single, she’s independent and strong and doesn’t have a lot of faith in people not to leave her so she is very careful about who she lets gets close, but a no strings fling… that could be fun. Consenting grown adults should be able to have a little fun if they remain on the same wavelength.

Jy knows he’s just treading water waiting to get back to the private school he is Principal of but there’s something about this small town that gets under his skin… and it isn’t just the firecracker that challenges him.

This story is largely about Jy, Summer and the fight to save the school but I think Rayne really carries the story. She has suffered so much, she has sacrificed so much and now is the time we start to see her sharing a little of what she’s been through, what she suffered in silence because it just seemed easier that way. And now might just be her time to shine. I loved her story, her past broke my heart but I cheered for her future.

If you want a small town story with a little romance, a lot of friendship, a tight knit community that looks after it’s own and a lot of humour and happy endings then definitely give this one a go. Marsh never disappoints, regardless of genre. She has definitely become one to look out for.

Marsh’s characters are vividly drawn, flawed not perfect, and always relatable. I loved the way this one played out and I despised the underhanded and devious dealings of the education department but that didn’t really surprise me.

There is a lot going on in this small town romance and Marsh explores themes of domestic violence, small school viability, nepotism within the education department and the scars that follow us through life from adolescent slights. I loved it and I think a wide audience of readers will too.

Set largely on Victoria’s south eastern coast, Summer of Serenity is told through the eyes of three characters. Jy Atherton, outspoken principal of Melbourne’s elite Korrungal Grammar and lover of Melbourne coffee feels as though he’s being sent to the ends of the earth when he’s appointed by the education department to investigate the low grades at Acacia Haven School. Summer O’Reilly is a part-time teacher at Acacia Haven and is a strong supporter of the school’s comprehensive approach to educating its students. She is furious about the likely closure of the school and very distrustful of Jy. Her mother Rayne divorced her abusive husband sixteen years earlier and blackmailed him to stay away. She doesn’t trust men and hasn’t dated since her divorce but when her first,love reappears she decides to take a chance.
These three characters are likeable. Each has their own issues, which help to drive their story. While the tone is light and flirty, serious issues are explored. These include domestic violence, prejudice and bias. I liked that through the teaching approach used at Acacia Haven, I was made to consider the benefits of wholistic education rather than just aiming for top marks. This is a well told story that kept me turning the pages. I enjoyed it.

"A slick city boy with a mission. A free-spirited country girl with a cause. Fireworks are guaranteed..."

And that's exactly what we get! I adored this story and the small town of Acacia Haven that Nicola Marsh has brought to life.

A very easy to read story with relatable characters to love and a steamy connection to enjoy. I look forward to returning to Acacia Haven as I see this is the beginning of a series - how lucky are we?!

‘He didn’t fit in here and the next four weeks would be hell.’

Summer of Serenity by Nicola Marsh is a wonderful tale of letting go of the past and finding a true and better life. I also loved the fact that it is set in my home state of Victoria, Australia and what a coastal community it proved to be!

The basis of this story is really solid and I just love how Nicola writes about place and community. On this occasion, there is a small coastal town that, like many others, is suffering from a lack of resources. The educational story, whilst fabricated, still lent a unique flavour to the tale. I relished the fictional town of Acacia Haven and how it embraces sustainability as a community - a like minded and inter generational group of people striving to achieve a work-life balance that is meaningful.

‘That’s what intentional living’s about, basically. A group of people with similar values living in a shared space. In Serenity, it’s not about common religious or political values, it’s more about self sustainability and caring for the environment.’

There are romantic liaisons for two different age groups which proved interesting in their different approaches to similar issues of hurt and its impact on lives. The added relationship of Rayne (Summer’s mother) lent that extra layer to provide depth whilst touching sensitively on domestic abuse. The romance between Summer and Jy is delightful.

Nicola has excelled with the storyline of Summer of Serenity, providing characters, emotions and a real sense of place and community. There is a lovely country town vibe, an ethos to aspire to and a community one would happily live in.

‘I happen to think kids learn better when they have options and aren’t forced to conform to expectations or fit in a pre-formed box.’


This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Nicola Marsh has excelled in the storyline, characters and emotions within the covers of this book! I loved the country town feeling that made me want to live there, the emotions and community connection was amazing!

Huge congratulations to Nicola Marsh and Harlequin Australia for the wonderful opportunity to read and review another well written book!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Summer Of Serenity is a small town rural romance told through 3 POVs. Summer is a teacher at Acacia Haven school which is a school that uses non traditional teaching methods that's goes with the town of Serenity's intentional living ethos.
Jy is a principal from Melbourne who has got himself with the school board and has been sent to write a report on Acacia Haven as it has the lowest VCE results in the state.
Instantly the tension is high between the two as they both know Jy has come to basically close down the school. Of course their is chemistry between them which leads to a quick fling and a whole lot of drama.
The story is also told through Rayne, Summer's mother who is hiding her own long held secrets from her daughter and the town.
This book is filled with lots of secrets that slowly unravel and disrupt the lives of the three main characters. Although I didn't find it to be the most realistic of romances, I still found myself in tears for the last quarter of this book as their were just so many tumultuous things happening. Although the characters had lots of sex in the book none of it was actually featured in the book so if you don't like racy scenes you will still enjoy this romance.
I love that this was set in my own home state of Victoria and I wish this town actually existed as it would be a great place to live.
This is the first of Nicola Marsh's stories I've read and the first set in Serenity which I can foreshadow more books featuring the side characters in the future.
Thanks to Netgalley.com and Harlequin Mira for providing me with this complimentary eARC copy.

Jy is the Principal of a high performing school who is sent to a small coastal town by the Department to write a report about the local low performing high school. and basically look for reasons they should be shut down. Whilst there he meets Summer, a part time teacher who catches his eye and they start a fling. Both fall hard and fast but try to deny their feelings whilst battling their own personal issues. This was an easy to read story with characters that are relatable and likable.

Summer of Serenity is a good read full of interesting characters. Jy's character is a stand out, and Rayne's character is equally interesting. There are a lot of connections in this story that grab your focus. Overall, a good story that steals your focus until its conclusion.
Review copy received from Entangled Publishing via Netgalley

Unfortunately, Summer of Serenity was a bit of a miss for me, which is a shame because I've had such a good run with Nicolas books.

Jy, a private school principal, is relocated to a small town public school to report on flaws and assist in it’s closure. I'm not familiar with the education system, but I found it hard to believe that there would be a private to public crossover.

Jy and Summer’s romantic connection was in some ways predictable but also confusing. In my mind, I pictured Jy being an uptight suit-wearing city boy and Summer, a free-spirited 'I know what I want' sort of woman. In some respects, they were what I imagined, but Jy’s personality didn't really fit. He was very sexually forward, which was a bit out of place. I wanted him to be a bit more reserved and for Summer to be the sexually charged woman taking control of the situation. After all, she’s living in a small town where men are a dying breed.

TMI, but whenever an author mentions the couple has had sex three times in the space of a few hours, I instantaneously cross my legs. It’s not realistic, at least not in my world, unless I'm reading erotica. A severe case of chaffing or a nasty UTI springs to mind. Not romantic at all!

There is also a secondary story involving Rayne (Summers mum). There is an encounter in her shop that rubbed me the wrong way. The towns counsellor, Pauline, brings up the subject of Rayne’s abusive ex-husband. It was odd, too personal and very unprofessional. She was almost pressing Rayne to make a confession. Putting someone who has experienced abuse in that sort of position could be dangerous.

Not my most enjoyable read this month. However, it hasn't deterred me from reading more from this author.

Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin Australia for providing me with an ARC for review.

A sweet, rural romance that I recommend. My first Nicola Marsh book, but this won't be my last. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters and Acacia Haven. Definitely a story I recommend! Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I do love a good small town romance and one set on the water even better and Nicola Marsh has bought to life this town and its wonderful characters as we get not one but two lovely romances, I hope you come for a trip to Acacia Haven and get to know Summer and Jy and Summer’s mother Rayne and Leo, it is certainly worth the trip.

Jy Atherton is an outspoken principal in the private school system, he cares about the curriculum and is now being punished and sent to Acacia Haven to do a report on the school there with the aim of closing it down because of poor marks, the next four weeks is not going to be good, until he meets one of the teachers who is determined to do everything she can to keep this school open not only do they clash but the spark between them is so strong.

Summer O’Reilly has lived in Acacia Haven her whole life the ocean is peaceful and so good for this intentional community they are thriving and the students are learning so much that will help them in the future she loves the students at the school, but when Mr Jy Atherton arrives in his suit she is going to fight all the way no matter how good he looks or how much she is drawn to him.

Rayne O’Reilly loves her town but has lived with a secret for the last sixteen years and now it is time for her to find love again and move on and when she rekindles a past love a whole new world opens up for her and some secrets are opened up for the better for so many people. Seeing her walls crumble was the best.

Summer is a fiery heroine who only wanted what was best for everyone she has trust issues with men but Jy got under those and made her float with a sensual supposed fling while he was in town, but neither could ignore their hearts for long even if Jy was the enemy, Jy was not looking for love he had been burnt before but Summer made him rethink, seeing them find the love and happiness and a solution to the much needed school had me turning the pages and cheering them on. Of course Rayne and Leo finally found true happiness after all of those years and it was pure joy.

This is another fabulous story from Nicola Marsh who knows how to put words onto a page and bring people to life, make them real and lovable with all of the emotions, this is one that I would highly recommend it is sure to leave you smiling.

My thanks to Harlequin AU for my copy to read and review

I have read quite a few rural romances and this one is definitely up there as an all-time favourite.

Nicola Marsh’s books are always a joy to read, and Summer of Serenity was no different, the storyline had me hooked from the get go and there were moments that made my heart skip a beat.

Set in the fictional small town of Acacia Haven nestled along the beautiful Australian coast, the story is predominately about Summer O’Reilly, her mother Rayne O'Reilly, and the looming closure of the only school in the district.

Jy Atherton is sent by the department to assess the school with the view of closing it, he’s wanting to be in and out of the community quickly as he knows he’s public enemy number one. But what he discovers is more than he is expecting and love is in the air… though with no strings attached.

After reviving an old friendship Rayne is talked in to joining a dating site and never in her wildest dreams did she expect the way things would turn out from there.

I loved the relationship between mother and daughter and the way Rayne was so protective of her daughter during her younger years, only later revealing the true extent of the secrets long held. I enjoyed the relationship between Jy and Summer, the ups and downs and the not knowing how it would all end up.

The cleverly crafted storyline, kept taking me in directions I wasn’t expecting, making it hard to put it done.

This one will fly off the shelves!

Jy Atherton works as a principal at an elite Melbourne private school, he’s rather outspoken and he’s annoyed his bosses at the education department. As his punishment, he’s sent to assess a small school in the beach side town of Acacia Haven and it’s year twelve class has the lowest VCE results in the state. The school's on the brink of closure, the education department has made up its mind, Jy has to endure a month at the school and submit his report.

The first day of school, the attendance rate at Acacia Haven for the high school students is extremely low, and Jy can’t understand why? The primary school aged children are keen, paying attention, the curriculum isn’t standard and it would defiantly be classed as an alternate school. Teacher Summer O’Reilly doesn’t get off to a great start with Jy, she was born and raised in Acacia Haven and she’s protective of the town and its school.

Summer shows Jy the sustainable living community of Serenity, families don’t see formal education as a priority, they prefer children to learn by life experience and connecting with nature. Jy’s impressed with the way people live, the community garden, and he understands children’s education priorities and requirements are different to students in the city and he will include this in his report. The sparks fly between Jy and Summer not only at work, they can’t avoid each other in a small town and the principal’s a good looking and single.

Summer’s mother Rayne is facing her own challenges, she seems like she has everything under control, she’s been keeping a secret for years, it’s a heavy burden to carry and she needs to find the courage to deal with her past. Summer of Serenity is a story about a small coastal town, it’s a tight knit community, with a dedicated teacher and she and others will fight to keep the school open. Despite being vulnerable, mother and daughter still believe in love, romance and both have to follow their hearts.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Harlequin Australia in exchange for an honest review, the first book I have read by Nicola Marsh, I was impressed, five stars from me and I now look forward to reading The Liar Next Door.

Jay (Jy in my copy) Atherton is sent to Acacia Haven to shut down its only school, under the guise of evaluating its students' poor performance. Summer O'Reilly knows what he's about and she has no intention of making it easy for him - but he's got a way of sneaking in past her defences. This is just a fling, far from the lights of Melbourne. Acacia Haven isn't the town for complications...or secrets.

Well, I should say this book had a way of sneaking in past my defences. I wasn't expecting to love it so much. Jay/Jy and Summer had intense chemistry and I was all in for their relationship from their very first scene together. I liked Acacia Haven and its people, especially Summer's mother and her journey to take back control of her life. I can also appreciate a book that has a self-aware dig at itself lol. I would happily revisit Acacia Haven in the future (and I hope I can!).