'Summer in the Spotlight' is an entertaining conclusion to the Prince Edward Island Shores series with a delightful cast of characters—both onstage and off! Haters of the dreaded love triangle, have no fear. It's fairly obvious who the spunky teacher and drama coach, Kelsey Ahern, will lose her heart to...but the journey to romance is often quite rocky!

The reticent, yet kind facilities director, Levi Ross, teams up with Kelsey to produce a benefit show to rebuild the Victoria Playhouse which was destroyed by a hurricane. But when a handsome, charming meteorologist takes an interest in Kelsey and her show, will Levi step up his game? Or will it always stay in the friend-zone between the two? A captivating novel about family, overcoming fear, and faith in your dreams! Available at your fave bookseller!

*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and was under no obligation to write a favorable review.*

I'm ready to pack my bags and take a trip to Prince Edward Island. The descriptions in the book make it sound like such an appealing place to be.
I've read other books by this author and though this is the third book in this series and my first read in this series I enjoyed it very much. I have the second book ready to read shortly.
This is such a beautiful story with compassion, redemption, forgiveness and just plain listening to what others said and taking it to heart.
I enjoyed getting to know the characters, seeing a sweet romance develop and receiving the inspirational message in the book. Looking forward to going back and catching up on the series.

pub Aug 8, 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

It was so fun returning to PEI and catching up with the Ross family! Levi and Kelsey’s story is super sweet and we finally learn the reason behind Levi’s silence! This was an entertaining book with healing and redemption and a nice end to the series. You could read it as a stand-alone but the other books in the series are wonderful, too, so be sure to check them out.

Thank you to @Revell and @NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

“Levi Ross wanted attention about as much as a lobster wanted to end up on someone’s dinner plate.”

As soon as this book was available on NetGalley, I requested it because I needed to read the final installment of the Prince Edward Island Shores series. I have been a fan of PEI since reading Anne of Green Gables as a child and love that Liz Johnson has multiple book series’ set there also.

It’s always fun to get to check in on the characters from the other books and then also get to know new characters. Levi Ross, although a man of very few words, was such an endearing character. His actions literally spoke louder than his words! The romance between he and Kelsey was so sweet, and just the kind of romance I like to read.

Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Read if you like:
Prince Edward Island
Small town romances
Theatre

Levi has been in love with Kelsey for years, but he knows that bubbly, outgoing Kelsey could never care for him, the man who almost never talks. But when a storm wrecks the town playhouse where Kelsey so often acted and the school decides to cut the drama program for the next year, leaving Kelsey jobless, she decides to put on a benefit show to try to save both the playhouse and her job - and Levi is all in as far as helping behind the scenes. But when the famous local weatherman takes an interest in the show, though the publicity is a great boost, it brings its own problems. When the chips are down, will Levi be able to use the words he's struggled with for so long to tell Kelsey how he feels about her, or will the man who's already stolen so much steal the hope of happiness from him too?

A worthy end to a great series. I've looked forward to each book as it came out, and none of the three has disappointed me, including this. Levi has always been very much in the background, but once Kelsey shows up, it's lovely to see him gradually coming out of his shell. I loved watching Kelsey come to terms with her own history, but Levi was even more special, perhaps because he had more to overcome. It was also great seeing the family as a whole getting a sort of closure - the perfect end to the series. All in all, a great read, with characters I enjoyed getting to know (and watching grow), a beautiful setting, an inspirational message, some great family scenes, a villain or two to get their comeuppances, and a satisfying ending. Highly recommended.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

Loved it. A sweet romance filled with past issues and heartache. Smiles and tears. I wish there were more brothers with stories to tell. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

Summer in the Spotlight skillfully earns a 5-star rating! This is an excellent read for those who enjoy contemporary clean romance!

The writing of Liz Johnson is almost magical! It is perfectly descriptive, evoking instantaneously real-life movie-like scenes in my imagination - complete with a multitude of emotion, humor, and wit. This book stirs up a lot of emotions and will continue to linger in my heart.

I quickly became invested in the multidimensional, lovable characters and the storyline. Kelsey and Levi, the main characters, are believable with flaws, gifts, talents, and so much more.

There are a couple life-changing quotes that I hope no one spoils for you. I hope you discover them on your own while reading Summer in the Spotlight. Here are three, short fun, spoiler-free quotes from this inspirational, sweet tale of family, friendships, unexpected events, and community (quotes are from the eARC so they are subject to change):

• Levi Ross wanted attention about as much as a lobster wanted to end up on someone’s dinner plate.

• Kelsy had let everything out in one breath and sucked in more air before speaking again.
“Are we just going to let the whole community crumble?”

• The only thing worse than talking in public was being talked about in public.

Summer in the Spotlight was unputdownable and a clean, wholesome romance page-turner!

I received an eARC of Summer in the Spotlight from its publisher Revell via NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review nor am I paid to do so. The words above are my honest review of this very moving and meaningful book.

Summer in the Spotlight is the third book in the series, Prince Edward Island Shores, and is Levi's story. He is the youngest of the three brothers and has few words to say, having been traumatized by his father's departure from the family over a decade ago. One person, Kelsey Ahearn has the ability to bring him out of his shell. He has admired her since ninth grade. Kelsey spent a lot of her youth on stage in the local playhouse with her grandmother, who raised her after her parents moved away. After a hurricane damaged the playhouse, she is determined to raise funds to repair it to honor her grandmother's memory and Levi is just as determined to see her succeed. This is a sweet story of love, courage, and family, sprinkled with faith. Ends are tied up that have been loose throughout the series. This has a smile worthy ending and highly recommended.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review, and these are my thoughts.

A very moving and inspirational clean romance set on Prince Edward Island. There is a hurricane that destroys part of the school and the Victoria Playhouse Theatre. Kelsey with some help from the community plans to have a play as a fundraiser in order to get funds to restore the building. That's when things get complicated.

The storyline is one of unexpected events, family struggles, and love. The main characters Kelsey & Levi have many layers and the story has a combined element of mystery, deception, and a sweet romance.

I was hooked from the beginning and enjoyed the journey. I can't wait to read more from this author. I loved the author's style of writing and felt connected to the story even though I hadn't read the first two in the series. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and voluntarily choose to review it. All opinions are my own.

This is an enjoyable novel that explores the difficulty of romance between flawed people with histories having a huge impact on the present. We get glimpses of how current events similar to ones in the past can trigger post traumatic stress. Levi is a severely damaged character, hesitant to speak because of his father's cruel words in his youth. Though Kelsey is damaged herself, it was good to see how she brought Levi out of his shell. Kelsey is overly emotional and her character is almost overdrawn in that respect. She tries hard to make up for what she feels is a shortfall in her actions years ago.

The plot is a bit predictable with a disaster set to destroy the whole project and a result that was unsurprising. Johnson provides enough clues so we know what is coming. Even so, the romance is entertaining. We readers are challenged to think about where we look for our happiness. We also see how love can overcome the fear that scares us the most and help us do the hard thing. Johnson's writing style is a pleasure to read. There is a subtle faith message.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

Summer in the Spotlight was a lovely escapism book. I have not read others in the series, but it didn't seem to matter. The main characters, Levi and Kelsey, were adorable and well developed. I loved their budding friendship and the way they took chances for each other. There were times when the plot was a bit soap opera-ish and predictable, but it was a decent read. 3.5 Stars rounded up

Thank you, NetGalley and the the publisher for the advanced copy.

Be still my beating heart.

I loved this book so much, and it’s mostly because of Levi Ross. That man piqued my interest in the previous book, The Last Way Home, and I was so excited to read his story. Levi might be the epitome of a beta male, but he’s also the reason I love beta males. He’s sweet, caring, and softhearted. And I rooted for him to get his chance with his childhood crush from the first page.

Kelsey is a good fit for him, I think. I loved watching their relationship deepen, especially as she got to know him better and saw past his reserved demeanor. She really had a way of helping Levi come out of his shell, and it was beautiful to watch.

The storyline about the play and the quest to save the theater don’t slow down the story at all but rather added a nice layer to the romance. Honestly, watching Kelsey and Levi work together was the best part.

Although, the family dynamic added a little something extra. The Ross family make my heart smile. And though Summer in the Spotlight is part of a series, you can read it as a standalone. I jumped into the series from book two and still haven’t read the first book. (An oversight I must rectify immediately.) But I still was able to enjoy it and understand a bit of the family’s history.

Overall, Summer in the Spotlight is a sweet small-town romance contemporary fans won’t want to miss.

This is the third book in the Prince Edward Island Shores series. Light, romantic Christian novel featuring Levi, the quiet,shy brother and Kelsey, quite the opposite. They set of to save the local theater after a hurricane destroys it. . Enjoyable but I do recommend reading the first two books before this one. Readers who enjoy stories about small town living will like this series.

Summer in the Spotlight is such a good summer read. It is set in Prince Edward Island and incorporates the Victoria Playhouse. The characters are flawed, but growing and learning. Kelsey is the highschool drama teacher who grew up performing at the Playhouse. Levi is the very quiet highschool facilities man who grew up watching Kelsey perform in the Playhouse. They get trapped in the highschool together during a hurricane, and then the big adventures really begin. Kelsey and Levi band together in a common goal of helping their community, and in the process, they both grow in their personal lives a lot. I appreciated the many good character traits that were emphasized in this book. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone needing a sweet summer literary escape.

I requested and received a copy of this book for review. The words and opinions expressed here are wholly my own.

"If Grandma Coletta had taught her anything, it was that a person's words were tied to their heart. What the mouth said came from the wellspring of the heart."

Levi has held a very special place in my heart since the first book of the series and his story was well-worth the wait. His fiercely loyal, self-sacrificing, tender heart under the quiet stoic demeanor was a treasure to unwrap and behold. His actions spoke of his thoughtfulness and keen intelligence and I couldn't get enough of him! The backstory of his silence was heart-breaking but Kelsey's charming and truly delightful presence worked extra hard to pull Levi into a world of hopes and dreams. Their relationship that went from acquaintances to colleagues to friends to more was simply wonderful.

I loved catching up with Eli and Violet, as well as Oliver and Megan, and fell in love with some of the secondary characters like Dustin and the Hermans. The faith lessons on overcoming fear because of love and what forgiveness looks like on a daily basis were on point. The setting of Prince Edward Island, even in the aftermath of a hurricane, took my breath away and it has become a destination that I must visit. It’s been a long time since I was a part of a theater production so it was fun to revisit building of sets, the ups and downs of rehearsals, and the adrenaline and sense of accomplishment during and after the show.

If you're looking for a great story of hope and rebuilding, this book is perfect for you. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

This is a romance! I loved it.
Liz Johnson ends this touching series with an endearing story. I received this advanced reader's copy from the publisher through NetGalley. This is my own unsolicited opinion of the story.
Months ago, Kelsey Ahern returned to her hometown on Prince Edward Island. Now a hurricane is wreaking havoc in the area. Levi Ross, the facilities director of the high school she has just finished her first-year contract of teaching at comes to her aid during the storm. When they both learn that damage to the Victoria Playhouse is devastating and likely to destroy her chances to stay in town, they team up to try to save the beloved theater.
I enjoyed the first two books of this series and this finale with Levi and Kelsey's story is a pleasure. Levi is a strong, talented and giving, but nearly silent, man. He is an excellent character. He holds some memories close to his heart and maybe Kelsey can help him let them go. She is a talkative personality who has a secret or two of her own. She aches to make everything work out, especially to save the theater her beloved actress grandmother was a major part. There's a big chore ahead and a villain or two in the wings.
This is a story about love in a family, in the vulnerable places of the hopeful heart and in the memory a child carries to adulthood.
This is a satisfying, clean story, involving characters that display faith and perseverance. It works as a stand-alone, but I highly recommend the first two books. This is a series with well-rounded characters, believable plots and sweet romance. I can see myself reading it all again which is something I rarely do. Thank you to the author and publisher for an excellent series.

I really enjoyed reading this book! I was waiting for Levi's story, and it was worth the wait! There are lots of familiar characters and some new ones. Levi is sweet, steadfast, calm, and tender hearted. There are some difficult circumstances, but there is hope of a brighter day! The love story is romantic and sweet! This is a definite must read!
I was provided a copy of the book from Revell through Interviews and Reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is the third book in the Prince Edward Island Shores series. Although it is part of a series, it could read alone. You may miss some details and back story, so I recommend you start at the beginning. It is clean, slow burn romance. This is Levi's story, he is the youngest of three boys.

Kelsey is Levi's love interest in this book. She is a saint as far as I am concerned. She took the time to pull Levi out of his inability to talk. The beginning of the book was a little frustrating for me when all Kelsey could get out of Levi was a nod, a smile or a word. This is where having read the series helps. You understand why Levi is not talking.

The ending was very sweet and wrapped everything up. I am eagerly awaiting Liz Johnson's next book.

This was the first book I had red by Liz Johnson , but very easily got into the characters. The book focuses on Kelsey who has returned to teach at the school and Levi, a quiet chap who has looked up to Kelsey and had a crush since their school days.

A hurricane wrecks havoc on the island, and the school theatre is severely damaged as well as the theatre in the town, Kelsey's contract at the school has not been extended, and the Trustees of the theatre are not sure they have the funds to repair and maintain it. Kelsey recalls her childhood and the theatre with her grandmother and tries to fund raise by holding an outside event .... a great read .

Finally in Summer in the Spotlight, we get Levi’s story as he slinked in the background of the first two books of the series.

Levi is the quiet one and Kelsey is full of verbiage, but slowly she coaxed more words out of him than I think he thought was possible.

The whole time I read this all I could think was this was cute, cute, cute. This word was trolling my brain the entire time I read this. It was an easy read and it was exactly what I need to read right now. Very much recommended!

My gratitude to Netgalley and Revell. All opinions expressed are mine.