OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Secrets of the Summer" by Linda Hughes.]

The historical fiction romance of Secrets of the Summer (Secrets Trilogy Book 3) by Linda Hughes can be read as a stand-alone. The setting of the book was in the 1960s with some historical references to the roaring 1920s during the Prohibition Era. Summer Rose Krause is a 21-year-old single woman who has been put in jail overnight for indecent exposure. While she has no memory of what she has done, she finds herself in a situation where her grandfather sees to it that she fulfills community service instead of jail time. She has to be an assistant Head Start teacher of four to seven-year-olds in a small Michigan town during the summer. She will also need to work at one of her Uncle Harry’s B&Bs, cleaning rooms to earn her room and board.

Being from a rich family, Summer has never really had to work for a living. She cleans toilets for the first time in her life and teaches poor children. Some of the children have been abused and neglected by their parents. Small town living is anything but boring. Summer meets interesting townspeople, witnesses a burglary, and comes across a murder. She is attracted to Bogey Bush, a deputy sheriff, but fights against any close relationship with him. Read the book to find out about the Purple Gang of the 1920s, who murdered a man, and if Summer and Bogey can overcome obstacles and fall in love.

This book has a variety of topics including child abuse, adoption, murder, teaching children, authors, relationships, family, and light romance. There is some kissing, but no bedroom scenes. The author wrote in such a way as to paint a picture of what living in a small Michigan town might be like and brought into the storyline some historical facts about the Purple Gang of the 1920s. It had some suspense and mystery added, making this book a very cozy mystery indeed.

I rate Secrets of the Summer by Linda Hughes 3 out of 4 stars. More than ten errors were found causing me to deduct one star. The only things that I did not like about the book were the missing commas with a few misspelled words. The book deserves a three-star rating because many interesting facts from the 1920s were weaved into the plot, and every character had a purpose in the story. Though the setting was in the 1960s, it really could be a possibility of small-town living in the present day. It did not feel outdated or old. I liked the references to Mackinac Island of having no vehicles. I best liked Summer’s humor when she was in jail overnight with ladies who she named: Big Hair, Cynic, and Marilyn (Monroe). I could also identify with Summer’s experience teaching young children.

If you like historical romances with some mystery and do not mind some of the topics mentioned above, you may like to read this book. If the above topics do not interest you, and you are not a fan of cozy mysteries and light romance, you may want to skip this book.

******
Secrets of the Summer
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

It must have been an interesting adventure for Summer even if it was actually community service. She got to do things that she normally wouldn't do. Thanks for the review!

Thanks for the review. I think we all have some summers that we can tell stories about later in life. This sounds like an interesting adventure story with a touch of summer romance. I think it will be worth taking a look at.

Hah, the overnight jail scene does sound funny. I probably won't check this one out but thanks for the review!

This book sounds look like an interesting cozy, perfect for a rainy, fall weekend. Summer is an interesting character. I would like to check this one out. Thanks for the wonderful review!

I'm amazed that Summer is able to come across so many interesting things while serving the small town. I'm glad she gets a chance to serve others. I think everyone should take the opportunity to help another in need at least once in their life!

I find it interesting that she was put in jail for indecent exposure. The themes here are heavy but important. I'm curious how all this comes about. Thanks!

I like the concept of doing community service instead of just serving jail time. No experience can sober you up like a real living experience. We all have it so easy and are so lucky, but never appreciate that. A very nice review and I hope the author takes time to re-edit and make it a better work.

A little bit of history and romance with a cozy mystery woven into the mix sounds like a book I'm interested in. I especially like title and cover of this book. Thank you for the candid review!

This sounds like a charming, unique read. It sounds like Summer's character was well-written, and I like that there are a lot of different topics discussed as well. Thanks for this great review! Cheers:)

When history and romance come together they make wonderful memories

This sounds interesting! I would love to read the whole series.

At first this sounded like it would be a sweet, light big city girl in a small town kind of read but those topics are wow. Sounds interesting though, particularly the Purple Gang and how they might tie into the struggles Summer likely faces in the novel.

Even she is from a rich family, she had work hard as poor. It prooved that everyone should work hard in their bqd time to fulfill their desires. Thankyou