Summer Breeze

A Novel

By: Nancy Thayer

Narrated by: Kimberly Farr

Length: 12 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's Summary

New York Times best-selling author Nancy Thayer never fails to imbue her novels with warmth and wisdom. In Summer Breeze,the author of Beachcombers and Heat Wave tells the wonderfully moving story of three women who forge a unique bond one sun-drenched summer on New England's Dragonfly Lake.

Morgan O'Keefe feels trapped in a gilded cage. True, the thirty-year-old mother agreed to put her science career on hold to raise her young son while her husband pursued his high-powered job. But though Morgan loves many things about staying home with her child, she misses the thrill of working with her colleagues in the lab. She's restless and in dire need of a change.

Fed up with New York City's hectic pace, Natalie Reynolds takes up her aunt's offer to move to the Berkshires and house-sit her fabulous lakeside house for a year. Passionate about applying brush to canvas, Natalie is poised to become the artist she has forever longed to be. But life on Dragonfly Lake is never without surprises, and for a novice swimmer like Natalie, the most welcome surprise proves to be the arms of a handsome neighbor pulling her up from the water for a gulp of air.

When her mother breaks her leg, Bella Barnaby quits her job in Austin and returns home to help out her large, boisterous family. Among her new duties: manning the counter at the family business, Barnaby's Barn, an outdated shop sorely in need of a makeover. While attractive architect Aaron has designs on her, Bella harbors long held secret dreams of her own.

Summer on Dragonfly Lake is ripe for romance, temptation, and self-discovery as the lives of these three women unexpectedly intertwine. Summer Breeze illustrates how the best of friends can offer comfort, infuriate, or even - sometimes - open one's eyes to the astonishing possibilities of life lived in a different way. This captivating novel displays a prestigiously gifted writer at the height of her storytelling powers.

©2012 Nancy Thayer (P)2012 Random House Audio

Critic Reviews

"Nancy Thayer has a deep and masterly understanding of love and friendship, of where the two complement and where they collide" (Elin Hilderbrand)

"A charming and fun summer read.... Readers will love this story of family and love." ( The Plain Dealer on Beachcombers)

"Vintage Nancy Thayer.... Enjoy Heat Wave along with a cool drink...and plenty of sunblock." ( Huntington News on Heat Wave)

Surprising....

I enjoy Nancy Thayer's writing. I really thought I had this book figured out early on but no...she gave us complete surprises. I love that as an author she doesn't need to make everything so feel good. We do go through these things. These people were very fortunate to be able to surprise me with the details and the outcome. I was smug thinking I had it all figured out and thought I might not finish it, but, I did. I am so glad I did. The last chapters will surprise you too I think. I wish you would do a follow on this book. I think it would be interesting. I recommend.

3 1/2 stars

I enjoyed the story, and it had a very good narrator. I would have given it more stars, but I had a terrible time trying to keep track of so many people and their names, and who they belonged to. Just way too many people for me. It’s nice the three were friends, but I think it would make for a better story with only two friends, as there were so many other people involved. Kind of confusing throughout the book actually.
Thank you very much for the good narrator, otherwise I would not have listened to this book.

Perfect Summer Novel

Set in a small seaside town. Young, interesting characters and just enough drama to keep me listening on a lazy summer day.

A great summer read!

Nancy Thayer's books are often similiar in style and therefore, somewhat predictable, but very enjoyable. This one was as well. It was easy to listen to, stop when I needed to and then pick up the next drive. I have read or listened to a half dozen of her books and enjoyed them all.

Enjoyed listening to this book.

A good story of 3 young women going through life's changes. Nice flow to story line.

good book

loved it. like Nancy Thayer
and the narrator brought story to life. will keep listening.

A Magnificent Story!!

Would you consider the audio edition of Summer Breeze to be better than the print version?

I haven't read the book but know the audio is superior!! Loved it!

What did you like best about this story?

The entire audio was perfect from the beginning! The storyline, the different characters with interesting jobs, the relationships of Bella, Natalie and Morgan and their loves or potential loves. The book has substance and I like that.

What about Kimberly Farr’s performance did you like?

Kimberly Farr was excellent! She did a great job of bringing the characters alive and making me feel a part of them.m

If you could rename Summer Breeze, what would you call it?

I wouldn't rename. It's a perfect title.

Any additional comments?

I love Nancy Thayer as a writer especially her settings! She has a great storyline in her books not simply about romance but so much more. This book was over the top for me; I loved; loved; loved this book!!!!!!