Lizzie Howard is celebrating her thirtieth birthday at a friend's house in Maine; located in Jewell Cove, in the third book of this heart-warming series. Lizzie made the mistake of mixing her personal and professional lives, and wants to put it behind her. She's also had personal grief and overwork to stress her in Springfield. This break is only for a few days, but maybe she really needs a SUMMER ON LOVERS' ISLAND.

Lizzie's friend Charlie is an expectant mother, so as they are both doctors, Charlie persuades Lizzie to cover for her maternity leave. The practice is shared with Dr Josh Collins. He's a fine man, thinks single Lizzie. He's also ex-married and ex-Army. And settled here while she'll be going back to bright lights. Too much of a contrast for a relationship? If either of them even wants one?

The location details are lovely, with whales and seals, Fourth of July celebrations and a legend of lovers who buried treasure on an island in the bay. Lizzie's still got personal issues, and family responsibilities, but she decides to treat summer as a beach vacation when she's not working. Who could blame her?

I like that Lizzie decides to declutter her life and possessions in order to move forward; and I enjoy the way that Josh, a take it or leave it guy now where women are concerned, eventually learns that there is more than one kind of treasure to be found in the bay. But a huge weather event is on the way, and all will be needed in the drama. Can everyone survive?

If you've enjoyed The House On Blackberry Hill and Treasure On Lilac Lane you'll know what to expect from author Donna Alward in this great setting - troubles of the heart, sharing confidences and learning to be a bigger person. SUMMER ON LOVERS' ISLAND can be read as a standalone adult romance and may encourage you to find the earlier books. After reading this, I'm off to make plans for summer!

Book Summary

What happens when a seasonal fling turns into the love of a lifetime?

Lizzie Howard’s life has always been adrenaline-charged. Top of her class at Harvard Med and now a gifted trauma doctor, Lizzie’s medical career has always come before rest, relaxation, and especially romance. But when one careless mistake brings her future to a screeching halt, Lizzie’s only chance at reviving it is to temporarily take over a friend’s practice in Jewell Cove. The sleepy Maine coast, a world away from the bustling emergency room Lizzie knows and loves, leaves her feeling more lost than ever—until she meets widowed doctor Joshua Collins, and her heart starts beating a little bit faster…

"Brimming with old family history, small-town secrets, and newfound passion, you’ll want to pack up and move to Jewell Cove, Maine!" —Lily Everett

Coming home to Jewell Cove was Josh’s salvation after his wife died. Looking for peace among the familiar faces of friends and family, he’s grateful to work in the town’s small medical clinic by day and spend his nights trying to forget everything he’s lost. Lizzie’s big-city sensibilities are a brash reminder of the world he’s pushed away, but he can’t deny that together they’ve sparked a flame that crackles higher and brighter every day. Maybe love is the best medicine after all …

"Wonderful romance, packed with family drama, a sexy hero, an incredible old house.　 You'll fall in love from the very first page."—Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times bestselling author on The House on Blackberry Hill

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