Review and Giveaway: The Summer Garden by Sherryl Woods (CLOSED)

First line: Maddening Moira was still in his head!

From the back cover: Falling for “Maddening Moira” O’Malley was the unexpected highlight of Luke O’Brien’s Dublin holiday. So when she pays a surprise visit to Chesapeake Shores, Luke is thrilled…at first. A fling with this wild Irish rose is one thing, but forever? Maybe someday, but not when he’s totally focused on establishing a business that will prove his mettle to his overachieving family.

Given Luke’s reaction, Moira has some soul-searching of her own to do. Scarred by her father’s abandonment, she wonders if Luke, with his playboy past, is truly the family man she longs for. Adding to her dilemma, she’s offered an amazing chance at a dream career of her own.

Deep down, though, Moira knows home is the real prize, and that love can be every bit as enchanting as a summer garden.

My thoughts: This is the ninth book in Sherryl Wood’s Chesapeake Shores series and according to the letter Sherryl included in the beginning of the book, quite possibly the final installment…I’m so sad!!! I love this series and have enjoyed getting to know the boisterous O’Brien family.

In The Summer Garden, the story starts off where the previous one, An O’Brien Family Christmas, left off. It focuses on the relationship that started between Luke and Moira while the entire O’Brien family was in Ireland, and continues Nell’s relationship with Dillon back home in Chesapeake Shores. Luke stayed in Ireland a few weeks longer than the rest of the O’Brien clan, getting to know Moira and also looking into Irish Pubs. Luke decided to open an Irish pub back in Chesapeake Shores. He is the youngest O’Brien grandchild and so far has not found his passion for anything till now. Feeling under a lot of pressure because everyone in his family has succeeded, he wants his turn and feels that opening an Irish pub is the way to go.

Moira, still in Ireland trying to find her way in life, tags along with her grandfather when he comes to visit Nell O’Brien in America. The visit happens while Luke is in the midst of setting up his new business. Moira’s self-doubts and insecurities are exacerbated by Luke’s single minded goal of establishing his pub. She is impatient with the slow progression of their relationship and Luke’s inability to commit long term. Normally straight forward and forthright, Moira has a difficult time communicating her expectations to Luke. With a little advice from their grandparents, Luke and Moira learn the key to a successful relationship is balance and compromise. 

I love how throughout the book, characters from previous series pop in with cameo appearances. The Summer Garden was a wonderful wrap up of the characters we have met along the way and while I am really going to miss visiting Chesapeake Shores, I am excited to see what new stories and families Sherryl Woods creates for us.

I received a complimentary copy of The Summer Garden by Sherryl Woods from Eric at  Planned Television Arts.

Books in this series:

1. The Inn at Eagle Point                         6.  Moonlight Cove
2. Flowers on Main                                   7.  Beach Lane
3. Harbor Lights                                        8.  An O’Brien Family Christmas
4. A Chesapeake Shores Christmas        9.  The Summer Garden
5. Driftwood Cottage

How to enter Giveaway: 

This contest is open to entries from the U.S. and Canada only.

The deadline for entry is midnight, February 16th. I will draw the winner on February 17th and post the winner’s name shortly after that.

 

FORM CLOSED