Summer in the Spotlight

Author: Liz Johnson
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Prince Edward Island Shores #3
Pages: 352
Release Date: August 8, 2023
Publisher: Revell

This summer is a season of rebuilding, restoration, and romance

Kelsey Ahern has performed at the Victoria Playhouse on Prince Edward Island since she was seven. But when a hurricane destroys the building, it's not just her memories that are in jeopardy. Her future as a drama teacher is too. She teams up with Levi Ross, the facilities director at the high school, to produce a benefit show to raise money to rebuild the theater. Levi has a reputation for being able to fix anything, and Kelsey is sure there's more to the quiet man than meets the eye.

For his part, Levi has admired Kelsey for years, but he can't seem to find the words to tell her. When a popular weatherman arrives in town to cover the aftermath of the hurricane and takes an interest in Kelsey and her show, Levi realizes that the time has come to speak up--or lose the heart of the woman he longs for.

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Reviewer: Juanita Varela

This was such a cute read! I had been wanting to read Levi’s story. He was just so mysterious and quiet, and the other books left me wanting to know more about him.

I enjoyed the beginning. The whole hurricane scenario is quite scary in real life, but in the book it can be seen as a romantic scenario for two people who have seen each other from afar but never actually communicated with one another. I liked to see a glimpse at the beginning of Levi’s perspective on Kelsey. It showed that he paid attention to her, even though he never showed it to her. I also enjoyed the parts where we see characters from the series. I'd like to see more into their lives after their books have finished.

This is a sweet, clean romance. This book, though it is part of a series, can be read as a stand-alone book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own. 

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Reviewer: Mindy Houng

"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 and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own. 

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Reviewer: Tammy Lunsford

Be still, my heart. I loved this story. Levi Ross stole my heart.

Kelsey Ahern is distraught when a hurricane destroys the drama department at the local school because the school has elected to do away with the drama department because they cannot afford to clean up the mess. Kelsey has dreamed of this all of her life. Her grandmother instilled a love of theater in her. When Levi Ross learns of her dilemma, he decides to come to her rescue. Levi is a man of few words. You know there has been trauma in his past, but you do not fully understand this trauma until late in the book. Even though he is a man of few words, he has a heart of gold and gives back to everyone. He is a true bookworm (a man after my own heart), but he can also fix anything.

The community in this story was a true community, as they banded together to help a neighbor in need. Both Kelsey and Levi were wonderful characters who had pain in their pasts, and the slow-burning romance was sweet and toe-curling because it was so innocent and heartfelt. If you need a light read with a wonderful romance, you will love this book. This was a wonderful beach read for me. I closed this book with a smile on my face a mile wide. The contentment of seeing a happily ever after that sounded like a real story was a plus for me as well.

Thank you to Revell Books for providing a courtesy copy of this book through Interviews and Reviews. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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Reviewer: Jeanette Durkin

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. The characters are all well-rounded, personable, and relatable. Levi is my favorite! He's sweet, steadfast, calm, and tender-hearted.

There are some difficult circumstances, but there is hope for a brighter day. The love story is romantic and sweet. There is nothing objectionable or racy. The setting of Prince Edward Island is serene and picturesque.  Liz Johnson  really brings the island to life.

There is some mild intensity with Levi's father, who disappeared years ago. I enjoyed the theater aspect. It really brought the community together.

This book is a fantastic Christian romance! It can be read as a stand-alone, but reading the other books in the series helps to relate to the characters. It 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.

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Reviewer: Kristina Hall

An entertaining contemporary romance!

Levi and Kelsey were sympathetic characters whose struggles and backstories added to the book. It was nice to see a shy main guy for a change. He and Kelsey were fun together and genuinely cared about each other.

The plot wasn't overly complicated and moved along at a steady speed. A plot thread from the previous books in the series wrapped up in Summer in the Spotlight, but I believe this novel could still be easily read as a standalone. 

I appreciated that Liz Johnson kept the romance and the language clean, and I'm looking forward to reading what she writes next. On a more random note, I loved the colorfulness of the cover. The Canadian setting was quite cool as well.

Overall, Summer in the Spotlight was an enjoyable read that I'd recommend to those who love Christian fiction and contemporary romance.

Disclosure: I received this book free from Revell through Interviews & Reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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Reviewer: Lori Parrish

I've loved this series since the beginning and have loved every minute of it! I've really enjoyed visiting Prince Edward Island without leaving the comfort of my home. 

This is Kelsey and Levi's story and, in my opinion, the very best one. 
Why, you ask? Cause it has a little bit of everything in it for you to enjoy. A sweet romance and a lovely setting. Along with a little theater included. I know it will sound a little weird, but what I thought was exciting and my favorite was the hurricane and the theater. Since I've experienced both, I can relate to this story pretty well.

You'll also have your not-so-good characters, but in my opinion, that adds spice to the book. Sometimes it's the secondary characters that will tug at your heart. I found myself praying for them.

Johnson has once again worked her wonderful magic on me. I had a wonderful adventure! I was unable to put this book down until I was finished. I love a good story, and this was awesome. I have no words. It was so good. 

The cover was simply beautiful! One of my favorite book covers so far. I give five stars for a well-written book. I highly recommend it. 

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Reviewer: Monica Huyser

Summer in the Spotlight is the third book in the Prince Edward Island Shores series. I have been anxious to read this third and final book in the series by Liz Johnson. If you haven't read the other books, Summer in the Spotlight could still be enjoyable, but it would be best to read after the other books in the series.

Levi Ross is the youngest of the Ross brothers. He works as a custodian at the high school, where he doesn't have to say much. Kelsey Ahern works as the drama teacher in the high school. After a hurricane damages the school and the theater where the drama department performs, Kelsey loses her job as budgets become strained. To save her job and the beloved damaged theater where she and her grandmother performed through the years, Kelsey directs the town in a benefit performance to restore the theater. Levi is recruited to help with the set and the props.

I enjoyed Summer in the Spotlight. My heart went out to Levi as I learned the real reason for his reticence to speak to others. Honestly, that revelation brought tears to my eyes. I also felt for Kelsey as she struggled with pain from her family issues, and I could relate to those issues too. 

I think a lot of readers could relate to some of these family issues in some way, as many of us come from imperfect families. I truly appreciate that Johnson creates characters that have realistic struggles. 

I did feel a bit of compassion for Levi's dad as I learned why he is the way he is today in the book, but I still didn't find him very likable. As in other books in the series, there are themes of love, forgiveness, and redemption in this book. There are also times characters in this book demonstrate having good boundaries in relationships, which is important too. At the same time, I so enjoyed the slow-build romance between Levi and Kelsey. Some scenes with them were especially heartwarming as they brought out the best in each other. It was also fun to continue following characters from the series' first two books. I found Summer in the Spotlight a satisfying conclusion to the series.

I received a copy of this book from Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

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