🌞 Book Review: Summer Stay Cottage by Hayley Summers (Kindle Edition, Under The Summer Sun Series Book 1)
A charming, clean beachside romance that blends showbiz dreams, small-town charm, and second chances—Hayley Summers kicks off her series with a feel-good story perfect for fans of cozy summer reads.
🧠 Overview
Published in July 2025, Summer Stay Cottage is the first book in the Under The Summer Sun series. It follows Margie Kerns, a washed-up actress escaping the tabloids by retreating to her late mother’s beach cottage in Lost Sands, Oregon. Hoping to revive her career, Margie sets her sights on saving the town’s crumbling Starfish Theater, convinced it could be her ticket back to the spotlight.
But she’s not alone in her mission. Enter Paul Landings, a quirky cartoonist and local dreamer who’s been keeping the theater alive through sheer optimism and doodles. Sparks fly—and not always the romantic kind—as Margie and Paul clash over the theater’s future. With a looming financial crisis and a ruthless banker threatening to shut them down, they must learn to work together to stage the show of a lifetime… and maybe discover love along the way.
💘 Key Themes & Highlights
- 🎭 Showbiz meets small-town life: Margie’s Hollywood past contrasts with Lost Sands’ laid-back charm
- 🧑🎨 Opposites attract: Margie’s ambition and Paul’s whimsy create tension and chemistry
- 🏡 Second chances: Both characters are rebuilding—professionally and emotionally
- 🐚 Beachside setting: The Oregon coast adds warmth and atmosphere to the story
“Dive into a clean heartwarming romance series that will sweep you away on a fun adventure to the golden beaches of Oregon.” — Amazon description
💬 Reader Reception
- ⭐ Goodreads rating: 4.24/5 from early reviews
- 📖 Readers praise the story’s lighthearted tone, relatable characters, and clean romantic tension
- 💬 “Margie and Paul’s banter is delightful, and the theater setting adds a unique twist to the usual beach romance.”
⚠️ Considerations
- 📄 Short format: At 61 pages, it’s a quick read—ideal for a cozy afternoon escape
- 📚 Series starter: Sets the tone for future books in the Under The Summer Sun series
- 🧠 Clean romance: No explicit content—perfect for readers who prefer wholesome storytelling
🏁 Final Verdict
Summer Stay Cottage is a sweet, uplifting novella that blends humor, heart, and coastal charm. Hayley Summers crafts a story that’s perfect for fans of clean romance, quirky characters, and small-town adventures. If you’re looking for a breezy beach read with emotional warmth and theatrical flair, this Kindle edition is a delightful pick.
