Fresh Start Summer [Paperback]

Beverly Nault (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2011

Featured as one of realsimple.com's 21 Great Summer Reads of 2011!

Grace is newly retired, and all she wants to do is clean those closets and tackle her to-do list. But the newly-widowed Maggie's back in town, and someone has to befriend the crotchety gal. When Grace wants to volunteer as an extra for a movie shoot, Maggie proclaims she's not a fan of "Hollywood," and the town's peace turns upside down.

Follow the fun when peaceful Cherryvale meets Hollywood, and Grace, the bike-riding, muffin-baking town organizer, has to choose between her quiet retirement and rescuing a friendship in danger.

With a touch of humor, a smattering of faith and a glimpse at movie-making glamour, Fresh Start Summer introduces you to the folks living on The CherryPath, a unique artery that stitches lives together as one in heart and mind. You'll adore Cherryvale, where neighbors care, gardeners share and God allows do-overs. 

Also now available, Grace & Maggie Across the Pond, the sequel novella to Fresh Start Summer. Travel with the two gals to England on a pony-trekking trip that changes lives.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

"From the moment I began reading, I couldn't help but wonder what happens with that pesky film crew. From the first paragraph, FRESH START SUMMER has Beverly's humorous voice, from her delightful descriptive nature to the temperament of her characters." Mary McDonough, Actress and Author

Product Details

• Paperback: 302 pages
• Publisher: Lamp Post Inc. (March 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1600391826
• ISBN-13: 978-1600391828
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.7 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #928,891 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Award winning and best selling, thousands of Beverly's stories have been enjoyed by readers worldwide. Her characters quickly become friends fans want to visit with again and again. Bev's humor entertains, and her gorgeous settings bring the stories to life for a thought-provoking, armchair adventure. Every book features yummy recipes and tales with twists and surprises that will have you turning the pages until late into the night.

Beverly's nonfiction includes the international bestselling memoir, "Lessons from the Mountain, What I Learned from Erin Walton" co-written with Mary McDonough. This important book has earned literary and fan praise. The recipient of the 2011 Ella Dickey Literacy award, and hundreds of five star reviews, the book has touched readers's hearts, and become an important look at what it's like to "grow up Hollywood."

Visit Beverly at www.beverlynault.com and follow her on twitter @bevnault

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Cherryvale, a great place to visit! March 30, 2011

By D. Harmer

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I just thoroughly enjoyed a visit to a little town called Cherryvale! Fresh Start Summer is sure to gather kudos from every age. Muffin-baking Grace Harkins is at the center of all the action in Cherryvale as well as her outspoken best friend, Maggie. Strange phone calls, kidnappings, and fires put everyone in danger while a movie is being shot in normally-sleepy Cherryvale. Who is behind it? I'll let you find out for yourself. Visit Cherryvale. You won't be disappointed. I'm very much looking forward to the next Seasons of Cherryvale book.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read! July 1, 2011

By D. J. Malone

Format:Paperback

This is a sweet, low-keyed pleasant read. The setting is Small Town, America aka Cherryvale. Reading "Fresh Start Summer" took me back to my youth when times were simpler and neighbors knew and cared about each other. But Beverly has entwined her story with a touch of realism. Everything in Cherryvale isn't a bowl full of cherries. The characters are real with real problems that need to be solved.

When a movie crew comes to town to film a movie there are conflicting feelings about the onslaught of those "Hollywood" people invading Cherryvale. The very outspoken Maggie finds herself in a heap of trouble. She is building a refuge for unwanted animals and everything begins to go wrong. Her buildings are being set on fire and she blames it on those movie people getting revenge because she spoke against them. There is more to this mystery than meets the eye. You will need to read it to find out what happens!

Just as I finished reading "Fresh Start Summer" it was announced in a small town bordering where I live a film crew would be arriving to film a move. The small town of Cedartown welcomed Billy Bob Thornton and Robert Duvall who would be playing in the movie "Jane Mansfield's Car." There was a big to do for a couple of weeks while they were filming. So let me tell you right now the story of Cherryvale in "Fresh Start Summer" can really happen - and it did.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great summer read! May 21, 2011

By Sara S. Ward

Format:Kindle Edition

Mystery in a small town when Hollywood comes to film a movie. The characters are terrific! I truly enjoyed reading this book! :)

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great beach read, lots of fun May 13, 2011

By Dona Watson

Format:Kindle Edition

I found Fresh Start Summer a great read, complete with laugh-out-loud moments. Cherryvale sounds like a delightful little town that I would love to visit. The book's characters are lovably quirky, each with their own voice. At the same time, the book is unabashedly faith-based and carries a wonderful Christian message of redemption. Fresh Start Summer is the next selection for our book club and I look forward to the next book in the series.

Congratulations to Bev on a job well-done.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars A "Seasoned" Read! March 29, 2011

By JP

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Intelligent, engaging, and a very good read!
It is hard to imagine that this is a first-time author. You would think that Fresh Start Summer was far down the list of others written by Beverly Nault. You will find yourself closing the book on the final chapter and wanting to reach for the next in the series about Cherryville and it's rich and witty characters. You will love Grace and her husband, Mark, and Maggie will both frustrate you and touch your heart. I highly recommend this one and hope another is on its way!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars I couldn't put it down! February 22, 2012

By blondie

Format:Paperback

This is one of those books that you just can't put down. The characters are engaging and Cherryvale is a town that we all wish we could have grown up in. The story truly inspired me to go out and be a better friend and neighbor. I can't wait for the next book in the series!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars a fun, easy read! February 2, 2012

By Brittny

Format:Paperback

This book was such a delightful read! As a busy mom, I find myself having a hard time making time for books. BUT this was such a fun, easy read that it made time for itself! I really enjoyed the characters and "getting away" in the never ending, twists and turns of Cherryvale. A wonderful book!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars A thoroughly satisfying read! August 8, 2011

By Ane Mulligan

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Lovable--and some not-so-lovable--characters, a delightful setting, and a humorous voice all worked together to captivate in Beverly Nault's Fresh Start Summer. In book one of the Seasons of Cherryvale series, you'll be transported down the Path that winds through Cherryvale, connecting neighbors. There you'll meet the inhabitants of this small town, both the friendly and the cranky. Indulge yourself in a little hometown nostalgia, where friends close ranks to help and protect their neighbors. Novel Rocket and I recommend it as a thoroughly good read.