Description
Can a hot summer fling mend the hearts of two broken women?
Morgan Donovan had everything she ever wanted: a dream job as a large animal veterinarian, awesome friends, and a loving and supportive fiancée. But it all comes crashing down when her fiancée dumps her after realizing that Morgan’s job will always come first. And, while Morgan still has the job and friends, her heart is broken into a million tiny pieces.
Emilia Russo is a burned-out shelter vet. When the unexpected death of her father triggers a mental breakdown that hastens the end of her relationship, she retreats to his house in Seal Cove, Maine. She plans on spending the summer renovating it while she figures out how to pull the pieces of her life back together. But when she runs into Morgan at the dock where her father’s sailboat is moored, her plans for a quiet summer of healing and reflection sink like a stone—the attraction is immediate and obvious, and Emilia finds herself slipping seamlessly into Morgan’s world.
Each woman knows this fling will end when Emilia returns to Boston at the end of the summer, but they’re unprepared for the intensity and depth of their attraction. And, as the gales of fall begin to drive leaves like spindrift upon Seal Cove, Morgan and Emilia must each come to terms with how much they’re willing to give up to stay together.
What the critics are saying about Anna Burke:
“Ms. Burke is one to watch.” —VELVET LOUNGER, The Lesbian Reading Room
“Burke’s writing is rich and textured.” —CARLEEN SPRY, Frivolous Views
“Burke’s talent is boundless.” —VICTORIA THOMAS, The Lesbian Review
“Burke gives the story true beauty with her words.” —AMOS LASSEN
“Anna Burke knows how to write LGBT stories in such a style that the gender factor is purely additive and not the sole reason for the story.” —GRADY HARP, Amazon Hall of Fame & Top 50 Reviewer
Teresita Hernandez (verified owner) –
A book dedicated to me? Wow! Well, not just me but flattering enough. And yes, this one hit close to home.
Emilia Russo is a shelter veterinarian taking a break from life. Burned out at work, she ends up hospitalized after the death of her father sends her into a serious depression. To cap it all off, her then girlfriend leaves her as Emilia struggles with compassion fatigue and personal loss. No better time to travel to Seal Cove, Maine to settle her father’s estate and figure out what is next in her life. Morgan Donovan is a large animal veterinarian working at Seal Cove Veterinary Clinic. She is committed to her job and newly single after her fiancée decided she’s had too many evenings alone. Emilia sees her once teenager crush Morgan at the dock, and after a wet and rocky start, the friendship begins. Can these two battered souls have a happy ending?
This is my first read by Ms Burke and it did not disappoint. From friend recommendations to the ‘Compass Rose’ audiobook I already bought, the expectations were high and the author delivered. The dialog was witty with entertaining banter between all the characters. The chemistry between the mains was oh, so present. However, the group of friends was fantastic and in my opinion, almost stole the show. It would have without Emilia being such a strong, yet fragile character at the helm of the story. I can already picture the mains in the next two books in the series.
I have personally been struggling lately so was concerned about the premise of this story. That said, I found myself wanting to read and agreeing with many of the topics the author touched on. As a practicing veterinarian, the anecdotes and references are spot on. All of it, down to the name of the publication on the coffee table. Ms Burke obviously has first hand knowledge regarding the mental health state of the veterinary profession. The impostor syndrome, student debt, compassion fatigue, injuries, the demands of being on call, the public perception and many more. I found myself agreeing and at times laughing (parvo reference for example), not at all dreading the reading time. I have been blessed to work with some extraordinary people. Some of which have been suicidal. One of which attempted suicide. Years later, I’m still shaken by that. Depression and social anxiety are two topics I can personally relate to and amongst several the author did a great job at showcasing.
Overall, this is a great, well written romance weaved between serious topics. The setting near the water was another great addition to the novel (I’m a bit in love with Provincetown at the moment). I will no doubt be reading future Seal Cove Stories. Oh and the cover! Another gem by Ms McMan.
Ms Burke, I realize you are biased, but thank you anyway for so eloquently putting some of our feelings in writing.