Summer in the Spotlight

by Liz Johnson

Paperback, 2023

Status

Available

Call number

F JOH

Collection

Call number

F JOH

Publication

Revell (2023), 345 pages

Description

"After a devastating hurricane on Prince Edward Island, Kelsey Ahern sets out to save her beloved community theater-and her job. As she draws her friend, Levi Ross, into her plans for a benefit show, she discovers there's more to him than she expected, and that God's plans for their future are so much more important than the struggles of their pasts"--

User reviews

LibraryThing member alekee
The third brother and the third book in this series, Levi, and if you've read the previous reads in this series, you know how he has given to the others and his Mom. Now this this Levi's story and he is a man of little words, but mighty action, and still wanting the Green Shuttered House, he made a
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big sacrifice in the last book, and the author does a great job of bringing you up to date at just the right point!

This is also Kelsey Ahern's story, a young woman passionate about the theater, and now wants to rebuild the local one that has been just about destroyed in the hurricane.

Will these two succeed, we embark on the journey to at least try and you know that life isn't always easy and some unsavory characters appear that will have you second guessing.

This is also a story of sweet romance, and updates on the family that Mama Potts has kept going!

Make sure you read the author's notes on the actual theater!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.
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LibraryThing member CoverLoverBookReview
If you enjoy small town settings, I think you'll enjoy this story (and series.) Levi is a wonderful character who I connected with quickly. I rooted for him and Kelsey throughout and was pleased with the story's outcome. There are several characters, but I was able to follow along with ease.

If you
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love reading small town romances (sweet) and especially have an interest in theater, (but even if you don't) this is a wonderful choice.

Thank you to LibraryThing Early Reviewers for my complimentary copy!
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LibraryThing member ibjoy1953
Summer in the Spotlight by Liz Johnson
Series: Prince Edward Island Shores (3)
Review for LibraryThing June 2023

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
At seven years old, Kelsey Ahern started performing at the Victoria Playhouse on Prince Edward Island. Now she loved being a teacher at the same theater. But when a
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hurricane comes storming through the area, many things on the island was destroyed, including the Victoria Playhouse. Kelsey is detemined to do whatever it takes to rebuild the Playhouse. This event is really the only event that brings people to this part of the world. People come from far and wide to watch the plays performed here. But will Kelsay have enough help to get everything done in time for the opening? Levi Ross just might be the person she needs.

I really love this story. The island was the perfect setting, one I would love to visit, or even live there! The people were so sweet and helpful, for the most part. Levi and Kelsey were by far my favorite characters. I loved their time spent at the school during the hurricane, and the times after when Kelsey was brainstorming about the theater and how to make money. Levi is one of those guys you want hanging around all of the time. But sometimes I wanted to just push them together!

All in all this is a wonderful sweet story, a very well written story by author Liz Johnson. I love Liz's smoothe and gentle writing style, but never fear, she will be throwing twists and turns, of life changes that will throw you for a loop. If you love sweet summer island Romances, you will love this one. I couldn't put this book down for long, it has that pull that has you running back to see what's gonna happen.

A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
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LibraryThing member eccl
Summer in the Spotlight is the third book in the Prince Edward Island Shores series by Liz Johnson. This series does cover the three Ross brothers so it is helpful to read the series in order This is also a good stand alone story that has wonderful caring characters who stick together to rebuild
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the playhouse damaged by the storm. The story focuses around Kelsey and Levi. They knew each other when they were young and have a second chance of developing a friendship following the storm. Kelsey is devoted to the playhouse and with Levi’s help she directs a play held outdoors to raise funds to repair the playhouse. I so enjoyed Levi’s character. He struggles with talking after his father left the family. He helped out his brother financially that cost him his dream. Now is he doing anything he can to find that dream. He gives so much of his time to help the play be a success.

This is such a fun book to read. It contains devotion to family, friends, and community with suspense, mystery with clean romance. This is such a good book, I found myself not wanting to put it down. It is well written and easy to imagine. I enjoyed seeing how Levi’s family took the severe trials after the father left.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.
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LibraryThing member dian429
Won this from Librarything for a review.

This is a Christian fiction romance. It is the 3rd book in a series, but can be read as a stand alone book.

The author drews you in right from the being with a bad hurrican that stricks this small island of Prince Edward.. It has destored the towns theater and
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could result in the town loosing much more.

We meet the people who will remind you of friends, neighbors and people all around you everyday.
Levi is who is the janitor of the school and a all around handman is quite but always there to help others. He has known Kelsey most of their lifes growing up in this small town. She has taken a job as a teacher at the school and theather teacher, but the hurrican has cheapdiesd her job and is told she will not have a job next year... She has gotten Levi to help her raise money to reprear the theather and safe the town also..

This is a great summer beach read...
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LibraryThing member B.Hartman
Loved this story! Although it is #3 in a series it stands on it's own merit as a stand alone book. Good character development throughout the story, and a theme I could relate to. Love a happy ending!
LibraryThing member lichre
This book is an absolute delight. Saving the community playhouse is important to Kelsey. The inclusion of one of my favorite plays was an added pleasure. In the story many of the main characters are still dealing with hurts from the past. How they all come to make peace with themselves and the
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events that caused their pain is life affirming. I was sad to finish this book as the characters are so real that it is like leaving friends behind.
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LibraryThing member Julie2013
The third book in the Prince Edward Island Shores trilogy lives up to expectations- and even surpasses them. Anyone who has already read “Beyond the Tides” and “The Last Way Home” has already fallen in love with the three Ross brothers, Mama Potts, Meg, Violet and Mabel Jean and will be
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excited for their return in “Summer in the Spotlight”.

Levi, the youngest Ross brother has been the strong silent type and his utter lack of dialogue had me wondering how he could possibly be the protagonist of a novel. Liz Johnson succeeds as no one else could, as Levi’s facial expressions and gestures become a whole new form of dialogue. Learning why he had become more or less silent and journeying with him through the battle to overcome low self-esteem, and then watching Levi come out of his shell and begin to blossom was both enjoyable and rewarding. And when he managed to put together longer pieces of dialogue, I found myself cheering him on.

Kelsey Ahern, best friend of Oliver’s wife Meg, is the perfect compliment to quiet Levi. A gregarious, bubbling extrovert with enough words for multiple people, she compliments and balances Levi, as they work together to save the Victoria Playhouse – her grandma Coletta’s legacy (at least in Kelsey’s eyes), and hopefully, Kelsey’s job as the high school drama teacher. Without the playhouse, she hasn’t got a job.

Both Levi and Kelsey have regrets in their pasts that they face and deal with, as they learn how to do hard things for the people they love, as they grow in their faith. Their relationships with others – Dustin Crowder, Mabel Jean Huxley, the other Ross brothers, Meg, Violet, Gunner Raines to name a few – really flesh out the characters and the reality of life in Victoria, P.E.I.

I loved Dustin Crowder – maybe in a few years, he’ll be old enough to get a story of his own! I also really enjoyed the character Gunner Raines who brings out the best and worst in our protagonists. Seeing Dean Ross finally get his due, and learning his backstory, which helps us understand how he became the mean, bitter man is his brings a satisfactory conclusion to the upheaval he has caused for the other members of the Ross clan.

For those who have followed the full trilogy. Oliver and Meg feature prominently in this story, as do Eli and Violet. And it is wonderful to watch their relationships grow and progress through this book. Mama Potts may not be as frequent a participant as in the previous stories, but her love and wisdom are shared enough to satisfy – and is there hope for a new love in her life, too?

If you have not yet read the first two books, I highly recommend reading them in order to get the full character development. However, this story is complete in and of itself and could be fully appreciated as a stand-alone novel.

After reading this trilogy, I am longing to return to PEI to rediscover the beautiful setting that is an essential part of this series. Kudos, Ms. Johnson. Can’t wait to see what you pen next!
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LibraryThing member lifeofliterature
Having read the first two books in this series, I was excited to read the third one about Levi! Although the author does a great job of catching the reader up on details and making this book stand on its own, you get the most background if you read this series in order. I really enjoyed the
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characters in this novel; Levi and Kelsey have great chemistry. Their romance is clean but believable, having known each other for a long time. I also liked the setting of the story. Prince Edward Island sounds so beautiful! The storyline isn’t terribly complex, but it is also a great story for a summer read, perfect for reading outside on a sunny day! I overall enjoyed the book and recommend it to those who are looking for a clean summer read!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
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LibraryThing member SBMC
"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,
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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 via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.
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LibraryThing member grammy57
I requested to read and review this book through Revell Reads program. The following are my own opinions and freely given. I am not required to give a positive review.

When I asked for this book I wasn't sure if it was a sequel book or not but was pleasantly surprised that it was a following book
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from one I had read earlier, Beyond the Tides, Prince Edward Island Shores book 1. After reading this book, book 3, I wish I had read the second book. This book really kept my interest and the characters felt mostly real.

The story flowed very well and the characters were quite well developed. This is a Christian fiction but there was no hint of anything at all Christian until the last half of the book. So, it is definitely not preachy.

The editing was very well done. Nothing to interfere with the reading. This book kept my interest so well that I finished it quite quickly. I think if you enjoy clean, modern fiction you will enjoy this book.

I give this a solid 4-star rating and would recommend it to my friends.
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LibraryThing member lamb521
Title: Summer in the Spotlight (Prince Edward Island Shores #3)
Author: Liz Johnson
Pages: 368
Year: 2023
Publisher: Revell
My rating: 5 out of 5 stars.
This series tells the story of three brothers and their less than stellar home life. It’s about how a father walked out on them, a mother who works
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hard to raise her sons, and their response to their broken home life. There is Oliver who audiences learn about in the first book of the series, Beyond the Tides, as well as a young lady named Meg Whitaker. The next installment is titled, The Last Way Home, where the story revolves around the prodigal son named Eli and his hope for redemption when he returns home a broken man. We meet a young lady named Violet Donaghy who enters his life. So, whether you have read these novels before picking up this book or not, the final book is a story that revolves around Levi whose main way of speaking is through his actions with Kelsey Ahern who loves theatre.
Prince Edward Island is the setting for the stories, and the descriptions of the area really enhance the enjoyment of the books. Levi dealt with his father’s leaving by reading and staying aloof from others. For years he has carried the guilt that he was responsible for his dad leaving and not being as outgoing and expressive as his two older brothers. The bond between the brothers and their mom is strong, and they will do whatever they need to do to take care of each other.
Levi has been smitten with Kelsey since they were in school, but he has never spoken to her about it or let her see how much he adores her as a person. In the story, we will see how a tragedy is turned into triumph by hard work, forgiveness, and learning how to sacrifice for the benefit of others.
There is so much more I could share about the novel and the series, but I don’t want to ruin other readers’ enjoyment by doing so. Liz Johnson’s novels are engaging because she lets her characters reflect humanity. The characters have unique personalities, wrestle with life as real human beings do, and there is hope woven in the pages. I highly recommend not just this series but also the other novels Liz Johnson has written. The stories are moving and motivating and worth sharing with others. So, grab some books and settle down for an adventure to Prince Edward Island!
Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.
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LibraryThing member mnleona
This is the third book of the series and my first read but a stand alone read. It is my first read by Liz Johnson.
A hurricane has destroyed the community theater on Prince Edward Island but with the help of the community and her friend, Levi Ross, Kelsey Ahern plans a fund raiser to restore it. It
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was a part of her grandmother's passion.
Levi is a very quiet person who helps his family financially while trying to save for a home he wants to buy.
Kelsey and Levi have known each other since school and Levi has had a crush on her.
There is family drama and some emotional parts of this Christian romance book.
As a reader, I was very interested in the lives of the characters.
I will read the first books of the series to know the other characters.
I won a complimentary Advance Reading Copy of Summer in the Spotlight from Goodreads. I want to thank the author for an emotional but good read.
The opinions are my own.
A 5 star rating.
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LibraryThing member lilmiss01
The book was easy to follow, and it kept my attention. I found myself at times not wanting to put the book down and looking forward to what was going to happen next.
LibraryThing member staciew30
Great book. It was a warning and inspiring love story.
I love both main characters. When life throws you a curve ball you get back up and try again. I recommend to all adult book lovers.
LibraryThing member fcplcataloger
This is the third book of the Prince Edward Island series and it's a wonderful addition to the series. Lighthouses are appealing to me, so I was immediately drawn to the beautiful cover but the story inside is what made this book so special! Author Liz Johnson gives readers one of the best
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boyfriends/heroes ever! Levi Ross is a man of few words so this makes what he says even more special. His romance with Kelsey Ahern is both sweet and heartwarming, along with their joint efforts to save the Victorian Playhouse. These two are meant to be together, if...they can both work through some personal stumbling blocks!

Summer in the Spotlight is the perfect way to wrap up this series and readers of the other two books will enjoy a reunion with the other two Ross brothers. I recommend this book to all who enjoy contemporary Christian romance.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Revell Reads. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.
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Language

Physical description

345 p.; 8.53 inches

Pages

345

ISBN

0800737393 / 9780800737399

Barcode

60121
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