I picked up this book in an Amazon sale because I enjoyed Christmas at Thornton Hall by the same author. I have to say, the second book by Lynn Marie Hulsman is even better than the first and I am now a big fan. Christmas at Thornton Hall is fun and wacky, and I loved it for it’s Bridget Jones-ish slapstick humor and the hilarious situations. This one is all that, but there’s added depth. Clever, comic, poignant, Summer at Castle Stone is a great novel that defies genre. It could be listed as romance, chick lit, women’s fiction, contemporary fiction or simply just a novel. The author took me on a journey, one which I didn't want to end. The relationship dynamics, dating complications, and work/life challenges left me laughing at times, and soberly reflecting at other times. The characters are well-developed, and the story line and setting are fresh, unique, and called to me. It’s not my usual kind of book, but I’m glad I got drawn in. Time well spent.

I read this book on a recommendation from a friend. It’s not what I’d normally pick up. I’m more of a Stephen King or Neil Gaiman person, but I’m a huge fan of comedy and humor. The dialogue in this book reminded me of a movie. I could see this pm a screen with someone like Cameron Diaz, or Krisin Wiig, or Anne Hathaway playing the main character, Shayla. I’d especially love seeing this as a movie, because I love Ireland and the descriptions of the country and life on a rural estate there made me want to visit. The best part of this book was the heroine’s connection with her love interest’s mother. I could read an entire spin-off with that being the central theme. I liked the descriptions of what it’s like to be a writer, and about the publishing world as much as I liked the portrait the author painted of rural farm life in Ireland.