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Bliss Cay #1
Summer in Bliss
Mia Everly is happily married to her career as an editor and broadcast journalist. She has loving parents, a brother who’s her best friend, and the perfect companion anyone could ask for…her ‘too smart for her own good’ dog, Hope.
Dash Stevens is a swoon-worthy Lieutenant with the county fire department. He's also a widowed father of an energetic 8 year old named Allie. As a single dad, it’s taken him three years to get a handle on full-time parenting. And the only girl he wants in his life is Allie, but his daughter has ideas of her own.
While on vacation, Dash witnesses Mia’s painful past come to light. He's drawn to her vulnerability and wants to help her get the answers she desperately needs. But convincing her to face the worst day of her life head on is an uphill battle.
If you like Hallmark style movies/books or a sweet, clean rom-com with a twist, Summer in Bliss is for you!
This book is the first in The Bliss Cay Novella series, the perfect size books for a quick read with all the feels of a full-length novel!
All of these stories will be set on the fictitious island of Bliss Cay and are standalone books with no relation to one another. One to two books in the series will be released yearly.
Dash Stevens is a swoon-worthy Lieutenant with the county fire department. He's also a widowed father of an energetic 8 year old named Allie. As a single dad, it’s taken him three years to get a handle on full-time parenting. And the only girl he wants in his life is Allie, but his daughter has ideas of her own.
While on vacation, Dash witnesses Mia’s painful past come to light. He's drawn to her vulnerability and wants to help her get the answers she desperately needs. But convincing her to face the worst day of her life head on is an uphill battle.
If you like Hallmark style movies/books or a sweet, clean rom-com with a twist, Summer in Bliss is for you!
This book is the first in The Bliss Cay Novella series, the perfect size books for a quick read with all the feels of a full-length novel!
All of these stories will be set on the fictitious island of Bliss Cay and are standalone books with no relation to one another. One to two books in the series will be released yearly.
140 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 4, 2020
About the author
Freda Ann
12 books236 followersFreda Ann is fondly known for her sweet/clean love stories with a touching happily ever after. Her loyal fans and reviewers have compared many of them to a Hallmark movie.
Freda writes relatable, faith and family based romance, to include kids and adorable dogs. Her writing style appeals to readers who love plots with a touch of suspense, intriguing characters, and dreamy settings you'll wish you could visit!
She can't get enough of her large family, to include 5 kids, 9 grandchildren, and is married to her soulmate.
To hear about new releases, please follow her on Amazon and also on Goodreads.
Amazon (all books):
https://www.amazon.com/Freda-Ann/e/B0...
Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Audiobooks:
https://books.apple.com/us/author/fre...
Website:
https://fredaannwriter.com
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https://www.instagram.com/fredaannwri...
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/fredaannwriter/
Twitter/X:
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Threads:
https://www.threads.net/@fredaannwriter
Freda writes relatable, faith and family based romance, to include kids and adorable dogs. Her writing style appeals to readers who love plots with a touch of suspense, intriguing characters, and dreamy settings you'll wish you could visit!
She can't get enough of her large family, to include 5 kids, 9 grandchildren, and is married to her soulmate.
To hear about new releases, please follow her on Amazon and also on Goodreads.
Amazon (all books):
https://www.amazon.com/Freda-Ann/e/B0...
Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Audiobooks:
https://books.apple.com/us/author/fre...
Website:
https://fredaannwriter.com
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/fredaannwri...
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/fredaannwriter/
Twitter/X:
https://twitter.com/FredaAnn1663599
Threads:
https://www.threads.net/@fredaannwriter
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
October 10, 2022
Well yes, aptly named Bliss, this is just what Mia wanted. She wanted to reflect, she wanted to turn over a new leaf, she wanted to stop having these past triggered nightmares, and what better place to do this than a beach summer holiday with Hope her dog, but she wasn't prepared to meet her dishy neighbour, Dash, who was at his Villa with his daughter Allie. Ok, so they clashed first time, but do we see a romance basking?
I absolutely adored this novella!! It had such a beachy, sunny, holiday vibe!! And the title of the book, is how I felt through quietly reading this summertime story. The author writes about a character who suffers a phobia, has anxiety and weaves her story around this issue, the twist I liked most was, that the character investigated into a particular situation, being proactive, reading more into "what had happened that night that she can't remember" ... unlocking certain revelations. I also enjoyed how Mia talked to Hope like a human being, you will know why once you've read this story too.
Definitely a 5 star read. A contemporary Fiction romance and a beaut novella just perfect for summer reading. The fast readers are going to breeze through this, slow readers like myself will cling onto it never wanting the sunshine to end. So there you go, for all love story readers who like a summertime romance story, with a cute dog and cute 8 year old then this is worth pursuing.
I absolutely adored this novella!! It had such a beachy, sunny, holiday vibe!! And the title of the book, is how I felt through quietly reading this summertime story. The author writes about a character who suffers a phobia, has anxiety and weaves her story around this issue, the twist I liked most was, that the character investigated into a particular situation, being proactive, reading more into "what had happened that night that she can't remember" ... unlocking certain revelations. I also enjoyed how Mia talked to Hope like a human being, you will know why once you've read this story too.
Definitely a 5 star read. A contemporary Fiction romance and a beaut novella just perfect for summer reading. The fast readers are going to breeze through this, slow readers like myself will cling onto it never wanting the sunshine to end. So there you go, for all love story readers who like a summertime romance story, with a cute dog and cute 8 year old then this is worth pursuing.
August 11, 2020
Loved it. I want to go & live in Bliss now after reading this. Dash & Mia’s story was so lovely. It had the added bonus of a cute girl & a dog too. What more could you ask for? Loved the twist at the end. Looking forward to reading more.
November 10, 2020
A fun light read
This was a fun book! I really enjoyed it. However the continuous use of the word sniggering was a tad irritating. I would definitely read this again though.
This was a fun book! I really enjoyed it. However the continuous use of the word sniggering was a tad irritating. I would definitely read this again though.
August 21, 2021
This book came from someone on Instagram. They reviewed it and said how much they loved it. So from that I downloaded it. The fact that it was a novella and a summer read persuaded me as I had just come out of a large six book series. I wanted something light and not too long.
This is billed as a sweet, clean romance. I generally like my stories to have a bit of grit in them. Surprisingly, this was like a breath of fresh air. Mia and Dash were the main characters and each had rented a holiday home on the edge of the ocean in a town called Bliss. When another woman and her daughter move in between their condos I expected a bit of conflict, as that’s how stories go. But no, Madison and her daughter move into the background and the story stays focused on Dash and Mia. Next, Mia’s boyfriend comes to visit because their telephone conversation did not go too well. Again, I expected it to come between the couple with misunderstandings, as this is what generally happens. It didn’t. Grant, the boyfriend, was not made into a baddie.
The writing was lovely, the author knowing how to keep the reader interested without something ‘bad’ having to happen. That was a nice change for me. There is a lovely twist at the end, one that seems logical but I never saw coming. I love little surprises like that.
Read more on my blog - https://magicofstories.net/2021/07/25...
This is billed as a sweet, clean romance. I generally like my stories to have a bit of grit in them. Surprisingly, this was like a breath of fresh air. Mia and Dash were the main characters and each had rented a holiday home on the edge of the ocean in a town called Bliss. When another woman and her daughter move in between their condos I expected a bit of conflict, as that’s how stories go. But no, Madison and her daughter move into the background and the story stays focused on Dash and Mia. Next, Mia’s boyfriend comes to visit because their telephone conversation did not go too well. Again, I expected it to come between the couple with misunderstandings, as this is what generally happens. It didn’t. Grant, the boyfriend, was not made into a baddie.
The writing was lovely, the author knowing how to keep the reader interested without something ‘bad’ having to happen. That was a nice change for me. There is a lovely twist at the end, one that seems logical but I never saw coming. I love little surprises like that.
Read more on my blog - https://magicofstories.net/2021/07/25...
June 4, 2020
Summer in Bliss is a feel-good, heartfelt romance with a sweet twist!
Mia Everly is an independent career woman with a bit of an attitude, and you can't help but love her for it! But beneath the surface, her traumatic past hasn't left her unscathed.
It all comes bubbling up to the surface on her vacation to Bliss Cay when she meets handsome single father Dash Stevens and his sweet 8-year-old daughter Allie.
Dash's persistence in helping Mia uncover the truth of her past pain sends Mia on a path that she always avoided, but she realizes that her true happiness lays in confronting her fears head-on.
With an endearing cast of characters, a gripping plot, and a touching romance, this book had me totally engrossed. But what I love most about this romance is the uplifting message at its heart, if Mia can overcome her past pain and draw strength from it, then anyone can.
If you're looking for a well-written, touching sweet romance then look no further!
Mia Everly is an independent career woman with a bit of an attitude, and you can't help but love her for it! But beneath the surface, her traumatic past hasn't left her unscathed.
It all comes bubbling up to the surface on her vacation to Bliss Cay when she meets handsome single father Dash Stevens and his sweet 8-year-old daughter Allie.
Dash's persistence in helping Mia uncover the truth of her past pain sends Mia on a path that she always avoided, but she realizes that her true happiness lays in confronting her fears head-on.
With an endearing cast of characters, a gripping plot, and a touching romance, this book had me totally engrossed. But what I love most about this romance is the uplifting message at its heart, if Mia can overcome her past pain and draw strength from it, then anyone can.
If you're looking for a well-written, touching sweet romance then look no further!
January 1, 2021
A hectic year made it impossible for me to read this book over the summer as I wanted to, but it was such a welcoming distraction from all the drama happening around the world right now!
As promised, this story offered all the feels of a Hallmark movie with a boy meets girl, they have an initial misunderstanding, and then slowly becomes the object of each other's affection type trope. I loved that Mia, though scarred from a previous experience, was a strong character with grit, and that Dash, who'd suffered his own tragedy, was your typical hot fireman, but an upstanding, boy next door type--as well as an adoring father!
Throw, Hope, the emotional support dog, and Allie, dash's adorable daughter, in there and there isn't a thing NOT to like about this story!
Well done Freda Ann!
As promised, this story offered all the feels of a Hallmark movie with a boy meets girl, they have an initial misunderstanding, and then slowly becomes the object of each other's affection type trope. I loved that Mia, though scarred from a previous experience, was a strong character with grit, and that Dash, who'd suffered his own tragedy, was your typical hot fireman, but an upstanding, boy next door type--as well as an adoring father!
Throw, Hope, the emotional support dog, and Allie, dash's adorable daughter, in there and there isn't a thing NOT to like about this story!
Well done Freda Ann!
November 11, 2020
Hallmark movie in book form.
This is like a Hallmark movie in book form. It is a cute summer love story that takes place on the island of Bliss where two people, each with their own baggage, are there for a summer beach getaway to forget their woes, he with his daughter and her with her dog. What starts as a rocky beginning ends in a predictable happy ending. It is all ties together with a nice little twist. Although it is not very deep, it is what my friend would call a brain candy book - smooth, easy, quick, and enjoyable. Again, as I was reading it I could totally picture it as a Hallmark movie.
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
This is like a Hallmark movie in book form. It is a cute summer love story that takes place on the island of Bliss where two people, each with their own baggage, are there for a summer beach getaway to forget their woes, he with his daughter and her with her dog. What starts as a rocky beginning ends in a predictable happy ending. It is all ties together with a nice little twist. Although it is not very deep, it is what my friend would call a brain candy book - smooth, easy, quick, and enjoyable. Again, as I was reading it I could totally picture it as a Hallmark movie.
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
June 7, 2020
I really enjoyed this one. It's a sweet, fun make you feel good story. It comes with some unexpected twists. I loved Dash's daughter. She's adorable and has such a big heart. Mia goes to Bliss to re-evaluate what path she wants to take in life. She has to come to terms with her past and her unexpected neighbors may be just what she needs. Dash is a single dad and that's what sold me on this book. I'm so glad I did read this one. First book by this author and it won't be my last. I'm looking forward to more from this series. I like the small town beach setting of Bliss.
June 2, 2020
I would give it 3.5 stars but that isn't an option so I rounded up. 😊 It was a quick, easy read. I loved the sweet story line. I do wish there was a little more depth to the characters as it was hard for me to 'feel' or relate to them. The beginning felt a little rushed while introducing the characters. Though as the book went on, you learned more about Mia. Being a fairly new author, I am excited to see how her writing evolves though. And I plan on reading more of her work. 💜
June 16, 2020
Summer in Bliss is a sweet romance with a compelling plot. I liked the characters (especially Dash’s conniving daughter Allie). It was fun to see Dash and Mia’s relationship bloom as he helped her gather the strength to work through her problems. I liked the relationship between Mia and her brother and wanted more of their conversations. There was a twist towards the end that I didn’t see coming but loved. Overall, it was a wholesome story with delightful characters.
July 31, 2020
This is the first time for this author and will definetly be getting more. For a novella this is packed full of everything. Mia is a career minded woman who is starting to have nightmares and over stressed from work. She goes to Bliss to reevaluate her life and try to get back on track with her therapy dog Hope. Her new neighbor is Dash and his daughter Allie. They spend time together and sparks are flying. But can they each get over their pasts.
September 20, 2020
First I would like to state that I have received this book through goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank the author for giving me this opportunity and honor in being able to read this book. When I received this book I began reading it at once. This book was a very interesting read. It pulls you in and keeps you wanting more. I would recommend this book to others. It is a very good read
September 30, 2020
* I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that I won in a Goodreads giveaway. *
This is a sweet and clean romance. The characters are compelling and have a flirty connection. Mia's trauma is heart wrenching, but handled beautifully. My favorite parts are with the dog and the phone calls from Mia to her brother. I also really enjoyed the ending. Overall, this is a lovely read.
This is a sweet and clean romance. The characters are compelling and have a flirty connection. Mia's trauma is heart wrenching, but handled beautifully. My favorite parts are with the dog and the phone calls from Mia to her brother. I also really enjoyed the ending. Overall, this is a lovely read.
November 8, 2020
I won this book as a first reads giveaway. It was my first time reading this author. I enjoyed the book. I was a very easy read. It reminded me a lot of a Hallmark movie or a Debbie Macomber book. I would read more books by this author in the future.
June 8, 2020
Cute
Cute little story. The writing style is okay, the characters are dimensional, the setting is nice. It was entertaining and didn't take long to read. No drama.
Cute little story. The writing style is okay, the characters are dimensional, the setting is nice. It was entertaining and didn't take long to read. No drama.
September 24, 2020
This is such a nice, sweet book. It was well written, had interesting characters and the story moved along nicely. I definitely will read more books from this author!!!
September 27, 2020
If you want a short novella to 'fuel' your good mood, some romance to 'fire' up your emotions, and love a 'smoking hot' storyline, pick this short read up today! Great fun!!
October 1, 2020
Good
This book shows how a support dog helps a person who pad or other people with emotional problems and can
This book shows how a support dog helps a person who pad or other people with emotional problems and can
October 11, 2020
great book
October 18, 2020
Good story.
Mia has a problem she is trying to deal with. But will Dash help or hinder her efforts. And can Dash overcome his resistance to another love in his life.
Mia has a problem she is trying to deal with. But will Dash help or hinder her efforts. And can Dash overcome his resistance to another love in his life.
August 11, 2021
Such a cute, heartwarming book. I did not want to put it down. I'm not a huge fan of romance, but this book had just a touch of mystery that kept me interested.
June 19, 2021
I won the second book in series in a GoodReads giveaway. Since I hate to read books in a series out of order, I bought this book to read first. This book definitely reminded me of a Hallmark movie.
Mia is 20-something woman who decides to take her summer vacation early so she can evaluate the direction in her life. She has had a traumatic event in her past that she is still working through. Her neighbor on Bliss Island is handsome widower Dash. His cute daughter takes an immediate liking to Mia’s dog, which allows for the two adults to spend time together.
This story had some cute moments but was largely predictable (like all Hallmark movies). I liked how we didn’t find out all the details of traumatic event until later in the story. As a reader, we know they will get their HEA, so it’s an easy read.
Considering this is set on an island on holiday, it didn’t have a strong sense of place. I think that there was a reference to the Gulf of Mexico and Florida. As a Floridian, I can tell you that the summer is the rainy season with hot and humid weather. Very few vacationers this time of year. Bliss Island could have been anywhere, but it seemed more like the North East of the USA than Florida.
Mia is 20-something woman who decides to take her summer vacation early so she can evaluate the direction in her life. She has had a traumatic event in her past that she is still working through. Her neighbor on Bliss Island is handsome widower Dash. His cute daughter takes an immediate liking to Mia’s dog, which allows for the two adults to spend time together.
This story had some cute moments but was largely predictable (like all Hallmark movies). I liked how we didn’t find out all the details of traumatic event until later in the story. As a reader, we know they will get their HEA, so it’s an easy read.
Considering this is set on an island on holiday, it didn’t have a strong sense of place. I think that there was a reference to the Gulf of Mexico and Florida. As a Floridian, I can tell you that the summer is the rainy season with hot and humid weather. Very few vacationers this time of year. Bliss Island could have been anywhere, but it seemed more like the North East of the USA than Florida.
May 8, 2021
Are you looking for a feel good book that leaves you with that Hallmark movie satisfaction? Then I have the book for you. Summer in Bliss has everything a sweet book should— a strong heroine who is struggling with her future, a hunky firefighter who is a widowed, single father and an idyllic location.
The pacing was spot on, never dragging to fill space. Well placed people to cause a little confusion, but not enough to cause any angst. And a good story line with a hint of mystery to move it along.
I breezed through this book. An easy, fun read.
The pacing was spot on, never dragging to fill space. Well placed people to cause a little confusion, but not enough to cause any angst. And a good story line with a hint of mystery to move it along.
I breezed through this book. An easy, fun read.
April 15, 2021
Trauma, anxiety, hunky neighbors, caring family. This book had it all and more. I loved the story so much, I could not put it down and read it in one day. I felt like I was at the beach, like I was on vacation with Mia and Dash. Their love is one all of us wish for when we are young, if only it was me was a thought while reading! I wish there was more about Mia and Dash, very riveting and attention grabbing.
February 7, 2021
Wonderful
I truly enjoyed reading this book! Romance , mystery and a beach setting what else can one ask for? Fabulous
I truly enjoyed reading this book! Romance , mystery and a beach setting what else can one ask for? Fabulous
August 9, 2021
Loved it from start to finish! If this isn't on your list to read this summer, it should be.
October 1, 2023
“Summer in Bliss” is a lovely novella with really good characters and a couple of unexpected plot twists. Mia and Dash meet at the resort in Bliss and are immediately drawn to each other. There are a few characters who create just enough interference, but finally the clouds part and there is realization that they were meant to find each other.
Author Freda Ann, has written a very sweet romance and I would recommend it highly.
Author Freda Ann, has written a very sweet romance and I would recommend it highly.
August 22, 2021
Cute story
This was a sweet, clean love story with a fun little twist at the end. As other readers have said, it was just like a Hallmark movie in book form. I won book #3 from a Goodreads giveaway so I purchased this one figuring I would need to start from the beginning. But after learning that they are stand-alone, I will go ahead and skip to the third.
This was a sweet, clean love story with a fun little twist at the end. As other readers have said, it was just like a Hallmark movie in book form. I won book #3 from a Goodreads giveaway so I purchased this one figuring I would need to start from the beginning. But after learning that they are stand-alone, I will go ahead and skip to the third.
Read
October 23, 2021Summer in Bliss is just what you need to escape the troubles of this world! Bliss is the perfect place to go it has everything. The characters are very real and there is a little bit of suspense and mystery. It is well worth your time.
May 10, 2023
Summer in Bliss - Read this after My Bodyguard just to see if this book was better. Again, I could careless about anything. Definitely needs editing. 3*
My Bodyguard in Bliss, #6 - My first read by this author and I could not get into the story, the characters or the story lines. 3*
My Bodyguard in Bliss, #6 - My first read by this author and I could not get into the story, the characters or the story lines. 3*
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews