The Summer I Saved You by Elizabeth O’Roark

An Angsty, Single Parent Romance

LUCIE
From the moment I first saw Caleb, I knew he belonged to me. And I knew I’d have to save him—because how else does the girl nobody wants win over the boy beloved by all?
Nothing about his life or mine has gone to plan. He’s isolated and miserable. I’ve got a vindictive ex, two young kids, and more problems than I can count.
But what hasn’t changed is this: it still feels like he’s mine.
And it sure looks like he’s in need of saving.

CALEB
My life is a prison sentence. I came to the lake to serve it alone…but Lucie’s throwing a wrench in my plans.
Lucie—the little kid shut away each summer in the house next door. Now she’s grown—and God, did she ever grow up—and I can’t seem to escape her.
Everywhere I look, she’s there. Reminding me of all the things I used to want, used to dream about…
And making me want every last one of them again.