Genre

Young Adult / Romance

Audience

Young Adult

Author’s Worldview

Catholic

Year Published

2023

Themes

Enemies to Lovers Romance, Past Mistakes, Mercy, Forgiveness, Trust in God

 

Reviewed by

Tiffany Buck

“So, what are you doing here?” An honest question from Jarret West to Caitlyn, as she stands in the hallway of his house. He isn’t happy to see her, and the tone in his question lets her know it. Caitlyn has made a list of the qualities she wants in a husband, and Jarret doesn’t fit any of them.  So, how do these two fall in love with each other?

Caitlyn has the perfect summer job as a live-in maid at the West house, which seems more like a castle. It’s the home of her friend Roland and his twin brothers, Keefe and Jarret. Coming from a small house without much privacy, Caitlyn is looking forward to the quiet of a large house. It’s the perfect opportunity for a retreat. Unfortunately, the idea of a retreat is crushed when she is handed a list of daily chores. Not one to give up, Caitlyn dutifully sets out to complete her tasks. For a short while, Caitlyn joyfully settles into her routine until Jarret comes home. The two don’t really get along.

Jarret has the chance of a lifetime¾ an archeological field study in Pompeii. He’s a fool for missing out. When his favorite professor backs out at the last minute, Jarret follows suit. Plus going to Italy with his girlfriend seems to0  much of a temptation.  After all, he does have a reputation as a lady’s man.  Hoping for a relaxing summer. Jarret decides to come home. How can he relax with his brother Roland’s friend in the house?

From the moment Jarret dumps his luggage in the hallway, blocking a clear path, Caitlyn is sure he hasn’t changed one bit¾always arrogant and bossy. Instead of getting angry or complaining to his father, she offers kindness. These tiny drops of sweetness from Caitlyn make Jarret yearn for a woman like her. Caitlyn sees a hidden vulnerability to Jarret that softens her heart towards him.  Living under the same roof has given Caitlyn and Jarret a chance to really get to know one another. There’s plenty of romantic tension and humor between the two.

I love a good enemies to lovers romance. In the beginning, it’s hard to see these characters as a couple. Caitlyn seems impossibly old-fashioned with her ideas of courtship.  Jarret appears to be the typical arrogant rich college boy.  Told from alternate points of view, readers get to know the thoughts that drive the actions of Caitlyn and Jarret. Little by little, the novel peels back their layers, revealing insecurities. Caitlyn has seen the girls Jarret typically dates and they don’t look like her. Jarret wants to be a man worthy of Caitlyn, but he struggles with his past. After all, he was the one that got her friend pregnant in High School. Can Jarret convince Caitlyn with Our Lady’s help that he’s changed?

There is something so beautiful about a faith-filled romance. It’s not about being wrapped up in the moment, rather, it’s allowing God’s presence to permeate the relationship. Clearly, Caitlyn and Jarret love each other. With their insecurities, especially Jarret’s, I would imagine it difficult for their romance to blossom without faith. God has plans for Caitlyn and Jarret, just as he has with all of us. All we need to do is trust Him.

Summer at West Castle is part of the West Brothers series.  While Summer at West Castle takes place before Anyone, but Him,  Anyone, but Him should be read first to avoid spoilers. A beautiful modern romance  novel, worthy of any Catholic library.  Non-Catholics will enjoy the blossoming relationship but may not understand Jarret’s devotion to Mary.

Island of Miracles by Amy Schisler

When she finds out her husband had a whole other set of wife and kids Kate starts over in a small beach town.

Life Changing Love by Theresa Linden

What do when your heart gets broken and your best friend gets an unplanned pregnancy?

A Life Such As Heaven Intended by Amanda Lauer

A chance encounter with an amnesiac soldier leads Brigid to discover the realities of the Civil War.

The Boy Who Knew (Friends in High Places: Carlo Acutis) by Corinna Turner

Faced with his death, a fifteen-year-old learns how to live through the wisdom of Blessed Carlo Acutis.

Brave Water by Sarah Robsdottir

What if you had to risk your life for a simple cup of water?

Saint Michael: Above the 38th Parallel by Shanti Guy

The true story of St. Michael, the original punch-communism-in-the-face superhero

Through the Ashes by Jacqueline Brown

Fans of The 100 and Runaway’s and The Gifted will find this YA story riveting.

The Glaston Secret by Donal Anthony Foley

Can three modern teens and a little black dog rescue a group of fleeing refugees in Nazi-occupied France?

The Reluctant Queen: The Story of Esther by Lin Wilder

Chosen by Xerxes to be queen, chosen by God to be savior of His people: the story of Esther.

Why Reading Fiction Made Me a Better Catholic

How reading fiction became a crucial step in my conversion to the Catholic Church.

The Poppy and The Rose by Ashlee Cowles

While abroad in England, Taylor discovers a mystery linking her to an heiress and passenger aboard The Titanic.

Miracle at the Mission by Joseph Lewis

Visions, miracles, and a plot to assassinate the President of the United States – not the expected summer trip for two high school boys.

The Mission of Joan Of Arc by Philip Kosloski, Alexandre Nascimento, and Jesse Hansen

Voyage Comics’ dynamic interpretation of the Life of Joan of Arc is based on the play written by St. Thérèse of Lisieux.

Our Lady of the Roses by Janice Lane Palko

Could Rome spark romance between a fashionista and an inventor-engineer?

Shadows: Visible and Invisible By Catholic Teens Books

Bringing the holy back to All Hallows, these short stories entertain & remind us of the mercy we all rely upon.

Desperate Forest: The Forest Tales Series, Book 1 By Cece Louise

This RomCom fantasy adventure explores a princess discovering the realities of life outside of her kingdom and what true love is really made of.

Sydney and Calvin Have a Baby by Adrienne Thorn

Sydney writes romances but living her own romance will require more courage than anything yet required of her.

Standing Strong by Theresa Linden

Keefe hides his call to the priesthood and no matter how much Jarrett tries he still gets into trouble. Can the brothers find their courage?

The Wind That Shakes The Corn: Memoirs of a Scots Irish Woman by Kaye Park Hinckley

Sold into slavery on her wedding night, an 18th-century Irishwoman struggles to free herself from her thirst for vengeance.

Breach! by Corinna Turner

Isaiah’s got a T-rex size problem, but this time, it’s not a dinosaur.