That Camden Summer

In 1916, divorced mother Roberta Jewett returns to her hometown of Camden, Maine with her three daughters. She faces immediate resistance from the small coastal community, where divorce carries a strong social stigma and returning divorcées are viewed with suspicion. Roberta works to establish herself as the town's new nurse while her daughters adjust to life in their new home. She finds an unexpected ally in Gabriel Farley, a local carpenter who becomes involved in the family's life despite the town's judgmental attitudes. The story tracks Roberta's efforts to maintain her independence and protect her family while navigating small-town prejudices and her own personal growth. Her professional skills as a nurse are tested during several local medical emergencies. Set against the backdrop of World War I and changing social attitudes, the novel explores themes of personal courage, social progress, and the conflict between individual determination and community expectations.

Readers consistently note this as one of Spencer's more serious works, focusing on social issues rather than pure romance. Many appreciate the strong feminist themes and the portrayal of a divorced woman facing small-town prejudice in 1916 Maine. Readers praise: - Historical details and atmosphere of coastal Maine - Character development of the protagonist Roberta - Realistic portrayal of single motherhood - The slow-building romance Common criticisms: - Slower pacing compared to Spencer's other novels - Some find the social message heavy-handed - Less romantic focus than expected - Secondary characters need more development Ratings: Goodreads: 3.96/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (150+ reviews) Several readers mention the book stays with them long after finishing. One reviewer noted: "The struggles feel authentic to both the time period and today." Multiple readers commented that while different from Spencer's typical style, the deeper themes make it worth reading.

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🌟 LaVyrle Spencer wrote this 1996 novel after extensive research into 1916 Maine, particularly focusing on the discrimination faced by divorced women during that era. 🌊 Camden, Maine, where the story is set, was a significant shipbuilding center in the early 1900s and home to many wealthy summer residents who built elaborate Victorian mansions. 📚 This was one of Spencer's final novels before her retirement in 1997; she shocked the publishing world by choosing to retire at the height of her career with 23 bestsellers to her name. 🎥 Unlike twelve of Spencer's other novels, "That Camden Summer" has never been adapted for film or television, despite its commercial success. 👗 The protagonist's decision to wear trousers instead of skirts was a radical statement for 1916, as women in pants were still considered scandalous - it wouldn't become socially acceptable until the 1920s and 30s.