One Summer: A Novel

by Karen Robards

Book Overview

He was pure, unadulterated trouble. Johnny Harris is home again, his too-tight jeans and damn-your-eyes belligerence honed to perfection by a ten-year stretch in federal prison for murder. Now he's... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0440208297
• Release Date: June 1993
• Publisher: Dell
• Length: 400 Pages
• Weight: 0.48 lbs.
• Dimensions: 6.9" x 1.0" x 4.1"

Customer Reviews

An Older Book, but One Definitely Worth Reading!

When Johnny Harris's secret girlfriend turns up dead, her wealthy family and the whole town are quick to finger him as the killer. All but one person, Johnny's English teacher, Miss Rachel Grant. She knows another side of Johnny that most of the town does not due to their shared love of literature and writing. Johnny's father is abusive white trash, but his soul has risen above his reality. Rachel just can't believe the sensitive boy she had come to know could have committed such a brutal crime. Nevertheless, he is convicted and sent away to jail. Ten years laters, he writes to her asking her to be a sponsor so he can be released from prison. Rachel agrees, but the man who steps off the bus is not the boy she knew. He has a chip on his shoulder and an impenetrable shell hardened in jail. Rachel decides she still must help him, even though she sometimes wonders if it was wise. The ugliness of the townspeople to him bring out her protective instincts and something else: she slowly realizes that their relationship might have been a little more than student and teacher and he is ready to take it to another level. This is a great story as Rachel fights her own feelings, her family, the townspeople who want to condemn him, and the real killer, who still lives among them,someone no one would ever expect but who wants them both dead. Karen Robards is an amazing writer and this is one of her very best. She is up there with Sandra Brown, Nora Roberts, Linda Howard, Lisa Jackson, Heather Graham, and Anne Stuart. The suspense and emotions are powerful with enough twists and turns to keep anyone on the edge of their seat. This one has a place on my "Favorites" shelf. Every time I read it, it still sucks me in!

Absolutely wonderful!

I absolutely LOVE this book!!! I just read it for the 2nd time today and loved it just as much as the first time. Cover to cover, I just enjoyed every element of the book. I will admit, though, that's it's probably not for everyone. I know some really dislike romance stories where the woman is older than the guy, and I know some wouldn't like how crude and abrasive Johnny is for over half the book. Plus there's a small paranormal element to the story that some would hate. But if you don't mind all that, it's a fantastic story. The chemistry between Johnny and Rachel is wonderful. They originally connected when he was in high school, enjoying talking about books, poetry, politics, and whatever else together. Johnny had the hots for her, but their relationship then was completely platonic. It builds a nice base for the present tense of the story. Then when the meet again, they just can't stay away from each other no matter how different they are. Rachel is a prim and proper teacher, and Johnny is the quintessential bad boy. If there's one complaint I have about their romance, it's that you don't get a clear understanding of the progression of Johnny's feelings. He admits from the start that he's "hot" for her, but Robards doesn't really give you the how or the why those feelings progressed to him being in love with her. I would have liked to know that. As for the plot. Interesting storyline, even if at it's base it's a tad predictable. It was pretty easy to guess that with Johnny back in town, another woman would die to try to make him look guilty. But Robards does a great job creating twists and turns to make the storyline unique and interesting. I never would have guessed the identity of the attacker or the reasons behind it all, though it all made sense...in a twisted, metaphysical sort of way. You have to allow your mind to stretch a bit to accept the reasoning in the plot. And there's a certain surprise element at the end that was a great addition. Just a fantastic all around story. I love the opposites attract romance and the great suspense plot. One Summer is one of my all-time favorite books. Rating: 4.5 / 5

Old, but read over and over and...

Everyone always said that Johnny Harris was headed for nowhere, and their predictions were confirmed when this rebel was put in jail for killing his girlfriend.Only Rachel Grant, his English teacher, believed that he was innocent. When her former student was put on parole, he came back to their small town to accept the job Rachel offers him in her family's hardware store.As Rachel expects, Johnny creates quite a stir in town. What she does not expect is that he just isn't a boy anymore, but a man she is attracted to.Like everyone else who's written reviews, I find that Johnny Harris is the BEST hero I have ever read about in a romance novel. I find myself reading this book over and over. Rachel Grant isn't so bad herself, and her actions are usually believable and real.Although this book seems to have less going for it in the mystery department, it's still a good book and worth buying.

One of the Most Recommended Reads

This is my first Karen Robards' book. Though the book was published back in '93, the story was still great even read now - 8 years later. It had a good plot and good blend of mystery and romance. I liked it that the writer made the herione sounded like a real person with not a perfect body, a less attractive look, but a good heart. I also liked that the heroine and hero were reasonable and responsible persons. The writer's writing was good too, it was mature and did not engage in time wasting jibberish, which explained why the 350-page book was such an easy read. If KR's other books are of the same standard as this one, her books definitely have an edge over other mystery/romance writers like Linda Howard, or Sandra Brown. I recommend this book to anyone who wants a dose of smile, warmth, and excitement.

Johnny Harris, will you marry me?!

I'm not kidding. This man is THE sexiest man that could ever possibly have existed. All the junk that has happened to him just makes you just want to hold him REAL tight and-- Or you could do what Rachel does, just lean over and. . . .Johnny is seriously the best hero of any romance novel I've ever read. Rachel is ALMOST good enough for him, though in my definition no one really is. However, there are two parts of the book that are too hard to believe. 1. Rachel believes he just couldn't have committed a murder because she used to speak to him about poetry. Come on, POETS can be capable of killing! Although her firm belief in his innocence ends up being right, you still don't see how she could have thought so unless she had had highly unprofessional feelings for him while she taught him. 2. Glenda. You have to read the story to know most of what I am talking about, but also her whole relationship with Johnny. Why would he bother with her if he had any feelings for Rachel?

Robards Is Addictive!!!!

Karen Robards is a master in the art of romance writing. And this is her best book ever! My heart went out to Johnny - who, by the way, is what I think is every woman's fantasy - mine included! He's gorgeous, sexy, and great in bed. But he's also had a tough life. On the outside, Johnny seems rough and wild, but really he's caring, sweet, and beautiful and only really wants someone to love him. Rachel feels sorry for Johnny and believes in his innocence. She's strong and courageous and cares about him when no one else does. She sticks by him, no matter what it costs her. This is truly a beautiful love story. It's the best book I've ever read - and I've read many. You will not be dissapointed.