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Penelope Ward
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When August Ends Kindle Edition

by Penelope Ward (Author), Jessica Royer Ocken (Editor) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 3,701 ratings
From New York Times bestselling author Penelope Ward, comes a new standalone novel.

What do you do when a sexy, older man moves into your family’s summer rental?

Well, apparently, you make a fool of yourself—over and over. Things didn’t exactly get off on the right foot with Noah Cavallari. Our first encounter was embarrassing, to say the least.

But despite that, I found myself waking up every day with a newfound energy. Nothing exciting ever happened on the lake—not until Noah moved into the small boathouse on our property. He’d booked it for the entire summer…and I was still trying to figure out why.

When my mother became ill, I inherited the responsibility of making sure our guests were well taken care of. I should have been finishing up college. Instead, I was living my best life…as a maid.

Dark, handsome, and mysterious, everything about Noah screamed forbidden.

I knew he was just passing through town for the summer.

I knew he was probably a little old for me.

Yet, I was drawn to him.

Not to mention, he tried to save my life when he mistakenly thought I was drowning.

I wanted him and made no secret of it.

His own attempts to warn me away soon gave way to late-night moonlight chats by the lake. We were slowly easing into a friendship that was gearing up to explode into something I might not recover from.

Because he’s leaving at the end of the summer.

And I have no idea what I’ll do when August ends.






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  1. Print length
    296 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Accessibility
    Learn more
  4. Publication date
    February 23, 2019
  5. File size
    5.1 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

Review

When August Ends by Penelope Ward was as emotional as it was funny, sweet as it was sexy. -TotallyBooked

You better clear your schedule to read this one! WAE is on my Best of 2019 list!
-Kindle Crack Book Reviews

Beautiful and Inspirational, When August Ends is the first to make it on to my "Best of" List for 2019. FIVE STARS.
-Naughty Mom Story Time

A sweet, sexy, swoon-worthy, and emotional standalone contemporary romance that will make you think and feel so much, and has hands down been Penelope Ward's BEST novel to date! -The Romance Bibliophile

Another refreshing, addictive and unique story! Penelope Ward delivers a heartwarming, sweet and slow burn romance! -Read More Sleep Less Blog

This was one hell of a perfect love story, and true to Penelope Ward's style of writing, she throws in a twist that I once again, did not see coming!! -Wrapped Up in Reading

This 6 star story had me pulling an all nighter. I just couldn't get to sleep until I read the last page. -TDC Book Reviews

It was everything I hoped for and still more. Totally loved it, one of my 6 star reads for 2019 for sure!
-Amanda, Goodreads Reviewer

This is hands down my most favorite Penelope Ward book to date. -KinkyGirlsBookObsessions

5 "I never wanted August to End" Stars!!! -iScream Books

The sexual tension was so thick I don't think you could even cut it with a knife. -Cat's Guilty Pleasure

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07P4XVQPL
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Penelope Ward Books, Inc.
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 23, 2019
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 5.1 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 296 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1942215936
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 3,701 ratings

About the author

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Penelope Ward

Penelope Ward

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Penelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary romance.

She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor. Penelope resides in Rhode Island with her husband, son, and beautiful daughter with autism.

With over two million books sold, she is a 21-time New York Times bestseller and the author of over thirty books. Her novels have been translated into over a dozen languages and can be found in bookstores around the world.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
3,701 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be an amazing slow-burn romance between an older man and a much younger woman, with well-developed characters and emotional moments throughout. They appreciate the writing style, with one customer noting how the author evokes emotions effectively. Customers enjoy the humor, with one mentioning the incredible bond founded in laughs, and find it keeps them interested throughout.

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ReadabilityRomanceCharacter developmentHeartwarmingWriting qualityHumorInterestAge gap
160 customers mention "Readability"157 positive3 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, with many describing it as an astounding and cute story, and one customer noting that the storyline is very well-written.

"...into it by way of Heather and Noah’s banter, dealt with some pretty heavy subject matter...." Read more

"...I really enjoyed this story, it had everything I love about Penelope’s books...." Read more

"...I can't quite pinpoint what it was. I liked the characters and the plot enough. I guess I just never felt completely invested in Noah and Heather...." Read more

"...Wow, did I get more then I thought I would!! LOVED THIS BOOK!!! Hated to see it end, it left me wanting for more!..." Read more

75 customers mention "Romance"70 positive5 negative

Customers enjoy the romance in this book, particularly appreciating its fresh take on a May-December relationship and slow-burn development.

"...They saved each other and build a breathtaking romance, as he fights it and she fears rejection, they can't stay away from each other...." Read more

"...When August Ends was the epitome of a satisfying slow-burn romance, Heather may have tried to make her moves on Noah from the beginning, but after..." Read more

"...I LOVED the friendship that formed between them, it was so sweet and the sexual tension was perfect to satisfy your romance craving..." Read more

"...He was so thoughtful and sweet in his attention, presents, and even the cake! I LOVED Heather!!!..." Read more

65 customers mention "Character development"62 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, particularly Penelope's portrayal of Noah and Heather's relationship, with one customer noting the amazing tension between the main characters.

"...Heather was a fascinating character and utterly irresistible...." Read more

"...I can't quite pinpoint what it was. I liked the characters and the plot enough. I guess I just never felt completely invested in Noah and Heather...." Read more

"...The way his relationship with Heather evolved proved he is a wonderful man when he's with the right person...." Read more

"...She gives the reader a little bit of everything in her stories. Lovable characters, steam, angst, drama and even some unexpected twists...." Read more

54 customers mention "Heartwarming"54 positive0 negative

Customers find the book heartwarming, with many noting it has lots of emotional moments and the author's ability to evoke feelings.

"...so when they finally took that step into more, it felt vital and real...." Read more

"...This story was sweet and funny and full of heart, I enjoyed everything about it and now I need to go back and read the few books that I missed..." Read more

"...I liked Noah, as well; he was compassionate, reflective on his past, and mature...." Read more

"...Lovable characters, steam, angst, drama and even some unexpected twists. Her books are what I look for in a 5 star read...." Read more

48 customers mention "Writing quality"48 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing style of the book, describing it as beautifully written and addictive.

"I'm a huge fan if the age gap trope and this author captured it perfectly! I can't wait to read more books by her." Read more

"...I LOVED Heather!!! She had such a wonderful outlook on life even after everything she's been through!..." Read more

"...I felt Penelope wrote this book perfectly...." Read more

"...With her addictive writing, the author draws us in from the first few pages and we get hooked till the end! 🔸age gap (14 years)..." Read more

31 customers mention "Humor"31 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the humor in the book, with several mentioning lots of laughs, and one customer noting the incredible bond between characters founded in humor.

"...This story was sweet and funny and full of heart, I enjoyed everything about it and now I need to go back and read the few books that I missed..." Read more

"...A beautiful story that will make you smile, laugh and shed a few tears!!! This is definitely one of my favorite reads by the author." Read more

"...This one had it all. A little bit of angst, a little humor, and a little heartbreak. I was wonderful, by far deserves more than 5 stars!" Read more

"...But, her books also have spritzes of humor and dashes of passion." Read more

21 customers mention "Interest"21 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging throughout, with one mentioning its great build-up of passion and another noting how it provides life lessons.

"...I LOVED Heather!!! She had such a wonderful outlook on life even after everything she's been through!..." Read more

"...with this book right from the start and I was thoroughly entertained all the way through...." Read more

"...Ward created two delightfully engaging and original characters in an equally original plot that was one of my more enjoyable reads of late...." Read more

"...A slow-burn romance that is emotional, inspirational, incredibly sexy, and breathtakingly romantic...." Read more

17 customers mention "Age gap"17 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the age gap in the book, appreciating that true love transcends age differences, with one customer noting that age is just a number.

"...lately I only had one type, and that was Heather Chadwick—beautiful, young, wide-eyed, honest Heather Chadwick, whom I wanted to protect with every..." Read more

"...I did like Heather quite a bit- she was tough, assertive, and mature, especially when you factor in that she was only 20/21...." Read more

"...more experienced in some areas while still retaining a bit of youthful naivete, wonder and exuberance in others...." Read more

"An age gap romance that will set you on fire and bring you to tears!!! An emotional journey of life and love!..." Read more

Heather and Noah burn slow and bright!
5 out of 5 stars
Heather and Noah burn slow and bright!
“Happiness shouldn’t be about a particular place anyway. It should be something you take with you everywhere you go—transferable.” • I adored this book! It felt like old school Penelope Ward and I loved that! Her signature style of warmth, heart, real-life scenarios, and fantastic banter rolled up together and give When August Ends 5 stars. • Heather and Noah’s age gap means nothing when their chemistry is so unbelievably present. You can’t help but root for them because really, Noah is basically perfect. I endlessly enjoyed their back and forth banter! Penelope Ward does it again, as When August Ends is the perfect read to get you headed into spring!
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Kat Oldham
    5.0 out of 5 stars When love hits, age has no meaning! Don't miss this one!!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    When Heather and Noah met, she wanted him! He fought the attraction, thinking he was too old for her. He rented her boathouse for the whole summer. They saved each other and build a breathtaking romance, as he fights it and she fears rejection, they can't stay away from each other. Thank you Penelope for writing an incredibly endearing love story!
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  • Sarah Arndt
    4.0 out of 5 stars I was brought to tears more than once while reading.
    Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    One thing I consistently say about Penelope Ward’s books is how much more emotionally draining they are than their blurbs might lend you to believe. When August Ends did not disappoint in that. I was brought to the edge of tears – both happy and sad – on more than one occasion while reading. Heather and Noah’s story took me on an emotional rollercoaster, that was frustrating at times, but ultimately incredibly satisfying.

    Heather’s awkward naivete and confidence almost immediately enraptured me. She was such an enigma, her youth often showed in her lack of finesse, but then in the next moment the maturity thrust upon her by the things she’d experienced would be at the forefront. Heather was a fascinating character and utterly irresistible. I was impressed by the way she went after what she wanted, and when things didn’t work out how she’d hoped, instead of avoiding everything she held her head high and persevered. She had incredible strength and sensibility beyond the years of her life.

    When August Ends was the epitome of a satisfying slow-burn romance, Heather may have tried to make her moves on Noah from the beginning, but after he rejected her advances, they built a solid and meaningful friendship. The attraction they were both so obviously feeling took a backseat to developing trust and companionship, so when they finally took that step into more, it felt vital and real. It was more than lust and attraction; it was the essential next step into their future. As much as I would have loved for their romance to have started on page one, making them – and the readers – wait made the entire experience more poignant.

    I loved Noah for the way he was with Heather, especially when he was actively avoiding and rejecting her advances. He could have easily been cruel and squashed her spirit, but he was thoughtful and direct. He left no room for interpretation of what he wanted – or didn’t want in this case – but he wasn’t demeaning, and that said a lot about his character. The more we learned about him, the more obvious it was that the way he handled Heater wasn’t a fluke, he was considerate and kind, even when he believed himself something different. He was exactly the mix of kind and straightforward Heather needed.

    When August Ends, for all the levity that was injected into it by way of Heather and Noah’s banter, dealt with some pretty heavy subject matter. I loved that Penelope Ward didn’t use those themes as arbitrary plot devices, but rather just life moments that Heather and Noah lived through and learned from. They were never things that happened to them; they were things that moved them forward. The heavy themes were dealt with thoughtfully and respectfully, and I greatly appreciated that.
    7 people found this helpful
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  • The Book Boyfriend Addict
    5.0 out of 5 stars Sweet story full of heart
    Reviewed in the United States on March 1, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    4.5 Stars

    “So, what is your type, then?”
    I wanted to tell her the truth, that lately I only had one type, and that was Heather Chadwick—beautiful, young, wide-eyed, honest Heather Chadwick, whom I wanted to protect with every ounce of my soul as much as I wanted to taint her.

    Instead of living it up at college like most people her age would be, Heather Chadwick is stuck at her family’s home, taking care of her sick mother and playing host and housemaid to the people who rent the boathouse on their property. Nothing exciting ever really happens for her until the summer Noah Cavallari shows up and rents the boathouse for the entire summer. Dark, brooding, and much older than her, Heather is instantly drawn to him, although she can’t stop making a fool of herself every time she’s in front of him. She doesn’t know why he’s here or what caused him to rent the boathouse for so long but that doesn’t stop her from practically throwing herself at him time and again. To her frustration he shoots her down every time, though. But even though he’s made it clear that nothing romantic would ever happen between them, an easy friendship quickly forms as they spend much of their free time together. The more time that passes, the harder it’s becoming for Noah to fight his growing feelings toward Heather. Even though he’s sure he doesn’t deserve her, he can only hold out for so long but is he setting them both up for heartbreak when he ultimately gives into temptation? Especially when Heather learns the real reason Noah ended up at their boathouse and the fact that he’s still planning on taking off when August ends.

    I’ve always enjoyed Penelope Ward’s books but I’ve fallen behind on her last few releases so when I saw this new one come out I decided to jump on it and I’m glad I did! I really enjoyed this story, it had everything I love about Penelope’s books. I’m not always a fan of big age differences but in this case it totally worked and wasn’t creepy at all. Heather was young, but she was legal, and for all she’s had to deal with, she was mature beyond her years. But I also appreciated the fact that sometimes her age did shine through and you realize that she still had a lot of life to experience. Noah was in a very different point in his life when he meets Heather and I totally understood his hesitancy to not get involved with her. I actually really respected how respectful he was of her. I LOVED the friendship that formed between them, it was so sweet and the sexual tension was perfect to satisfy your romance craving (until, of course, they finally give in to their feelings, then it’s full on romance goodness!). In true Penelope Ward fashion, there were a few twists that I never expected but I loved the direction they ended up taking the story. This story was sweet and funny and full of heart, I enjoyed everything about it and now I need to go back and read the few books that I missed because it just reminded me how much I love her stories!!

    “Christ, Heather. You don’t think I feel the same things you do? You think I’m superhuman, that it’s easy to resist you? I’m just trying to do the right thing.”
    “I wish you would stop trying.”
    8 people found this helpful
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  • Susan C. Vallese
    3.0 out of 5 stars When August Ends
    Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    3.5 Stars

    I have very much enjoyed every book that Penelope Ward has written. So it breaks my heart a little that I didn't like When August Ends as much as her usual books. I can't quite pinpoint what it was. I liked the characters and the plot enough. I guess I just never felt completely invested in Noah and Heather. I did like Heather quite a bit- she was tough, assertive, and mature, especially when you factor in that she was only 20/21. I liked Noah, as well; he was compassionate, reflective on his past, and mature.

    This book was good, and definitely worth the read, but copared with other books by this author, When August Ends just missed a little for me.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Lisa T.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Lovable age gap romance
    Reviewed in the United States on April 3, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I'm a huge fan if the age gap trope and this author captured it perfectly! I can't wait to read more books by her.
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Kris
    5.0 out of 5 stars Un très bon moment de lecture
    Reviewed in France on December 12, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Il y a pas mal de rebondissements et le style est enlevé. Les personnages sont attachants et leur psychologie un peu plus fouillée qu’habituellement dans ce genre de roman. Je n’en attendais pas tant. J’ai bien aimé ce roman.
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  • Liash
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it!
    Reviewed in Australia on March 14, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This was such a fun and sweet read! There is no real angst, and thankfully it doesn't follow the standard contemporary romance trope where communication (or misunderstanding) is an issue between the MCs. Heather and Noah have no trouble talking to each other - it's just Noah admitting his feelings for Heather and then giving in to them that is the issue.

    I loved their connection - that they 'got' each other on so many levels despite their age gap, and could talk for hours about so many different and worldly topics. Even the true reason Noah was there wasn't cause for alarm or major issue between them.

    Heather was such a fun FMC - she was sassy, brutally honest and upfront at times, but also caring, considerate and kind. She sacrificed so much to look after her mentally ill mother, and put everyone before herself. She also wasn't too proud or stubborn to accept help when she knew she needed it, which was so refreshing! In short, she was very emotionally mature for her age. I loved that she went for what she wanted, but also had enough self respect to know when to back down and regroup, or walk away in a few cases too.

    Noah may have taken his time giving in to his feelings and desires, but the alternating POV really helped us understand his reservations and concerns. He was a kind and caring guy who had good morals that he held on to. What he did for Heather and her mother changed their lives in so many ways - he was amazing!

    Definitely a book I'd recommend, but then this author is always a one-click buy for me so I'm not surprised in the least that I enjoyed it so much.
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  • Angie (L)
    5.0 out of 5 stars A fantastic love story ❤️❤️
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 6, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Heather’s dream was to go to college to do her nursing degree ,but her life has been put on hold she feels unable to leave her mother who has severe mental issues which got worse after her eldest daughter committed suicide and her husband abandoned the family . Heather’s day consists of seeing to their household chores , sorting out her mother ,and when someone is staying at their boathouse do the necessary there , she also works at a local pub . Little did she know that when Noah booked the boat house for the whole month of August her life was going to change . The first meeting between Heather & Noah was not good ,he’s very standoffish but that doesn’t stop Heather from wanting to know more about this handsome man . Over time slowly but surely the attraction between the pair begins to grow but Noah’s reason why he has particularly chosen to come to this area is a bit of a mystery . It’s a beautiful love story and of course the inevitable happens between them ,and we find out the reason why Noah chose to stay there . When you think all is going well for the pair there’s a life threatening situation which threatens their future happiness . Will Noah & Heather finally have a HEA ? ....... 🤔🤔...... what I will say that the end is perfect 😍😍.
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  • S.L. Adams
    5.0 out of 5 stars A tasteful age gap romance
    Reviewed in Canada on December 10, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I took a chance and paid the steep price for this book because I really enjoyed the first book I read by this author. I wasn’t disappointed. I loved it. The setting and the characters were great. I love it when the author makes us wait a long time for the sex. It makes it that much more enjoyable than when they do it early on in the story. I liked Heather. She was mature for age due to he circumstances, but every once in while her age shone through with childish behaviour that was typical of a 20 year old.
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  • Danni K.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Mein Lieblingsbuch von Ward
    Reviewed in Germany on April 13, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Ich finde die Geschichte einfach mitreißend. Die (sexuelle) Spannung zwischen Heather und Noah baut sich von Seite zu Seite auf, bis es gar nicht mehr anders geht, als dass sie ihrem Verlangen nachgeben. Beide Charaktere sind sehr sympathisch, sodass ich die ganze Zeit mitfiebre, wann "die Bombe platzt". Hab ich bis heute bestimmt schon 4-5 mal gelesen und werde es mit Sicherheit noch öfter tun! Alle Daumen hoch!
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