A quite North Carolina mountain town serves as the backdrop for this mesmerizing audiobook. Gollwitzer's connection to the local community infuses the story with an authenticity that captures the hearts of both local and international readers. The narrative immerses listeners in the life of Rainy Ray Holford during a defining summer, inviting them to explore the nuances of small-town life in a stunning mountain setting.

At the heart of "The Summer Girls of Melrose" lies the enigmatic character, Victor Rathers, the owner of a local diner. Rathers, a complex figure, is a familiar face in the community, known for his charm and flirtatious nature, as well as his battles with alcohol. The summer in question takes a dark turn as Rathers becomes entangled with Martha Middleton, a summer girl visiting with her daughter Carol and her friend Jane. Rathers' actions go beyond flirtation as he crosses boundaries, forcibly imposing himself upon Martha, setting the stage for a gripping conflict.
Rainy Ray, accompanied by his best friend, Jonathan Roy, the son of a local doctor, becomes involved with Martha and Jane, blissfully unaware of the sinister events unfolding in the background. As the narrative unfolds, Victor Rather, privy to Rainy Ray and Jonathan's frequent visits to Martha's home, devises a sinister plan to pin the assault on Rainy Ray, weaving a web of deception and intrigue.

As "The Summer Girls of Melrose" progresses, Rainy Ray embarks on a profound journey of self-discovery. He uncovers a startling revelation about Victor Rathers' past involvement with his own mother, triggering an identity crisis. Rainy Ray is confronted with the unsettling question of his true parentage, pondering whether it is Victor Rathers or his beloved father, Wilford Holford, the esteemed owner of Holford's Grocers, who holds the key to his origins.

One surprising twist in the story involves Rainy Ray's unexpected and forbidden love for a local black girl named Haddie Mae Harris. Their love story unfolds against the backdrop of a deep-seated childhood sin - Rainy Ray had once hit Haddie Mae in the head with a rock while throwing stones at the black community. This act haunted him, creating an insurmountable sense of guilt and remorse.
Complicating matters further, the racial tensions of the time make it impossible for a young white boy to have a romantic relationship with a black girl, particularly when she is the daughter of a preacher residing in Colored Town. The story navigates these complexities, exploring themes of love, prejudice, and societal barriers.