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3.22 AVERAGE
3.22 AVERAGE
This was a skimmer for me. Meaning I wasn’t very hooked on what I was getting and I literally jumped ahead and was still
Able to follow what was happening. That to me shows that the story its self was moving super slow and didn’t have much excitement or was very eventful.
I didn’t like any of the characters. I thought they were all pretty selfish and entitled. The girls in this weren’t good friends to each other until the very end. Yet, you had one vying for their attention and approval. Another that held a grudge because she wasn’t moving anywhere in her life. And the other was kind of just there and didn’t offer much.
I thought the romance piece of this was so small that this story shouldn’t be seen as a romance but just a women’s fiction. The romance relationships in this weren’t romantic at all and nor were they really a good piece of the story. It felt very forced. Almost like the author had to put them in so the book could be categorized as a romance to attract more potential readers. These relationships didn’t feel as cared for in the writing unlike the three main friends you read about.
This wasn’t the story for me which is okay but it could be for you so still give it a chance if you like the sound of it. Just know it is not a typical romance and more of a general women’s fiction story.
Able to follow what was happening. That to me shows that the story its self was moving super slow and didn’t have much excitement or was very eventful.
I didn’t like any of the characters. I thought they were all pretty selfish and entitled. The girls in this weren’t good friends to each other until the very end. Yet, you had one vying for their attention and approval. Another that held a grudge because she wasn’t moving anywhere in her life. And the other was kind of just there and didn’t offer much.
I thought the romance piece of this was so small that this story shouldn’t be seen as a romance but just a women’s fiction. The romance relationships in this weren’t romantic at all and nor were they really a good piece of the story. It felt very forced. Almost like the author had to put them in so the book could be categorized as a romance to attract more potential readers. These relationships didn’t feel as cared for in the writing unlike the three main friends you read about.
This wasn’t the story for me which is okay but it could be for you so still give it a chance if you like the sound of it. Just know it is not a typical romance and more of a general women’s fiction story.
lighthearted
medium-paced
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Jamie Brenner's A Novel Summer offers a delightful blend of charm and intrigue, perfect for a beach read. The story follows Shelby Archer, a successful up incoming author who returns to picturesque Provincetown on Cape Cod during her book tour. Having left the town years ago for New York City to pursue her dream of becoming a published author, Shelby is surprised by the chilly reception she receives from her once-close friends, Colleen and Hunter. As she grapples with the fallout and plans to focus on finishing her book tour and her next novel her plans are upended when Colleen, who runs the family-owned Land’s End bookstore, calls for help.
As the summer unfolds, Shelby and her friends must confront their shared past, navigate present challenges, and consider their futures. The novel explores themes of forgiveness, the resilience of friendships, and the possibility of new beginnings.
Brenner skillfully creates a vivid setting that makes you want to visit Provincetown while reading this novel and own a bookstore.
The book’s exploration of the literary world, from writing to running a bookstore, adds a layer of cozy and nostalgia for book lovers. While the primary focus is on Shelby’s journey to reconcile with her past and rebuild relationships, the subplot of romance adds a sweet touch without overshadowing the central themes.
Overall, A Novel Summer is a fast-paced, enjoyable read that combines a scenic setting with relatable characters and compelling drama. It’s an ideal choice for a summer escape, whether you're lounging by the pool or soaking up the sun on the beach.
As the summer unfolds, Shelby and her friends must confront their shared past, navigate present challenges, and consider their futures. The novel explores themes of forgiveness, the resilience of friendships, and the possibility of new beginnings.
Brenner skillfully creates a vivid setting that makes you want to visit Provincetown while reading this novel and own a bookstore.
The book’s exploration of the literary world, from writing to running a bookstore, adds a layer of cozy and nostalgia for book lovers. While the primary focus is on Shelby’s journey to reconcile with her past and rebuild relationships, the subplot of romance adds a sweet touch without overshadowing the central themes.
Overall, A Novel Summer is a fast-paced, enjoyable read that combines a scenic setting with relatable characters and compelling drama. It’s an ideal choice for a summer escape, whether you're lounging by the pool or soaking up the sun on the beach.
A Novel Summer by Jamie Brenner is the perfect summer read if you are a book lover! Shelby Archer, an author, comes to Cape Cod to run her friend's bookstore for the summer. This book includes second chance romance, friendship drama, and author/publishing roles. I thoroughly enjoyed being engrossed in all things books!
Thanks to NetGalley and Park Row for the advanced digital copy of the book.
Thanks to NetGalley and Park Row for the advanced digital copy of the book.
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars. I enjoyed this romantic tale, but had some problems with it. First, I don't know how the author could go the whole book without mentioning that Provincetown is one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly places in the country. Sure, there were several gay characters, but jeez, the author just ignored the town's identity totally. Second, the "friendships" portrayed seemed very shallow and selfish. The responses by Shelby's friends to their characterizations in the book were very juvenile, and felt one-dimensional. I didn't like most of the characters, not that's essential for me to enjoy a story, but there were only I few I appreciated, Mia for one.
On the positive side, I enjoyed the author's characterization and descriptions of Provincetown and the Cape. It IS a beautiful town and area.
Even with my serious issues with the story, I still enjoyed reading it. I would read more from the author.
I received a complimentary copy of the novel from the publisher and NetGalley, and my review is being left freely.
On the positive side, I enjoyed the author's characterization and descriptions of Provincetown and the Cape. It IS a beautiful town and area.
Even with my serious issues with the story, I still enjoyed reading it. I would read more from the author.
I received a complimentary copy of the novel from the publisher and NetGalley, and my review is being left freely.
I liked this book. It was engaging and kept me reading to see how everything shook out. There were some issues I had though that kept this at a 3 star.
Things I liked:
-the multiple perspectives...it added a layer of complexity to the storyline and made you more empathetic to the characters
-the flawed characters...they were equally likeable and frustrating (the multiple POVs enhanced this)
-the character growth
Things I that kept this at a 3 star:
-needs to have better breaks when switching perspectives. Sometimes it was hard to follow.
-weird details that were added, like clothing brands or item brands like "Jonathan Adler couch" or "Lisa Eldridge lipstick in velvet ribbon" -- many of these were just asinine and did not add to the story or the imagery. They felt random.
-the third act conflict was super jumpy between hunter's relationships with people (esp Shelby), then Colleen suddenly turning on Shelby?
thanks to netgalley and harlequin for the ARC
Merged review:
I liked this book. It was engaging and kept me reading to see how everything shook out. There were some issues I had though that kept this at a 3 star.
Things I liked:
-the multiple perspectives...it added a layer of complexity to the storyline and made you more empathetic to the characters
-the flawed characters...they were equally likeable and frustrating (the multiple POVs enhanced this)
-the character growth
Things I that kept this at a 3 star:
-needs to have better breaks when switching perspectives. Sometimes it was hard to follow.
-weird details that were added, like clothing brands or item brands like "Jonathan Adler couch" or "Lisa Eldridge lipstick in velvet ribbon" -- many of these were just asinine and did not add to the story or the imagery. They felt random.
-the third act conflict was super jumpy between hunter's relationships with people (esp Shelby), then Colleen suddenly turning on Shelby?
thanks to netgalley and harlequin for the ARC
Things I liked:
-the multiple perspectives...it added a layer of complexity to the storyline and made you more empathetic to the characters
-the flawed characters...they were equally likeable and frustrating (the multiple POVs enhanced this)
-the character growth
Things I that kept this at a 3 star:
-needs to have better breaks when switching perspectives. Sometimes it was hard to follow.
-weird details that were added, like clothing brands or item brands like "Jonathan Adler couch" or "Lisa Eldridge lipstick in velvet ribbon" -- many of these were just asinine and did not add to the story or the imagery. They felt random.
-the third act conflict was super jumpy between hunter's relationships with people (esp Shelby), then Colleen suddenly turning on Shelby?
thanks to netgalley and harlequin for the ARC
Merged review:
I liked this book. It was engaging and kept me reading to see how everything shook out. There were some issues I had though that kept this at a 3 star.
Things I liked:
-the multiple perspectives...it added a layer of complexity to the storyline and made you more empathetic to the characters
-the flawed characters...they were equally likeable and frustrating (the multiple POVs enhanced this)
-the character growth
Things I that kept this at a 3 star:
-needs to have better breaks when switching perspectives. Sometimes it was hard to follow.
-weird details that were added, like clothing brands or item brands like "Jonathan Adler couch" or "Lisa Eldridge lipstick in velvet ribbon" -- many of these were just asinine and did not add to the story or the imagery. They felt random.
-the third act conflict was super jumpy between hunter's relationships with people (esp Shelby), then Colleen suddenly turning on Shelby?
thanks to netgalley and harlequin for the ARC
**Slight spoilers including tropes and small character details**
3.5 Stars
I enjoyed this book. I really liked the ending, and the characters were fun to read about. It isn’t going to be one I pick up again, but most of the reasons for that are just personal preference. I don’t love the second chance romance trope, and Hunter was kind of infuriating for at least the first half of the book. I also was kind of confused on what the point of the story was; I had no idea where the plot was going at pretty much any point in the book. I had to go look at the synopsis on Goodreads because I was so confused on where it was going. There were a couple of grammar and spelling mistakes, but that’s to be expected with an ARC copy. I liked the character dynamics a lot. Without spoiling (as much as I can while still giving a good review), the relationships and growth of the characters were pretty cool. I liked how Shelby was considerate and caring, and loved her friends dearly, but also couldn’t understand their anger at being included in her stories. Hunter was infuriating in the first half of the book, but as she and Shelby got closer again, her perspective about being in Shelby’s book and the reasons why she was angry about it changed. I didn’t hate the way the story ended, although I was kind of hoping that the second chance romance trope wouldn’t be the endgame, but that’s a personal preference. Overall, I enjoyed reading this book. Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC!
3.5 Stars
I enjoyed this book. I really liked the ending, and the characters were fun to read about. It isn’t going to be one I pick up again, but most of the reasons for that are just personal preference. I don’t love the second chance romance trope, and Hunter was kind of infuriating for at least the first half of the book. I also was kind of confused on what the point of the story was; I had no idea where the plot was going at pretty much any point in the book. I had to go look at the synopsis on Goodreads because I was so confused on where it was going. There were a couple of grammar and spelling mistakes, but that’s to be expected with an ARC copy. I liked the character dynamics a lot. Without spoiling (as much as I can while still giving a good review), the relationships and growth of the characters were pretty cool. I liked how Shelby was considerate and caring, and loved her friends dearly, but also couldn’t understand their anger at being included in her stories. Hunter was infuriating in the first half of the book, but as she and Shelby got closer again, her perspective about being in Shelby’s book and the reasons why she was angry about it changed. I didn’t hate the way the story ended, although I was kind of hoping that the second chance romance trope wouldn’t be the endgame, but that’s a personal preference. Overall, I enjoyed reading this book. Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Novel Summer = a perfect summer read!! I actually read and listened to the audiobook simultaneously and truly enjoyed it!!
Little romance in summer Cape Cod where wrong timing relationship and lost friendships rekindled along with saving the heart of the local town bookshop.
First Jamie Brenner novel and no disappointment here!! Looking forward to adding some of her books to my TBR soon!
Thank you to NetGalley, Jamie Brenner and Harlequin Trade Publishing for providing this AMAZING ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Little romance in summer Cape Cod where wrong timing relationship and lost friendships rekindled along with saving the heart of the local town bookshop.
First Jamie Brenner novel and no disappointment here!! Looking forward to adding some of her books to my TBR soon!
Thank you to NetGalley, Jamie Brenner and Harlequin Trade Publishing for providing this AMAZING ARC in exchange for an honest review.