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sariereads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Graphic: Misogyny, Toxic relationship, Grief, Death of parent, and Gaslighting
Minor: Sexual content
gwenswoons's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I love the depth of the side characters (again, an aspect of storytelling that Annabel Monaghan handles so masterfully and with such care): the layers of love and complexity in parental relationships, and the fact that the children are so thoroughly drawn and vividly themselves; and I love the ways in which these side characters and their relationships with our heroes impact the plot and arc of the story. The dogs are SO wonderful!! I love them! (And by the the way - they do NOT die! I’m not sure how that is a content warning others added here, and I want to mention it since it was worrying me a bit. Brenda and Ferris are totally ok!!)
Some of the language was so heart-stoppingly beautiful that I went back on my audio and listened a couple more times — I will definitely get a physical copy of this one since I want to hold it.
Anyway. I could go on forever, as I wish this book had. But I loved it. I will read it again someday. ❤️
Graphic: Bullying, Death, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Grief, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, and Abandonment
abidavisf's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Humour blends so perfectly with raw emotion and grief that I found myself laughing while crying multiple times throughout this book. Ethan, in particular, had me howling, while Ali’s journey to rediscovering herself tugged on my heart incessantly. There are matches made in heaven, and then there are two genuinely good people who make everything around them better finding their soulmates in each other. Summer Romance is beautiful.
Remember, folks, the time will pass anyway. “Life’s going to do what life’s going to do.” Get the dog.
Moderate: Toxic relationship and Grief
Minor: Animal death, Cancer, Death, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Death of parent, Gaslighting, and Abandonment
dooleynoted's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Misogyny
Minor: Bullying and Miscarriage
enzopudge's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Death, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, and Gaslighting
Minor: Bullying, Miscarriage, and Misogyny
lydiarama's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Ethan is a quintessential book boyfriend: goofy and kind, supportive and understanding, unwavering in his faith in a woman he has adored, unbeknownst to her, for years. This is perfect for Ali, whose mother’s passing has left her unmoored, bereft of the person she used to be. Ethan’s belief in Ali and lasting infatuation with her is beautiful and tender, a balm for Ali’s heart.
I was very excited to step back into one of Monaghan’s worlds, where the setting feels like your hometown, and the simple pleasures of a cup of coffee or a walk in the park are exciting and meaningful. Her writing is stripped down and bare, like an acoustic version of a song. She articulates emotion in a raw way, no frills or flowery language (although flowers are important in this novel!); the words are soft and sharp at the same time.
Summer Romance is at the same time a beach read but also a meditation on grief. Throughout the novel, Ali grapples with the risk of choosing joy, often relating it to the act of getting a dog: is the love you feel for it worth the inevitable heartbreak of its finite time with you? Monaghan’s story leaves us with an emphatic yes.
Minor: Bullying, Misogyny, Toxic relationship, Grief, and Death of parent