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booksbystephanie's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Summer Romance, a novel by Annabel Monaghan, available June 4, 2024!
Ali is a recently separated mom of three who recently lost her mother to cancer and is navigating a fog of “who really am I?” after the end of her marriage looms. A chance meet-cute in a dog park with Ethan (aka Scooter, Ali’s friend Frannie’s brother) shifts the tide and helps Ali realize that she is someone worthy of love and speaking up under all that grief. Ethan is the “mayor” of a town four hours away in Massa Cheez-its (love it!) and isn’t thrilled to be in his hometown that treats him like the sixteen-year-old delinquent he once was. But one summer with Ali and he’s rethinking everything…
The character arcs for both in this book were so well written. Ali’s struggle with grieving her beloved mother and the anger over realizing that Ali ignored her failing marriage because her mother stepped in was such a realistic and interesting way to frame Ali’s loss of self. Ethan found a family in his hometown that he never realized could be there for him. He just needed to open his heart to it. I loved that both characters were older and had complicated lives. They dealt with their issues maturely and in a way that wasn’t overly dramatic.
I’m a sucker for “real” romances, and this delivered. It was like this could have happened to your neighbor! I’m also a huge believer in signs and messages from those who have passed and this book had all that and more. Something so many readers can relate to!
A perfect Memorial Day weekend read and start to the summer, Summer Romance is the found family, single mom, best friend’s brother story you didn’t know you needed!
Be sure to read the TW, especially if you have a hard time with grief and loss.
Thank you so much to G. P. Putnam’s Sons (Penguin Group) and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced (e-)reader copy and a chance to rate and review this book!
4 ⭐️ a whiff of 🌶
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Cancer, Toxic relationship, and Alcohol
Minor: Miscarriage, Fire/Fire injury, and Gaslighting
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