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microbemom's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Grief, and Sexual content
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, and Suicidal thoughts
docrobreads's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I really enjoyed Carley Fortune's first book, which is not always the case for a debut author. Imagine my surprise when I actually liked the second one better! I rate books based on vibes...if they make me feel all the things, higher rating. If I don't give a crap or it's boring to me, lower rating. I was concerned this was gonna have a more Colleen Hoover type of "gotcha" (which I love, for the record), but was very satisfied that it tackled more nuanced generational trauma and included some neurospicy representation.
And hey - this ended up being the last book I needed to complete my Reading Challenge for the year. Happy surprise!
And hey - this ended up being the last book I needed to complete my Reading Challenge for the year. Happy surprise!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Death of parent, and Grief
Minor: Grief and Suicidal thoughts
thatswhatshanread's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Aw Carley Fortune, making me cry again!! This book was so sweet. And familiar somehow. I’m not a lake person, but this story made me feel like I was, like I’m the type of person who spends hours on end at the lake or the surrounding parts, always on summer time. Like I’ve lived all my summers at a family-run resort (Dirty Dancing vibes are off the chart), eating the best sourdough bread and people-watching the other regulars over tea and dancing.
I’ve decided that dual timelines are one of my favorite things for a romance novel. I loved reading about Fern and Will’s meet-cute ten years ago alongside the present of meeting again and all the secrets and feelings between then and now. While Will really frustrated me at times with his mystery, I also found him soft and gentle, a safe balance to Fern’s fire and passion. I really liked the side characters as well, especially Fern’s surrogate father figure Peter.
Ultimately, the love story was a little lacking for me. I kept waiting for more. More history there or more angst, maybe. The resolve seemed a tad flat, like more needed to be said. Still, I really related to the anxiety/depression/OCD rep and the need to be perfect for others above yourself. Both Fern and Will felt like real adults with real problems.
This was a great summer read. Fortune’s writing is breezy and comforting, sweet and coaxing, sexy when it needs to be but not overly so. I can’t wait to see what she comes out with next :)
I’ve decided that dual timelines are one of my favorite things for a romance novel. I loved reading about Fern and Will’s meet-cute ten years ago alongside the present of meeting again and all the secrets and feelings between then and now. While Will really frustrated me at times with his mystery, I also found him soft and gentle, a safe balance to Fern’s fire and passion. I really liked the side characters as well, especially Fern’s surrogate father figure Peter.
Ultimately, the love story was a little lacking for me. I kept waiting for more. More history there or more angst, maybe. The resolve seemed a tad flat, like more needed to be said. Still, I really related to the anxiety/depression/OCD rep and the need to be perfect for others above yourself. Both Fern and Will felt like real adults with real problems.
This was a great summer read. Fortune’s writing is breezy and comforting, sweet and coaxing, sexy when it needs to be but not overly so. I can’t wait to see what she comes out with next :)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Abandonment, Car accident, Injury/Injury detail, Pregnancy, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual content, Cursing, Grief, Infidelity, and Death of parent
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Abortion, Blood, Drug use, Fire/Fire injury, Self harm, Alcohol, and Medical content
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