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3.88 AVERAGE
3.88 AVERAGE
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
y’all got anymore of them hot, bearded sea captains?
reflective
medium-paced
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
⤿ 4 / 5 .ೃ࿐
It seems like every other book nowadays is labeled a "BookTok hit"—a label I have mixed feelings about. But this time, my curiosity won out, fueled by a friend's recommendation, who had already devoured another work by the author, and a blurb. And I can say upfront: the read was worth it!
Westport, a charming fishing village, quickly enchants not only Piper but also me. The contrast between Piper’s luxury outfits and the down-to-earth villagers, who spend their days fishing and engaging in practical tasks, creates humorous yet profound moments. Particularly outstanding are her encounters with the grumpy captain Brendan and Piper’s laid-back sister. Piper comes across like a colorful bird of paradise in a world full of pigeons—a role she fills brilliantly with her clumsiness, a pinch of naivety, and many self-doubts. At first, she believes that her identity depends on her followers, parties, and glamour, but the village and its residents gradually teach her the opposite. She develops genuine friendships and begins to build relationships that go far beyond likes and superficial benefits. This journey, during which Piper nearly sets a house on fire and constantly pushes her own boundaries, is a joy for the reader. It’s heartwarming to see her grow and find herself, even though there are moments that make you angry—especially when her past tries to drag her back into her old role as the party princess, or when her stepfather doesn’t take her development seriously. Piper’s character development is masterfully done, a perfect mix of naive blonde, confident whirlwind, and loving people-person.
But the book offers more than just Piper’s personal development. It’s a story about love in all its facets: the love of fishing, the sea, Westport, and of course, the budding love between Brendan and Piper. Brendan, the grumpy captain, is a respected figure in the village, but he too wrestles with his demons. As a widower, he feels trapped by guilt and an overdue connection to the past. His initial rejection of Piper is therefore entirely understandable. But soon, he too succumbs to her charm. Brendan’s development is deeply emotional, and it’s moving to see him finally let go and look forward after a long time. The chemistry between him and Piper works well, although I would have liked a bit more emotional depth. Nevertheless, the novel succeeds in convincing with its authentic insight into the dangerous life of fishermen, the challenges the village faces, and the likeable villagers who support each other.
It Happened One Summer is a refreshing, light-hearted story full of humor and charm. I was especially impressed by how the characters grow and evolve without losing their personality. The love story may seem a bit superficial at times, but overall, it fits well into the bigger picture. A clear recommendation for anyone who appreciates light yet profound romcoms!
It seems like every other book nowadays is labeled a "BookTok hit"—a label I have mixed feelings about. But this time, my curiosity won out, fueled by a friend's recommendation, who had already devoured another work by the author, and a blurb. And I can say upfront: the read was worth it!
Westport, a charming fishing village, quickly enchants not only Piper but also me. The contrast between Piper’s luxury outfits and the down-to-earth villagers, who spend their days fishing and engaging in practical tasks, creates humorous yet profound moments. Particularly outstanding are her encounters with the grumpy captain Brendan and Piper’s laid-back sister. Piper comes across like a colorful bird of paradise in a world full of pigeons—a role she fills brilliantly with her clumsiness, a pinch of naivety, and many self-doubts. At first, she believes that her identity depends on her followers, parties, and glamour, but the village and its residents gradually teach her the opposite. She develops genuine friendships and begins to build relationships that go far beyond likes and superficial benefits. This journey, during which Piper nearly sets a house on fire and constantly pushes her own boundaries, is a joy for the reader. It’s heartwarming to see her grow and find herself, even though there are moments that make you angry—especially when her past tries to drag her back into her old role as the party princess, or when her stepfather doesn’t take her development seriously. Piper’s character development is masterfully done, a perfect mix of naive blonde, confident whirlwind, and loving people-person.
But the book offers more than just Piper’s personal development. It’s a story about love in all its facets: the love of fishing, the sea, Westport, and of course, the budding love between Brendan and Piper. Brendan, the grumpy captain, is a respected figure in the village, but he too wrestles with his demons. As a widower, he feels trapped by guilt and an overdue connection to the past. His initial rejection of Piper is therefore entirely understandable. But soon, he too succumbs to her charm. Brendan’s development is deeply emotional, and it’s moving to see him finally let go and look forward after a long time. The chemistry between him and Piper works well, although I would have liked a bit more emotional depth. Nevertheless, the novel succeeds in convincing with its authentic insight into the dangerous life of fishermen, the challenges the village faces, and the likeable villagers who support each other.
It Happened One Summer is a refreshing, light-hearted story full of humor and charm. I was especially impressed by how the characters grow and evolve without losing their personality. The love story may seem a bit superficial at times, but overall, it fits well into the bigger picture. A clear recommendation for anyone who appreciates light yet profound romcoms!
This was a pleasant surprise!
This was my first full length Tessa Bailey book and I was pleasantly surprised! I wasn’t sure how I’d like it based on the description but I ended up really enjoying it!
The love story between Piper and Brendan was swoon-worthy! I loved how devoted he was to her and making sure she was happy.
I love Piper’s growth throughout the book too. I wasn’t so sure about her in the beginning but I quickly grew to love her.
Overall I really enjoyed this and I’ll definitely be picking up the sequel!
This was my first full length Tessa Bailey book and I was pleasantly surprised! I wasn’t sure how I’d like it based on the description but I ended up really enjoying it!
The love story between Piper and Brendan was swoon-worthy! I loved how devoted he was to her and making sure she was happy.
I love Piper’s growth throughout the book too. I wasn’t so sure about her in the beginning but I quickly grew to love her.
Overall I really enjoyed this and I’ll definitely be picking up the sequel!
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
Cute, but I didn't really like Piper much. Will probably read about Hannah though... she seems more interesting.