Reviews with content warning for Child abuse - Just for the Summer

Holy gut punch to the heart and soul. That was so perfect I barely have the words.

From the first page I could tell I was going to love this. With Abby Jimenez you’re guaranteed to read an adorable romcom that is packed with such real emotion that it will leave you feeling raw but in the best way possible.

I did not realize this was going to be in the Part of Your World Universe so it was so great to see all the characters we fell in love with before!

It had been a while since I read Part of Your World, so I had completely forgotten who Amber was which made the twist at the end ever better. I’m so glad I didn’t see it coming!

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amandadelbrocco's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful reflective 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

3.75

Content Warnings

lovelymisanthrope's review against another edition

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emotional funny inspiring lighthearted reflective sad medium-paced

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

4.5

I picked this up because I have enjoyed Abby Jimenez in the past, and I was excited to pick up her latest novel.
"Just for the Summer" follows Justin and Emma. Justin has recently gone viral because of a Reddit thread in which he shares that every girl he has ever dated has immediately found her soulmate the second they break up. Emma, with a similar curse messages Justin to commiserate together. When Justin proposes they date each other so that they can each find their soulmates following their breakup, Emma decides she has nothing to lose. But, to her surprise, Emma may like Justin more than she is ready to admit, and Justin thinks he may have finally found his soulmate the moment he lays eyes on Emma.
This was such a sweet romance. Justin and Emma have chemistry that radiates from the page, and they are both so equally loveable.
Justin is a quirky guy with a lot falling on his shoulders. Due to some family difficulties, he is about to take custody of his younger siblings, and although he loves them and is happy to do so, he knows this is going to greatly impact his personal life for the foreseeable future. His commitment to his family and willingness to step up into a fatherly role was admirable and highly attractive. On top of that, he has a great sense of humor. He is playful and funny, which is exactly the type of guy Emma needs.
Emma had a tumultuous childhood, and because of this instability, she finds commitment of any kind difficult. She has spent her adult life working as a travel nurse with her best friend. Never having to put roots down means she does not have to experience the heartbreak when she has to leave. This also makes dating nearly impossible.
Together, Justin and Emma really balance each other out, which was wonderful to see. Justin really helped to show Emma that relying on people is okay, and Emma helped Justin to believe in love again, and that he is not just someone else's good luck charm.
This book explores some interesting family dynamics, which definitely helped to flesh out the main characters and give the story more substance. Most noteworthy is Emma's mother; a flighty woman who has not really been there for Emma in any positive way.
This novel takes place on Lake Minnetonka, Minnesota, and provided the perfect vibes for a light summer read.
I HIGHLY recommend this book, and I look forward to reading more from Abby Jimenez in the future.

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