A review by meredith_williams_
Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez

emotional funny reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I was hesitant going into this book because I didn’t love Yours Truly, the second installment of this character series. However, I was pleasantly surprised with how great this book was! It had everything you want in a rom com; a funny meet cute, witty banter, and emotionally meaningful moments (please see: “What are you thinking?” “I’m always thinking of youI”, “I feel like I’m asking too much when I need something.” “You’re not asking too much…just the wrong person. Ask me instead.”, “I called you because I knew you’d come.”) But it also had a deeply moving depiction of the different ways we deal with family relationships and childhood trauma. I related so much to the main characters’s conversations about anger versus empathy and the way that both of those reactions can be helpful and harmful in different situations. I really loved Emma’s character arc and the way that she handled becoming the adult that she needed as a child. Justin was a corny but cute male lead, and I loved the way he showed up for his family despite being angry with his mom. Lastly, the friendships in this book were so well written. I loved  Maddy and the way she protected and pushed Emma, and I also loved Brad (even though the dog thing was confusing with the same names) and Benny and the intimacy that was portrayed in their friendship with Justin. This book has redeemed my experience with this author’s work and I will keep reading some of her backlog! 
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