Scan barcode
A review by jennastopreading
Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan
emotional
lighthearted
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
Thank you to the publisher for my eARC via Netgalley!
Annabel Monaghan doesn't miss! I fell in love with her first two books, and this one was no different. What I love about her books is the way she weaves in heavy hitting topics while still keeping the overall mood of the book as light. So while this was an enjoyable, sweet story about, it features a mom going through a divorce and trying to figure out her life while grieving the loss of her mother - and without her pernicious ex husband.
While I would consider SUMMER ROMANCE to be a "beach read", it packs a powerful punch with a MC you can root for. I greatly appreciate Monoghan's portrayal of a female protagonist that isn't in her 20's (not that there's anything wrong with MC's in that category, but as someone in my 30's, I love reading someone who is a bit more *seasoned* in life). I think Ali's struggles will hit home for readers who have gone through a divorce when they had children involved, and the emotional turmoil of trying to figure out the logistics and also a way to move on with their life.
I also really enjoyed the male protaganist, Ethan, and the multiple dimensions of his character. He had some ground to make up in her mind due to being her childhood friend's "kid brother", and he rose to the occasion. Not only was he well educated and kind, but he was involved in his community in a big way. While I didn't find him as "swoony" as some MMC's in books, I actually found I really appreciated that about him because he was realistic. He was sweet, caring, and good to her without being over the top or fake.
Again, another win from Annabel Monaghan, and I can't wait to read everything else she ever writes!
Annabel Monaghan doesn't miss! I fell in love with her first two books, and this one was no different. What I love about her books is the way she weaves in heavy hitting topics while still keeping the overall mood of the book as light. So while this was an enjoyable, sweet story about, it features a mom going through a divorce and trying to figure out her life while grieving the loss of her mother - and without her pernicious ex husband.
While I would consider SUMMER ROMANCE to be a "beach read", it packs a powerful punch with a MC you can root for. I greatly appreciate Monoghan's portrayal of a female protagonist that isn't in her 20's (not that there's anything wrong with MC's in that category, but as someone in my 30's, I love reading someone who is a bit more *seasoned* in life). I think Ali's struggles will hit home for readers who have gone through a divorce when they had children involved, and the emotional turmoil of trying to figure out the logistics and also a way to move on with their life.
I also really enjoyed the male protaganist, Ethan, and the multiple dimensions of his character. He had some ground to make up in her mind due to being her childhood friend's "kid brother", and he rose to the occasion. Not only was he well educated and kind, but he was involved in his community in a big way. While I didn't find him as "swoony" as some MMC's in books, I actually found I really appreciated that about him because he was realistic. He was sweet, caring, and good to her without being over the top or fake.
Again, another win from Annabel Monaghan, and I can't wait to read everything else she ever writes!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent and Grief
Moderate: Death
Minor: Bullying, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, Sexual content, and Cursing