A review by andykrahling
A Novel Summer: A Novel by Jamie Brenner

4.0

3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars. I enjoyed this romantic tale, but had some problems with it. First, I don't know how the author could go the whole book without mentioning that Provincetown is one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly places in the country. Sure, there were several gay characters, but jeez, the author just ignored the town's identity totally. Second, the "friendships" portrayed seemed very shallow and selfish. The responses by Shelby's friends to their characterizations in the book were very juvenile, and felt one-dimensional. I didn't like most of the characters, not that's essential for me to enjoy a story, but there were only I few I appreciated, Mia for one.

On the positive side, I enjoyed the author's characterization and descriptions of Provincetown and the Cape. It IS a beautiful town and area.

Even with my serious issues with the story, I still enjoyed reading it. I would read more from the author.

I received a complimentary copy of the novel from the publisher and NetGalley, and my review is being left freely.