A review by momobookdiary
The Summer of Starting Over by Savannah Carlisle

emotional inspiring reflective relaxing 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

5.0

From the very first page of The Summer of Starting Over, I was pulled into a world that felt like home, one I never wanted to leave. Savannah Carlisle’s writing has a rare ability to make you feel like you're not just reading a story, but living it. I read the book in a single sitting, unable to put it down, and as soon as Nashville was mentioned, I couldn’t help but press play on my country music playlist to set the mood. This book spoke to my heart in ways I wasn’t expecting. The themes of second chances, rediscovery, and finding the courage to face your past resonated deeply with me, and I found myself transported from the cold, grey skies of Scotland to the sun-drenched streets of Big Dune Island, right alongside Callie and Jesse.

The author’s vivid descriptions of Big Dune Island made me feel like I was walking the cobblestone streets, breathing in the salty ocean air, and hearing the gentle hum of the island’s rhythms. It felt so real, so alive, that I was right there with the characters, feeling everything they were feeling. I could almost taste the sunshine and the nostalgia that filled Callie’s return to her home, a place she hadn’t seen in years.

Savannah Carlisle’s prose weaves emotions so seamlessly that each page feels like it’s speaking directly to the heart. The way she handles grief, love, and the complexities of second chances is nothing short of magical. I found myself feeling deeply connected to Callie’s journey—not just because of her story, but because of how real her emotions were. Her struggle to face the past, the loss of her parents, and the love she had left behind mirrored the emotions we all experience when confronting what we’ve buried deep within ourselves.

What truly made this book special for me was how it captured the essence of finding your way back to yourself. Callie’s journey wasn’t just about rediscovering her love for music but about rediscovering her roots, her family, and the place that shaped her. For someone like me, whose heart has always belonged to country music, I could feel the weight of Callie’s love for her hometown and her roots. It made me reflect on my own life—how country music has always been the soundtrack to my experiences—and how coming home to where it all began can be a powerful form of healing.

The slow-burn romance between Callie and Jesse was pure magic. Their connection felt so natural, so undeniable, and yet tinged with the rawness of past wounds. I adored the way their love story unfolded—quietly, with so much tenderness, honesty, and unspoken understanding. Jesse, with his quiet strength and unwavering loyalty, became a character I couldn't help but fall in love with, and watching Callie face the ghosts of her past while rebuilding her future with him was a joy I won’t soon forget.

By the end of the story, I found myself wishing that Callie was real—so we could hear the beautiful song she writes in the book. The song, like the book itself, would be a masterpiece of healing, love, and new beginnings. The Summer of Starting Over left me with more than just a good story—it left me with a sense of warmth, of having experienced something deeply personal. It was as if I had not just read about Big Dune Island, but had lived it, breathed it, and found a part of myself within it. Savannah Carlisle’s gift for crafting characters that feel like family, for writing prose that moves you, and for creating a setting that becomes a character in itself, makes this book one I will hold close for a long time.

This isn’t just a book; it’s an experience, one that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a heartfelt journey filled with love, loss, and the beauty of starting over.  I would give this 5 times 5 stars if I could!

Before you go, I’d love to know: if you could create a playlist for The Summer of Starting Over, what songs would you include? Drop me a note on instagram!  A soundtrack for this story would be the perfect way to continue the journey!