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Wildfire #79
A Girl Named Summer
Julie Garwood's tales always sparkle with the magic that comes from falling in love. Now her talent shines brighter than ever in an unforgettable tale about young love meant especially for younger readers.
Summer never meant to lie. She just wanted to keep the most perfect guy she ever met interested in her. She had been surprised when David began hanging out with her every day... and dizzy with happiness when he kissed her. David seemed to like her unconventional Irish family, even her eccentric Grandpa. Everything was going great-- until Ann entered the picture. She collected boys like trophies. How could Summer compete with someone like that?
Before she knew it, Summer was boasting to David about her passion for long-distance running. She never dreamed he'd enter them in a six-mile race. Summer dreaded the moment when he would discover the truth: she couldn't run six blocks. And the flirtatious Ann was already working on David. Then Summer's Grandpa came up with a plan that was just crazy enough to save the day...
Summer never meant to lie. She just wanted to keep the most perfect guy she ever met interested in her. She had been surprised when David began hanging out with her every day... and dizzy with happiness when he kissed her. David seemed to like her unconventional Irish family, even her eccentric Grandpa. Everything was going great-- until Ann entered the picture. She collected boys like trophies. How could Summer compete with someone like that?
Before she knew it, Summer was boasting to David about her passion for long-distance running. She never dreamed he'd enter them in a six-mile race. Summer dreaded the moment when he would discover the truth: she couldn't run six blocks. And the flirtatious Ann was already working on David. Then Summer's Grandpa came up with a plan that was just crazy enough to save the day...
176 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 3, 1986
315 people are currently reading
1335 people want to read
About the author
Julie Garwood
151 books12.5k followersWith more than 35 million books in print and 26 NEW YORK TIMES bestsellers, Julie Garwood has earned a position among America's favorite fiction writers.
Born and raised in Kansas City, MO, Ms. Garwood attributes much of her success to growing up in a large family of Irish heritage. "The Irish are great storytellers who relish getting all of the details and nuances of every situation. Add in the fact that I was the sixth of seven children. Early in life, I learned that self expression had to be forceful, imaginative, and quick," says Ms. Garwood.
She began her writing career when the youngest of her three children entered school. After the publications of two young-adult books, she turned her talents to historical fiction. Her first novel, GENTLE WARRIOR, was published by Pocket Books in 1985. Since then, she has branched into other genres including contemporary romantic suspense. Today, her name appears regularly on the bestseller lists of every major publication in the country, and her books are translated into dozens of languages around the world. Her bestselling novel FOR THE ROSES was adapted for the HALLMARK HALL OF FAME television movie ROSE HILL.
Ms. Garwood lives in Leawood, KS and is currently working on her next novel.
Born and raised in Kansas City, MO, Ms. Garwood attributes much of her success to growing up in a large family of Irish heritage. "The Irish are great storytellers who relish getting all of the details and nuances of every situation. Add in the fact that I was the sixth of seven children. Early in life, I learned that self expression had to be forceful, imaginative, and quick," says Ms. Garwood.
She began her writing career when the youngest of her three children entered school. After the publications of two young-adult books, she turned her talents to historical fiction. Her first novel, GENTLE WARRIOR, was published by Pocket Books in 1985. Since then, she has branched into other genres including contemporary romantic suspense. Today, her name appears regularly on the bestseller lists of every major publication in the country, and her books are translated into dozens of languages around the world. Her bestselling novel FOR THE ROSES was adapted for the HALLMARK HALL OF FAME television movie ROSE HILL.
Ms. Garwood lives in Leawood, KS and is currently working on her next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
June 21, 2012
Cute tween young adult that should appeal to the middle grade crowd. Because it was written in the 80's, it feels dated, but teaches a moral about not lying and believing in yourself.
Also the love interest, aka hot teen boy is sweet and a gentleman. He made my heart flutter.
Also the love interest, aka hot teen boy is sweet and a gentleman. He made my heart flutter.
June 16, 2013
Buku ini menceritakan tentang liburan musim panas seorang gadis remaja umur 15 tahun yang merasa memiliki keluarga yang aneh..
Ayahnya mempunyai toko tanaman dan berfikir kalo tanaman perlu diajak ngobrol supaya tumbuh bak...
ibunya pelupa karena kebanyakan yang harus diurus. Bahkan ibunya pernah belanja ke supermarket. Pas pulang puyeng nyariin belanjaan pas diinget inget ternyata belanjaannyaketinggalan di parkiran supermatketm belom dimasukin ke bagasi mobil... wkwkwkwkw... parah.com
Kakeknya seorang ilmuwan yang unik yang seneng menciptakan sesuatu yang inovatif di lab. Bawah tanahanya. Tapi dia paling suka main binggo dan ga ada yang bisa menghalanginya untuk pergi main setiap senin malam.
Adik summer, Michael, terobesi berat ingin menjadi superman. Jadi kemana mana dia pake handuk merah dan sepatu boot merah. Wkakaaka
Masalah baru muncul ketika seorang cool boy, David, muncul.
Summer dan David mulai dekat. Beberapa kali mereka pergi kencan. Bahkan David ngerasa nyaman di keluarga Summer.
Dan seperti biasa muncullah gil (gadis idaman lain) yang lebih dari segala galanya dari Summer. Ann kecentilan. Bahkan Summer liat mereka ciuman.. huff...
Supaya keliatan keren di depan David, Summer bohong kalau dia biasa lari jauh. Dan sialnya bokap Ann ngadain lomba maraton amal berhadiah $500 2 bulan lagi.
So, apakah Summer bisa menutupi kebohongannya di depan David atau engga?
Dan siapakah pemenang hati David, apakah Ann atau Summer?
Aku berhasil baca buku ini dalam hitungan jam saja. Dan terbayang jaman jaman sma dulu hehehe.... sulit membayangkan kalau ini biku karangan Julie Garwood yang biasa berat.. karena ini sangat snagat ringan... kali ini buku awal awal dia yah hehehehe...^.*
Ayahnya mempunyai toko tanaman dan berfikir kalo tanaman perlu diajak ngobrol supaya tumbuh bak...
ibunya pelupa karena kebanyakan yang harus diurus. Bahkan ibunya pernah belanja ke supermarket. Pas pulang puyeng nyariin belanjaan pas diinget inget ternyata belanjaannyaketinggalan di parkiran supermatketm belom dimasukin ke bagasi mobil... wkwkwkwkw... parah.com
Kakeknya seorang ilmuwan yang unik yang seneng menciptakan sesuatu yang inovatif di lab. Bawah tanahanya. Tapi dia paling suka main binggo dan ga ada yang bisa menghalanginya untuk pergi main setiap senin malam.
Adik summer, Michael, terobesi berat ingin menjadi superman. Jadi kemana mana dia pake handuk merah dan sepatu boot merah. Wkakaaka
Masalah baru muncul ketika seorang cool boy, David, muncul.
Summer dan David mulai dekat. Beberapa kali mereka pergi kencan. Bahkan David ngerasa nyaman di keluarga Summer.
Dan seperti biasa muncullah gil (gadis idaman lain) yang lebih dari segala galanya dari Summer. Ann kecentilan. Bahkan Summer liat mereka ciuman.. huff...
Supaya keliatan keren di depan David, Summer bohong kalau dia biasa lari jauh. Dan sialnya bokap Ann ngadain lomba maraton amal berhadiah $500 2 bulan lagi.
So, apakah Summer bisa menutupi kebohongannya di depan David atau engga?
Dan siapakah pemenang hati David, apakah Ann atau Summer?
Aku berhasil baca buku ini dalam hitungan jam saja. Dan terbayang jaman jaman sma dulu hehehe.... sulit membayangkan kalau ini biku karangan Julie Garwood yang biasa berat.. karena ini sangat snagat ringan... kali ini buku awal awal dia yah hehehehe...^.*
April 8, 2009
I finished reading the book.It teaches honesty!The highlighted part in here is that "you don't have to formulate lies (white lies or not) just to get someone's attention or just to be loved by others".One must be loved by someone for who she really is and not because of what she is and of what she has.It also introduces forgiveness and that it's never too late to realize your mistake."right the wrong, tis all"..
July 20, 2012
This was a sweet young adult novel. This is Garwood's first novel and it feels a bit dated. I still enjoyed it, however.
There is a romantic thread that rubs through the books, but the story is really about Summer's journey in finding herself.
There is a romantic thread that rubs through the books, but the story is really about Summer's journey in finding herself.
June 15, 2009
This is a delightful YA story from an established author. I'd definetly recommend it to any young girl. Besides being a beautiful story, it teaches not to lie.
March 1, 2010
I was addicted to this book, but at the same time it was so dumb and fast moving. I read it as a joke, and it was a joke in my mind.
August 6, 2024
Real sweet YA
August 8, 2017
3,5 stars
March 29, 2022
This is one of those young adult romances like I remember reading when I was younger. It felt true to life and a situation I could easily see anyone getting into. Sure, Summer is a 15 year-old girl, but I could see myself getting into a similar situation as a woman a couple of decades older.
Summer is a typical teenager. She wants to spend her summer vacation relaxing by the pool, earning some extra cash at the pizza parlor, and making a bunch of new friends. Instead, she is stuck taking care of her little brother. The bonus is that he has a gorgeous swimming instructor who actually takes an interest in her. She wants to impress David, and a little stretching of the truth ends up getting her into some potential trouble. Enter the grandfather who is slowly entering into dementia. He may be a little out of it here and there, but he is still full of sage advice that she takes to heart. Grandparents who care can be very wise and are almost easier to listen to than parents.
You can tell that this is an older story that is being re-released as an ebook. First, the kids refer to dating as "going together," which I don't even remember being said when I was in high school. Also, there is no talk of texting, Facebook, or other modern technology so frequently used by teens today. That is okay. That makes the story timeless. The gist of it holds true no matter what generation you're in.
Thank you to NetGalley for fulfilling my review request. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Summer is a typical teenager. She wants to spend her summer vacation relaxing by the pool, earning some extra cash at the pizza parlor, and making a bunch of new friends. Instead, she is stuck taking care of her little brother. The bonus is that he has a gorgeous swimming instructor who actually takes an interest in her. She wants to impress David, and a little stretching of the truth ends up getting her into some potential trouble. Enter the grandfather who is slowly entering into dementia. He may be a little out of it here and there, but he is still full of sage advice that she takes to heart. Grandparents who care can be very wise and are almost easier to listen to than parents.
You can tell that this is an older story that is being re-released as an ebook. First, the kids refer to dating as "going together," which I don't even remember being said when I was in high school. Also, there is no talk of texting, Facebook, or other modern technology so frequently used by teens today. That is okay. That makes the story timeless. The gist of it holds true no matter what generation you're in.
Thank you to NetGalley for fulfilling my review request. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 28, 2014
Fue divertido. Todo ese drama juvenil me exasperó un poco, pero es tan tonto que lo lees de todas formas.
La verdad, la idea de un romance de verano como este me gusta, no sé si éstos dos duraran forever after, pero la idea del primer amor siempre causa ternura, por lo tontos y torpes que solemos ser.
La verdad, la idea de un romance de verano como este me gusta, no sé si éstos dos duraran forever after, pero la idea del primer amor siempre causa ternura, por lo tontos y torpes que solemos ser.
July 21, 2009
Cheesy, but cute. :]
March 10, 2011
A good book(;
June 17, 2022
This is one of the most innocent, charming, and delightful young-adult titles I’ve read in years. Most of you will probably find it too schmaltzy or even cloying, but it appealed to me greatly.
Summer Matthews is 15 the summer her folks announce that she must stay at home and care for her aging grandpa and three-year-old brother who loves nothing more than dressing like superman however hot the day. She had big plans to work at a local pizza place with her best friend, Regina, where they would meet older guys and have the summer of a lifetime. Alas, Grandpa and the kid brother slammed that door closed.
But things look up when a young guy named David Marshall walks into the BINGO hall where Grandpa is playing his heart out and Summer is helping with the refreshments. David is smoking hot, and better still, he’s the guy who will be teaching Summer’s kid brother how to swim. Naturally, she must be poolside to at least supervise the kid from afar.
To her amazement, Summer realizes that David is attracted to her, miracle of miracles. He even fits in with her slightly crazed but loving family.
But when the local teen temptress moves in on David, Summer must do something to keep his attention. Learning that he’s a runner, she boasts about being a veteran runner herself. Never mind that Summer doesn’t even jog across the street. The author says Summer has the physique and body of an in-shape runner, but her mind isn’t part of that deal. That doesn’t stop her from desperately lying about it to keep David’s attention. Her scheme works—almost. David signs her up to run with him in what sounds like a half marathon race, and the winner limps home with a cool $500 in the pocket.
Naturally, Summer is horrified. She is especially horrified when David sternly lectures her one night about how he dislikes dishonest girls. He comes on strong; she comes to a sense of doom and loss. He won’t stay with her when he finds out, after all.
Summer confides her boy troubles in Grandpa, and the old Irishman, who dreams of going back to the old country for a long visit, is sure he has the cure for her problems. At his insistence, Summer begins running and training every morning early.
I fell in love with this book because there’s not a profane word in it. It is innocent and delightful. The kids in town have parties, but no one brings the elicit booze or drugs, nobody fills the bedrooms at the host house for a sleazy seven-minute wham-bam-who’s-next event. This is a book that could have been a Disney movie when Walt was alive and at the helm of the company. It’s just fun to read. None of the young people here are sexed-up and trashy. There’s lots of teenage angst in here, but my goodness, that’s perfectly understandable. Perhaps this isn’t a five-star plot, but it’s a five-star book because you can read it and not feel like the rising generation has nothing to offer. It’s genuinely fun to see Summer come of age and make the kind of internal as well as external changes that will assure a better brighter future. It’s so relaxing to read about a two-parent family that’s a bit zany and goofy, but very much in love.
The book is tiny. You’re done with it in an hour and three or four minutes at 2.62X. It’s a lovely break from all the mayhem and murder I’ve been reading lately and to which I’ll return in my next book. I needed the break.
Summer Matthews is 15 the summer her folks announce that she must stay at home and care for her aging grandpa and three-year-old brother who loves nothing more than dressing like superman however hot the day. She had big plans to work at a local pizza place with her best friend, Regina, where they would meet older guys and have the summer of a lifetime. Alas, Grandpa and the kid brother slammed that door closed.
But things look up when a young guy named David Marshall walks into the BINGO hall where Grandpa is playing his heart out and Summer is helping with the refreshments. David is smoking hot, and better still, he’s the guy who will be teaching Summer’s kid brother how to swim. Naturally, she must be poolside to at least supervise the kid from afar.
To her amazement, Summer realizes that David is attracted to her, miracle of miracles. He even fits in with her slightly crazed but loving family.
But when the local teen temptress moves in on David, Summer must do something to keep his attention. Learning that he’s a runner, she boasts about being a veteran runner herself. Never mind that Summer doesn’t even jog across the street. The author says Summer has the physique and body of an in-shape runner, but her mind isn’t part of that deal. That doesn’t stop her from desperately lying about it to keep David’s attention. Her scheme works—almost. David signs her up to run with him in what sounds like a half marathon race, and the winner limps home with a cool $500 in the pocket.
Naturally, Summer is horrified. She is especially horrified when David sternly lectures her one night about how he dislikes dishonest girls. He comes on strong; she comes to a sense of doom and loss. He won’t stay with her when he finds out, after all.
Summer confides her boy troubles in Grandpa, and the old Irishman, who dreams of going back to the old country for a long visit, is sure he has the cure for her problems. At his insistence, Summer begins running and training every morning early.
I fell in love with this book because there’s not a profane word in it. It is innocent and delightful. The kids in town have parties, but no one brings the elicit booze or drugs, nobody fills the bedrooms at the host house for a sleazy seven-minute wham-bam-who’s-next event. This is a book that could have been a Disney movie when Walt was alive and at the helm of the company. It’s just fun to read. None of the young people here are sexed-up and trashy. There’s lots of teenage angst in here, but my goodness, that’s perfectly understandable. Perhaps this isn’t a five-star plot, but it’s a five-star book because you can read it and not feel like the rising generation has nothing to offer. It’s genuinely fun to see Summer come of age and make the kind of internal as well as external changes that will assure a better brighter future. It’s so relaxing to read about a two-parent family that’s a bit zany and goofy, but very much in love.
The book is tiny. You’re done with it in an hour and three or four minutes at 2.62X. It’s a lovely break from all the mayhem and murder I’ve been reading lately and to which I’ll return in my next book. I needed the break.
September 11, 2022
While teaching in a middle school, I became interested in the books that are aimed at the young adult audience. Also, I frequently buy books for family members and some of them fall into the age range the author is trying to reach. So when a trusted friend and avid reader gave this high points, I added it to my "to read" list.
If you are of a certain age, you may suffer from what I call "the way we were" syndrome ′?s it's the laughter we will remember whenever we remember the way we were."′ I think that may be why I was captivated by this story of a young girl who learns a lot about herself while trying to impress a boy she is interested in. It is refreshing to read about a family that isn't dysfunctional by an author who isn't trying to include every single minority group known to mankind in one story. The plot is one that just about every adolescent ′and most other folks′ can relate to in one way or another.
I was hoping to discover what teens thought of this book. Unfortunately, only one review I found here seems to be from a member of that group. While this is a fun light read, it reY doesn't offer all that much of a plot. For those who are attracted to family stories or things about adolescent crushes, this is good enough that it will fit the bill. But if you or the teen you are purchasing for wants something memorble and substantive, this isn't it.
If you are of a certain age, you may suffer from what I call "the way we were" syndrome ′?s it's the laughter we will remember whenever we remember the way we were."′ I think that may be why I was captivated by this story of a young girl who learns a lot about herself while trying to impress a boy she is interested in. It is refreshing to read about a family that isn't dysfunctional by an author who isn't trying to include every single minority group known to mankind in one story. The plot is one that just about every adolescent ′and most other folks′ can relate to in one way or another.
I was hoping to discover what teens thought of this book. Unfortunately, only one review I found here seems to be from a member of that group. While this is a fun light read, it reY doesn't offer all that much of a plot. For those who are attracted to family stories or things about adolescent crushes, this is good enough that it will fit the bill. But if you or the teen you are purchasing for wants something memorble and substantive, this isn't it.
August 29, 2024
would categorize this as young adult but am not really sure how the average teenager would enjoy it as it is a bit preachy about not lying, basically a teenage girl has broken up with her previous boyfriend and hence dislikes the girl he went out with afterwards. She meets someone new and the same girl starts flirting with him, she and a group of her friends start a campaign to keep the boy and their lies and schemes keep backfiring. The boy seems to be more mature than the rest of the characters in the group and is just trying to do the right thing, now there is another problem he dislikes liars.
May 25, 2022
Original copy was gifted via Netgally on behalf of the author in exchange for an honest review. Final and read copy read via AfterPlay (my paid subscription).
Julie Garwood has become one of my favorite Historical Romance writers and I was curious to read her YA.
This was so wholesome. You learn that it's ok to just be you and THAT you is enough. This is definitely a different kind of YA than the ones you read today and I was here for it.
Julie Garwood has become one of my favorite Historical Romance writers and I was curious to read her YA.
This was so wholesome. You learn that it's ok to just be you and THAT you is enough. This is definitely a different kind of YA than the ones you read today and I was here for it.
January 20, 2023
I picked up this throwback for the Monthly Key Word Reading Challenge. At first I wasn't sure I'd enjoy it because of Summer's maturity level. But, she began to grow on me as she showed some growth. The romance was super sweet (and clean), but I think I enjoyed the relationship she and her love interest, David, had with her grandfather. Oh, and watching Summer become a runner and fall in love with it was awesome, too. 4 Stars
July 21, 2017
Loved it
April 6, 2018
simple, sweet and quick read
October 20, 2018
Quick read
A Girl Named Summer was a quick read that gave off summer vibes and an cute romance. I enjoyed rereading it
A Girl Named Summer was a quick read that gave off summer vibes and an cute romance. I enjoyed rereading it
May 18, 2019
An interesting Summer Story
This book is about challenges and love. How perception can ruin a happy ending love story between David and Summer!!!!!
This book is about challenges and love. How perception can ruin a happy ending love story between David and Summer!!!!!
May 8, 2020
Sweet and short teenage coming of age story.
July 1, 2020
Cute YA story.
August 10, 2020
s. 85 O celých pět liber
Tedy dolarů.
s. 48 ve spárách divoké kočky
s. 96 jakcpot
Tedy dolarů.
s. 48 ve spárách divoké kočky
s. 96 jakcpot
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August 27, 2020simple romance adult fiction for julia this a first in this doman
September 5, 2020
A sweet teenage roamnce that took me back to my high school days...
March 9, 2021
Cute quick read
April 19, 2021
It's such a cute short story...
I feel like getting up early tomorrow morning and start running...
Simple things can make your life beautiful.
I feel like getting up early tomorrow morning and start running...
Simple things can make your life beautiful.
June 11, 2021
A First Love to be Remembered
The story was sweet and clean just like young love should be! Good lessons to learnabout being honest and true to yourself!
The story was sweet and clean just like young love should be! Good lessons to learnabout being honest and true to yourself!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews