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Summer After Summer
A woman returns to her family's Hamptons beach house for a final time—and a final chance at the love she's lost before, in this contemporary retelling of Persuasion , perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Rebecca Serle.
Olivia Taylor's marriage is in a death spiral when she agrees to come home to the Hamptons to help her father and sisters pack up the family estate. If it looks like she’s running away from her soon-to-be-ex Wes and New York City, well, she is. But someone has to take care of things and that’s always been Olivia’s role in the family. After years of financial trouble, someone’s finally bailing them out with a huge offer to buy their beachfront property, which is a good thing, although it means losing the home she grew up in, where her mother died, and where she first met Fred, the love of her life.
It’s been five years since the last time things blew up between Olivia and Fred, but much longer since the first time. At this point, Olivia fears it was never meant to be, so there’s no reason to feel butterflies in her stomach at the idea of seeing him again. They’ve already tried, and tried again…and again…but she’s newly single, and she isn’t the same person she was the last time–and Fred has changed, too.
This time, things will be different. Maybe, just maybe, the fifth time’s the charm.
Olivia Taylor's marriage is in a death spiral when she agrees to come home to the Hamptons to help her father and sisters pack up the family estate. If it looks like she’s running away from her soon-to-be-ex Wes and New York City, well, she is. But someone has to take care of things and that’s always been Olivia’s role in the family. After years of financial trouble, someone’s finally bailing them out with a huge offer to buy their beachfront property, which is a good thing, although it means losing the home she grew up in, where her mother died, and where she first met Fred, the love of her life.
It’s been five years since the last time things blew up between Olivia and Fred, but much longer since the first time. At this point, Olivia fears it was never meant to be, so there’s no reason to feel butterflies in her stomach at the idea of seeing him again. They’ve already tried, and tried again…and again…but she’s newly single, and she isn’t the same person she was the last time–and Fred has changed, too.
This time, things will be different. Maybe, just maybe, the fifth time’s the charm.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published May 7, 2024
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7833 people want to read
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April 22, 2024
Summer After Summer by Lauren Bailey is a modern retelling of Jane Austen’s Persuasion. Olivia Taylor leaves her soon-to-be ex husband in NYC and heads to the Hamptons to help her father and sisters pack up their family estate. After many years of financial trouble, someone has finally purchased their sprawling beachfront property for an amount the family could not pass up. Packing up the estate will not be an easy task, it is the house they grew up in, the house their mother died in, and it holds a lifetime of memories including the time spent with her first love, Fred. Olivia doesn’t have the best relationship with her father and she and her sisters are not close, so naturally there is some family drama sprinkled in as well. It isn’t until she arrives back in the Hamptons that she finds out that Fred is the one who purchased the house. It has been 20 years since Olivia first met Fred on the beach and five years since their last interaction, which did not end well, but perhaps the fifth time’s the charm for them.
Fred and Olivia end up crossing paths every five years and through flashbacks to 2003, 2008, 2013, and 2018, the reader gets to experience all of their missed opportunities over the years. The chemistry between the MCs was evident as was their angst every time things didn’t work out. This book has a lovely cover, the possibility of a second chance romance, a very likable MMC, and takes place in a quaint beachside town, things that I enjoy in a summer read, but for me there were a few things that kept me from rating it higher. First of all Olivia, the FMC, came across as very immature and even petty at times. I would expect that in her teen years, but not as 36 year old woman. I understand her career as a tennis pro played a role in everything, but the very detailed tennis scenes felt like excess and not necessary to move the narrative forward. Lastly, the repetitive lack of communication between Olivia and Fred and self-sabotage was aggravating, but this is a personal issue since I find those to be one of my least favorite things when it comes to failed romances.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Megan Tusing, who skillfully portrayed a wide range of characters, making it effortless to distinguish between them, even as they aged. While her narration was generally excellent, there were moments when the narration felt excessively dramatic, which was disproportionate to the events in the story at the time. However, despite these minor critiques, the book has strong writing and an overall enjoyable narrative. I was emotionally invested in Olivia and Fred’s journey and was hoping for a happy ending for them. Overall, this was a solid debut novel and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a quick beach read. 3.5 stars 💫
My thanks to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion. Pub date: May 7, 2024.
Fred and Olivia end up crossing paths every five years and through flashbacks to 2003, 2008, 2013, and 2018, the reader gets to experience all of their missed opportunities over the years. The chemistry between the MCs was evident as was their angst every time things didn’t work out. This book has a lovely cover, the possibility of a second chance romance, a very likable MMC, and takes place in a quaint beachside town, things that I enjoy in a summer read, but for me there were a few things that kept me from rating it higher. First of all Olivia, the FMC, came across as very immature and even petty at times. I would expect that in her teen years, but not as 36 year old woman. I understand her career as a tennis pro played a role in everything, but the very detailed tennis scenes felt like excess and not necessary to move the narrative forward. Lastly, the repetitive lack of communication between Olivia and Fred and self-sabotage was aggravating, but this is a personal issue since I find those to be one of my least favorite things when it comes to failed romances.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Megan Tusing, who skillfully portrayed a wide range of characters, making it effortless to distinguish between them, even as they aged. While her narration was generally excellent, there were moments when the narration felt excessively dramatic, which was disproportionate to the events in the story at the time. However, despite these minor critiques, the book has strong writing and an overall enjoyable narrative. I was emotionally invested in Olivia and Fred’s journey and was hoping for a happy ending for them. Overall, this was a solid debut novel and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a quick beach read. 3.5 stars 💫
My thanks to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion. Pub date: May 7, 2024.
March 31, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and Alcove Press for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
Book Description: A woman returns to her family's Hamptons beach house for a final time—and a final chance at the love she's lost before, in this contemporary retelling of Persuasion..
As I have stated in many previous reviews, I am a sucker for a Jane Austen retelling. She is my literary queen. I also am a huge Persuasion fan. So this all combined for an Insta-click on NetGalley.
What I loved...
-The summer beach house setting is perfect for a romantic reunion.
- Fred was adorable.
- Young summer love flashbacks
What I didn't like
- The novel's pacing, sometimes I felt the plot was moving slowly and at other times, especially towards the end it was accelerating.
- Olivia wasn't a captivating protagonist. She was a very pale imitation of Anne Elliot.
-I wanted a little bit more of the present storyline. I wanted to FEEL that I wanted Fred and Olivia together. Instead, I received a love bombing that turned me off.
It's a real hit-and-miss for me.
Expected Publication Date 07/05/24
Goodreads Review 29/03/24
#SummerAfterSummer #NetGalley
Book Description: A woman returns to her family's Hamptons beach house for a final time—and a final chance at the love she's lost before, in this contemporary retelling of Persuasion..
As I have stated in many previous reviews, I am a sucker for a Jane Austen retelling. She is my literary queen. I also am a huge Persuasion fan. So this all combined for an Insta-click on NetGalley.
What I loved...
-The summer beach house setting is perfect for a romantic reunion.
- Fred was adorable.
- Young summer love flashbacks
What I didn't like
- The novel's pacing, sometimes I felt the plot was moving slowly and at other times, especially towards the end it was accelerating.
- Olivia wasn't a captivating protagonist. She was a very pale imitation of Anne Elliot.
-I wanted a little bit more of the present storyline. I wanted to FEEL that I wanted Fred and Olivia together. Instead, I received a love bombing that turned me off.
It's a real hit-and-miss for me.
Expected Publication Date 07/05/24
Goodreads Review 29/03/24
#SummerAfterSummer #NetGalley
September 16, 2023
This book had everything I typically love in a summer beach read: a coastal beach house, a past love returning, and intriguing family dynamics. While it had all the makings of a 5-star read, this one didn’t work for me. There was way too much back and forth, and the story dragged on too long, in my opinion. I can see this being a hit next summer, but it was not my cup of tea!
Thank you to Alcove Press and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
3 stars
Thank you to Alcove Press and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
3 stars
December 27, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and Alcove Press for the ARC!
I like the idea of this book, and enjoyed the alternating timelines. However, most of the characters (including the FMC and MMC) frustrated me, and I was not a fan of their personalities or actions, which put a damper on the story for me.
There are some plot holes, mistakes (I spotted a couple of instances where names were switched around), grammatical issues and spelling error, but hopefully those smaller things will be fixed before the public release.
Overall, I think this book was a bit slow, and the banter wasn’t my favourite (but I’m usually not a fan of insta-love, so maybe that’s why). Story has potential and I loved the tie in with tennis… gave me Carrie Soto vibes! While I didn’t quite enjoy the book overall, still have to congratulate the author for her debut novel… it’s a big accomplishment!
I like the idea of this book, and enjoyed the alternating timelines. However, most of the characters (including the FMC and MMC) frustrated me, and I was not a fan of their personalities or actions, which put a damper on the story for me.
There are some plot holes, mistakes (I spotted a couple of instances where names were switched around), grammatical issues and spelling error, but hopefully those smaller things will be fixed before the public release.
Overall, I think this book was a bit slow, and the banter wasn’t my favourite (but I’m usually not a fan of insta-love, so maybe that’s why). Story has potential and I loved the tie in with tennis… gave me Carrie Soto vibes! While I didn’t quite enjoy the book overall, still have to congratulate the author for her debut novel… it’s a big accomplishment!
September 21, 2023
Summer after Summer is a retelling of Jane Austen's Persuasion and even though I've never read Persuasion, the book was quite good! It definitely is a sweet and cute classic story set in a modern day setting. The book had really interesting family dynamics. Some of the characters irked me but that was okay. The dual timeline between the past and present was really good and gave depth to the book as well. I really loved the author's writing style and even though I am giving this book 3 stars I still really enjoyed it and look forward to their future works!
Thank you Netgalley and Alcove Press for this ARC!
Thank you Netgalley and Alcove Press for this ARC!
September 9, 2023
Absolutely loved this novel by Lauren Bailey! It was delightful from start to finish. Loved the MC and her complicated relationship with a man from her past that is suddenly in her present. Pick this one up!
June 13, 2024
Audiobook Review: Thank you to Net Galley and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
What I liked:
- I enjoyed the narrator in this audiobook, she did a great job throughout its entirety.
- I loved the twist on Jane Austen's Persuasion, and I do feel like this story did a good job reflecting similarities in a modern day twist.
- Though the ending was faster paced, I didn't mind it too much, actually was refreshing, as the middle of the book dragged a bit.
- The complex family dynamics were done well.
What I didn't like:
- As I said the pacing was SO tough, and that is strange for an audiobook.
- The story and all the flashbacks were a bit confusing at times.
- I wasn't sold on our MMC love interest, I wish I was rooting for him more.
I would still say this might be a great beach read for the summer !
What I liked:
- I enjoyed the narrator in this audiobook, she did a great job throughout its entirety.
- I loved the twist on Jane Austen's Persuasion, and I do feel like this story did a good job reflecting similarities in a modern day twist.
- Though the ending was faster paced, I didn't mind it too much, actually was refreshing, as the middle of the book dragged a bit.
- The complex family dynamics were done well.
What I didn't like:
- As I said the pacing was SO tough, and that is strange for an audiobook.
- The story and all the flashbacks were a bit confusing at times.
- I wasn't sold on our MMC love interest, I wish I was rooting for him more.
I would still say this might be a great beach read for the summer !
September 22, 2023
2.5 stars at best
I stopped reading this around the 50% mark.
Olivia is turning 35 and returns to her childhood home that her father has decided to sale. Olivia is recently separated from her husband and it turns out the man that bought her old home is none other than her childhood love, Fred.
The first part of the book was nice, it was very hallmark movie in essence and I could see how it would develop. What started to get to me were the glaring amount of plot holes that may or may not get addressed. Her father and older sister don't work and her family ran out of money years ago. So how are those two still functioning off of anything other than social welfare and its been established that they live an affluent lifestyle? Her divorce isn't finalized, what'll happen when they split assets and the ex husband discovers Olivia just made 5 million dollars?
What caused me to put the book down was the amount of sheer pettiness in the main character Olivia. This is a grown woman, why is she wearing a dress from her 16th birthday? Why is she pulling out an old charm bracelet just to mess with the MMC. Also the MMC is being mature and dating another woman. Why cant they just be adults about the whole situation?
I found the whole situation to be off putting and can not bring myself to finish this book at the moment. It could just be the cynic in me. This is good for romance readers looking for a light summer read. The story is told in past and present starting from when Olivia first met Fred to the current date.
I stopped reading this around the 50% mark.
Olivia is turning 35 and returns to her childhood home that her father has decided to sale. Olivia is recently separated from her husband and it turns out the man that bought her old home is none other than her childhood love, Fred.
The first part of the book was nice, it was very hallmark movie in essence and I could see how it would develop. What started to get to me were the glaring amount of plot holes that may or may not get addressed. Her father and older sister don't work and her family ran out of money years ago. So how are those two still functioning off of anything other than social welfare and its been established that they live an affluent lifestyle? Her divorce isn't finalized, what'll happen when they split assets and the ex husband discovers Olivia just made 5 million dollars?
What caused me to put the book down was the amount of sheer pettiness in the main character Olivia. This is a grown woman, why is she wearing a dress from her 16th birthday? Why is she pulling out an old charm bracelet just to mess with the MMC. Also the MMC is being mature and dating another woman. Why cant they just be adults about the whole situation?
I found the whole situation to be off putting and can not bring myself to finish this book at the moment. It could just be the cynic in me. This is good for romance readers looking for a light summer read. The story is told in past and present starting from when Olivia first met Fred to the current date.
October 20, 2023
Summer After Summer pulled me in and kept me invested in a quick binge read.
It’s a modern romance retelling of Jane Austen’s novel called Persuasion, which is not one that I’ve read. However, having read some of Austen’s other work I can relate to the angst this one stirred up in me!
We see classic communication issues between the two main characters, but a lot of steam when they come together. That keeps you invested to make it through all the other frustration! Lol. Duo timelines show the past and present relations as the family prepares to sell their massive beach house.
Even though I haven’t read Persuasion, it felt like I’ve read a similar story before. It reminded me of Every Summer After and also had some CoHo vibes.
Overall, this was a solid debut! Many thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. Summer After Summer is set to drop on 5/7/24. Just in time for summer and a nice beach read.☀️
It’s a modern romance retelling of Jane Austen’s novel called Persuasion, which is not one that I’ve read. However, having read some of Austen’s other work I can relate to the angst this one stirred up in me!
We see classic communication issues between the two main characters, but a lot of steam when they come together. That keeps you invested to make it through all the other frustration! Lol. Duo timelines show the past and present relations as the family prepares to sell their massive beach house.
Even though I haven’t read Persuasion, it felt like I’ve read a similar story before. It reminded me of Every Summer After and also had some CoHo vibes.
Overall, this was a solid debut! Many thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. Summer After Summer is set to drop on 5/7/24. Just in time for summer and a nice beach read.☀️
May 5, 2024
Ohhh I wanted to love this one so bad!
This story has all the pieces to make a great summer romance - second chance romance, young summer love, family drama… but this one seems to have fallen a little flat for me!
What I loved:
- FRED!!
- The tennis elements, such a fun way to add a dynamic to the story!
What I didn’t love:
- the FMC … maybe it was just the way the narrator spoke in the audiobook but she felt… whiny and immature!
- With all the back and forth timelines, I felt myself getting confused. I also felt like there was a little TOO much in the past to the point where the story began to feel a little YA!
Overall, I enjoyed listening to this one and I am super excited to see what Lauren Bailey writes next!
This story has all the pieces to make a great summer romance - second chance romance, young summer love, family drama… but this one seems to have fallen a little flat for me!
What I loved:
- FRED!!
- The tennis elements, such a fun way to add a dynamic to the story!
What I didn’t love:
- the FMC … maybe it was just the way the narrator spoke in the audiobook but she felt… whiny and immature!
- With all the back and forth timelines, I felt myself getting confused. I also felt like there was a little TOO much in the past to the point where the story began to feel a little YA!
Overall, I enjoyed listening to this one and I am super excited to see what Lauren Bailey writes next!
April 18, 2024
3 stars
Thank you to NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
This book was okay, there wasn't really anything super special nor was there anything that made it a "bad book", there just wasn't much that made the story stand out.
It was just your typical coastal romance book revolving around a house and old past love with some family drama.
The characters were pretty realistic and all had their own issues which I liked, even though some of the characters weren't likeable lol
It was a really fast read and I still couldn't put it down.
The book was still enjoyable and I would still love to read more books from this author
Thank you to NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
This book was okay, there wasn't really anything super special nor was there anything that made it a "bad book", there just wasn't much that made the story stand out.
It was just your typical coastal romance book revolving around a house and old past love with some family drama.
The characters were pretty realistic and all had their own issues which I liked, even though some of the characters weren't likeable lol
It was a really fast read and I still couldn't put it down.
The book was still enjoyable and I would still love to read more books from this author
May 4, 2024
I'm realizing, after many lackluster reads, that I really don't enjoy retellings that much. :/
I usually love a multiple timeline, summer second chance romance, but I think this fell really flat as both a modern retelling of Persuasion and a swoony beach read. I don't think I liked a single character in this story, and I really wasn't even invested in Olivia and Fred's journey throughout the story or their eventual reconciliation. I felt myself rolling my eyes and speeding up the audio narration (read by a narrator I didn't really connect with) to get it finished.
A unsatisfactory read for me overall.
*Also, it really grated on me how much this book mentioned size and weight. It was past the point of relating to the characters. Way too much icky weight, diet, shape, and eating habit talk. No thanks!
Thank you to Netgalley, Alcove Press, and Dreamscape Media for the e-ARC and ALC in exchange for my honest, unbiased review. SUMMER AFTER SUMMER is out May 7th, 2024.
I usually love a multiple timeline, summer second chance romance, but I think this fell really flat as both a modern retelling of Persuasion and a swoony beach read. I don't think I liked a single character in this story, and I really wasn't even invested in Olivia and Fred's journey throughout the story or their eventual reconciliation. I felt myself rolling my eyes and speeding up the audio narration (read by a narrator I didn't really connect with) to get it finished.
A unsatisfactory read for me overall.
*Also, it really grated on me how much this book mentioned size and weight. It was past the point of relating to the characters. Way too much icky weight, diet, shape, and eating habit talk. No thanks!
Thank you to Netgalley, Alcove Press, and Dreamscape Media for the e-ARC and ALC in exchange for my honest, unbiased review. SUMMER AFTER SUMMER is out May 7th, 2024.
February 11, 2024
This debut author hit it out of the park! For those Jane Austen fans out there—enjoy the parallels and breadcrumbs that are quietly behind the scenes of this retelling of Persuasion.
May 8, 2024
"Summer After Summer" by Lauren Bailey, narrated by Megan Tusing, offers a dual timeline narrative that delves into the complex romance between Olivia and Fred. While I found the flashback scenes engaging and compelling, I struggled to connect with the characters in the present-day storyline. Some moments were captivating, but others left me wanting more depth and development. However, the narration enhanced the experience, adding depth to the characters and bringing the story to life.
Despite not fully clicking with the overall plot, I can see how this "then and now" tale would appeal to many listeners seeking a nostalgic romance. Overall, "Summer After Summer" is a decent listen that may resonate more with fans of fulfilled romantic stories.
Very grateful to the publisher for my ALC, opinions are my own.
Despite not fully clicking with the overall plot, I can see how this "then and now" tale would appeal to many listeners seeking a nostalgic romance. Overall, "Summer After Summer" is a decent listen that may resonate more with fans of fulfilled romantic stories.
Very grateful to the publisher for my ALC, opinions are my own.
May 6, 2024
Thank you Netgalley and Alcove Press for the Audio ARC!!!
Summer After Summer was a cute book overall. I didnt overly love it but I really did enjoy it. This story was such a classic sweet story. Going from past to present with different pov/timelines gave the story more depth and understanding.
It wasnt a deep emotional love story so that is what held me back a little from enjoying it more. I didnt feel very connected to the characters and it didnt really hit me emotionally.
This was a really cute story if you are looking for a lighthearted romance with a little bit of drama. It was an easy read/listen. I listened on audio and Megan Tusing is a great narrator.
Summer After Summer was a cute book overall. I didnt overly love it but I really did enjoy it. This story was such a classic sweet story. Going from past to present with different pov/timelines gave the story more depth and understanding.
It wasnt a deep emotional love story so that is what held me back a little from enjoying it more. I didnt feel very connected to the characters and it didnt really hit me emotionally.
This was a really cute story if you are looking for a lighthearted romance with a little bit of drama. It was an easy read/listen. I listened on audio and Megan Tusing is a great narrator.
August 18, 2024
Genre: Romance/Contemporary Fiction
Format: Audio
4.5🌟 - I really liked it!
@bookedwithmarissa raved about this one and 💯 influenced me to pick this one up! Right person wrong time, second-chance romance, nostalgia, tennis vibes, and all the family drama!! I loved the dual timeline and seeing the story build summer after summer 💕.
If you’re a fan of Talking at Night, One Day, Every Summer After, and Persuasion check this one out!
Format: Audio
4.5🌟 - I really liked it!
@bookedwithmarissa raved about this one and 💯 influenced me to pick this one up! Right person wrong time, second-chance romance, nostalgia, tennis vibes, and all the family drama!! I loved the dual timeline and seeing the story build summer after summer 💕.
If you’re a fan of Talking at Night, One Day, Every Summer After, and Persuasion check this one out!
October 27, 2024
This book was ok, I didn’t love the female main character. The storyline was decent, the ending with it being a who done it mystery was a bit clunky. This book has changing timelines, which can be difficult to follow.
April 30, 2024
It was a good listen. I predicted the twist, but it didn’t make the book any less good.
May 8, 2024
I didn’t read the synopsis at all and just decided to request this off the title and pretty cover. I regret nothing! 😂 I got very lucky going into this one blind, it was a good romance AND was a retelling of Persuasion! I loved Persuasion!
The characters were likable, the romance was dramatic at times, and there supporting characters all brought something special to the table. I also like that there was a tiny bit of an unknown factor in the mix that added extra intrigue to the storyline. I love a good retelling and this was a delightful twist on the classic.
If you love Jane Austen and you’re looking for a romance with light to moderate spice then add it to your list!
𝗣𝘂𝗯 𝗱𝗮𝘆: 𝗬𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆!
𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 𝟰/𝟱⭐️
Thank you Dreamscape Media for the alc via Netgalley!
The characters were likable, the romance was dramatic at times, and there supporting characters all brought something special to the table. I also like that there was a tiny bit of an unknown factor in the mix that added extra intrigue to the storyline. I love a good retelling and this was a delightful twist on the classic.
If you love Jane Austen and you’re looking for a romance with light to moderate spice then add it to your list!
𝗣𝘂𝗯 𝗱𝗮𝘆: 𝗬𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆!
𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 𝟰/𝟱⭐️
Thank you Dreamscape Media for the alc via Netgalley!
August 31, 2023
Synopsis (From Netgalley, the provider of the book to review)
*******************************************************
A woman returns to her family's Hamptons beach house for a final time—and a final chance at the love she's lost before, in this contemporary retelling of Persuasion, perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Rebecca Serle.
Olivia Taylor’s marriage is in a death spiral when she agrees to come home to the Hamptons to help her father and sisters pack up the family estate. If it looks like she’s running away from her soon-to-be-ex Wes and New York City, well, she is. But someone has to take care of things and that’s always been Olivia’s role in the family. After years of financial trouble, someone’s finally bailing them out with a huge offer to buy their beachfront property, which is a good thing, although it means losing the home she grew up in, where her mother died, and where she first met Fred, the love of her life.
It’s been five years since the last time things blew up between Olivia and Fred, but much longer since the first time. At this point, Olivia fears it was never meant to be, so there’s no reason to feel butterflies in her stomach at the idea of seeing him again. They’ve already tried, and tried again…and again…but she’s newly single, and she isn’t the same person she was the last time–and Fred has changed, too.
This time, things will be different. Maybe, just maybe, the fifth time’s the charm.
School is not even back in Canada, and I already have a beach book for 2024???? WOWZA…I was decidedly in the mood for one as I go on vacation in 2 weeks but not to a beach: another return to my beloved Montreal.
You might scare some people off with the mention of it being a re-work of Jane Austen’s book as most people looking for beach books want frothy reads. Nonetheless, it was an enjoyable romp in the sand – we all deserve a second (or fifth) chance at love and people will inhale this book as it was utterly enjoyable. I enjoyed it this summer, you can enjoy it next – just wear your sunscreen as you may lose track of time and get a burn. Skin cancer is no joke.
(Would I give the same person a fifth try? Probably not but Olivia and Fred have something special there .. a love we all dream of!)
#shortbutsweetreviews
*******************************************************
A woman returns to her family's Hamptons beach house for a final time—and a final chance at the love she's lost before, in this contemporary retelling of Persuasion, perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Rebecca Serle.
Olivia Taylor’s marriage is in a death spiral when she agrees to come home to the Hamptons to help her father and sisters pack up the family estate. If it looks like she’s running away from her soon-to-be-ex Wes and New York City, well, she is. But someone has to take care of things and that’s always been Olivia’s role in the family. After years of financial trouble, someone’s finally bailing them out with a huge offer to buy their beachfront property, which is a good thing, although it means losing the home she grew up in, where her mother died, and where she first met Fred, the love of her life.
It’s been five years since the last time things blew up between Olivia and Fred, but much longer since the first time. At this point, Olivia fears it was never meant to be, so there’s no reason to feel butterflies in her stomach at the idea of seeing him again. They’ve already tried, and tried again…and again…but she’s newly single, and she isn’t the same person she was the last time–and Fred has changed, too.
This time, things will be different. Maybe, just maybe, the fifth time’s the charm.
School is not even back in Canada, and I already have a beach book for 2024???? WOWZA…I was decidedly in the mood for one as I go on vacation in 2 weeks but not to a beach: another return to my beloved Montreal.
You might scare some people off with the mention of it being a re-work of Jane Austen’s book as most people looking for beach books want frothy reads. Nonetheless, it was an enjoyable romp in the sand – we all deserve a second (or fifth) chance at love and people will inhale this book as it was utterly enjoyable. I enjoyed it this summer, you can enjoy it next – just wear your sunscreen as you may lose track of time and get a burn. Skin cancer is no joke.
(Would I give the same person a fifth try? Probably not but Olivia and Fred have something special there .. a love we all dream of!)
#shortbutsweetreviews
August 27, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley and Alcove Press for this advance readers copy, in exchange for an honest review. Summer After Summer is marketed as a contemporary retelling of Jane Austen’s Persuasion and it certainly hits the mark on that. This story tells the romance of Olivia and Fred, who meet as teenagers on a beach in the Hamptons and from that point, are set on a course of true (but ill fated) love on and off throughout their lives. It all culminates to a summer in the Hamptons years later, where Fred and Olivia’s stories cross again for a seemingly final will they or won’t they?
This book captured a great many details from Persuasion and in my opinion, I thought accomplished its goal in being a cute modern day twist on the classic story. The dual timelines kept the story moving and propelled it forward enough to retain my interest; there were points where it felt a bit slow and where I wished we could just move forward (this pace definitely worked better for Austen and customs of the 19th century). But, this was a great summer read! There were some points where the writing felt a little at odds with the contemporary flair/writing/references in the story but, it was easy enough to look past. The characters also clearly got in their own way and had me shaking my head a bit but, I get where the author was going with it and where she was drawing from!
Overall, I’d recommend this book for romance fans and for fans of Jane Austen retellings. It made me want to pick up Persuasion again so, that should say something!
This book captured a great many details from Persuasion and in my opinion, I thought accomplished its goal in being a cute modern day twist on the classic story. The dual timelines kept the story moving and propelled it forward enough to retain my interest; there were points where it felt a bit slow and where I wished we could just move forward (this pace definitely worked better for Austen and customs of the 19th century). But, this was a great summer read! There were some points where the writing felt a little at odds with the contemporary flair/writing/references in the story but, it was easy enough to look past. The characters also clearly got in their own way and had me shaking my head a bit but, I get where the author was going with it and where she was drawing from!
Overall, I’d recommend this book for romance fans and for fans of Jane Austen retellings. It made me want to pick up Persuasion again so, that should say something!
September 5, 2023
Thanks to Netgalley and Alcove Press for a review copy of this book. With echoes of Paper Palace and Every Summer After, this novel unfolds around summers in the Hamptons and the complicated and painful relationship between Olivia and Fred from the time they were in their teens until the present.
Olivia must return to the Hamptons now and clean out her childhood home before it’s sold off. After a promising pro tennis career that hit the rails, Olivia teaches children and with the summer off she is the perfect person to clear out the family home instead of her self absorbed father, her pretentious socialite sister, or her other sister who is always caught up in some family drama with her own children and husband. Olivia is reluctant to return to the Hamptons, the place where so much heartache occurred. And now, after discovering her husband Wes has been cheating on her, she finds it even more difficult to return to the place where her biggest heartache began. She tries to comfort herself into thinking that the time away from Wes will enable her to regroup and form a life without him. In the Hamptons, though, she finds more than her difficult and hapless father, her frequently absent sisters, she finds her past decisions confronting her not just in the objects she clears away, the tennis that seems to reach out and grab her, but in the very presence of Fred who is there for more reasons than a coincidence.
The novel is described as inspired by Jane Austen’s Persuasion, a personal favourite of mine, and so I was interested to see how the author would handle it. I was pleased to see that my hopes weren’t disappointed and in fact the story, characters and setting were handled with real skill to create a wonderful, absorbing story that I enjoyed immensely. The characters have depth and the scenes are well drawn as was the setting. I will definitely look out for other books by this author.
Olivia must return to the Hamptons now and clean out her childhood home before it’s sold off. After a promising pro tennis career that hit the rails, Olivia teaches children and with the summer off she is the perfect person to clear out the family home instead of her self absorbed father, her pretentious socialite sister, or her other sister who is always caught up in some family drama with her own children and husband. Olivia is reluctant to return to the Hamptons, the place where so much heartache occurred. And now, after discovering her husband Wes has been cheating on her, she finds it even more difficult to return to the place where her biggest heartache began. She tries to comfort herself into thinking that the time away from Wes will enable her to regroup and form a life without him. In the Hamptons, though, she finds more than her difficult and hapless father, her frequently absent sisters, she finds her past decisions confronting her not just in the objects she clears away, the tennis that seems to reach out and grab her, but in the very presence of Fred who is there for more reasons than a coincidence.
The novel is described as inspired by Jane Austen’s Persuasion, a personal favourite of mine, and so I was interested to see how the author would handle it. I was pleased to see that my hopes weren’t disappointed and in fact the story, characters and setting were handled with real skill to create a wonderful, absorbing story that I enjoyed immensely. The characters have depth and the scenes are well drawn as was the setting. I will definitely look out for other books by this author.
April 27, 2024
This is a review ONLY for the Persuasion obsessed people.
I am sucker for Persuasion adaptations. I have read 3 or 4 of them just the year. I love all Persuasion adaptations. But this one is a no for me. I feel like the author and I read different versions of Persuasion.
In this adaptation, Anne is Olivia. She is going through a divorce while her family is retranching from their house in the Hamptons. Wentworth is Fred, a boy who went into the army to be able to afford school and that's how we got rich.
I feel that a couple of the changes made in this book kind of defeat the main plotline of the real persuasion. The first one is that Olivia and Fred reconnected at different points in time (every 5 years). So where is the guarantee that this time it will stick? Second, Fred is super toxic in this version. Most of the times that they get together he is trying to convince her to quit her career (Is that how the author sees Wentworth in the original Persuasion?), maybe in the original he is pushy at first, but nor later, in the adaptation I was rooting for her to be single in the end. This isn't what you want from a Persuasion adaptation. The second one is that Anne having a previous takes away from the idea that she was pining for him for all these years, which is a major plot in persuasion!
I received the audiobook of this book as an ARC and the narrator is amazing! She does an amazing job of interpreting different characters.
My thanks to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
September 13, 2024
First I just HAVE to mention the cover, it's gorgeous!
Now, when I found this book I was super excited because I love Persuasion. The synopsis was exciting too, it seemed like the perfect book for summer.
Unfortunately, I didn't like it that much. I just couldn't root for them.
It was a light read tho, I'll give it that.
Now, when I found this book I was super excited because I love Persuasion. The synopsis was exciting too, it seemed like the perfect book for summer.
Unfortunately, I didn't like it that much. I just couldn't root for them.
It was a light read tho, I'll give it that.
April 25, 2024
Tennis and second chance romances in the form of a retelling of Persuasion, two of the things that bring me joy. What more can I ask for?
There is no shortage of nostalgic second chance romances with Summer in the title and I’m here for all of them. This may be for fans of Every Summer After (by Carley Fortune) and Same Time Next Summer (by Annabel Monaghan).
While this book had its charms (literally and figuratively) and did not disappoint, this did not blow me away either, just enough liking for me to finish. The antics and the drama toward the ending made this one suffer a bit for me as well.
I loved the writing and would probably still be on the lookout for Bailey’s next books as this is her debut. However, I guess having read a bunch of books with these similar themes, I don’t think this stood out.
Thank you to Alcove Press, NetGalley and the author for my early copy. All opinions are honest and my own.
There is no shortage of nostalgic second chance romances with Summer in the title and I’m here for all of them. This may be for fans of Every Summer After (by Carley Fortune) and Same Time Next Summer (by Annabel Monaghan).
While this book had its charms (literally and figuratively) and did not disappoint, this did not blow me away either, just enough liking for me to finish. The antics and the drama toward the ending made this one suffer a bit for me as well.
I loved the writing and would probably still be on the lookout for Bailey’s next books as this is her debut. However, I guess having read a bunch of books with these similar themes, I don’t think this stood out.
Thank you to Alcove Press, NetGalley and the author for my early copy. All opinions are honest and my own.
May 16, 2024
If you enjoyed Every Summer After by Carley Fortune, Summer After Summer by Lauren Bailey might be right up your alley.
This book offers a second chance at romance with a dual timeline, featuring star-crossed lovers Fred and Olivia. They meet at a young age, around sixteen, and come up with a five-year plan when they realize their relationship might not survive their current circumstances. However, before they can see it through, everything falls apart. Throughout the years, they find themselves crossing paths every few years or so, but the timing is never quite right.
Olivia returns home after a long absence, prompted by her father's need to sell the family estate in the Hamptons following her mother's passing and his own financial troubles.
The twist near the end of the story pleasantly surprised me; I had my suspicions but couldn't quite predict the outcome, which added to the enjoyment.
One aspect I particularly appreciated was the portrayal of Olivia as a female athlete. As a young tennis player pursuing a professional career, her journey was inspiring to witness, as she worked tirelessly to achieve her dreams.
While I found Fred to be an endearing character, with his flaws and questionable choices, I couldn't help but wish for more depth and character development for Olivia. Her lack of relationships with her family members was somewhat intriguing and I would have loved delving deeper into these dynamics.
Megan Tusing delivered a solid performance in narrating the book, but it didn't particularly stand out. While there were no issues with the narration itself, I couldn't help but wonder if the single point-of-view nature of the book affected Tusing's performance, especially considering Olivia's somewhat whiny persona.
Overall, "Summer After Summer" was an engaging read, and I'm grateful to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC.
This book offers a second chance at romance with a dual timeline, featuring star-crossed lovers Fred and Olivia. They meet at a young age, around sixteen, and come up with a five-year plan when they realize their relationship might not survive their current circumstances. However, before they can see it through, everything falls apart. Throughout the years, they find themselves crossing paths every few years or so, but the timing is never quite right.
Olivia returns home after a long absence, prompted by her father's need to sell the family estate in the Hamptons following her mother's passing and his own financial troubles.
The twist near the end of the story pleasantly surprised me; I had my suspicions but couldn't quite predict the outcome, which added to the enjoyment.
One aspect I particularly appreciated was the portrayal of Olivia as a female athlete. As a young tennis player pursuing a professional career, her journey was inspiring to witness, as she worked tirelessly to achieve her dreams.
While I found Fred to be an endearing character, with his flaws and questionable choices, I couldn't help but wish for more depth and character development for Olivia. Her lack of relationships with her family members was somewhat intriguing and I would have loved delving deeper into these dynamics.
Megan Tusing delivered a solid performance in narrating the book, but it didn't particularly stand out. While there were no issues with the narration itself, I couldn't help but wonder if the single point-of-view nature of the book affected Tusing's performance, especially considering Olivia's somewhat whiny persona.
Overall, "Summer After Summer" was an engaging read, and I'm grateful to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC.
May 7, 2024
This had everything I love in a book- small beach town, coastal beach house, summer romance. I loved the way the story unfolded with the dual timeline as it went on you got a little more detail on Fred and Olivia’s twenty year story. Olivia and her sisters return to their Southampton Beach house to help their dad prep it for sale. Olivia jumps at the opportunity it’s to return to the house she loves and leave her cheating husband behind. When she gets to the beach house she soon finds out the buyer happens to be her first love she is not to happy. The story unfolds and you get a little of their beginning, middle and end of their story. This was such a fun a d entertaining debut novel. The audiobook is beautifully narrated by Megan Tusing. She does a really great job with the emotions and feeling of the story. Many thanks to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the digital review copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
October 11, 2023
Summer After Summer is the debut novel of Lauren Bailey, and it is a modern day retelling of Jane Austen’s Persuasion. I am always intrigued by retelling of Jane Austen’s works, and I was excited to pick this one up.
At first, I was sure this would be a 4 star read. The beginning was compelling and I liked the shifts back and forward in time. However, I think the story got a little bogged down in the tennis elements and the second half of the book dragged a bit.
The writing was excellent. I would definitely keep an eye out for another book by this author based on the quality of the writing alone. The book also captured the wistfulness of the original work. The setting was very vibrant and really came to life (and made me wish it was still summer!). Overall it was a solid debut.
At first, I was sure this would be a 4 star read. The beginning was compelling and I liked the shifts back and forward in time. However, I think the story got a little bogged down in the tennis elements and the second half of the book dragged a bit.
The writing was excellent. I would definitely keep an eye out for another book by this author based on the quality of the writing alone. The book also captured the wistfulness of the original work. The setting was very vibrant and really came to life (and made me wish it was still summer!). Overall it was a solid debut.
February 16, 2024
Really well written reunited romance.
No graphic sex scenes, just some suggested moments. So if you are looking for lots of spice this isn't the book for you. But if you are looking for a good story this is the place.
You will find love along with the main characters as we flash back and forth from current events to their past in Summer after Summer. The challenges they face in the timing of their love story is perfectly woven into the current events of closing up the family home for sale and saying goodbye to a ton of memories.
Will this be the time that they connect and live happily ever after? She's recently separated from a cheating spouse, but he's dating someone new. It looks like their timing as usual is not right, but maybe not........
No graphic sex scenes, just some suggested moments. So if you are looking for lots of spice this isn't the book for you. But if you are looking for a good story this is the place.
You will find love along with the main characters as we flash back and forth from current events to their past in Summer after Summer. The challenges they face in the timing of their love story is perfectly woven into the current events of closing up the family home for sale and saying goodbye to a ton of memories.
Will this be the time that they connect and live happily ever after? She's recently separated from a cheating spouse, but he's dating someone new. It looks like their timing as usual is not right, but maybe not........
March 27, 2024
Olivia Taylor is heading to her home to help her family clean the house out. It's being sold and her father and sister will have to move out. Her husband Wes and her are having marital problems so she packs her stuff up and moves out. She will decide after the summer where she will live. The house is worth a lot of money and they family will each received a nice sum of money.
Olivia meets Fred when they were 15 and 17; over the years they have tried to have a relationship that always seems to blow up. Well Fred is the buyer of her home; seems no one thought to tell her.
This story spans a 20-year relationship of Fred and Olivia. Her friends and family have always interfered in their relationship and now after all the years where is it going this time.
Olivia meets Fred when they were 15 and 17; over the years they have tried to have a relationship that always seems to blow up. Well Fred is the buyer of her home; seems no one thought to tell her.
This story spans a 20-year relationship of Fred and Olivia. Her friends and family have always interfered in their relationship and now after all the years where is it going this time.
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