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One Girl, One Summer: An emotional pageturner with dark secrets that will take your breath away
Some summers cast long shadows...
On a peaceful hilltop campsite in the heat of summer, a private plane crash-lands. Several are killed, and many more lives are shattered - including those of the Gale family who own the site. For single parent Cathy Gale, her everyday struggles are eclipsed by the tragedy, as her boy Albie is one of the victims. He hangs onto life, while 18-year-old sister Nell, who was meant to be looking after him, is overcome with guilt.
As DS Ali Samson leads the investigation, locals are scandalised to learn that the amnesiac pilot has plans to stay on in the community. As dark secrets come to light, teenager Nell goes into freefall. What is it she's so desperate to conceal? And exactly who is the Unknown Pilot?
Isabel Ashdown returns with her latest heart-stopping thriller
Follow the conversation #Weathering
On a peaceful hilltop campsite in the heat of summer, a private plane crash-lands. Several are killed, and many more lives are shattered - including those of the Gale family who own the site. For single parent Cathy Gale, her everyday struggles are eclipsed by the tragedy, as her boy Albie is one of the victims. He hangs onto life, while 18-year-old sister Nell, who was meant to be looking after him, is overcome with guilt.
As DS Ali Samson leads the investigation, locals are scandalised to learn that the amnesiac pilot has plans to stay on in the community. As dark secrets come to light, teenager Nell goes into freefall. What is it she's so desperate to conceal? And exactly who is the Unknown Pilot?
Isabel Ashdown returns with her latest heart-stopping thriller
Follow the conversation #Weathering
- GenresFiction
335 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2024
11 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
Isabel Ashdown
15 books255 followersIsabel Ashdown is an award-winning author and writing coach. 'One Girl, One Summer' is her tenth novel.
Isabel’s writing career launched with her critically acclaimed debut 'Glasshopper', which was twice named among Best Books of the Year after winning first prize in a national competition judged by Fay Weldon, Sir John Mortimer, and Michael Ridpath. Since then, her thrillers 'Little Sister' and 'Beautiful Liars' have been shortlisted in the Dead Good Reader Awards, while '33 Women' was an Amazon bestseller within weeks of release. Alongside her own work, Isabel is a Royal Literary Fund Fellow and a coach to developing writers.
Born in London, Isabel grew up on the south coast, and she now spends much of her time in a writing cabin in West Dorset, built for her by carpenter husband, Colin. She is a member of the Society of Authors and is represented by Kate Shaw of The Shaw Agency. Isabel lives with her husband, with whom she has two grown-up children and a pair of ageing dogs. Her happy place is anywhere with a coastal view.
Find out more about Isabel via her website, Instagram, Facebook or TikTok.
Isabel’s writing career launched with her critically acclaimed debut 'Glasshopper', which was twice named among Best Books of the Year after winning first prize in a national competition judged by Fay Weldon, Sir John Mortimer, and Michael Ridpath. Since then, her thrillers 'Little Sister' and 'Beautiful Liars' have been shortlisted in the Dead Good Reader Awards, while '33 Women' was an Amazon bestseller within weeks of release. Alongside her own work, Isabel is a Royal Literary Fund Fellow and a coach to developing writers.
Born in London, Isabel grew up on the south coast, and she now spends much of her time in a writing cabin in West Dorset, built for her by carpenter husband, Colin. She is a member of the Society of Authors and is represented by Kate Shaw of The Shaw Agency. Isabel lives with her husband, with whom she has two grown-up children and a pair of ageing dogs. Her happy place is anywhere with a coastal view.
Find out more about Isabel via her website, Instagram, Facebook or TikTok.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 21, 2024
Isabel Ashdown has excelled at stories of family rivalry since her debut with Glasshopper. Our latest features the Gale family, operators of the Golden Rabbit holiday camp on the Dorset coast, adjacent to the Starlings community that featured in Homecoming. One summer morning a light aircraft crashes into the camp. Witnessed by the very hungover Nell Gale, who has not quite realised she is a victim of rape, although she will will when the video starts going about. The pilot survives but with complete amnesia; the boy accompanying him doesn't. Nell's brother was at the crash site and lost his arm, ending a promising junior tennis career. Nell's mother Cathy works as a cleaner at the camp, and also at Starlings. Her brother Elliott was put in charge by grandfather patriarch John Gale and mostly drinks up the revenues whilst his wife patronises Gale. And police DS Ali Samson is charged with discovering the identity of the pilot and also investigating a series of local sexual assaults.
I was a bit slow getting into this book but at about a third of the way was thoroughly engaged, and found Nell very sympathetic a character. But the now almost obligatory thriller ending was unnecessary and left me incredulous. It seemed out of character that Nell should go to such lengths to avoid assisting the police in the search for the rapists - having been slut shamed as a slapper amongst her peers and feeling alone and guilty, one would expect her to be eager assist a sympathetic woman officer in bringing the criminals to justice. So I'll award but four stars.
A linguistic point: John Gale habitually alludes to his granddaughter as 'our Nell'; I'd thought the colloquial practice of referring to a young female family member with an otiose first person plural possessive pronoun where everybody knows she's a family member was Midlands or Northern and was surprised to encounter it in Dorset. But I'm not all that good on English dialects.
I was a bit slow getting into this book but at about a third of the way was thoroughly engaged, and found Nell very sympathetic a character. But the now almost obligatory thriller ending was unnecessary and left me incredulous. It seemed out of character that Nell should go to such lengths to avoid assisting the police in the search for the rapists - having been slut shamed as a slapper amongst her peers and feeling alone and guilty, one would expect her to be eager assist a sympathetic woman officer in bringing the criminals to justice. So I'll award but four stars.
A linguistic point: John Gale habitually alludes to his granddaughter as 'our Nell'; I'd thought the colloquial practice of referring to a young female family member with an otiose first person plural possessive pronoun where everybody knows she's a family member was Midlands or Northern and was surprised to encounter it in Dorset. But I'm not all that good on English dialects.
July 1, 2024
I was not sure what to expect when I started reading this and I was pleasantly surprised to end up reading a book about family dramas, disasters and an intense foreboding. This starts with a plane crash but that is really a catalyst for a lot more events to unfurl and family secrets to be revealed.
The Gale family are realistic, likeable characters and I enjoyed getting to know them and reading their story. As the plot goes on, darker elements come into play and it made for intense and at times, disturbing reading. This was also a gripping read and I red this quickly as I as so engrossed.
There was nothing not to like about this.
Thank you to NetGalley and Orion Publishing Group for an advance copy.
The Gale family are realistic, likeable characters and I enjoyed getting to know them and reading their story. As the plot goes on, darker elements come into play and it made for intense and at times, disturbing reading. This was also a gripping read and I red this quickly as I as so engrossed.
There was nothing not to like about this.
Thank you to NetGalley and Orion Publishing Group for an advance copy.
December 16, 2024
oh my days finally
this took me so long and if you were to ask me what the book was about, i wouldn’t really know what to say to you. there were times i was shocked or really interested but a lot of things confused me. like why did cathy kiss the pilot?
this took me so long and if you were to ask me what the book was about, i wouldn’t really know what to say to you. there were times i was shocked or really interested but a lot of things confused me. like why did cathy kiss the pilot?
August 8, 2024
Loved it! Gripped right from the start and then completely absorbed in the Gale family’s life as the story unfolds. I love Isabel Ashdown’s books and this one certainly doesn’t disappoint!
July 18, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up. Isabel Ashdown has to be one of the queens of domestic suspense! Her latest novel, One Girl, One Summer, has all the ingredients that made Homecoming such a success for me: complicated family relationships, long-held secrets, and, binding it all together, a compelling mystery.
One Girl, One Summer opens with a bang. Quite literally because, in the opening pages, a light aircraft crashes to the ground atop a small family-run campsite. Om the hill overlooking the campsite, 18-year old Nell – the granddaughter of the site’s owner – looks on in horror as her younger brother Albie disappears underneath the plane.
From this explosive start, the novel expands outwards to examine the lives of Nell and her family. We meet Cathy, Nell’s mother, whose own fraught place within the family has resulted in an ever-widening distance from those around her. Susie and Elliot, Nell’s Aunt and Uncle, have secrets of their own whilst family patriarch John Gale – the glue desperately trying to hold the whole family together – is wrestling with increasing ill-health.
Into this fractured family come two strangers: DS Ali Samson who, in addition to investigating the plane crash is also investigating a serious of of serious sexual assaults on young women, and the Unknown Pilot of the plane, whose growing relationship with the Gale family may be the key to unravelling the mystery of his own identity.
With several seemingly disparate plot strands, I did wonder how Isabel Ashdown would manage to bring everything together satisfactorily. As in Homecoming, however, her focus upon her characters is the beating heart of the novel. I instantly empathised with 18-year-old Nell whose similarity to her mother, Cathy, is proving to be a source of tension rather than the solace it ought to be. Struggling with both her guilt about Albie and a painful secret of her own, Nell is a likeable and sympathetic entry point into the world of the novel.
Nell’s mother, Cathy, is – initially at least – harder to like. Spiky and judgmental, Cathy is, we soon realise, worn down by the world and by her own feelings of displacement within her family. Although I found Cathy difficult to empathise with at first, I became the most invested in her story as the novel progressed. There are, we soon realise, very good reasons for all of the emotional barricades that Cathy has erected. I particularly liked the way in which the development of her relationship with the Unknown Pilot, who is suffering from amnesia following the crash, allows her to explore her own past and to untangle the knots that she has created in her relationships with her nearest and dearest.
Alongside the family drama, there is also a compelling police investigation of both the circumstances surrounding the crash and of a series of sexual assaults that have resulted in young women being publicly shamed on social media. As such, be aware that the novel deals with topics including serious sexual assault, sextortion, pregnancy, adoption, amputation and life-changing injury, terminal illness, and child death. These topics are handled sensitively but the emotional ramifications are explored in some detail which makes for an emotive reading experience. Ultimately, however, the ending is uplifting and provides a sense of closure for some characters and the opportunity for healing within others. It’s narratively satisfying if a tiny bit tidy given how well the messy complexity of real life has been portrayed elsewhere in the book.
If you can make allowances for the occasional convenient narrative coincidence, however, One Girl, One Summer is an emotionally honest and compelling novel. It’s strong emotional core is complemented by propulsive mystery and procedural elements making it a page-turning read. Anyone who likes to get drawn into the inner lives of characters really needs to familiarise themselves with Isabel Ashdown’s work because, like Elin Hilderbrand , she does such a fantastic job of drawing you into her character’s world and the inner realities of their lives.
Propulsive, emotionally resonant, and compelling, One Girl, One Summer is the perfect summer read for anyone who enjoys gripping family dramas.
NB: This review also appears on my blog at https://theshelfofunreadbooks.wordpre... as part of the blogathon for the book. My thanks go to the publisher for providing a copy of the book in return for an honest and unbiased review.
One Girl, One Summer opens with a bang. Quite literally because, in the opening pages, a light aircraft crashes to the ground atop a small family-run campsite. Om the hill overlooking the campsite, 18-year old Nell – the granddaughter of the site’s owner – looks on in horror as her younger brother Albie disappears underneath the plane.
From this explosive start, the novel expands outwards to examine the lives of Nell and her family. We meet Cathy, Nell’s mother, whose own fraught place within the family has resulted in an ever-widening distance from those around her. Susie and Elliot, Nell’s Aunt and Uncle, have secrets of their own whilst family patriarch John Gale – the glue desperately trying to hold the whole family together – is wrestling with increasing ill-health.
Into this fractured family come two strangers: DS Ali Samson who, in addition to investigating the plane crash is also investigating a serious of of serious sexual assaults on young women, and the Unknown Pilot of the plane, whose growing relationship with the Gale family may be the key to unravelling the mystery of his own identity.
With several seemingly disparate plot strands, I did wonder how Isabel Ashdown would manage to bring everything together satisfactorily. As in Homecoming, however, her focus upon her characters is the beating heart of the novel. I instantly empathised with 18-year-old Nell whose similarity to her mother, Cathy, is proving to be a source of tension rather than the solace it ought to be. Struggling with both her guilt about Albie and a painful secret of her own, Nell is a likeable and sympathetic entry point into the world of the novel.
Nell’s mother, Cathy, is – initially at least – harder to like. Spiky and judgmental, Cathy is, we soon realise, worn down by the world and by her own feelings of displacement within her family. Although I found Cathy difficult to empathise with at first, I became the most invested in her story as the novel progressed. There are, we soon realise, very good reasons for all of the emotional barricades that Cathy has erected. I particularly liked the way in which the development of her relationship with the Unknown Pilot, who is suffering from amnesia following the crash, allows her to explore her own past and to untangle the knots that she has created in her relationships with her nearest and dearest.
Alongside the family drama, there is also a compelling police investigation of both the circumstances surrounding the crash and of a series of sexual assaults that have resulted in young women being publicly shamed on social media. As such, be aware that the novel deals with topics including serious sexual assault, sextortion, pregnancy, adoption, amputation and life-changing injury, terminal illness, and child death. These topics are handled sensitively but the emotional ramifications are explored in some detail which makes for an emotive reading experience. Ultimately, however, the ending is uplifting and provides a sense of closure for some characters and the opportunity for healing within others. It’s narratively satisfying if a tiny bit tidy given how well the messy complexity of real life has been portrayed elsewhere in the book.
If you can make allowances for the occasional convenient narrative coincidence, however, One Girl, One Summer is an emotionally honest and compelling novel. It’s strong emotional core is complemented by propulsive mystery and procedural elements making it a page-turning read. Anyone who likes to get drawn into the inner lives of characters really needs to familiarise themselves with Isabel Ashdown’s work because, like Elin Hilderbrand , she does such a fantastic job of drawing you into her character’s world and the inner realities of their lives.
Propulsive, emotionally resonant, and compelling, One Girl, One Summer is the perfect summer read for anyone who enjoys gripping family dramas.
NB: This review also appears on my blog at https://theshelfofunreadbooks.wordpre... as part of the blogathon for the book. My thanks go to the publisher for providing a copy of the book in return for an honest and unbiased review.
July 19, 2024
I had forgotten the blurb by the time I started reading this book. But, that proved to be a boon since g4oing in blind is the best way to read One Girl, One Summer. That is because you will expect things to heat up right away if you read the premise.
But that is not the case with One Girl, One Summer. Sure, the plane crash takes place in the first few pages, which sets the course for the entire book. However, the first part of the book deals mainly with the aftermath of the crash on the Gale family since Albie, single parent Cathy Gale's son, is badly injured in this crash. Moreover, Nell, Cathy's eighteen-year-old daughter, is present on the hill overlooking the campsite when the plane crashes and is therefore a first-hand witness to her brother getting injured in the crash.
This, coupled with a life-altering horrific incident that happened just the previous night, plunges Nell in a vortex of guilt, self-pity, and helplessness.
Further, the relationship between Cathy and her parents and her sister-in-law especially is fraught with tension. Moreover, life has not been kind to Cathy. Consequently, she is hard on herself and Nell.
"It wasn’t lost on Cathy that she treated her daughter in much the same way as she treated herself: with impatience and disappointment and unrealistic expectation."
Amidst all this, the pilot who crashed the plane comes to live with the Gale family, which proves to be the straw breaking the camel's back.
All of these create a perfect domestic suspense novel. Ashdown adds the cherry on the cake by weaving in the million-dollar mystery of whether the crash was an accident or done deliberately.
Mind you, it takes time for the suspense to build up. For the initial part, I was having a good time reading about complicated family relationships. About 50% into the book, DS Ali Samson becomes a permanent fixture in the plot. The pace that picks up from here doesn’t let up until the explosive climax where long-buried secrets are revealed and justice is served.
Ashdown satisfactorily ties together the seemingly unrelated threads and creates an excellent domestic suspense. I highly recommend One Girl, One Summer to police procedural thriller and family drama fans.
Many thanks to the publisher for my digital copy via Netgalley. This doesn’t affect my opinion on the book.
But that is not the case with One Girl, One Summer. Sure, the plane crash takes place in the first few pages, which sets the course for the entire book. However, the first part of the book deals mainly with the aftermath of the crash on the Gale family since Albie, single parent Cathy Gale's son, is badly injured in this crash. Moreover, Nell, Cathy's eighteen-year-old daughter, is present on the hill overlooking the campsite when the plane crashes and is therefore a first-hand witness to her brother getting injured in the crash.
This, coupled with a life-altering horrific incident that happened just the previous night, plunges Nell in a vortex of guilt, self-pity, and helplessness.
Further, the relationship between Cathy and her parents and her sister-in-law especially is fraught with tension. Moreover, life has not been kind to Cathy. Consequently, she is hard on herself and Nell.
"It wasn’t lost on Cathy that she treated her daughter in much the same way as she treated herself: with impatience and disappointment and unrealistic expectation."
Amidst all this, the pilot who crashed the plane comes to live with the Gale family, which proves to be the straw breaking the camel's back.
All of these create a perfect domestic suspense novel. Ashdown adds the cherry on the cake by weaving in the million-dollar mystery of whether the crash was an accident or done deliberately.
Mind you, it takes time for the suspense to build up. For the initial part, I was having a good time reading about complicated family relationships. About 50% into the book, DS Ali Samson becomes a permanent fixture in the plot. The pace that picks up from here doesn’t let up until the explosive climax where long-buried secrets are revealed and justice is served.
Ashdown satisfactorily ties together the seemingly unrelated threads and creates an excellent domestic suspense. I highly recommend One Girl, One Summer to police procedural thriller and family drama fans.
Many thanks to the publisher for my digital copy via Netgalley. This doesn’t affect my opinion on the book.
July 23, 2024
TRIGGER WARNING: rape, child death, alcoholism, adoption
A plane crashes onto a holiday site in Dorset. Nell is distraught with guilt at her brother's life changing injuries but is also hiding a terrible secret...
One Girl, One Summer is a mix of family drama and police procedural set in the UK. There are some big issues dealt with in this book but they are handled sensitively. The writing style is engaging and I was immediately drawn into the lives of the Gale family.
Nell was supposed to take her brother to his tennis lesson but she was late due to her emotional turmoil following a sexual encounter. She is horrified that a video of the incident is circulating and devastated for her brother who suffers catastrophic injuries in the plane crash. Her family need to adjust to the change in circumstances but will Nell find the courage to speak out about the attack?
Meanwhile, the police are investigating the plane crash. The pilot escaped with severe burns and amnesia, and he doesn't remember that he had a child in the plane with him who died. Who is the pilot and was he related to the child? The police gradually become aware of another series of crimes as young women are being attacked and filmed and DS Ali Samson is determined to resolve both cases urgently. I really liked Ali's character which I felt balanced the emotion of the Gales.
The drama of the opening chapters sets the tension and mystery for the whole book. Poor Nell is going through something truly dreadful and is afraid of revealing the truth. However the unfortunate events do bring her closer to her adopted cousin Dylan and I liked the way that the family relationships are explored as the plot progresses. I thought that the portrayal of Nell's alcoholic uncle was sympathetic whilst also showing the wider impact on the whole family.
Nell's mum Cathy goes on the biggest emotional journey as she deals with her own past trauma which she has hidden for decades. This has dictated her relationships with others but now she is forced to confront it as she deals with her son's physical injuries and her daughter's emotional distress. She is fiercely protective of her children but her softer side is shown when she shows compassion to the injured pilot.
One Girl, One Summer is an emotional family drama with the added elements of the plane crash and police investigation which add tension and mystery.
A plane crashes onto a holiday site in Dorset. Nell is distraught with guilt at her brother's life changing injuries but is also hiding a terrible secret...
One Girl, One Summer is a mix of family drama and police procedural set in the UK. There are some big issues dealt with in this book but they are handled sensitively. The writing style is engaging and I was immediately drawn into the lives of the Gale family.
Nell was supposed to take her brother to his tennis lesson but she was late due to her emotional turmoil following a sexual encounter. She is horrified that a video of the incident is circulating and devastated for her brother who suffers catastrophic injuries in the plane crash. Her family need to adjust to the change in circumstances but will Nell find the courage to speak out about the attack?
Meanwhile, the police are investigating the plane crash. The pilot escaped with severe burns and amnesia, and he doesn't remember that he had a child in the plane with him who died. Who is the pilot and was he related to the child? The police gradually become aware of another series of crimes as young women are being attacked and filmed and DS Ali Samson is determined to resolve both cases urgently. I really liked Ali's character which I felt balanced the emotion of the Gales.
The drama of the opening chapters sets the tension and mystery for the whole book. Poor Nell is going through something truly dreadful and is afraid of revealing the truth. However the unfortunate events do bring her closer to her adopted cousin Dylan and I liked the way that the family relationships are explored as the plot progresses. I thought that the portrayal of Nell's alcoholic uncle was sympathetic whilst also showing the wider impact on the whole family.
Nell's mum Cathy goes on the biggest emotional journey as she deals with her own past trauma which she has hidden for decades. This has dictated her relationships with others but now she is forced to confront it as she deals with her son's physical injuries and her daughter's emotional distress. She is fiercely protective of her children but her softer side is shown when she shows compassion to the injured pilot.
One Girl, One Summer is an emotional family drama with the added elements of the plane crash and police investigation which add tension and mystery.
July 17, 2024
We start with a rather explosive scene. A young girl, Nell Gale, returning home in the early hours of the morning after a night out is shocked when she witnesses a plane crash on her family campsite just after her mother and brother have arrived. Her mother, Cathy, is unscathed, physically, but her brother, Albie, is rushed to hospital. This upsets Nell even more as she was supposed to have been looking after him whilst her mother worked, but due to being home late, he had to go to the campsite so it is her fault he was hurt, and could possibly die...
With investigations into the crash ongoing, and with Nell withholding what happened to make her late home it falls to DS Ali Samson to try and piece it all together.
This is billed as a thriller but I think that this description will not do the book a favour. Yes it has a thrilling opening, and the "what happened to Nell" part of things is thrilling, but the rest of what happens in this book is more a family saga. Underpinned by dysfunction and an inability for anyone to ably communicate with anyone else in more than a superficial way. Although they do do shouting and slanging matches very well indeed. Jeez if only Nell and Cathy could communicate for real with what the author describes as going on in their heads!
Characterisation was good - something this author excels at - and I especially liked Kip and Albie. However, I did want to lock Nell, Cathy and Suzie in a room and tell them they're not getting out until they sort it out!
I was probably five starring this book all the way up until something was revealed at a family meeting. Which to me came right out of left field, didn't explain anything, didn't really fit with what I had previously read, and also didn't really make the book make any more sense than if it hadn't happened. Really fail to understand the point of it. Probably just a me thing but it didn't sit right and kinda ruined the ending for me a little.
All in all, despite being a bit disjointed, especially with the sub story about Nell's evening thrown in with everything else, it was a decent enough read and which mostly satisfied at the end, despite a bit of eye-rolling. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
With investigations into the crash ongoing, and with Nell withholding what happened to make her late home it falls to DS Ali Samson to try and piece it all together.
This is billed as a thriller but I think that this description will not do the book a favour. Yes it has a thrilling opening, and the "what happened to Nell" part of things is thrilling, but the rest of what happens in this book is more a family saga. Underpinned by dysfunction and an inability for anyone to ably communicate with anyone else in more than a superficial way. Although they do do shouting and slanging matches very well indeed. Jeez if only Nell and Cathy could communicate for real with what the author describes as going on in their heads!
Characterisation was good - something this author excels at - and I especially liked Kip and Albie. However, I did want to lock Nell, Cathy and Suzie in a room and tell them they're not getting out until they sort it out!
I was probably five starring this book all the way up until something was revealed at a family meeting. Which to me came right out of left field, didn't explain anything, didn't really fit with what I had previously read, and also didn't really make the book make any more sense than if it hadn't happened. Really fail to understand the point of it. Probably just a me thing but it didn't sit right and kinda ruined the ending for me a little.
All in all, despite being a bit disjointed, especially with the sub story about Nell's evening thrown in with everything else, it was a decent enough read and which mostly satisfied at the end, despite a bit of eye-rolling. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
December 15, 2024
Wow, this story grabbed me from the off! A family and their business all pushed to breaking point when a small plane crashes into their campsite. Albie Gale’s life hangs in the balance and his mum Cathy is trying her best to stay strong but is struggling, more so when it comes to her daughter Nell. Poor Nell is also going through her own stuff of which when her secret starts coming to light my heart went out to this young woman who is having to deal with so much.
The story alternates between Cathy, Nell and DS Ali Samson who is investigating the crash. Not only is there the mystery of the pilot who has no clue who he is, it is also very much a family drama of a broken family who are all having to deal with the current issue of the business as well as it bringing family secrets into the open. Whilst Cathy and Nell are fighting demons, the strength of these three women astounded me.
I loved that I never really knew which step this story was going to take next. I certainly wasn’t prepared for the amount of surprises that came that ensured I was glued to the pages of this book. Each chapter had me wanting to read the next to see what was going to happen next and seeing the dynamics of this family change over the course of the story literally took my breath away.
One Girl, One Summer is powerful in it’s story telling. It consumed me and had me thinking about it even when I wasn’t reading it. I was fully engrossed in the Gale family and the going ons in the small coastal setting that has a certain beauty about it yet is tainted with what is going on. Isabel Ashdown’s writing is literally mesmerizing and had me under a spell. Captivating, emotional and unputdownable!
The story alternates between Cathy, Nell and DS Ali Samson who is investigating the crash. Not only is there the mystery of the pilot who has no clue who he is, it is also very much a family drama of a broken family who are all having to deal with the current issue of the business as well as it bringing family secrets into the open. Whilst Cathy and Nell are fighting demons, the strength of these three women astounded me.
I loved that I never really knew which step this story was going to take next. I certainly wasn’t prepared for the amount of surprises that came that ensured I was glued to the pages of this book. Each chapter had me wanting to read the next to see what was going to happen next and seeing the dynamics of this family change over the course of the story literally took my breath away.
One Girl, One Summer is powerful in it’s story telling. It consumed me and had me thinking about it even when I wasn’t reading it. I was fully engrossed in the Gale family and the going ons in the small coastal setting that has a certain beauty about it yet is tainted with what is going on. Isabel Ashdown’s writing is literally mesmerizing and had me under a spell. Captivating, emotional and unputdownable!
June 27, 2024
Isabel Ashdown has written ten novels now and you can’t go wrong reading her books if you like a police procedural wrapped in a dark psychological thriller, with interesting and endearing characters at its heart. Set in the Dorset countryside, “One Girl, One Summer” is a multi layered story focusing on teenager Nell and her mother Cathy, their family and the business at the Golden Rabbit holiday park. When Nell witnesses a fatal tragedy strike the holiday park, guilt overcomes her and she starts to emotionally unravel as events tumble out of her control. Along with an event that’s put her at her lowest ebb ever, she befriends her adopted cousin to help solve her distressing issue.
My heart went out to Nell and her circumstances and sadly her story is all to modern and believable. I liked how DS Ali Sampson displayed empathy for her and even put her own life on the line to help solve the crime committed against her.
There were mentions of the ‘Starlings’ in the story, which focused heavily in the authors previous novel “Home Coming” and was nice to see the continuity (although absolutely no need to read any of her novels in order to enjoy).
I did feel a few of the coincidences a little too convenient but then it wouldn’t have been the story it was, if they weren’t. The various individual character stories that are portrayed throughout, needed these overlapping coincidences to work and the wonderful, almost spiritually guided romance between two of the characters, was like an angel had been sent from heaven.
A great read indeed, which I certainly enjoyed and I look forward to reading some of Isabel Ashdown’s other novels that I’ve previously missed.
#OneGirlOneSummer - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My heart went out to Nell and her circumstances and sadly her story is all to modern and believable. I liked how DS Ali Sampson displayed empathy for her and even put her own life on the line to help solve the crime committed against her.
There were mentions of the ‘Starlings’ in the story, which focused heavily in the authors previous novel “Home Coming” and was nice to see the continuity (although absolutely no need to read any of her novels in order to enjoy).
I did feel a few of the coincidences a little too convenient but then it wouldn’t have been the story it was, if they weren’t. The various individual character stories that are portrayed throughout, needed these overlapping coincidences to work and the wonderful, almost spiritually guided romance between two of the characters, was like an angel had been sent from heaven.
A great read indeed, which I certainly enjoyed and I look forward to reading some of Isabel Ashdown’s other novels that I’ve previously missed.
#OneGirlOneSummer - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 25, 2024
Loved it!!!! This is the first book I read by the author and I can't wait to read more. Everything about this book was a complete surprise. I had no idea what I was about to read and it ended up being wonderfully unexpected. I thought it was going to revolve around Nell and what must have happened to her, especially since she was distraught and hiding a watch on top of a hill. Then there's a plane crash and the book turns into so much more. The Gale Family is the heart of the book. I loved some of them immediately and others are very easy to hate. Suzie and Cathy clash about everything. Both of these women were really hard to like. Cathy was so hard and mean to Nell. She should have been giving her hugs and easing her guilt about Albie. Why couldn't Cathy show her daughter love? She pushes people away. Kip is such a wonderful man and she constantly resists settling down with him. Albie was the best with accepting his arm situation. Loved how Granddad John was constantly handing money out for food at the hospital and music stuff for Albie. At first I thought Dylan was going to be the weird one, who never socialized and was always on his computer. He actually is all of that and so much more. He really looked out for Nell, after what happened to her and wanted the best for her. After everything is revealed, I understand all of Suzie and Elliot's problems with each other and Suzie's with Cathy. Then there was the mystery of the pilot, "Griffin." There were two mysteries to be solved. Besides the identity of the pilot, there were Alley Dog videos that needed to be investigated. Women were being assaulted and the videos were being uploaded to the internet for everyone to see. Loved everything about the book. I couldn't wait to find out who "Griffin's" story and who was behind the awful videos.
Definitely recommend the book. It was a good mystery/thriller and kept me guessing until the end. It's so much more than a mystery. The family dynamic and the relationships between the Gale family is everything. They had problems but there was so much love between them all. Of course they didn't always show it, but they were always there for each other. Loved the story, writing style and characters. Look forward to reading more books by the author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Orion Publishing Group through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Definitely recommend the book. It was a good mystery/thriller and kept me guessing until the end. It's so much more than a mystery. The family dynamic and the relationships between the Gale family is everything. They had problems but there was so much love between them all. Of course they didn't always show it, but they were always there for each other. Loved the story, writing style and characters. Look forward to reading more books by the author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Orion Publishing Group through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
July 18, 2024
I'm really enjoying being a part of the Isabel Ashdown blogathon hosted by the fabulous team at Compulsive Readers. With the aim being to read 6 of her books over 6 months in order to highlight her brilliant work and celebrate the release of her latest novel, One Girl One Summer. Which is released today.
DS Ali Samson is back with another suspense filled and action-packed story featuring the residents of Highcap on the Dorset coast.
With a compelling, page turning chapter setting off a devastating chain of events when a private plane crashes into a family run holiday park. Killing and maiming anyone unfortunate enough to get caught in its path. Unwittingly acting as a catalyst for crimes to be unearthed, long buried secrets to surface, family relationships to be tested, unexpected revelations yo shock a community to its core, old wounds to be healed and love to be found or rekindled.
Throw in twists and turns that leave you guessing. Family dysfunction, generational trauma, multiple pov, strong female leads, relatable and well developed characters. Realistic and relevant societal issues explored. A pace to match perfectly. Sub-plots that tie in seamlessly and a nail biting but perfect ending. You have a 5 🌟 psychological fiction/thriller story deserving of a place on any bookworms tbr!
Isabel is now an auto-buy author of mine, and I can't wait for next months instalment, 33 Women.
DS Ali Samson is back with another suspense filled and action-packed story featuring the residents of Highcap on the Dorset coast.
With a compelling, page turning chapter setting off a devastating chain of events when a private plane crashes into a family run holiday park. Killing and maiming anyone unfortunate enough to get caught in its path. Unwittingly acting as a catalyst for crimes to be unearthed, long buried secrets to surface, family relationships to be tested, unexpected revelations yo shock a community to its core, old wounds to be healed and love to be found or rekindled.
Throw in twists and turns that leave you guessing. Family dysfunction, generational trauma, multiple pov, strong female leads, relatable and well developed characters. Realistic and relevant societal issues explored. A pace to match perfectly. Sub-plots that tie in seamlessly and a nail biting but perfect ending. You have a 5 🌟 psychological fiction/thriller story deserving of a place on any bookworms tbr!
Isabel is now an auto-buy author of mine, and I can't wait for next months instalment, 33 Women.
July 17, 2024
I LOVE books by Isabel Ashdown and was excited to start reading this new book.
I had no idea what it would be like and soon discovered multiple plot lines and well-formed, mostly likeable characters including two strong female leads with Nell & DS Ali Samson.
There is a real sense of place and purpose in this book, set on the beautiful south coast in a small community, where everyone seems to know everyone.
The chapters are told from multiple viewpoints: Cathy, Nell and Ali, which enables the reader to appreciate the feelings and heart-wrenching plot from all around.
There are several mysteries to be solved, and although I could reason what some of them might be, others were unexpected, revealing real depth to the characterisation. They evolve skilfully throughout the book, which faces important areas of concern within our society.
The book starts powerfully with action, whilst hinting at troubles already bubbling below the surface.
Throughout this compelling read, I got a huge sense of the importance of family, kindness and understanding in dealing with trauma. The true value of friendship, be it with members of family or relative strangers is impressed upon the reader.
Finally the urgent pace and tension towards the end had me totally engrossed, forgetting I was reading, there were tears too! A book that I would wholeheartedly recommend.
I had no idea what it would be like and soon discovered multiple plot lines and well-formed, mostly likeable characters including two strong female leads with Nell & DS Ali Samson.
There is a real sense of place and purpose in this book, set on the beautiful south coast in a small community, where everyone seems to know everyone.
The chapters are told from multiple viewpoints: Cathy, Nell and Ali, which enables the reader to appreciate the feelings and heart-wrenching plot from all around.
There are several mysteries to be solved, and although I could reason what some of them might be, others were unexpected, revealing real depth to the characterisation. They evolve skilfully throughout the book, which faces important areas of concern within our society.
The book starts powerfully with action, whilst hinting at troubles already bubbling below the surface.
Throughout this compelling read, I got a huge sense of the importance of family, kindness and understanding in dealing with trauma. The true value of friendship, be it with members of family or relative strangers is impressed upon the reader.
Finally the urgent pace and tension towards the end had me totally engrossed, forgetting I was reading, there were tears too! A book that I would wholeheartedly recommend.
June 7, 2024
Whoa, that was an interesting and intriguing read. I wasn’t sure what was going to happen or how things were going to be revealed and unraveled in One Girl, One Summer by Isabel Ashdown. As the synopsis mentioned, the story was an emotional page-turner with characters who had dark secrets.
On a hilltop campsite in the summer heat, a private plane crash-lands. Several are killed, and many more lives are shattered, including those of the Gale family, who own the site. For single parent Cathy Gale, her everyday struggles are eclipsed by the tragedy, as her boy Albie is one of the victims. He hangs onto life, while 18-year-old sister Nell, who was meant to be looking after him, is overcome with guilt.
As DS Ali Samson leads the investigation, locals are scandalized to learn that the amnesiac pilot has plans to stay on in the community. As dark secrets come to light, teenager Nell goes into freefall. What is it she’s so desperate to conceal? And exactly who is the unknown pilot?
I really liked Nell and DS Ali Samson; they were strong characters. The story held my interest and had me trying to guess what would happen next or how the characters were connected.
Overall, it is a good read with a good ending.
#OneGirlOneSummer #NetGalley @orionbooks
On a hilltop campsite in the summer heat, a private plane crash-lands. Several are killed, and many more lives are shattered, including those of the Gale family, who own the site. For single parent Cathy Gale, her everyday struggles are eclipsed by the tragedy, as her boy Albie is one of the victims. He hangs onto life, while 18-year-old sister Nell, who was meant to be looking after him, is overcome with guilt.
As DS Ali Samson leads the investigation, locals are scandalized to learn that the amnesiac pilot has plans to stay on in the community. As dark secrets come to light, teenager Nell goes into freefall. What is it she’s so desperate to conceal? And exactly who is the unknown pilot?
I really liked Nell and DS Ali Samson; they were strong characters. The story held my interest and had me trying to guess what would happen next or how the characters were connected.
Overall, it is a good read with a good ending.
#OneGirlOneSummer #NetGalley @orionbooks
July 19, 2024
Homecoming was the first I'd read by Ashdown and immediately I knew I'd found an author whose books were going to be a hit with me.
One Girl, One Summer combines two of my favourite genres; police procedural and thriller. It's a fast paced, multilayered drama cloaked in apprehension and portent.
The story is told from mother and daughter POV and follows on from recent events which took a tragic turn at the local campsite. Ashdown goes full on scale with the recoil from the accident, where secrets, lies and revelations are waiting to be exposed.
Characterisations were realistic, likeable and well developed. And even the Starling's from Homecoming bagged themselves a mention.
One Girl, One Summer is an intense and enjoyable page turner that I wouldn't hesitate in recommending.
One Girl, One Summer combines two of my favourite genres; police procedural and thriller. It's a fast paced, multilayered drama cloaked in apprehension and portent.
The story is told from mother and daughter POV and follows on from recent events which took a tragic turn at the local campsite. Ashdown goes full on scale with the recoil from the accident, where secrets, lies and revelations are waiting to be exposed.
Characterisations were realistic, likeable and well developed. And even the Starling's from Homecoming bagged themselves a mention.
One Girl, One Summer is an intense and enjoyable page turner that I wouldn't hesitate in recommending.
July 23, 2024
This has a shocking opening that dangles a couple of mysteries...
There were a couple of main storylines running through this but with the same characters - some I warmed to and some I didn't. My heart went out to Albie.
It was nice to revisit the area after reading Homecoming. I could also imagine the strained relationship between Cathy and her daughter Nell - showing family should open up more to avoid this.
At times I did feel there was a bit too much happening and I felt one aspect of drama was kind of left alone which was anticlimactic.
Overall, a story full of mystery, secrets, twists, turns, but also connections.
*I received a complementary copy of the book from Compulsive Readers and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
There were a couple of main storylines running through this but with the same characters - some I warmed to and some I didn't. My heart went out to Albie.
It was nice to revisit the area after reading Homecoming. I could also imagine the strained relationship between Cathy and her daughter Nell - showing family should open up more to avoid this.
At times I did feel there was a bit too much happening and I felt one aspect of drama was kind of left alone which was anticlimactic.
Overall, a story full of mystery, secrets, twists, turns, but also connections.
*I received a complementary copy of the book from Compulsive Readers and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
July 18, 2024
18 year old Nell Gale witnesses a plane crashing into her families campsite, seriously injuring her younger brother. We then get to meet further members of the Gale family who all have there own stories and dramas.
Add to that a police investigation I to girls who are being securely assaulted and you have an unputdownable tale. This is set in the same area as Homecoming, which I previously loved. More family saga than thriller but still amazing! There is so much going on but you manage to keep up and reach a great conclusion.
Add to that a police investigation I to girls who are being securely assaulted and you have an unputdownable tale. This is set in the same area as Homecoming, which I previously loved. More family saga than thriller but still amazing! There is so much going on but you manage to keep up and reach a great conclusion.
July 7, 2024
Following the Gale family after a tragic event at the family campsite.
How this affects every member of the family but in different ways.
Told from the perspectives of Nell and Cathy who are mother and daughter. There relationship is strained and frustrating. I wanted to shake them both and make them talk honestly to each other.
It is such a sad story but with a heart warming ending. Family is always the most important thing.
How this affects every member of the family but in different ways.
Told from the perspectives of Nell and Cathy who are mother and daughter. There relationship is strained and frustrating. I wanted to shake them both and make them talk honestly to each other.
It is such a sad story but with a heart warming ending. Family is always the most important thing.
July 20, 2024
A small plane crashes onto a children’s playground on a caravan park causing death and serious injury.
I enjoyed this book to a certain degree. It has some hard to read subjects that some people may struggle with.
The story itself is good and quite unique, I particularly liked Cathy. Her family own the campsite and her son is one of the seriously injured.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I enjoyed this book to a certain degree. It has some hard to read subjects that some people may struggle with.
The story itself is good and quite unique, I particularly liked Cathy. Her family own the campsite and her son is one of the seriously injured.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book.
August 6, 2024
This story is full of dark secrets from what seems like everyone and on top of that is the tragedy of the plane crashing that killed and severely harmed some. In this we are looking into the plane crash as well as SA happening to multiple women in the area and maybe other areas. I would for sure say trigger warnings are needed for any readers given the SA. Though I felt like this was a good read and especially loved how complex the family was just like most of ours in life.
July 24, 2024
When a plane crashes into a playground at a campground everything changes. This is an emotional book as family ties are tested. I enjoyed the characters even when I was yelling at some for what they were doing. I like the authors writing style and will definitely read more of her books!
October 31, 2024
Loved it.
October 7, 2025
3.5 if I could give half mark. Really easy read
July 27, 2024
What a start!!, I felt I was right there with Nell, visualising the devastation below. This is a thriller that gives so much more, family dynamics, secrets, life changing injuries and a host of annoying characters! Suzie being the main culprit.
There are some shocking secrets, that kept me on my toes, I was hooked on finding what happened next. The different POVs added to the intensity of this read.
I loved following the police investigation alongside Nell’s own detective sleuthing escapades. A fantastic book to add to your TBR.
There are some shocking secrets, that kept me on my toes, I was hooked on finding what happened next. The different POVs added to the intensity of this read.
I loved following the police investigation alongside Nell’s own detective sleuthing escapades. A fantastic book to add to your TBR.
August 18, 2024
This was an entertaining and sometimes moving book. I really enjoyed it.
A crash one summer killed 3 people and injured multiple others as well as a sexual assault are the central themes in this Gale family saga.
It's at times annoying, uplifting and heartbreaking, as told by
mainly Nell, the daughter, and Kathy, the mother, who have a difficult relationship.
The ending is very satisfying and overall I found it a wonderful read.
A crash one summer killed 3 people and injured multiple others as well as a sexual assault are the central themes in this Gale family saga.
It's at times annoying, uplifting and heartbreaking, as told by
mainly Nell, the daughter, and Kathy, the mother, who have a difficult relationship.
The ending is very satisfying and overall I found it a wonderful read.
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