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The Summer Of Letting Go
A heartbreaking tale of an 18-year-old girl who attempts to keep her uncle's ghost in the earthly plane, but is forced to question what it means to let go when a hot college-boy barista brews his way into her life.
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"Death blinked into existence when Uncle Drew left. It’s never going to leave me now, and I’m never going to let it."
When eighteen-year-old Kali applies for a part-time job at Tea for Two to spend every waking hour with the ghost of her recently deceased, Cheeto-loving, carefree Uncle Drew, she doesn’t expect Luca—the hot but aloof owner behind the counter—to offer her the job. She also doesn't expect to find him irresistibly cute.
But she can’t afford to have Luca’s college-boy charm distract her when the landlord decides to demolish Tea for Two. Losing Uncle Drew’s haunt might just erase him from her life completely. And she can’t lose him—not again.
Amid Uncle Drew facing his own demons, messy LEGO bricks, Kali’s best friends going to separate colleges, and her counting down the final days until her uncle slips from her fingers forever, can Kali truly learn what it means to move on, find love, and let go?
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"Death blinked into existence when Uncle Drew left. It’s never going to leave me now, and I’m never going to let it."
When eighteen-year-old Kali applies for a part-time job at Tea for Two to spend every waking hour with the ghost of her recently deceased, Cheeto-loving, carefree Uncle Drew, she doesn’t expect Luca—the hot but aloof owner behind the counter—to offer her the job. She also doesn't expect to find him irresistibly cute.
But she can’t afford to have Luca’s college-boy charm distract her when the landlord decides to demolish Tea for Two. Losing Uncle Drew’s haunt might just erase him from her life completely. And she can’t lose him—not again.
Amid Uncle Drew facing his own demons, messy LEGO bricks, Kali’s best friends going to separate colleges, and her counting down the final days until her uncle slips from her fingers forever, can Kali truly learn what it means to move on, find love, and let go?
288 pages, Paperback
Published August 13, 2024
169 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Dellosa
10 books36 followersCatherine Dellosa plays video games for a living, reads comics for inspiration, and writes fiction because she’s in love with words. She lives in Manila, Philippines with her husband, whose ideas fuel the fire in her writing.
Her Young Adult fantasy novel, Of Myths And Men, has been published by Penguin Random House SEA and is her love letter to gamer geeks, mythological creatures, and epic quests to save the world. The second book in the trilogy, Of Life And Lies, is out now.
When it comes to contemporary YA, For The Win: The Not-So-Epic Quest Of A Non-Playable Character is another tribute to gaming that's all about the heartbreak of unrequited love, while her light speculative YA romance The Summer Of Letting Go is a cathartic tearjerker about love and loss, also published by PRH SEA.
She has also penned The Choices We Made (And Those We Didn't) published by BRUMultiverse, as well as Raya and Grayson’s Guide to Saving the World and The Bookshop Back Home as part of #romanceclass - a community of Filipino authors who are equally in love with words too.
When she's not lost in the land of make-believe, she works as a games journalist for one of the biggest mobile gaming media outlets in the UK. She one day hopes to soar the skies as a superhero, but for now, she strongly believes in saving lives through her works in fiction. Check out her books at bit.ly/catherinedellosabooks, or follow her on FB/IG/Twitter at @thenoobwife.
Her Young Adult fantasy novel, Of Myths And Men, has been published by Penguin Random House SEA and is her love letter to gamer geeks, mythological creatures, and epic quests to save the world. The second book in the trilogy, Of Life And Lies, is out now.
When it comes to contemporary YA, For The Win: The Not-So-Epic Quest Of A Non-Playable Character is another tribute to gaming that's all about the heartbreak of unrequited love, while her light speculative YA romance The Summer Of Letting Go is a cathartic tearjerker about love and loss, also published by PRH SEA.
She has also penned The Choices We Made (And Those We Didn't) published by BRUMultiverse, as well as Raya and Grayson’s Guide to Saving the World and The Bookshop Back Home as part of #romanceclass - a community of Filipino authors who are equally in love with words too.
When she's not lost in the land of make-believe, she works as a games journalist for one of the biggest mobile gaming media outlets in the UK. She one day hopes to soar the skies as a superhero, but for now, she strongly believes in saving lives through her works in fiction. Check out her books at bit.ly/catherinedellosabooks, or follow her on FB/IG/Twitter at @thenoobwife.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 22, 2024
Okay, this book hit me hard due to a recent passing in my immediate family. In many ways, this book couldn’t have come at a better time to read.
The book begins when Kali applies for a job in a tea store which is run by Luca, the cutie pie owner. What was unexpected was she could still see and interact with her Uncle Drew who recently passed and very much missed. When she found out that the building where the tea store is located is at the risk of being demolished, she has to somehow find a way to save it and balance her attraction towards Luca.
I adore this book! I feel for Kali where Uncle Drew was essentially like her second parent to her and how much she grieved when he passed. So much so that she refuses to move on with her life and would put it on hold so she could stay at the tea shop with him. Luca on the other hand can’t wait to go on with his life especially with recent family circumstances. Both couldn’t be more different and yet, sparks fly.
I feel like grief was tackled in such a realistic way because there is the sense that we need to let go even though we don’t want to. I cried so hard when Kali finally chose to let go of her Uncle Drew and move on - it was so heart wrenching yet there was a sense of relief. It also finally bought her family closer together which was so sweet to see. Also, this was surprisingly a quick read due to the author’s superb writing - it just flows right!
My only small nitpick is the romance portion, I felt it was so quick that it feels like insta-love. Probably because there were very minimal interactions between Kali and Luca during the first portion of the book and during the time they got to know each other.
Also, I love the homage to lego sets and cheetos!
Thank you, Catherine Dellosa for the advance ARC for being in her street team.
The book begins when Kali applies for a job in a tea store which is run by Luca, the cutie pie owner. What was unexpected was she could still see and interact with her Uncle Drew who recently passed and very much missed. When she found out that the building where the tea store is located is at the risk of being demolished, she has to somehow find a way to save it and balance her attraction towards Luca.
I adore this book! I feel for Kali where Uncle Drew was essentially like her second parent to her and how much she grieved when he passed. So much so that she refuses to move on with her life and would put it on hold so she could stay at the tea shop with him. Luca on the other hand can’t wait to go on with his life especially with recent family circumstances. Both couldn’t be more different and yet, sparks fly.
I feel like grief was tackled in such a realistic way because there is the sense that we need to let go even though we don’t want to. I cried so hard when Kali finally chose to let go of her Uncle Drew and move on - it was so heart wrenching yet there was a sense of relief. It also finally bought her family closer together which was so sweet to see. Also, this was surprisingly a quick read due to the author’s superb writing - it just flows right!
My only small nitpick is the romance portion, I felt it was so quick that it feels like insta-love. Probably because there were very minimal interactions between Kali and Luca during the first portion of the book and during the time they got to know each other.
Also, I love the homage to lego sets and cheetos!
Thank you, Catherine Dellosa for the advance ARC for being in her street team.
August 10, 2025
Guess who sobbed so hard as she finished this book? 🙋🏻♀️
That was cathartic. As I told a friend, Catherine Dellosa put the Cath in cathartic.
That was cathartic. As I told a friend, Catherine Dellosa put the Cath in cathartic.
December 16, 2024
Actual Rating: 3.75
December 31, 2024
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
Review to follow. Thank you to Penguin Random House Southeast Asia for the free copy of this book!
Review to follow. Thank you to Penguin Random House Southeast Asia for the free copy of this book!
August 16, 2024
I didn't expect to cry THAT much because of this book.
I love every part of this book with Uncle Drew in it. Their love for each other, how much they care, and how much more time they want to spend but couldn't anymore, it was so evident. I really cried my heart out thinking in the POV of Kali's friends and family, seeing her processing her grief by talking to the wind-- or her "Uncle" if she say so. It was just sad and completely heartbreaking at the same time. We all know that in reality, it was all an illusion because of her grief and guilt. But of course, it's only because I like to see it in a more realistic lens. Because whether we admit it or not, cases like this really happens.
When Kali finally lets go of her Uncle Drew, it was just soul shattering. You knew it was going to happen, that it was for the best, but it's heartbreaking all the same. So many more words, so many more things that they want to do, they could have done, but all of it was snatched away because Uncle Drew was gone. My heart breaks with Kali.
Honestly, the first parts of the book was moving too fast for me. Especially with the romance, and admittedly, I'm not a big fan of the romance side of it. I think it was too insta-lovey? Which I'm not a fan of. BUT Luca is a green flag, and I love to see that for Kali! Although, I understand that the love part was instrumental for the development of the character, for Kali to see a world without his Uncle Drew.
It was a short read, which I think is the reason why it only took me a day to read it. It's the first book that made me cry this 2024. And for that, I will always be grateful to be able to read such a heartbreaking story.
Thank you so much to Catherine Dellosa for the advance reader's copy of this book as part of her street team!
I love every part of this book with Uncle Drew in it. Their love for each other, how much they care, and how much more time they want to spend but couldn't anymore, it was so evident. I really cried my heart out thinking in the POV of Kali's friends and family, seeing her processing her grief by talking to the wind-- or her "Uncle" if she say so. It was just sad and completely heartbreaking at the same time. We all know that in reality, it was all an illusion because of her grief and guilt. But of course, it's only because I like to see it in a more realistic lens. Because whether we admit it or not, cases like this really happens.
When Kali finally lets go of her Uncle Drew, it was just soul shattering. You knew it was going to happen, that it was for the best, but it's heartbreaking all the same. So many more words, so many more things that they want to do, they could have done, but all of it was snatched away because Uncle Drew was gone. My heart breaks with Kali.
Honestly, the first parts of the book was moving too fast for me. Especially with the romance, and admittedly, I'm not a big fan of the romance side of it. I think it was too insta-lovey? Which I'm not a fan of. BUT Luca is a green flag, and I love to see that for Kali! Although, I understand that the love part was instrumental for the development of the character, for Kali to see a world without his Uncle Drew.
It was a short read, which I think is the reason why it only took me a day to read it. It's the first book that made me cry this 2024. And for that, I will always be grateful to be able to read such a heartbreaking story.
Thank you so much to Catherine Dellosa for the advance reader's copy of this book as part of her street team!
September 7, 2024
You may ask me why I love reading sad books even tho they make me sob *if you’ve been on my page long enough* I would say something along the lines of “it feels like a never ending situationship, they love you but keep breaking your heart. AGAIN AND AGAIN. Until that final moment when they leave and never come back*without a goodbye* ”.
This is the perfect book if you want to read a light summery romance that will break and mend your soul. The way this is so BEAUTIFULLY written, I cannot describe it in words how many emotions I felt and how much I loved this book. Because I legit went from sad to giggling to blushing to full on sobbing within the span of 2 hours. This is THAT good. Did I cry when Kali cried? Duh bro, it felt as if I was grieving and not willing to give up on Uncle Drew. Can I just say how much I love that man and even thinking about their relationship and their goodbye makes me cry. I cannot write anymore. I have tears in my eyes. GO READ.
Just letting you know that I finished 2 pack of wipes while reading this.
This is the perfect book if you want to read a light summery romance that will break and mend your soul. The way this is so BEAUTIFULLY written, I cannot describe it in words how many emotions I felt and how much I loved this book. Because I legit went from sad to giggling to blushing to full on sobbing within the span of 2 hours. This is THAT good. Did I cry when Kali cried? Duh bro, it felt as if I was grieving and not willing to give up on Uncle Drew. Can I just say how much I love that man and even thinking about their relationship and their goodbye makes me cry. I cannot write anymore. I have tears in my eyes. GO READ.
Just letting you know that I finished 2 pack of wipes while reading this.
October 18, 2024
Finally finished! This was a fairly short book, but the last few weeks have been tough and I can't concentrate on a physical book that well 😭😂
Anyway okay. The good:
1. It shows that grief and healing can be rocky and messy. It's definitely not a walk in the park, and we get to see the MC, Kali, navigate this.
2. It shows the intricacies of families. Like, Kali has a complicated relationship with her family. And Luca also has a different situation with his own family. I think it's interesting to get to know this about the characters, and how it resonates with a lot of Filipino teens and families as well.
3. It shows a small side of growing up and having dreams. Especially with Filipino families and culture that usually value more STEM-related or practical paths in college.
4. You realize that living in the present isn't just about living in the present. You try to hope for the future, too.
5. It pairs well with homemade Thai Milk Tea! Source: me 😂 Trust me okay? I've been making DIY Thai Milk Tea and maybe it's the book, maybe it's just my craving? But it's good 😂
The setbacks for me (and this is for me only):
1. Kali is an interesting character, but welp I definitely don't agree with a lot of her choices 😭😂 and of course, I understand that she's a flawed character and it's part of her journey in the book.
2. There was a slight noncon/dubcon scene and I'm convinced we need to reiterate what consent means to Kali 😅 (yeah this is one of her big choices/actions I don't agree with)
3. The romance is good, it's cute, but I guess I wanted more. Like I wanted to see Kali and Luca getting to know each other more before falling in love and whatnot? I don't know if that makes sense 😆
4. And I don't know, maybe this is just me? But I wanted to have more closure and reconnection between Kali and her family. The complicated relationship with her family is a big part of the plot and her character, so it felt a little rushed/lacking for me at the end.
Overall, this was still a good read. I think the highlight for me was really Kali and Uncle Drew's grief and journey of healing. That specific storyline was beautiful and I have to be honest that I could relate to it a little bit.
Exact rating: 3.5
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
Anyway okay. The good:
1. It shows that grief and healing can be rocky and messy. It's definitely not a walk in the park, and we get to see the MC, Kali, navigate this.
2. It shows the intricacies of families. Like, Kali has a complicated relationship with her family. And Luca also has a different situation with his own family. I think it's interesting to get to know this about the characters, and how it resonates with a lot of Filipino teens and families as well.
3. It shows a small side of growing up and having dreams. Especially with Filipino families and culture that usually value more STEM-related or practical paths in college.
4. You realize that living in the present isn't just about living in the present. You try to hope for the future, too.
5. It pairs well with homemade Thai Milk Tea! Source: me 😂 Trust me okay? I've been making DIY Thai Milk Tea and maybe it's the book, maybe it's just my craving? But it's good 😂
The setbacks for me (and this is for me only):
1. Kali is an interesting character, but welp I definitely don't agree with a lot of her choices 😭😂 and of course, I understand that she's a flawed character and it's part of her journey in the book.
2. There was a slight noncon/dubcon scene and I'm convinced we need to reiterate what consent means to Kali 😅 (yeah this is one of her big choices/actions I don't agree with)
3. The romance is good, it's cute, but I guess I wanted more. Like I wanted to see Kali and Luca getting to know each other more before falling in love and whatnot? I don't know if that makes sense 😆
4. And I don't know, maybe this is just me? But I wanted to have more closure and reconnection between Kali and her family. The complicated relationship with her family is a big part of the plot and her character, so it felt a little rushed/lacking for me at the end.
Overall, this was still a good read. I think the highlight for me was really Kali and Uncle Drew's grief and journey of healing. That specific storyline was beautiful and I have to be honest that I could relate to it a little bit.
Exact rating: 3.5
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
August 17, 2024
Fate Is Fixed. Love Is A Thunderstorm. Cheetos Are Mankind’s Greatest Invention.
Finish this in time for publication day yesterday but wasn’t able to post. I’ve read the other book of the author few months back and love it. That’s why I’m excited to join the author’s street team and read this one.
Kali applies for a part time work at a tea shop mainly because she wants to see and talk to her recently dead Uncle Drew. She didn’t expect to get the job upon applying and Luca to be the irresistibly cute owner. When the landlord decides to demolish the building of the tea shop, Kali must find a way to save the building and save his uncle’s haunt place, without being distracted by Luca’s charm. With so many happening in Kali’s life, she has to learn to move on, find love and let go.
I love Dellosa’s writing. There is something in her writing that makes you feel her characters and the emotions all throughout the story, it feel raw and so real. It is so easy to emphasize with the characters. A lot of things in the story might resonate with the readers because at one point it happened to them or to someone they know.
This is a quick read though some might take their time reading this as there are lots of heartbreaking moments that deals with grief. The death of Kali’s uncle is such a big blow that makes her distance herself from her family, makes her feel alone and lonely. I like how the author processes the grief, the moving on and and the letting go. That talk with her mom and her grandmother is such a tear jerker moment. I just wish the three of them discuss and delve with it more, just to iron things out for them gradual pace. On the other hand, Kali’s relationship with Luca is something to be admired. I like how they grow together, get hurt and discover themselves in the process, learning to face their own demons and decide on what is good for themselves first.
The Summer of Letting Go is out August 13, grab your copy, and when you do, you might want to grab a bag of Cheetos as well!
Finish this in time for publication day yesterday but wasn’t able to post. I’ve read the other book of the author few months back and love it. That’s why I’m excited to join the author’s street team and read this one.
Kali applies for a part time work at a tea shop mainly because she wants to see and talk to her recently dead Uncle Drew. She didn’t expect to get the job upon applying and Luca to be the irresistibly cute owner. When the landlord decides to demolish the building of the tea shop, Kali must find a way to save the building and save his uncle’s haunt place, without being distracted by Luca’s charm. With so many happening in Kali’s life, she has to learn to move on, find love and let go.
I love Dellosa’s writing. There is something in her writing that makes you feel her characters and the emotions all throughout the story, it feel raw and so real. It is so easy to emphasize with the characters. A lot of things in the story might resonate with the readers because at one point it happened to them or to someone they know.
This is a quick read though some might take their time reading this as there are lots of heartbreaking moments that deals with grief. The death of Kali’s uncle is such a big blow that makes her distance herself from her family, makes her feel alone and lonely. I like how the author processes the grief, the moving on and and the letting go. That talk with her mom and her grandmother is such a tear jerker moment. I just wish the three of them discuss and delve with it more, just to iron things out for them gradual pace. On the other hand, Kali’s relationship with Luca is something to be admired. I like how they grow together, get hurt and discover themselves in the process, learning to face their own demons and decide on what is good for themselves first.
The Summer of Letting Go is out August 13, grab your copy, and when you do, you might want to grab a bag of Cheetos as well!
September 26, 2025
the summer of letting go by catherine dellosa
genre : coming of age
My 💭:
[20/9/25 7.48 PM]
This book was NOT what I had expected at all! For some reason, I thought this was a healing fiction book, but actually it's a very cute coming of age romcom story with a theme of letting go.
"Letting go" - this is such an umbrella term, isn't it? And also it sounds so melancholic and heartbreaking. I have always associated this term with a feeling of goodbye, like I'm being forced to say my adieu to something or someone when I don't have any other option. In general, I am not someone who says "goodbye" to anyone, ever. Most people praise me for this trait of mine, but is it praiseworthy actually? Aren't people who can casually say goodbyes every now and then easily the only ones who have an okay mental health state? I mean, what good has life got me for being such a constant person? Trust me, at this point, I genuinely believe that being able to let go easily means that you are sorted in life.
Kali's favourite uncle has passed away and her life reached THAT ultimate moment point with that event. She gives up her college plans and her real life dreams in pursuit of one thing - to keep her uncle's ghost in this realm as long as possible by keeping the coffee shop intact where his ghost appears and talks with her. Unexpectedly she develops a thing for the coffee shop owner, Luca and that kinda forms the heart of the story. That's because Kali is presented with a weird dilemma - she doesn't know what to let go and what not to. Generally, after we finally give up and let go of someone, we get the urge to let go of anyone and everyone who dares to tread close to us. So this book gives a valuable lesson, that maybe maybe, some things and people are here to stay and they might heal us, inside out.
I honestly hope that the book imparts its grace unto me and lets me deal with life by letting go of things that I genuinely can't control. And I hope I stay grateful for the things and people I do have, whom, I never have to let go hopefully 🤞🏻.
genre : coming of age
My 💭:
[20/9/25 7.48 PM]
This book was NOT what I had expected at all! For some reason, I thought this was a healing fiction book, but actually it's a very cute coming of age romcom story with a theme of letting go.
"Letting go" - this is such an umbrella term, isn't it? And also it sounds so melancholic and heartbreaking. I have always associated this term with a feeling of goodbye, like I'm being forced to say my adieu to something or someone when I don't have any other option. In general, I am not someone who says "goodbye" to anyone, ever. Most people praise me for this trait of mine, but is it praiseworthy actually? Aren't people who can casually say goodbyes every now and then easily the only ones who have an okay mental health state? I mean, what good has life got me for being such a constant person? Trust me, at this point, I genuinely believe that being able to let go easily means that you are sorted in life.
Kali's favourite uncle has passed away and her life reached THAT ultimate moment point with that event. She gives up her college plans and her real life dreams in pursuit of one thing - to keep her uncle's ghost in this realm as long as possible by keeping the coffee shop intact where his ghost appears and talks with her. Unexpectedly she develops a thing for the coffee shop owner, Luca and that kinda forms the heart of the story. That's because Kali is presented with a weird dilemma - she doesn't know what to let go and what not to. Generally, after we finally give up and let go of someone, we get the urge to let go of anyone and everyone who dares to tread close to us. So this book gives a valuable lesson, that maybe maybe, some things and people are here to stay and they might heal us, inside out.
I honestly hope that the book imparts its grace unto me and lets me deal with life by letting go of things that I genuinely can't control. And I hope I stay grateful for the things and people I do have, whom, I never have to let go hopefully 🤞🏻.
August 14, 2024
✨ Happy Pub Day to “The Summer Of Letting Go” by Catherine Dellosa! ✨
I absolutely adore this book!! 🥹
🌷 Book Review 🌷
The Summer Of Letting Go by Catherine Dellosa — ★ ★ ★ ★.5
“One brick at a time, Kali. You’ll figure it out.” — Luca
This book really tugged at my heartstrings and brought back memories of my grandmother before she passed away—reminding me of all the things I never got to say and the regret of not getting to say goodbye.
So when I say Kali’s story resonates with me, I really mean it. Her desperate need to hold onto what’s left of her Uncle Drew hit me hard. I felt her rage, sadness, and grief so deeply. It was an emotional roller coaster that I’d happily ride again.
I had such a great time getting lost in this book. It’s not just about grief—there’s also a beautiful portrayal of finding joy in new beginnings!
And I have to share this: I usually don’t listen to music while reading because I prefer silence, but this book changed that for me. Listening to “The Summer of Letting Go” playlist made me feel like a whole new person! My favorite tracks are “The Distance,” “Back To The Beginning,” and “Stay Alive.” And of course, Lewis Capaldi and Taylor Swift songs are always a win! Cat, you’re amazing—I love this playlist so much. 💕
I can’t recommend this book enough—it is finally out today, August 13, 2024! If you’ve read “For The Win,” you’re in for a treat because “Mitolohiya” gets a mention in this one! ✨
Congratulations on your new book, Cat! 🫶🏻
I absolutely adore this book!! 🥹
🌷 Book Review 🌷
The Summer Of Letting Go by Catherine Dellosa — ★ ★ ★ ★.5
“One brick at a time, Kali. You’ll figure it out.” — Luca
This book really tugged at my heartstrings and brought back memories of my grandmother before she passed away—reminding me of all the things I never got to say and the regret of not getting to say goodbye.
So when I say Kali’s story resonates with me, I really mean it. Her desperate need to hold onto what’s left of her Uncle Drew hit me hard. I felt her rage, sadness, and grief so deeply. It was an emotional roller coaster that I’d happily ride again.
I had such a great time getting lost in this book. It’s not just about grief—there’s also a beautiful portrayal of finding joy in new beginnings!
And I have to share this: I usually don’t listen to music while reading because I prefer silence, but this book changed that for me. Listening to “The Summer of Letting Go” playlist made me feel like a whole new person! My favorite tracks are “The Distance,” “Back To The Beginning,” and “Stay Alive.” And of course, Lewis Capaldi and Taylor Swift songs are always a win! Cat, you’re amazing—I love this playlist so much. 💕
I can’t recommend this book enough—it is finally out today, August 13, 2024! If you’ve read “For The Win,” you’re in for a treat because “Mitolohiya” gets a mention in this one! ✨
Congratulations on your new book, Cat! 🫶🏻
September 20, 2024
I expected this book to be comforting and it served, yet it surprised me with parts I didn’t expect to happen already. Despite this, it really was an enjoyable read. I also like Dellosa’s writing a lot. Her descriptions of grief and other moments is admirable. I’d say she portrayed grief in such an accurate manner, how grief can just hit at arbitrary moments.
I was easily drawn in by dynamics between Kali and Luca and was honestly a bit surprised by their pace being together. But I did enjoy their sweet, sweet moments. The activities and errands they did together, moments of conversation, and just having each others’ presence pulled me in even further.
I liked the process of how Kali developed as a person. She had to have those experiences to move on, hence the title. Dellosa wrote a realistic depiction of grief and the yearning to go back. With the way Luca helped her, it showed that people are also around to help others who are grieving. It’s hard to look outside of one’s perspective when it comes to grief and the way Kali was able to make herself aware of her actions makes this story well-written.
I felt Kali’s emotions, took comfort, and greatly enjoyed this light, yet deeply expressed book.
I was easily drawn in by dynamics between Kali and Luca and was honestly a bit surprised by their pace being together. But I did enjoy their sweet, sweet moments. The activities and errands they did together, moments of conversation, and just having each others’ presence pulled me in even further.
I liked the process of how Kali developed as a person. She had to have those experiences to move on, hence the title. Dellosa wrote a realistic depiction of grief and the yearning to go back. With the way Luca helped her, it showed that people are also around to help others who are grieving. It’s hard to look outside of one’s perspective when it comes to grief and the way Kali was able to make herself aware of her actions makes this story well-written.
I felt Kali’s emotions, took comfort, and greatly enjoyed this light, yet deeply expressed book.
August 7, 2024
📖 ARC REVIEW 📖
Thank you @thenoobwife for an early copy of The Summer of Letting Go. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. 🤍
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Release date: August 13th, 2024
Blurb: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
🛑Read on with caution; review may contain spoilers🛑
Despite being a short novel, Dellosa never fails to give me all kinds of feelings as I read through her books. This time around, The Summer of Letting Go gave me fuzzy feelings with Luca and Kali’s sizzling chemistry, gave me that sense of longing and heartache as Kali tries to hold on to his Uncle Drew despite his passing, and made me feel like I’m being embraced into one of the warmest hugs as Kali learns how to move on and let go and keep Luca in her life.
I highly recommend picking up The Summer of Letting Go when it releases on August 13th, 2024 for a short but heartwarming and tear-jerking read! (I would also recommend grabbing some Cheetos while reading this; it made me crave for some lol)
Thank you @thenoobwife for an early copy of The Summer of Letting Go. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. 🤍
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Release date: August 13th, 2024
Blurb: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
🛑Read on with caution; review may contain spoilers🛑
Despite being a short novel, Dellosa never fails to give me all kinds of feelings as I read through her books. This time around, The Summer of Letting Go gave me fuzzy feelings with Luca and Kali’s sizzling chemistry, gave me that sense of longing and heartache as Kali tries to hold on to his Uncle Drew despite his passing, and made me feel like I’m being embraced into one of the warmest hugs as Kali learns how to move on and let go and keep Luca in her life.
I highly recommend picking up The Summer of Letting Go when it releases on August 13th, 2024 for a short but heartwarming and tear-jerking read! (I would also recommend grabbing some Cheetos while reading this; it made me crave for some lol)
October 1, 2024
“I unravel the cloth with my clammy fingers, but I register nothing, not when he’s standing his close. I turn my head to the side so that his face is right over my shoulder, and the longing in my own voice surprises me.”
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If you’re ready for a captivating read, The Summer of Letting Go by Catherine Dellosa is a must! It's a breathtaking journey about love, loss, and learning to move forward without forgetting the past, both its joys and sorrows.
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One of the most inspiring aspects of the story is Kali's growth, which follows her story of when her character accepts her grief and how it connects her in so many ways with those around her. We all want closure in our lives. Unfortunately, there can be instances where we either do not find it or get the answers we want. That is some reality of hard and sad goodbyes when it comes unexpectedly. It then makes you think and reflect on your own life. How can you be more present in your life and to those you love.
.
Thank you, Penguinbooksea, for this beautiful read and for gifting me a copy of The Summer of Letting Go by Catherine Dellosa. What are you waiting for? Grab your copy now in stores!
.
If you’re ready for a captivating read, The Summer of Letting Go by Catherine Dellosa is a must! It's a breathtaking journey about love, loss, and learning to move forward without forgetting the past, both its joys and sorrows.
.
One of the most inspiring aspects of the story is Kali's growth, which follows her story of when her character accepts her grief and how it connects her in so many ways with those around her. We all want closure in our lives. Unfortunately, there can be instances where we either do not find it or get the answers we want. That is some reality of hard and sad goodbyes when it comes unexpectedly. It then makes you think and reflect on your own life. How can you be more present in your life and to those you love.
.
Thank you, Penguinbooksea, for this beautiful read and for gifting me a copy of The Summer of Letting Go by Catherine Dellosa. What are you waiting for? Grab your copy now in stores!
October 1, 2024
Instead of planning for college, Kali applies for a part-time job at a tea shop called Tea for Two to continue spending time with her favorite Uncle Drew, who recently passed away. She gets the job and also the attention of the shop owner, Luca. She then finds out that the landlord is planning to demolish the building where the tea shop is. Kali will do anything to save the shop and to not lose her Uncle again.
It’s my very first Dellosa read and I am amazed by her beautiful writing. It’s raw and poignant. Kali’s relationship with her Uncle is so precious and it was heartbreaking to read her loss and grief. She blames herself for what happened. She is having a hard time letting go and it affects everyone around her. She is lucky to have supportive and loving friends. The romance between Kali and Luca was a bit rushed but I liked that they put themselves first before starting something between them. The Summer of Letting Go is about acceptance and new beginnings. It’s also a reminder that grief hits and looks different for each of us. A coming-of-age story that will definitely resonates with most of us.
It’s my very first Dellosa read and I am amazed by her beautiful writing. It’s raw and poignant. Kali’s relationship with her Uncle is so precious and it was heartbreaking to read her loss and grief. She blames herself for what happened. She is having a hard time letting go and it affects everyone around her. She is lucky to have supportive and loving friends. The romance between Kali and Luca was a bit rushed but I liked that they put themselves first before starting something between them. The Summer of Letting Go is about acceptance and new beginnings. It’s also a reminder that grief hits and looks different for each of us. A coming-of-age story that will definitely resonates with most of us.
December 16, 2024
"𝑭𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒇𝒊𝒙𝒆𝒅, 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒎, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑪𝒉𝒆𝒆𝒕𝒐𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒅'𝒔 𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒊𝒏𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒎𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒕𝒖𝒇𝒇."
'𝑰𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒍𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒖𝒅𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒍𝒆𝒇𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒐𝒏. '
Kali loses her uncle and is left dreading the moment she'll be ripped off of the essence too. She applies for the job in Tea for two to spend time with her uncle Drew and meets maverick shop owner Luca.
She discovers the building is getting demolished and she's left devastated. In hope to save Uncle Drew, she concocts a plan.
The writing is raw and meticulous, tearing your heart, delineating the family intricacies, grief and healing.Catherine has beautifully touched the concept of letting go in a relationship and being magnimonious.
Lucca was the much needed anchor in Kali's life, transcending her from her grief phase and persuading towards the future. The book is about embracing the change, addressing the grief and healing towards the new beginning.
This short story is a reminder life goes on irrespective of losses and one needs to move on towards actualization.
Thank you @thenoobwife and @penguinbookssea for the review copy🍂🤎.
'𝑰𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒍𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒖𝒅𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒍𝒆𝒇𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒐𝒏. '
Kali loses her uncle and is left dreading the moment she'll be ripped off of the essence too. She applies for the job in Tea for two to spend time with her uncle Drew and meets maverick shop owner Luca.
She discovers the building is getting demolished and she's left devastated. In hope to save Uncle Drew, she concocts a plan.
The writing is raw and meticulous, tearing your heart, delineating the family intricacies, grief and healing.Catherine has beautifully touched the concept of letting go in a relationship and being magnimonious.
Lucca was the much needed anchor in Kali's life, transcending her from her grief phase and persuading towards the future. The book is about embracing the change, addressing the grief and healing towards the new beginning.
This short story is a reminder life goes on irrespective of losses and one needs to move on towards actualization.
Thank you @thenoobwife and @penguinbookssea for the review copy🍂🤎.
September 30, 2024
I have no words to describe how much this one surprised me (in a good way)
TSOLG is Catherine Dellosa’s recent release ft. a coming-of-age story of Kali and how she navigates her life after the passing of her favorite Uncle Drew.
I love how the author discusses grief in this book. There is no linear path to cope up with the loss of someone you love and in this one, Kali and the spirit of Uncle Drew worked together to fulfill their wishes before summer ends.
Aside from the discussion of grief, TSOLG also highlighted a budding romance between Kali and the owner of the tea shop where she is working part-time, Luca. The two bonded over their shared baggages in family matters and societal expectations. Love how their relationship is developed naturally and the romance did not overshadow the bond between Kali and Uncle Drew.
The only thing that I can say is a weakness (imho) of the book is its length. At 288 pages, it felt like the ending was a bit rushed. Overall, this is definitely a recommended read. 4stars!
TSOLG is Catherine Dellosa’s recent release ft. a coming-of-age story of Kali and how she navigates her life after the passing of her favorite Uncle Drew.
I love how the author discusses grief in this book. There is no linear path to cope up with the loss of someone you love and in this one, Kali and the spirit of Uncle Drew worked together to fulfill their wishes before summer ends.
Aside from the discussion of grief, TSOLG also highlighted a budding romance between Kali and the owner of the tea shop where she is working part-time, Luca. The two bonded over their shared baggages in family matters and societal expectations. Love how their relationship is developed naturally and the romance did not overshadow the bond between Kali and Uncle Drew.
The only thing that I can say is a weakness (imho) of the book is its length. At 288 pages, it felt like the ending was a bit rushed. Overall, this is definitely a recommended read. 4stars!
June 12, 2024
The Summer of Letting Go is my first Penguin book that didn't take more than four years to write, but that doesn't mean it was the least bit easy. Writing about loss always leaves a hole in my heart. Each book I write takes a significant chunk out of it—broken off and woven into the pages of each story. I hope that, after my heart has bled onto the pages, you'll find a tale worth keeping in yours long after the last chapter ends.
Thank you, dear reader, for going through Kali's journey of moving on and letting go. I started the story harmlessly enough, but it began shaping up to be a tearjerker as I was writing it because of all the words I desperately wanted to say—and, like Kali said, "Maybe this time, that's okay." I hope that the raw emotions resonated with you in some way, whether they be giddy young-love feels or good cathartic tears.
So "before you go, before you go", let's have some tea at Tea For Two, or share a bag of Cheetos?
Thank you, dear reader, for going through Kali's journey of moving on and letting go. I started the story harmlessly enough, but it began shaping up to be a tearjerker as I was writing it because of all the words I desperately wanted to say—and, like Kali said, "Maybe this time, that's okay." I hope that the raw emotions resonated with you in some way, whether they be giddy young-love feels or good cathartic tears.
So "before you go, before you go", let's have some tea at Tea For Two, or share a bag of Cheetos?
December 17, 2024
The Summer of Letting Go by Catherine Dellosa is a sweet and short yet emotional book. It's about 18 year old Kali, who instead of going to college, decides to take up a job at a local tea shop. She's unable to let go of her uncle's ghost, who she sees— waiting for her in the corner table. The shop's cute owner Luca is the cherry on top. While all her friends are moving on with their lives, she's afraid of what will happen to her uncle's ghost if the shop is demolished. Her parents are also unaware of Kali's decisions, as they are an almost absent figure in her life, and it was her uncle who mattered to her. So when Kali and her best friends run a campaign to stop the demolition of the building, Kali's summer is about to take a wild turn in her life.
I genuinely loved the concept of book but my only vice is the pacing of the book. It was too fast and their was no build up that led to the final chapters where a lot of drama happened and got recovered just like that.
I genuinely loved the concept of book but my only vice is the pacing of the book. It was too fast and their was no build up that led to the final chapters where a lot of drama happened and got recovered just like that.
March 23, 2025
building lego while snacking on milk tea and cheetos, anyone? get comfortable, you’ll be here a while - pulled into a story you may find hitting so close to home
after a single text message, Kali’s world turns upside down. her anchor - her uncle was unfortunately caught in an accident causing him to pass. fast forward, she sees him in a cafe. days are back to normal, they talk, they hang. but is this how life is supposed to be? will they keep each other stuck in a time that doesn’t allow either of them to move on?
i would say that ‘the summer of letting go’ is a story about kindness. the kindness deeply enmeshed in choosing to let go. in any context, letting go is not the easiest; but oftentimes, its the better option.
this is the first book i’ve read from catherine dellosa and im excited to pick up her other works! 🫶🏼
after a single text message, Kali’s world turns upside down. her anchor - her uncle was unfortunately caught in an accident causing him to pass. fast forward, she sees him in a cafe. days are back to normal, they talk, they hang. but is this how life is supposed to be? will they keep each other stuck in a time that doesn’t allow either of them to move on?
i would say that ‘the summer of letting go’ is a story about kindness. the kindness deeply enmeshed in choosing to let go. in any context, letting go is not the easiest; but oftentimes, its the better option.
this is the first book i’ve read from catherine dellosa and im excited to pick up her other works! 🫶🏼
December 18, 2024
The Summer of Letting Go by Catherine Dellosa follows the story of 18-year-old Kali, who lost her Uncle, setting her world stranded and full of grief. It is a deeply moving and emotionally drenching tale that explores raw emotions, including grief and love, and themes like the heartwarming process of letting go, identity, and healing. The story moved through her life with her taking a part-time job at the cafe where she used to meet her uncle so that she could feel his presence. With the new job, her adventures started with her budding love story and conversations with her uncle's ghost.
Read full review here:
https://inklingsinsight.blogspot.com/...
Read full review here:
https://inklingsinsight.blogspot.com/...
August 17, 2025
I knew what I was going into but the ending still hurts. I love the mix of love, loss, and grief in the book but I guess I expected majority of the book to revolve around Kali and Uncle Drew (not that I'm complaining about Kali and Luca <3 my babies). I still enjoyed it and CRIED during the last few chapters. It hit a lot of emotions in me despite having yet to experience the pain of losing an immediate family that I care so much about and if I cried this much from reading a book on navigating and accepting grief then I'm not sure how i'll handle the real thing.
PS. I love Uncle Drew so much I hope in the next life I'd be blessed enough to have someone like him! It'll be worth every pain.
PS. I love Uncle Drew so much I hope in the next life I'd be blessed enough to have someone like him! It'll be worth every pain.
September 10, 2025
"Old memories are lovely, Kali."
"But new memories, the ones you're yet to make together...those are even more beautiful."
Aaaa I just know I will have a good day because I read a good book ♡. It was indeed a summer of letting go for Kali and I am so proud of her for doing that. Everything that she did was very valid and I know it isn't super easy to move on from the things you love and attached.
This book made my emotions whirl from shifting to sobbing because its sad, sobbing because its romantic, then sobbing because the advices attack me at some point in my life 🥺. I am so glad I read this and I know that the marks that I set in this book, the highlights I've done are all the advices and kilig that I needed to remember by in my life.
A good 4.5/5 ⭐️
"But new memories, the ones you're yet to make together...those are even more beautiful."
Aaaa I just know I will have a good day because I read a good book ♡. It was indeed a summer of letting go for Kali and I am so proud of her for doing that. Everything that she did was very valid and I know it isn't super easy to move on from the things you love and attached.
This book made my emotions whirl from shifting to sobbing because its sad, sobbing because its romantic, then sobbing because the advices attack me at some point in my life 🥺. I am so glad I read this and I know that the marks that I set in this book, the highlights I've done are all the advices and kilig that I needed to remember by in my life.
A good 4.5/5 ⭐️
September 6, 2024
The perfect blend of dealing with a loss of our loved one and trying to move on,
the struggles of falling in love,
the coming of age emotions,
the curiosity of finding everything about everything, the process of finding a place, taking one step at a time
The perfect book for all the readers out there who wanna read something under 200pages
but at the same time which has significant implications and emotional impact
the struggles of falling in love,
the coming of age emotions,
the curiosity of finding everything about everything, the process of finding a place, taking one step at a time
The perfect book for all the readers out there who wanna read something under 200pages
but at the same time which has significant implications and emotional impact
September 8, 2024
"Love and loss. So many stories have been written with these twin heartbreaks, but in Dellosa’s skillful hands the trite becomes truth, the reminder of reality’s cruelty resonating powerfully in readers who have keenly felt Life’s knife that spares no one..."
Read the rest of the review at our website!
https://exlibrisphilippines.com/2024/...
Read the rest of the review at our website!
https://exlibrisphilippines.com/2024/...
October 13, 2025
“One brick at a time.”
That one line means so much. Even if the main plot tackles about grief, I want to highlight the importance of slowing down as well. Living in the moment.
This a heartfelt novel, it was sappy. Felt like I was watching a coming of age film. This definitely suits young adult audiences.
Actual rating: 3.50 ⭐️
That one line means so much. Even if the main plot tackles about grief, I want to highlight the importance of slowing down as well. Living in the moment.
This a heartfelt novel, it was sappy. Felt like I was watching a coming of age film. This definitely suits young adult audiences.
Actual rating: 3.50 ⭐️
June 21, 2025
A chef's kiss. This book is really a masterpiece. No words are comparable to this book of hers. Make my nose on the hook on every page. It was my first time to shed a tears on a book.
October 27, 2025
The Summer Of Letting Go is a great read. Moving forward is the hardest part of a journey but that makes it beautiful because who knows what we will encounter while moving forward. 10/10 read
September 28, 2024
The amount of tears I shed while reading this book is concerning! This book reminded me of the time I lost my grandma. It was so sudden, so unexpected and at that time it did felt like everything has fallen apart.
Losing someone hurts more than one can imagine, it tears you apart. My heart broke for Kali at every page I read, those text messages? those places she re-visit? Everything was so heartbreaking to read.
And as someone who loves reading sad books, I loved this one too. The characters were well written and potrayed! And I so loved the friendship and the bond shown in the book, it was so precious and I yearn to have something like this in my life too.
Loved the relationship of luca and Kali but their closeness did seemed a little fast paced. I would have loved to see more of their moments, their bonding too but still I loved their every moments!
Losing someone hurts more than one can imagine, it tears you apart. My heart broke for Kali at every page I read, those text messages? those places she re-visit? Everything was so heartbreaking to read.
And as someone who loves reading sad books, I loved this one too. The characters were well written and potrayed! And I so loved the friendship and the bond shown in the book, it was so precious and I yearn to have something like this in my life too.
Loved the relationship of luca and Kali but their closeness did seemed a little fast paced. I would have loved to see more of their moments, their bonding too but still I loved their every moments!
December 5, 2024
Really did not expect it to be as sappy as it was. I mean, just look at the cover and how beautiful it is. Does it look like heartbreak? No, it does not but is it heartbreak? Oh my God, it really is.
The book follows Kali, as she deals with the passing of her uncle, who was the only person who ever understood her. It shows the how complex families can be and how pain can bring you close but also drift you apart. A little about dreams and adulting is also a wandering theme in the story. Along with the whole living in the present fiasco it tends to teach how to create a balance.
The romance is cute but I wanted a bit more depth to it.
The book follows Kali, as she deals with the passing of her uncle, who was the only person who ever understood her. It shows the how complex families can be and how pain can bring you close but also drift you apart. A little about dreams and adulting is also a wandering theme in the story. Along with the whole living in the present fiasco it tends to teach how to create a balance.
The romance is cute but I wanted a bit more depth to it.
November 22, 2024
Liked it. Loved the way it portrayed grief. Willing to forgive Kali for her lack of empathy, but all is well. This is an incredible filo read, but it's really rare for me to empathize more with the male lead. Maybe it's biased -- because I'm also an engineer in the Philippines, or we had struggles in life.
Kali felt a little tone-deaf to me, and I thought it's the grief in her, so I understood.
Book's great. Couldn't put it down, even if I tried.
Kali felt a little tone-deaf to me, and I thought it's the grief in her, so I understood.
Book's great. Couldn't put it down, even if I tried.
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