The Summer Reunion

by Leah Mercer

Six friends on holiday. A secret worth dying for.

In a gorgeous French stone villa, a group of friends reunite for a weekend of reminiscing and laughter. But as glasses of wine are poured, they find they aren’t alone.

Standing at the door is a man the friends thought they’d never see again. With a ferocious storm raging and roads closed, they have no choice but to let him in. Instantly the dream weekend takes a dark turn.

Because someone invited him here.

Because someone has been living a lie.

And someone wants revenge.

But when the truth is revealed, will anyone make it out alive?

A totally addictive psychological suspense thriller that fans of Lucy Foley, Adele Parks and Sally Hepworth will absolutely love.

What readers are saying about The Summer Reunion:

‘One YES! A MUST-read, fast-paced thriller!’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘An absolutely rollicking rollercoaster of a read… I devoured it within a day!’ NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I absolutely loved it… Fantastic read!’ terriholmes2 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Wow… A real page-turner… Will make your heart race.’ stamperlady50 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘An absolutely incredible book… I adored it.’ B for bookreview ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I love this… Gripped to the very last page.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I was absolutely glued to this book. Heart-pounding.’ no_shelf_control85 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Wow!… I felt as if I was on a zip line!… Definitely a must-read!’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Wow what did I just read!!! This book was such a page-turner it had me gripped from the very first page!!!’ NetGalley reviewer

What readers are saying about Leah

‘OMG!!!… My jaw was literally on the floor and my heart was beating out of my chest!… A must-read, deserves way more than 5 stars! Had me glued to my Kindle in this fast-paced, addictive read!… I devoured this in one sitting… Had me gasping!’ Heidi Lynn’s Book Reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘WHAT DID I JUST READ??… One wild ride!… I was addicted. I couldn’t believe my eyes. I stayed up super late last night finishing it because I kept saying one more chapter… I am obsessed with this book!’ mcreadssss_ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Had me hook, line and sinker from the very first page!… I always lo

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Mystery, Suspense

230 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 6, 2024

About the author

Leah can't remember a time when she didn't love writing. From creating fake newspapers to writing letters to the editor, scribbling something was always on the agenda. Even the rejections she received after completing her first novel at age 13 didn't dent her enthusiasm.

So it makes sense, then, that she pursued a career in anything but writing. Public relations, teaching, recruitment, editing medical journals -- even a stint painting houses -- until she finally succumbed once more to the lure of the blank page.

When she's not being jumped on by her young son or burning supper while thinking of plot-lines, Leah can be found furiously tapping away on her laptop, trying not to check Twitter or Facebook.

Leah also writes romantic comedies under the name Talli Roland.

Reviews

[Christine M in Texas (stamperlady50) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this one is a real-page turner, which will make your heart race. The SECRETS, DRAMA, and ULTERIOR motives will keep you thoroughly entertained.

When six friends get together for a reunion, drama unfolds. They have returned to a French villa. A couple who once had a thing get trapped in a wine cellar. Was this intentional or something more sinister? What secrets come out between the friends. Along with couples their children are part of the reunion.
Ellie and Safet have a daughter Victoria (14) and Ahmend (11) who was adopted from Syria. Jules and Harry have 15-year-old twins and another daughter Ivy. Another couple is Vannie and Nicola. Frederick shops up even though in never RSVP. Tension as he has his own secrets with one of the friends. All of these couples have secrets and this holiday will be one no one will forget.

[Kimberly R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellie Kovic and her husband Safet go to a villa for a reunion with their friends but instead of a happy reunion dark secrets are revealed as they fight for their lives.
This was a twisty mystery that had me on the edge of my seat.
Thanks NetGalley and Bookouture for this eARC that will be released September 6, 2024!

[Craig and Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Bookouture for a copy on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
A very quick, fast paced suspenseful melodrama with occasional moments of thriller.
A group of friends and their families holiday in France for a getaway.
A reunion of sorts to reclaim the college year bonds and vacations that they took back in the day.
A dazzling French villa.
A weekend of laughs and reminiscing.
A lifetime of secrets.
A ravenous storm.
No escape and the fantasy weekend takes a gloomy twist…..
Leah Mercer is a great storyteller.
With a drama filled plot, the unknown and a cast of unsavoury characters set in an alluring location, you have an intriguing concept experience.
A locked room mystery style of an adventure that will stimulate you reading mind.

[Silvia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book but nothing great! I finished about two hours ago and I already forgot about half of the book. Nothing that makes it better than the rest. Worth the read but not enough to add to my recommended list.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.

[Shauntelle (shauntellereads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had lots of twists and turns that kept me guessing the entire book. I enjoyed the story, and the characters were well developed. Yet, I struggled to connect to any of the characters. Usually when I can't connect to any characters, it's hard for me to care what happens to them in the end. I liked the plot, and the fast pace at which it developed, but some parts were very farfetched. This was an ok read for me.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme” · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happened 20 years ago?
Secrets!
Suspense!
Twisty twists!
Family drama!
The Summer Reunion will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what is going to happen next!
Must read for fans of psychological suspense thrillers!
Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was absolutely glued to this book. Heart pounding, constantly guessing who did what. The twists and turns were crazy! I had to know what happened.

[Kelly (aka jsybookworm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first book by Leah Mercer and what a read it was….. 5 star rating!!

Ellie decides to invite her old university friends for a summer weekend reunion in a villa they rented 20 years prior when celebrating finishing university. Ellie is now married to Safet who she met while at university, and they have a 14 year old daughter, Victoria and their soon to be adopted son, 9 year old Ahmed. Jules and Harry arrive, who were also dating at university and are also now married, with Harry’s twin girls, who were a product of Harry having an affair, and Jules is desperately trying to parent her two stubborn 15 year old step daughters. Lastly Vannie arrives with her girlfriend Nicola who she met recently. Despite their old friend, Frederick, telling Ellie he wouldn’t be able to make it, he also turns up, much to Jules’s dismay, as the last time they saw each other was when he hot footed it out of her bed on the last night of the university finishing celebration without a single word or backward glance. On the face of it everyone is excited to catch up with each other and see how their lives have turned out, but when a storm hits the villa on the second day of the reunion, and then Ahmed goes missing, things dramatically change in the villa, and it isn’t just the weather that is volatile. When Ellie, Frederick and Jules go searching for Ahmed, Frederick and Jules find themselves locked into the villa’s wine cellar and Ellie and Vannie are desperate to find the key as the torrential rain has caused floods and water off the nearby fields is pouring into the cellar where Frederick and Jules are trapped. Whilst this is all going on Jules and Harrys daughter, Ivy, turns up to the villa with a huge secret of her own and is also frantic to get her mum out of danger. As the storm shows no sign of abating and the water level in the cellar continues to rise, every person at the villa seems to have secrets and lies which are starting to unravel. Will Jules and Frederick be able to be saved? And if so, with everything finally out in the open, everyone will be leading dramatically different lives to what they were when they arrived at the villa for the reunion.

This was such a good read. I have to admit that the beginning was a little slow, but I understand it was scene setting and it didn’t take long for me to be hooked. I can honestly say I didn’t really like any of the characters, two were particularly abhorrent, however this dislike didn’t ruin my enjoyment of the storyline. I loved the different point of views, and I stayed up way too late on a good few nights as I was finding it difficult to put the book down!

Overall, a fantastic, twisted web of lies and deceit and wholly deserving of a 5 star rating. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers and look forward to seeing what Leah Mercer writes next.

Thank you to NetGalley, Leah Mercer and Bookouture for my advanced reading copy. Out 6th September 2024.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you, NetGalley, Bookouture and Leah Mercer for this ARC.

I finished this book in one sitting, I have mixed feelings, it was good yet some parts were so unbelievable that I had to question what I was reading. The book kept my interest because each character had a secret and I had to know what their secrets were or I probably would have given up on it.

Let's talk about the characters, they were each annoying from the adults to the children. Well there was one child, Ahmed who had a reason to behave the way that he did and the others are typical teenagers. The adults on the other hand were just plain selfish! Each had their own secret with their own selfish motive. I mean I know we all have secrets and a reason for them, but this was a group of selfish people and their secrets had a negative negative impact on other's lives. Vannie and Henry were just evil people in my opinion, Jules was too dependent on Vannie and clueless as can be. A woman is coming to tell me that my husband got her pregnant, I would not be offering to give her child support, I would be demanding a DNA test! Ellie just seemed to be an insecure and jealous person and her poor husband, Safet was caught up in this mess. I think he may have been the only character that I somewhat liked.

That covers my thoughts on the characters, now let's talk plot. Interesting plot idea but too much going on and as i stated it, a lot of this book was so unbelievable. Interesting but unbelievable. There were parts that just made no sense and I would have given up if I wasn't so nosey and wanted to know what the secrets were.

[Julie · Rating 1 out of 5]

You really need to suspend belief for this one. What starts as a fun get away for three couples turns into a mess of a weekend, set in a French stone villa outside of a small village, surrounded by lovely vineyards.

Ellie, who has arranged the weekend, and her husband Safet are trying to make their family work with the addition of Ahmed, who they are in the process of adopting, along with Ellie's teen daughter, Victoria. Ellie had always been the wallflower of the group and she wanted to show the others how much she has grown, changed, improved, and no longer that gangly wallflower, hidden in the background of the group.

Jules and Harry have been married 20+ years and have a college-aged teen daughter, Ivy, along with 15-year-old twin girls, Mia and Nat (though they sort of drifted into the background of the story and I forgot they existed until I began to write this review! 🤔🤔. They've made the marriage work, even if Jules if feeling Harry pulling away from her. But Jules' focus is and always has been her daughter, making sure she grows up feeling loved and cared for since Jules lost her mother when she was on the verge of adulthood.

Vannie brought along her current girlfriend, Nicola. Vannie has been a close friend to Jules, always there for her during her pregnancies, helping her with prenatal dr appointments and watching the kids when Jules needed help. Ivy and Vannie have developed a close bond, a tight relationship because Vannie served almost as a second mom to her.

So, the weekend should be fun in the sun, all together again, right? Wrong. Another guest shows up who upsets the apple cart. And when heavy rains begin that start mudslides and make it dangerous to travel and affects cell coverage, real danger sets in on the group at the house.

Why I rated the book so low is that what could have been an intriguing domestic drama type book changed so much as to not really be believable. Beginning with Vannie, who is such a liar, deceitful person, who hid what she had done that destroyed Jules' life, all the while pretending she was her best friend. Having an affair with her father, was the impetus for Jules' mother to leave and Jules never knew why and felt guilt. And then Jules' mother took her own life and Vannie was the first to find her but did nothing about it and left her there for Jules to find.

And amidst all that, she lies to Frederick about his night with Jules, telling him that Jules said he assaulted her and he had to leave without telling her why. And Jules thought she was starting a glorious life with him only to find him gone without any explanation. So she settles for Harry.

And then Harry ... sheesh, don't get me started on that creepo.

All these things come out in one afternoon during a major storm ... storming outside and raging inside! It was just not believable, how extreme the truths were that were coming out. No hints before, for 20 years of this deceit? Just too much for me.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Note: I received an advanced copy of this book from Bookouture via NetGalley.

Six friends reunite for what’s meant to be a relaxing weekend getaway in a beautiful French villa. As wine flows and laughter echoes through the villa, an unexpected visitor arrives—someone they thought they’d never see again. With a raging storm outside and no way to leave, the group is forced to let him in, and from that moment, the dream weekend spirals into a nightmare of deception, secrets, and revenge.

The story hooks readers with an intriguing premise: someone invited this mysterious man, someone has been lying, and someone is seeking revenge. The tension is palpable from the start, as each character harbors a secret, making you eager to uncover what they’re hiding. This is where the book shines, as curiosity about the characters’ secrets drives you to keep reading.

However, while the plot promises an engaging thriller, it stumbles in execution. The characters are difficult to connect with, and their selfishness and unlikable traits make it hard to root for any of them. Vannie and Henry are particularly ruthless, and Jules is frustratingly clueless. Ellie is portrayed as insecure and jealous, while her husband Safet is the only somewhat sympathetic figure in the story. Even the children, especially Ahmed, are portrayed in ways that make it hard to invest in their outcomes.

As for the plot, it’s a mix of intrigue and absurdity. While the secrets themselves are interesting, the way they unfold feels far-fetched at times, and certain twists border on the unbelievable. The pacing is uneven, with moments that drag and others that feel too rushed. The thriller element is diluted by the overwhelming focus on domestic drama, which might appeal more to fans of interpersonal conflicts than those looking for heart-pounding suspense.

Despite these shortcomings, the book does have its strengths. The atmosphere of the isolated, storm-battered villa adds a nice touch of suspense, and the quick pace makes it an easy read. There are a few surprising twists that keep things entertaining, even if they don’t always make sense. Ultimately, this is the kind of book that’s best enjoyed as a light, holiday read—nothing too deep, but engaging enough to pass the time.

While it’s not a standout in the thriller genre, readers who enjoy domestic dramas with a touch of mystery might find it worth a try. If you’re looking for a quick, fun escape with a few secrets to unravel, this book could be just the book for you.

[Bucks, Books & Beyond · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is told from Ellie, Jules, and Vannie’s characters perspectives in alternating chapters, although arguably the book has six main characters, including Harry, Safet and Frederick. The six of them all having known each other since their university days and whilst not all of them have stayed close over the years, their lives are all still inextricably linked.

There is Ellie and Safet, married and have been together since their university days. They have two children and at first appear as if they are very content in their comfortable lives. Then we have Jules and Harry, also married and have been together since university days. On the surface they appear to have a marriage that everyone would want, but it becomes clear from the beginning that looks can be deceiving when it comes to this couple and that Harry has already strayed before. Vannie and Jules are firm friends, but Ellie has always felt a bit like an outsider when it comes to the females group friendship.

As each chapter is told from a different character’s perspective, what I found really interesting was to read how one character perceived the others to be. Then when you read that character’s chapter it’s found not to be the case at all. It put in stark contrast how everyone is putting on a bit of a front and trying to show the best versions of themselves. It made me think that at some point throughout the book peoples mask will surely start to slip….

They all visit a villa in France for a reunion, the same villa they all visited over twenty years ago at the end of university. Throughout the book there is mention of something that happened in the past when they visited the villa. I found myself eagerly reading through the chapters trying to figure out what had happened in the past that everyone was so eager to keep secret.

Each chapter, a little snippet of information about the characters inter-relationships is revealed. Nothing is really as it seems. The book is like a jigsaw, there are a lot of pieces but it’s only as you move through the story that you start to see how the pieces fit together.

As one lie turns into another and another, it’s difficult to know where the truth begins and the lies end. This book kept me guessing throughout, with a fair share of twists and turns throughout. This book really has something for everyone, drama, intrigue, suspense, heartbreak, the list goes on. I think this book would appeal to a very wide range of audiences.

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perhaps it was long overdue, but six friends get together for what would ultimately be an unforgettable holiday. The French Villa they have chosen should have been a place where good memories were formed. Instead, it was wrought with trouble almost from the very start.

When two people get locked in a wine cellar, all kinds of theories immediately come to the minds of the other guests. For one thing, years before the two that were locked in the cellar had a relationship, but that was indeed the past. But that’s not the biggest issue at the moment. The biggest issue is how they got locked in the wine cellar and how can they be rescued from what just might be a very dire situation.

While that drama is occurring, there are other issues that are prevalent. For one thing, one couple, Ellie and Safet, have a son, Ahmend, whom they are in the process of adopting from Syria. The young boy has serious issues, and these issues carry their way throughout the story. Then there Jules and Harry, who have 15 year-old twin daughters. They are soon joined by Jules and Harry’s older daughter, Ivy. There is a third couple, Vannie and Nicola, as well. Then, a guest named Frederick arrived, although he did not respond to the invitation, so therefore his arrival was unexpected.

So, with more than one dynamic involving the couples, the older daughter Ivy, and Frederick, the drama in this intense story never once lets up. There is the past to be considered, because it has a very strong affect as to what is going on now. Meanwhile, some serious issues are threaded into this book. One is how adoption can change the family and how a child that has experience great trauma is now acclimating to the situation. Then there is the matter where one of the members of the group has a serious addiction and this impacts what goes on as the story develops.

Lots of drama. Lots of secrets. And more than one surprise twist. The holiday that should have brought joy to the guests did the exact opposite, and this made this latest book by Leah Mercer a thrilling read that was impossible to put down.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Six old friends come together to reunite after twenty years, Jules and Harry with twins and 15-year-old daughter Ivy, Ellie, Safet and their adopted son from Syria named Ahmend, they have a daughter Victoria. Also joining them are Vannie and Nicola. They are holidaying in a remote French villa they had stayed in together twenty years ago. Then to add to the mix Frederick arrives, another friend from a long time ago.

To make the atmosphere more enticing for the story, it is set in amongst a raging storm, and communication is cut off due to a lack of signal, what could go wrong? The group has not been there long when Sayet has disappears and two of the others become trapped in a cellar with water leaking into it and rising at a rapid rate. But is this just a terrible random incident or has someone instigated this set of circumstances?

As time progresses secrets are unveiled and soon it is revealed that several of their lives may have been vastly different if it was not for the selfish antics of others. The story is told by alternating POV’s which presents us with different perspectives and keeps you guessing as to who has created all this drama and why.

Quite a few twists along they way to keep the reader engaged and a satisfying ending all make this a recommended book.

Thank you to Netgalley the author and publisher for an ARC, all opinions are my own.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this author’s thrillers; they’re extremely well-written with brilliant plots. I’m always gripped to the very last page.

A Uni friendship group goes to a villa in France for a weekend, but it’s not the first time they’ve been there. They were all there 20 years ago when they had a short break to mark the end of their studies. Ellie arranges the reunion trip and she’s there with her husband, Safet, and children, Victoria and Ahmed. Jules and her husband Harry have a daughter back home but Harry’s twin daughters from a fling are with them. Vannie has her girlfriend of 6 months, Nicola, with her and the only one missing is Frederick. There was mystery surrounding Frederick’s sudden departure from the first French holiday.

The weekend gets off to a good start but then they’re all surprised, especially Jules, when Frederick turns up. He goes with Jules to fetch some wine from an outside wine cellar but the door shuts behind them and it seems to be locked. This marks the start of the various secrets coming to light, and it seems as though none of the group can really trust each other.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an advance reader copy in return for an honest review.

[M Soh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing this book, with my honest review below.

The Summer Reunion transports you to a winery as the setting of a college reunion for close friends - but naturally everyone is hiding some secrets, and the appearance of a long lost friend who wasn’t expected is going to blow up some of the oldest ones. The tension of course sucks you in right away given this book isn’t shy about layering in some ominous undertones from the jump. My takeaways were that I’d most definitely carry a grudge if I find out one of my closest friends did to me what one did to her bestie.

All that said, with a great setting to work with Leah Mercer takes full advantage of the close quarters and tensions and develops her characters so that readers have intense dislikes for many while others remain a mystery. When she expertly adds in urgency with two characters trapped, some of the more subtle story lines come to the forefront and the mysteries take a turn for life and death.

I enjoyed every minute of this, including some red herrings that were thrown in. While I did wish some of the story lines weren’t thrown in as towards the end they took away from the main mystery, they all did leave me thoroughly engaged and I feel other thriller lovers will also find themselves equally absorbed by this book.

[Cassie Mann · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review! Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!

Would I call this "absolutely gripping page-turner filled with secrets and heart-pounding suspense" like the promo describes? Hmm.. no. It was definitely entertaining, but a little bit predictable and at no point did I think any of the characters were in genuine danger. If you are a fan of a quick-paced thriller like Freida McFadden, you are likely to enjoy this as a bit of entertainment.

Six friends reunite with their children for the ultimate French getaway, but when someone from their past shows up at the door, everyone is shocked. This newcomer's past is riddled with secrets, and it's only a matter of time before it all starts spilling out. And when he and one of the friends get trapped in a wine cellar during a storm, it's a race against time to get them out to safety before it completely floods.

Bonus points to this one for being a quick read - I finished the entire thing in an afternoon which was a welcome palate cleanser to a lot of the longer books I've been reading recently. There were some good twists in here that I didn't necessarily see coming, but I can't say anything about this truly made my heart race. It was pretty standard for a thriller and just an overall solid 3 star read.

[LindyLouMac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leah Mercer, who also publishes as Talli Roland is an author I have been following since 2010 when she published her first novel. I have said this before, but her writing seems to go from strength to strength. Once again she has wowed me with her latest addictive thriller.

In 'The Summer Reunion' a group of friends gather for a holiday at a villa in France, where they had last met up twenty years previously, when they were fresh from attending university together. Now with careers, partners and families they plan to recreate that time of their lives and the fun they had together. It doesn't work out as expected as straight away lies and secrets start to surface. Apparently things were not quite as their memories led them to believe.

I have always enjoyed reading the work of Leah Mercer over the years and followed the development of her style with interest. Her recent psychological thrillers have all kept me riveted to the stories, so along with her earlier ones recommended for fans of the genre.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

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[Renee(Reneesramblings) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The more I read thrillers about friends from high school or college getting together years later, the more I am convinced that going to a reunion is a terrible idea. Too many old secrets that should have been left where they belong, in the past. However, when six college friends plan a reunion, each person’s luggage must not have had any room left for clothes. Every one of those suitcases was packed with so many secrets and lies.
Ellie and Saret were college sweethearts who married and have 2 children. But Ellie’s secret might break up their happy family. Jules and Harry were also a couple, but she settled for marrying him when someone else abandoned her. Frederick shows up, and Ellie is the only one happy to see him. Vannie does not have a partner from college. What she has though are manipulative secrets and lies. If they are exposed, let us just say that she might become someone who is loathed by all.
A terrible storm, two people locked in a cellar with water pouring in, and enough red herrings to make me think that everyone was guilty of something. A page turner, as I tried to figure out who did what before the author reveals.

[Joanna Lambert · Rating 5 out of 5]

A group of friends revisit the French villa they stayed in just after they had finished uni. From the beginning there are hints that their friendships were not as rock solid as they originally believed. Now in their forties, with successful careers and families, it does not take long for the reality of that holiday to surface. There are secrets, lies and deceptions, all of which are about to reveal truths which some of them would prefer buried.
This is a roller coaster of a read, with edge of the seat moments as secrets are gradually revealed and those who appear innocent are anything but. A great cast, with the usual human frailties - some I could forgive, others I disliked as soon as they 'stepped' onto the page. When the storm puts two of the friends in danger, the author cleverly ramps up the suspense surrounding this.

A good, gripping psychological thriller, worth every one of the five stars I have awarded. Highly recommended.
My thanks to Bookouture, the author and Netgalley for an ARC of The Summer Reunion in exchange for an honest review.

[A Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a book that is so good you can't stop thinking about it and rush through your daily routine so you can pick it back up and start reading again. This is THAT book.

Going back to a destination from your past with a group of friends can be risky, and if you all have secrets from each other it is definitely a bad idea. This is what happens when six friends take a holiday together back to a French Villa they had once visited. Each of the friends is keeping a secret about one of the others and when two of them get locked in a wine cellar together and a storm causes the cellar to fill with raging waters all the secrets start tumbling out. The aftermath leaves no one unaffected.

This twisty domestic thriller will have you guessing through the entire book as to what each of the characters secrets are. This was well written and will keep your interest throughout.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the advanced copy of this book

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Their Secrets Have Secrets. Easily a great line in The Avengers (the Marvel version, you Imperialists) is when Tony Stark is speaking of Nick Fury and says "his secrets have secrets" - which is absolutely true, both in The Avengers and this book. If you enjoy semi-slow burn (to start) almost disaster movie type suspense, where everything starts off a touch slow and normal ish before completely fucking unravelling... this is exactly the kind of book you're going to enjoy.

The other great thing about this, to me, was how well Mercer used the setting she created to create an atypical emergency situation. Without giving anything away, let's just say that it put an interesting spin on a couple of fairly worn concepts and made everything seem newer and much more intriguing in the process.

Ultimately one of those books you're going to be reading deep into the night, because "one more chapter" will never be enough.

Very much recommended.

[Trish Hills · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Summer Reunion by Leah Mercer is a really interesting read. It deserves to be devoured in the sunshine by a pool with a cocktail in hand. I however, read it in dreary, rainy Lancashire. This book deserves better!

There are a lot of characters, so it took me a little while to figure everyone out and to make connections. The first third was a lot of back story and introductions, so it was a bit of a slow start.

However, once the story got going, things picked RIGHT UP! There was more action than I expected, and I am not mad about it. There were twists and turns galore, too! I really was shocked by some of them!

With chapters being written from different characters POVs, I was a tiny bit confused, but I really think that was a me problem. I loved the dynamics within the individual families, but also thr group dynamic! It was crackling with tension!

Overall, this was a dark, twisted thriller and I would absolutely recommend it!

[Els · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is is true that good books can't have enough pages and bad ones always have too many? In my opinion it's not. Good books have exactly the perfect number of pages. They are to the point and there is no time wasted in writing or reading unnecessary details that only pull the reader's attention away from the core of the story. 

In this book there was no beating around the bush. It is correct that quite a few secrets have been hidden for about 20 years, but as soon as one cat was out of the bag, the others followed rapidly.

You can fool yourself and believe you are lying and manipulating to protect someone dear, but in the end you have to admit that the only one you were really keeping safe, was yourself.

For me this was an absolute incredible book and I adored it.

I loved the fact that true love conquers all whether it's time, lies or fear that stands between you. 5 stars.

Thank you

[Trish · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Ellie plans a small reunion with some of her college friends and their families, everyone thinks the weekend will be just what they need - some relaxing time away from the stresses of their every day lives, relationships, and work. But the villa where the friends return to is the same place where life changing lies and secrets were buried 20 years ago. And some will do whatever it takes to make sure their secrets don't come to light.

At first, everything is fine, a little tension here and there, but then Frederick appears, throwing fuel on the fire because some people don't want him there. He has recently discovered some shocking news and he needs to sort it out, but the one person who can help him clarify the situation, Jules, wants nothing to do with him. Jules' best friend Vannie, who has been like a sister to Jules, has also been keeping secrets and is trying to figure out how to keep them from coming to light, knowing the truth will destroy everything.

When a storm hits and Jules and Frederick are trapped in an underground wine cellar, the race is on to free them - while someone would rather they stay locked inside and drown as the storm water begins filling the cellar.

How far will the guests go to keep their secrets from coming out? With a tangled web of lies, deceit, and blackmail, this was a fun summer read. Some of the plot was predictable but other times I was surprised. The characters were developed well and the writing made me feel badly for some and hate others.

Overall it was an enjoyable read.

I received and ARC copy of The Summer Reunion in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to Bookouture for access to this ARC. #TheSummerReunion #NetGalley

[Roz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Started and finished this in one day and thoroughly enjoyed it. Set in a holiday villa, the author introduces the reader to friends from university meeting up 20 years on, at the same villa they were last all together.

The events of the past have shaped the lives of those staying at the villa and it doesn’t take long for the guests to become aware that there may be tension and danger ahead.

Good writing, particularly the start which I found gripping. The characters are both likeable and detestable where the author wanted them to be. I enjoyed the plot and found it an interesting twist on a thriller and it certainly kept my attention.

Would recommend this as a good holiday read and for those who enjoy a thriller . Good pace and I enjoyed the ending.

Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Going into this Leah Mercer was a new to me author.
In fact I had never even heard her name before, but when I read the blurb for this book it sounded right up my street so I thought I'd give it a go. And I'm glad I did!
This was an entertaining book right from the start. Is it the best written or best suspense book out there? No. But I had a fun time reading it.
It was such a binge able, easy to read book that I flew through quickly. I liked the setting and thought this did add to the plot. The characters were likeable if a bit 2D in places.
Whilst I have to say the reveals weren't at all surprising it didn't spoil my enjoyment.
If you are looking for a short, snappy, well paced, entertaining book to spend a day reading you should pick this up!

Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for the ARC I received in exchange for an honest review

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Six friends arrive on holiday, staying in a French villa. As they reminisce, a shock arrival at the door and a storm raging, makes the holiday take a dark turn. As secrets and lies come to light, will everyone make it through the holiday?

This one sounded like a lot of fun so I was drawn into reading it. This was definitely a quick, easy read, which keeps you turning the pages as you want to know what is going on. The premise was interesting and I liked the atmosphere. I wasn’t as keen on the characters and found it hard to connect them. The overall story felt a bit slow paced and more of a domestic drama than thriller. However, there were entertaining moments and twists and turns. This is a great read for those looking for a fun, holiday read. I would be interested to see what else this author writes. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.

[Farah G · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an exciting and engrossing read, about a group of college friends who get together for a reunion at a winery. What could possibly go wrong?

Well, for starters you might get stuck in a cellar with the one person whom you don't want to see at this reunion, who shows up as an unexpected (and, to you, decidedly unwelcome) guest!

For another thing, that long-delayed clearing of the air may result in the throwing up some even more unwelcome possibilities for you to face when it comes to the people whom you consider your nearest and dearest...

Leah Mercer delivers a compelling take on a somewhat familiar trope, effortlessly holding the reader's interest. Check this one out if you enjoy a good thriller.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[Ink · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Summer Reunion: An absolutely gripping page-turner filled with secrets and heart-pounding suspense
by Leah Mercer

Jeepers! What a concept and what a thriller!

Six friends return to the villa they holidayed in a decade earlier to reunite and have some fun

However, they are not alone. They have a visitor, a man who nobody wanted to see again, so why is here? Someone invited him and someone had reason. Six friends arrived at the villa, how many wiill leave? And how many will leave alive?

OOOf, I was expecting a psychological thriller of deception and revenge but this book is all of that and then some! Stunning!

Thank you to Bookouture, NetGalley and the author for this riveting ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own