What do you think?
Cruel Summer: An Eras Journey
Summer is great.
Until the Taylor Swift tickets are fake.
Join tenacious teen Georgie on her journey to find the biggest ticket of summer.
At first
Georgie finds herself caught between having the best summer ever or earning Taylor The Eras Tour tickets from her Aunt Gwen. When unexpected events change everything, she must learn to stare directly in the mirror and discover the power of courage, independence, and bravery. This heartwarming novel explores young girl's coming of age intertwined with self-discovery, love, and friendship, making it a must-read for tweens age 9 to 13 and Swifties everywhere.
Good to
First-person point of viewComing of ageSelf discoveryMultiple viewpointsProblem solvingYouthful narrative
Why they love
"At its core, Cruel Summer is a story about growing up, learning to navigate the challenges of friendships, and understanding the importance of family. Georgie’s relationships with her parents and siblings are tenderly explored, showing that family, like friendships, can be both a source of frustration and unconditional love. Overall, Cruel Summer is a heartwarming and entertaining read for tween Swifties. With its relatable characters, engaging plot, and delightful Swift references, it’s a book that will leave readers smiling—and maybe even singing—long after they’ve turned the last page." – [Renee Hayes, Renee Hayes Books]
“Cruel Summer is a heartwarming tween novel that hits all the right notes. It explores the complexities of friendship, family, and personal growth, all set against the backdrop of a Taylor Swift-themed summer... The author’s ability to create a perfect mix of teenage drama, humor, and heartfelt moments, sprinkled with plenty of Taylor Swift references, makes Cruel Summer a relatable and fun read, especially for those Swifties learning to navigate the ups and downs of growing up.” — [Liz Willis, Behavior Analyst]
Georgie Olena Gardner is hellbent on having the best summer ever with her three best friends. She’s created a summer calendar for them that is full of prom events, graduation parties, and trips down the shore. But no event is as important as the Taylor The Eras Tour. As a genuine Swiftie, Georgie knows she is one of the lucky ones with tickets and cannot wait to attend Taylor Swift’s concert with her best friends. It will the pinnacle event of summer.
Tragedy strikes when Georgie finds out that her Taylor Swift tickets are fake. She cries to anyone that will listen. Unfortunately only her dog, Fearless is willing to comfort her. Georgie knows she needs to find a way to get a new set of tickets and turn her summer around.
Enter Georgie’s Aunt Gwen. She has tickets to Taylor The Eras Tour and a plan of her if Georgie can complete her six tasks then she will get to go to the concert of the century.
Georgie agrees to the terms and her cruel summer begins.
Until the Taylor Swift tickets are fake.
Join tenacious teen Georgie on her journey to find the biggest ticket of summer.
At first
Georgie finds herself caught between having the best summer ever or earning Taylor The Eras Tour tickets from her Aunt Gwen. When unexpected events change everything, she must learn to stare directly in the mirror and discover the power of courage, independence, and bravery. This heartwarming novel explores young girl's coming of age intertwined with self-discovery, love, and friendship, making it a must-read for tweens age 9 to 13 and Swifties everywhere.
Good to
First-person point of viewComing of ageSelf discoveryMultiple viewpointsProblem solvingYouthful narrative
Why they love
"At its core, Cruel Summer is a story about growing up, learning to navigate the challenges of friendships, and understanding the importance of family. Georgie’s relationships with her parents and siblings are tenderly explored, showing that family, like friendships, can be both a source of frustration and unconditional love. Overall, Cruel Summer is a heartwarming and entertaining read for tween Swifties. With its relatable characters, engaging plot, and delightful Swift references, it’s a book that will leave readers smiling—and maybe even singing—long after they’ve turned the last page." – [Renee Hayes, Renee Hayes Books]
“Cruel Summer is a heartwarming tween novel that hits all the right notes. It explores the complexities of friendship, family, and personal growth, all set against the backdrop of a Taylor Swift-themed summer... The author’s ability to create a perfect mix of teenage drama, humor, and heartfelt moments, sprinkled with plenty of Taylor Swift references, makes Cruel Summer a relatable and fun read, especially for those Swifties learning to navigate the ups and downs of growing up.” — [Liz Willis, Behavior Analyst]
Georgie Olena Gardner is hellbent on having the best summer ever with her three best friends. She’s created a summer calendar for them that is full of prom events, graduation parties, and trips down the shore. But no event is as important as the Taylor The Eras Tour. As a genuine Swiftie, Georgie knows she is one of the lucky ones with tickets and cannot wait to attend Taylor Swift’s concert with her best friends. It will the pinnacle event of summer.
Tragedy strikes when Georgie finds out that her Taylor Swift tickets are fake. She cries to anyone that will listen. Unfortunately only her dog, Fearless is willing to comfort her. Georgie knows she needs to find a way to get a new set of tickets and turn her summer around.
Enter Georgie’s Aunt Gwen. She has tickets to Taylor The Eras Tour and a plan of her if Georgie can complete her six tasks then she will get to go to the concert of the century.
Georgie agrees to the terms and her cruel summer begins.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 20, 2024
About the author
April-Chrystal Helen Holmes
2 books4 followersIt's enchanting to meet you!
Jersey girl born and raised, April-Chrystal defines herself as a storyteller; from a young age, she was drawn to the creative life with a big imagination and countless stories to tell. Now she’s writing down her stories to share with you, starting with Cruel Summer.
April-Chrystal received her master’s degree in history from William Paterson University and her bachelor’s degree from The College of New Jersey. Her major was in communication studies with minors in marketing and graphic design. While attending undergrad, she studied abroad at the University of Sydney. She also holds 30 credits of coursework in psychology from Drexel University.
April-Chrystal loves her home in Morristown, New Jersey surrounded by family and friends. She is obsessed with her cairn terrier (just like the Wizard of Oz’s Toto), Susie. When time allows, April-Chrystal enjoys exploration, both near and far, playing field hockey, knitting, and reading.
Jersey girl born and raised, April-Chrystal defines herself as a storyteller; from a young age, she was drawn to the creative life with a big imagination and countless stories to tell. Now she’s writing down her stories to share with you, starting with Cruel Summer.
April-Chrystal received her master’s degree in history from William Paterson University and her bachelor’s degree from The College of New Jersey. Her major was in communication studies with minors in marketing and graphic design. While attending undergrad, she studied abroad at the University of Sydney. She also holds 30 credits of coursework in psychology from Drexel University.
April-Chrystal loves her home in Morristown, New Jersey surrounded by family and friends. She is obsessed with her cairn terrier (just like the Wizard of Oz’s Toto), Susie. When time allows, April-Chrystal enjoys exploration, both near and far, playing field hockey, knitting, and reading.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 9, 2026
Cruel Summer is a teen/coming of age fiction that completely encourages us to be our authentic selves. Although there are several Taylor Swift references here, which I LOVED and does make it PERFECT for TSwift fans, this could be for any teen girl learning to navigate life. It’s super relatable! It has lots of important themes that were all written with such care. I love a book that makes me feel all the emotions and remains fun throughout and this one delivered! I enjoyed the short chapters and the writing style - leaving little cliffhangers to keep young readers engaged and moving onto the next chapter is smart!
Thank you to the author for the amazing book mail and to LBT for having me on tour!
Thank you to the author for the amazing book mail and to LBT for having me on tour!
July 23, 2026
Went in with low expectations, and was still baffled that this was a real book physically in my hands. I hope someone found joy in this, because it certainly wasn’t me.
First off, who is this for? The synopsis alludes to middle grade/tween, which sort of orientates it, but younger readers still deserve quality writing. This read like someone VERY young’s fanfiction/wattpad/ao3 work that was only meant to be passed around to their equally young friends, not sold and critically examined. No one feels like a real person, no one’s dialogue is natural, and despite having two characters’ perspectives, it all reads in the same choppy way. I’ll admit, I’m not a Swiftie, this was gifted to me as a bit of an inside joke. Part of the weird phrasing is probably lyrics shoehorned in that I’m unfamiliar with in true songfic fashion, but since the author is explaining what a Swiftie is and so many TS details, I’d imagine this is supposed to reach a wider audience, which it can’t if those references just seem nonsensical.
Georgie’s whole personality is being a Swiftie, which for that younger audience might feel true. The whole point is getting her out of her toxic blinders and realizing who she is as a person, great message, but geez she’s so blatantly insufferable. Note how I mentioned that pigeonholing might feel familiar to that TWEEN audience, but Georgie’s literally about to go to college. She’d certainly still be selfish and naive, but her reasonings and tantrums felt like a 6 year old. You can’t argue that that was only because of her rich friends being a bad influence, they clearly are, but a majority is still Georgie herself. Her parents come off as very hands off that might’ve lent itself to her spoiled behavior starting which would’ve gotten nurtured by those friends, meaning they aren’t fully to blame like the narrative insinuates.
I understand I’m not the target audience by a mile, but I’m just gonna rapid fire some of the things that bewildered me. Nameless boyfriend at the beginning who is quickly removed and forgotten even when we somehow try to find a happy ending for everyone EXCEPT HIM WHEN HE DID NOTHING WRONG. Constant “ageism”(?), making 30s and even 20s seem ancient? What do you mean 2000s is vintage?? Paper tickets unheard of??? Someone her age would at least be excited about her 20s when she’s about to enter them instead of tearing them down. Along the same line, references upon references being described the same way. Specifying TS with direct labeling every mention, same with anything from the 90s, spelling out every show it might be from except Full House for some reason? Got permissions for everything BUT that show?? Not to mention any and all references must be completely spelled out, just like how the short peanut butter chapter is, to tell you how comical it’s supposed to be. And how does an adult see someone put something in a drink and walk away?! Doesn’t matter if it’s teens, doesn’t matter it was “only” a laxative, you saw someone’s drink be tampered with and the only action taken would take way too long for that immediate danger.
Overall, kids deserve better, nuance is not inconceivable to them. You can speak to their emotional experiences without alienating them from the rest of the world so harshly
First off, who is this for? The synopsis alludes to middle grade/tween, which sort of orientates it, but younger readers still deserve quality writing. This read like someone VERY young’s fanfiction/wattpad/ao3 work that was only meant to be passed around to their equally young friends, not sold and critically examined. No one feels like a real person, no one’s dialogue is natural, and despite having two characters’ perspectives, it all reads in the same choppy way. I’ll admit, I’m not a Swiftie, this was gifted to me as a bit of an inside joke. Part of the weird phrasing is probably lyrics shoehorned in that I’m unfamiliar with in true songfic fashion, but since the author is explaining what a Swiftie is and so many TS details, I’d imagine this is supposed to reach a wider audience, which it can’t if those references just seem nonsensical.
Georgie’s whole personality is being a Swiftie, which for that younger audience might feel true. The whole point is getting her out of her toxic blinders and realizing who she is as a person, great message, but geez she’s so blatantly insufferable. Note how I mentioned that pigeonholing might feel familiar to that TWEEN audience, but Georgie’s literally about to go to college. She’d certainly still be selfish and naive, but her reasonings and tantrums felt like a 6 year old. You can’t argue that that was only because of her rich friends being a bad influence, they clearly are, but a majority is still Georgie herself. Her parents come off as very hands off that might’ve lent itself to her spoiled behavior starting which would’ve gotten nurtured by those friends, meaning they aren’t fully to blame like the narrative insinuates.
I understand I’m not the target audience by a mile, but I’m just gonna rapid fire some of the things that bewildered me. Nameless boyfriend at the beginning who is quickly removed and forgotten even when we somehow try to find a happy ending for everyone EXCEPT HIM WHEN HE DID NOTHING WRONG. Constant “ageism”(?), making 30s and even 20s seem ancient? What do you mean 2000s is vintage?? Paper tickets unheard of??? Someone her age would at least be excited about her 20s when she’s about to enter them instead of tearing them down. Along the same line, references upon references being described the same way. Specifying TS with direct labeling every mention, same with anything from the 90s, spelling out every show it might be from except Full House for some reason? Got permissions for everything BUT that show?? Not to mention any and all references must be completely spelled out, just like how the short peanut butter chapter is, to tell you how comical it’s supposed to be. And how does an adult see someone put something in a drink and walk away?! Doesn’t matter if it’s teens, doesn’t matter it was “only” a laxative, you saw someone’s drink be tampered with and the only action taken would take way too long for that immediate danger.
Overall, kids deserve better, nuance is not inconceivable to them. You can speak to their emotional experiences without alienating them from the rest of the world so harshly
June 12, 2026
At first glance, Cruel Summer: An Eras Tour Journey feels like it’s going to be all about one huge summer concert, but surprisingly, losing the concert tickets turns out to be the best thing that could have happened to Georgie.
What I loved most was Georgie’s journey of growth. She isn’t a bad teenager at all, just a very realistic one. Watching her navigate disappointment, shifting friendships, family expectations, and her own choices made her feel authentic and relatable. Her personal growth throughout the story was inspiring, and I found myself rooting for her every step of the way.
One of my absolute favorite parts of this book was Georgie’s family. I loved seeing such a supportive, slightly scheming family who saw her potential, stood firmly in her corner, and knew exactly how to motivate her when she needed it. The unconditional love woven throughout this story was one of its strongest elements, and it was beautiful to watch Georgie return that same love to her family and even to her dog, Fearless, who completely stole my heart.
I also adored the creative touch of using song lyrics as chapter titles. It made the whole concert-centered storyline feel even more immersive and fun.
This book is filled with meaningful life lessons for younger readers, from putting others before yourself, to giving back to your community, to learning how to choose friends who encourage and uplift you, and being that kind of friend in return. These lessons were woven so naturally into the story and gave it so much heart.
Set against the exciting backdrop of the biggest concert of the summer, this was such a fun, heartfelt, and meaningful story. I absolutely loved the family dynamics, the character growth, and the strong life lessons tucked inside. This is the kind of book that entertains while also leaving readers with something valuable to carry with them after the last page.
While the publisher recommends this for ages 7 and up, I personally would place it closer to 12 and up. There are early references to boyfriends, parties, and alcohol, and because the characters are eighteen, that includes underage drinking. Personally, I did not love those topics being introduced, especially for younger readers. There were also a few moments where I worried Georgie might end up stepping into those situations herself. However, she never actually participates in those activities, and circumstances keep her from going down that road. I appreciated that the story didn’t glorify those choices, and because of that, I would still consider it a clean read overall. It just felt better suited for older middle grade or younger teen readers in my opinion.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. I was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
What I loved most was Georgie’s journey of growth. She isn’t a bad teenager at all, just a very realistic one. Watching her navigate disappointment, shifting friendships, family expectations, and her own choices made her feel authentic and relatable. Her personal growth throughout the story was inspiring, and I found myself rooting for her every step of the way.
One of my absolute favorite parts of this book was Georgie’s family. I loved seeing such a supportive, slightly scheming family who saw her potential, stood firmly in her corner, and knew exactly how to motivate her when she needed it. The unconditional love woven throughout this story was one of its strongest elements, and it was beautiful to watch Georgie return that same love to her family and even to her dog, Fearless, who completely stole my heart.
I also adored the creative touch of using song lyrics as chapter titles. It made the whole concert-centered storyline feel even more immersive and fun.
This book is filled with meaningful life lessons for younger readers, from putting others before yourself, to giving back to your community, to learning how to choose friends who encourage and uplift you, and being that kind of friend in return. These lessons were woven so naturally into the story and gave it so much heart.
Set against the exciting backdrop of the biggest concert of the summer, this was such a fun, heartfelt, and meaningful story. I absolutely loved the family dynamics, the character growth, and the strong life lessons tucked inside. This is the kind of book that entertains while also leaving readers with something valuable to carry with them after the last page.
While the publisher recommends this for ages 7 and up, I personally would place it closer to 12 and up. There are early references to boyfriends, parties, and alcohol, and because the characters are eighteen, that includes underage drinking. Personally, I did not love those topics being introduced, especially for younger readers. There were also a few moments where I worried Georgie might end up stepping into those situations herself. However, she never actually participates in those activities, and circumstances keep her from going down that road. I appreciated that the story didn’t glorify those choices, and because of that, I would still consider it a clean read overall. It just felt better suited for older middle grade or younger teen readers in my opinion.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. I was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
June 10, 2026
Thank you so much to LBT and everyone else apart of this tour and for my beautiful gifted box with the books. I love them. I can’t wait to reread the first book and actually hold it because it’s so pretty !!
This was a really great read. Even as an adult I felt like I learned something and I learned even more as a parent to young kids.
I unfortunately was not one of the many Swiftess that was out and about during that time frame. I just wasn’t really into her music. I mean I had a few songs I liked but I never saw her in concert or anything but this book was about that but also was deeper and about friendship and love and finding yourself along the way.
It’s something I kinda wish I had growing up well I guess I kinda did. I was in an era during N*SYNC and I loved them so much I actually saw them twice in convent and I had so much fun and it something I could connect with my friends but not only then my mom too.
I mean this book made you want to rediscover yourself and be true to only you and not let what other say influence you.
I wish I could go back and tell my younger self this. I try and tell my kids this everyday. To just be yourselves and not let others influence you.
The author does such a great job of this in this book. The writing is on point and so good. If I had a son who liked to read I would tell him to read this but he also isn’t into Taylor Swift either and is only 12 but still lol. Gosh the author does so well with Georgie and showing us what it’s like to grow up and face challenges of the world the big scary world. Cause it is scary. I worry about my kids on the daily
Overall this was a fantastic read and I’ll be reading it again for sure.
This was a really great read. Even as an adult I felt like I learned something and I learned even more as a parent to young kids.
I unfortunately was not one of the many Swiftess that was out and about during that time frame. I just wasn’t really into her music. I mean I had a few songs I liked but I never saw her in concert or anything but this book was about that but also was deeper and about friendship and love and finding yourself along the way.
It’s something I kinda wish I had growing up well I guess I kinda did. I was in an era during N*SYNC and I loved them so much I actually saw them twice in convent and I had so much fun and it something I could connect with my friends but not only then my mom too.
I mean this book made you want to rediscover yourself and be true to only you and not let what other say influence you.
I wish I could go back and tell my younger self this. I try and tell my kids this everyday. To just be yourselves and not let others influence you.
The author does such a great job of this in this book. The writing is on point and so good. If I had a son who liked to read I would tell him to read this but he also isn’t into Taylor Swift either and is only 12 but still lol. Gosh the author does so well with Georgie and showing us what it’s like to grow up and face challenges of the world the big scary world. Cause it is scary. I worry about my kids on the daily
Overall this was a fantastic read and I’ll be reading it again for sure.
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July 2, 2025There are definitely a lot of important themes in here that would be good for any tween reader! I do think there was some age confusion going on throughout: this is “geared for tweens”, and the characterization and writing absolutely fit that middle grade audience in my opinion, but Georgie graduates and deals with college conflict in the novel and that felt off a lot of the time. Her character (and all of her friends) certainly *acted* like tweens, not high schoolers. So then the college drama, graduation, driving, and “gap year” discussions felt confusing. All of the friendship conflicts were also wrapped up extremely neat and tidy with (literally) a simple deleted group chat. The important themes were still there, but it didn’t seem very realistic for an implosion of lifelong friendships. I also *really* did not understand the entire “boyfriend” chapter (he literally did not have a name…only….”my boyfriend”). That was extremely random, made zero sense, and shouldn’t have been included. It added nothing but a weird starting vibe. But, like I said, a ton of good middle grade themes and it was jam packed with Taylor allusions- pretty fun noting them all while reading!
June 11, 2026
To be very honest, I was not a fan of Georgie at all for most of the book. I’m sure I behaved somewhat similarly when I was her age, but that was a long time ago, so maybe time has made me remember it where I wasn’t THAT bad haha! I am also the oldest, and she’s the baby, and there is definitely something to the characteristics based on birth order. However, to see her growth was impressive, and I loved the book! The fact that the family dog and the local animal shelter were a big part of the story touched my heart as someone who works at an animal shelter and loves animals. Admittedly, I am not a Swiftie (I do like some of her songs, though), but the fact that the love for her and her music was a common bond for all the women in the family was so sweet. All in all, it was an awesome book, and I even found myself tearing up during the more touching moments as well as feeling proud of Georgie.
I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series, Invisible Series!
Cruel Summer gets 5 out of 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series, Invisible Series!
Cruel Summer gets 5 out of 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 1, 2026
ARC REVIEW!!!
If your a Swifty you will love this book guaranteed!
Georgie is bound and determined to have the best summer ever with her friends! All she wants is fun, friends and of course to see Taylor Swift no matter what! Her family however would like to spend time with their daughter and sister before she leaves New Jersey for college in California.....but Georgie has other plans....no matter what it takes or who she has to lie too.
This is a very good coming of age finding yourself book. Very quick read, but definitely keeps you engaged. I loved most that I can remember myself when I was that age and remember very clearly some of the decisions I made close to Georgies. Thank goodness people can grow up and change the path of their life at any time! Don't think its a book completely about Taylor Swift because its not but Taylor is definitely important to the story. I think this would be a great read for anyone but despicable teenage and preteen so they can know you can always correct bad decisions.
If your a Swifty you will love this book guaranteed!
Georgie is bound and determined to have the best summer ever with her friends! All she wants is fun, friends and of course to see Taylor Swift no matter what! Her family however would like to spend time with their daughter and sister before she leaves New Jersey for college in California.....but Georgie has other plans....no matter what it takes or who she has to lie too.
This is a very good coming of age finding yourself book. Very quick read, but definitely keeps you engaged. I loved most that I can remember myself when I was that age and remember very clearly some of the decisions I made close to Georgies. Thank goodness people can grow up and change the path of their life at any time! Don't think its a book completely about Taylor Swift because its not but Taylor is definitely important to the story. I think this would be a great read for anyone but despicable teenage and preteen so they can know you can always correct bad decisions.
June 11, 2026
This was a really easy read that kept me turning page after page saying ok one more chapter and I can go to bed. I finished this in 2 sittings 🫣💓
This book is more than just being a Swiftie. It went deeper and reflected on teenage life, trying to navigate change, friends, negative/positive influence, most importantly family.
NO SPOILERS on this post but having an Aunt like Gwen step in to help guide Georgie in the direction she always should have gone is inspiring. Reconnecting with her family and focusing on the things she loves most after graduation definitely feels like the best summer ever.
After reading this book I told my husband " if I was anything like Georgie as a teenager I should call my mom and apologize " 😅
I definitely recommend this book not just to a Swiftie but for anyone who is juggling teenagers or even a teen who needs a little encouragement 😉
✨️ Coming of age
✨️ Self discovery
✨️ YA fiction
✨️ Swiftie
This book is more than just being a Swiftie. It went deeper and reflected on teenage life, trying to navigate change, friends, negative/positive influence, most importantly family.
NO SPOILERS on this post but having an Aunt like Gwen step in to help guide Georgie in the direction she always should have gone is inspiring. Reconnecting with her family and focusing on the things she loves most after graduation definitely feels like the best summer ever.
After reading this book I told my husband " if I was anything like Georgie as a teenager I should call my mom and apologize " 😅
I definitely recommend this book not just to a Swiftie but for anyone who is juggling teenagers or even a teen who needs a little encouragement 😉
✨️ Coming of age
✨️ Self discovery
✨️ YA fiction
✨️ Swiftie
June 14, 2026
This summer Georgie Olen’s Gardner is looking forward to spending time with her three best friends. On her vision board she’s manifesting a ticket to go see Taylor Swift but the tickets are sold out. Trusting her friend with getting tickets she’s ready to go…until the news breaks that the tickets are fake 😔. Follow Georgie’s comeback with the help of her Aunt Gwen to help save summer.
My own three Swiftie daughters tried their best to secure tickets. I remember the heartache and then the elation that all across the world people were live streaming. They finally got to see Taylor and join the Eras tour through YouTube.
I hope your teen would enjoy these two stories of growth, teenage angst, friendships, and relive the nostalgia that took the world by storm.
Thank you to the author and Three Literary Agency for the gifted book box for this book tour with the Love Books Tours
My own three Swiftie daughters tried their best to secure tickets. I remember the heartache and then the elation that all across the world people were live streaming. They finally got to see Taylor and join the Eras tour through YouTube.
I hope your teen would enjoy these two stories of growth, teenage angst, friendships, and relive the nostalgia that took the world by storm.
Thank you to the author and Three Literary Agency for the gifted book box for this book tour with the Love Books Tours
January 23, 2025
I picked up this book and ended up reading it over the course of two evenings, it was excellent and I couldn't put it down! I'm a proud swiftie in her (late) 20s and felt like the book had many similarities to the ERAS tour. The tour was about Taylor Swift (duh) but more importantly was about the incredible memories I made with my friends and the way I felt during/after the concert (empowered, supported and part of something bigger than myself). This book I felt had very similar themes and described well the experience of being a young woman trying to find her way, discover what it means to be a good person and to earn self confidence. I highly recommend this to all women and especially young teens! And of course I loved the many taylor references along the way. Can't wait for this author's next project!
June 15, 2026
Georgie had her last summer at home before college mapped out to perfection. Plot twist! Her most anticipated event is the Eras Tour concert but her tickets are fake…and so are some of her friendships.
This coming-of-age story was full of self-discovery, big milestones, and those unforgettable core memories that shape who you become. A heartfelt reminder that sometimes the best parts of growing up are the things you never planned for.
This a great teen read, especially for Swifties and dog lovers.
This coming-of-age story was full of self-discovery, big milestones, and those unforgettable core memories that shape who you become. A heartfelt reminder that sometimes the best parts of growing up are the things you never planned for.
This a great teen read, especially for Swifties and dog lovers.
September 10, 2025
Picked this up and finished it in one night! Loved all of the Taylor Swift references - it made reading this book so much fun. This is a great story of finding yourself, being authentically you, and not letting the thought and opinions of others decide your future. Definitely recommend this book to any young adult (swiftie or not!) growing up and navigating life as there are so many important themes throughout!
June 20, 2026
Georgie and her best friends Mahogany, Nicky amd Liana. They're all seniors graduating college and getting ready to have the best summer ever jncluding seeing Taylor Swift on tour before college and travel aspirates them
They secured the tickets and were going to dress up as one of Taylor’s many different Eras. I absolutely loved all the twists and turns in this book I cannot wait to read Invisible String. I highly recommend this book
They secured the tickets and were going to dress up as one of Taylor’s many different Eras. I absolutely loved all the twists and turns in this book I cannot wait to read Invisible String. I highly recommend this book
August 13, 2026
The best!
I am not a Swiftie but I have mad admiration for her as a woman - the rare celeb who takes care of those who work around her. I loved this coming of age story and Georgie’s journey to discover the things that truly matter in life. I am a huge supporter of animal rescue so I truly enjoyed that part of the journey. I am truly looking forward to book 2.
I am not a Swiftie but I have mad admiration for her as a woman - the rare celeb who takes care of those who work around her. I loved this coming of age story and Georgie’s journey to discover the things that truly matter in life. I am a huge supporter of animal rescue so I truly enjoyed that part of the journey. I am truly looking forward to book 2.
November 28, 2024
For middle grades readers who love Taylor Swift, this is a cute book! I think the writing could have been a bit stronger at times, but there are important themes here about friendship, family, and more that each student can benefit from.
January 11, 2026
Read this as part of our mother-daughter (who is also a Swiftie) book club series. Cute. Good lessons for tweens about appreciating your family, surrounding yourself by people who let your light shine, and being true to yourself.
January 13, 2026
I loved this book! It was hard to put it down. Although, has a major swiftie, there were a few minor historical inaccuracies 🫢😅 but it brought back so many wonderful memories of my eras Summner. I’d read it again!
October 25, 2025
A cute cheesy read but this would be good for any swiftie to read!
September 21, 2026
It’s an incredible book. I also loved all the Taylor Swift Easter eggs that were featured in it. So bejeweling 🫶🏻
June 13, 2025
It was very good and emotional and really made me want to go to the eras tour. If you're a Swifty, I definitely recommend you read this book.
June 15, 2026
This book was so good. I’m a HUGE Taylor Swift fan so I was excited about reading it and it did not disappoint. Georgie’s character is definitely a TS fan. She is a typical teenager graduating from high school and wants to have the best summer ever with her friends and that includes getting tickets to see the Eras tour. They wind up getting scammed and are so sad that they won’t be able to go. Things change so fast in this book as Georgie realizes life is about to move forward with or without her friends. This book was a great read and did entertain me. Especially with all the TS references in the book!!!! This is book one of The Eras Journey. This series continues with book two, Invisible String. I received this book for my honest review.
June 15, 2026
Cruel Summer is a sweet and relatable coming-of-age story about friendship, family, and finding yourself when life doesn’t go as planned.
Georgie is ready for the best summer ever, but when unexpected challenges threaten her plans, she learns valuable lessons about growing up, resilience, and what truly matters. I loved watching her character grow throughout the story and appreciated the strong family relationships woven into the book.
The chapter titles inspired by song lyrics were a fun touch, and the story had plenty of heart, humor, and meaningful life lessons without ever feeling preachy.
This is a wonderful read for tweens, teens, and young readers, especially those who enjoy stories about self-discovery, friendship, and navigating life’s changes.
Georgie is ready for the best summer ever, but when unexpected challenges threaten her plans, she learns valuable lessons about growing up, resilience, and what truly matters. I loved watching her character grow throughout the story and appreciated the strong family relationships woven into the book.
The chapter titles inspired by song lyrics were a fun touch, and the story had plenty of heart, humor, and meaningful life lessons without ever feeling preachy.
This is a wonderful read for tweens, teens, and young readers, especially those who enjoy stories about self-discovery, friendship, and navigating life’s changes.
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