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The Summer I Found You: A Novel
A recently divorced single mom returns to her family’s fixer-upper beach house and finds romance amidst the heartbreak—and truths buried under generations of lies—in this summertime romance, perfect for fans of The Beach House and Nora Goes Off Script.
When Dahlia Newberry escapes her terrible marriage and returns to Long Island’s North Fork to put her family’s beach house on the market, she discovers the property has fallen into disrepair, and she has no idea how she’ll get it from fixer to fabulous in a month’s time.
Things start to look up when she discovers her neighbor is Noah, a handsome reality TV star known for his Hamptons-set home renovation series. Noah turns out to be quite handy and pitches in to help Dahlia with the renovations and, as chemistry sparks between them, her self-discovery too.
Meanwhile, Dahlia discovers a letter from her Aunt Lil, whose dying wish was for Dahlia to find a key that unlocks a mystery spanning three generations. Soon Dahlia is unearthing mysterious clues buried in the garden that threaten to upend everything she believes about her world.
The truth is supposed to set her free, but excavated secrets have a way of shattering an already fragile life—unless Dahlia can find a way to bloom into the woman she was always meant to be.
This debut novel by an accomplished home design influencer is perfect for fans of HGTV shows and steamy summer romances.
When Dahlia Newberry escapes her terrible marriage and returns to Long Island’s North Fork to put her family’s beach house on the market, she discovers the property has fallen into disrepair, and she has no idea how she’ll get it from fixer to fabulous in a month’s time.
Things start to look up when she discovers her neighbor is Noah, a handsome reality TV star known for his Hamptons-set home renovation series. Noah turns out to be quite handy and pitches in to help Dahlia with the renovations and, as chemistry sparks between them, her self-discovery too.
Meanwhile, Dahlia discovers a letter from her Aunt Lil, whose dying wish was for Dahlia to find a key that unlocks a mystery spanning three generations. Soon Dahlia is unearthing mysterious clues buried in the garden that threaten to upend everything she believes about her world.
The truth is supposed to set her free, but excavated secrets have a way of shattering an already fragile life—unless Dahlia can find a way to bloom into the woman she was always meant to be.
This debut novel by an accomplished home design influencer is perfect for fans of HGTV shows and steamy summer romances.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 7, 2026
About the author
Jennifer O'Brien
1 book86 followersJennifer O’Brien is the author of the debut novel The Summer I Found You, out April 2026. After her dream of buying a fixer-upper fell through, she decided to write about one instead. As a designer and content creator, she offers a unique lens through her ability to capture the life of home and the layers of love that live there. For over a decade, she’s been the author behind the popular design blog City Farmhouse, a Better Homes & Gardens Stylemaker, and guest on the Rachael Ray Show. She’s also a member of WFWA and LIRW. Currently, she’s working on her second novel and planning her third. She lives on Long Island with her husband, two boys, and fur baby.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 244 reviews
January 16, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC, the following opinions, as always are my own.
The Summer I Found You was well written with some beautiful, highlight worthy lines about motherhood, grief and falling in love. There was even a family mystery of sorts with clues doled out throughput, until we find out the secret and how it affects our fmc Dahlia. Unfortunately the angst was low to non existent, so the slower pacing of the slow burn romance, dragged a bit. There were multiple opportunities for ex drama, on both sides, but it was passed over briefly. Was just missing something to bring it to a 4 Star read for me.
The Summer I Found You was well written with some beautiful, highlight worthy lines about motherhood, grief and falling in love. There was even a family mystery of sorts with clues doled out throughput, until we find out the secret and how it affects our fmc Dahlia. Unfortunately the angst was low to non existent, so the slower pacing of the slow burn romance, dragged a bit. There were multiple opportunities for ex drama, on both sides, but it was passed over briefly. Was just missing something to bring it to a 4 Star read for me.
December 8, 2025
overall, a good time. not outstanding. the writing felt very atmospheric, but the real highlight was the mystery subplot.
the downside is that it was a subplot and not the main focus; the main focus was the romance, which was.... there. i didn't root for the characters, but i also wasn't against them getting together. and being uninteresting is sadder than being dislikable, i think.
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review
the downside is that it was a subplot and not the main focus; the main focus was the romance, which was.... there. i didn't root for the characters, but i also wasn't against them getting together. and being uninteresting is sadder than being dislikable, i think.
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review
April 22, 2026
(4. Stars) Thank you, @alcovepress for the gifted advanced reading copy!
Dahlia Newberry is starting a new chapter — she's newly divorced, her daughter is off at college, and she has one last big thing to handle before taking a new job in Charleston: putting her family's Long Island beach house on the market. Unfortunately, it has fallen into disrepair, and she's in desperate need of a handyman. Fortunately for her, home improvement celebrity Noah is taking a season off from his popular TV show and is living next door. He's kind, thoughtful, ridiculously handsome, and ten years her junior. As their undeniable attraction threatens to go from slow burn to full boil, Dahlia also begins to unearth long-held family secrets that force her to see her past — and her future — in a completely new light.
What a debut! This is a swoony summer read with great character development and a compelling story about the sacrifices and secrets surrounding Dahlia's family. Noah is all green flags, with his own arc of evolution that ensures he's more than just part of Dahlia's story. I really loved the supporting cast — Dahlia's best friend and daughter, Noah's sister and friends. If O'Brien doesn't bring us back to Long Island's North Fork again, I'll be sad not to have the chance to revisit them. There's a bit of third-act conflict between Noah and Dahlia, but I really enjoyed the core reveal that drives it.
🎧 Audiobook Thoughts: Samantha Brentmoore (who is always amazing) and new-to-me narrator Greyson Owens narrate this one. Samantha handles the bulk of the narration and is truly fantastic. A great listen. (9h 43m)
Book: 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
🎧 Audio performance: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🔥 Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Dahlia Newberry is starting a new chapter — she's newly divorced, her daughter is off at college, and she has one last big thing to handle before taking a new job in Charleston: putting her family's Long Island beach house on the market. Unfortunately, it has fallen into disrepair, and she's in desperate need of a handyman. Fortunately for her, home improvement celebrity Noah is taking a season off from his popular TV show and is living next door. He's kind, thoughtful, ridiculously handsome, and ten years her junior. As their undeniable attraction threatens to go from slow burn to full boil, Dahlia also begins to unearth long-held family secrets that force her to see her past — and her future — in a completely new light.
What a debut! This is a swoony summer read with great character development and a compelling story about the sacrifices and secrets surrounding Dahlia's family. Noah is all green flags, with his own arc of evolution that ensures he's more than just part of Dahlia's story. I really loved the supporting cast — Dahlia's best friend and daughter, Noah's sister and friends. If O'Brien doesn't bring us back to Long Island's North Fork again, I'll be sad not to have the chance to revisit them. There's a bit of third-act conflict between Noah and Dahlia, but I really enjoyed the core reveal that drives it.
🎧 Audiobook Thoughts: Samantha Brentmoore (who is always amazing) and new-to-me narrator Greyson Owens narrate this one. Samantha handles the bulk of the narration and is truly fantastic. A great listen. (9h 43m)
Book: 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
🎧 Audio performance: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🔥 Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
April 9, 2026
This was an enjoyable summer romance debut. It reminded me of reading Elin Hilderbrand books. Dahlia Newberry returns to Long Island to put her family's beach house on the market after leaving her terrible marriage. When she gets there, she realizes the home needs a lot more work than she expected. She meets a neighbor, Noah, who is a reality TV star and has a show for renovating homes. He helps her with the work. She finds a letter from her Aunt Lil, and it says that her dying wish was to have Dahlia find a key that unlocks a mystery spanning three generations. I loved these characters and I was rooting for both of them throughout the story. I loved the setting too. Definitely a good beach read.
Thank you to the publisher, author and Suzy approved book tours for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher, author and Suzy approved book tours for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
December 31, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for the early access to this book!
Unfortunately, this ended up being a DNF for me. The romance leaned a bit too much into insta-lust, and the pacing felt very fast, which made it hard for me to fully connect with the characters.
That said, I did enjoy the author’s writing style and would definitely be interested in checking out more of their work in the future!
Unfortunately, this ended up being a DNF for me. The romance leaned a bit too much into insta-lust, and the pacing felt very fast, which made it hard for me to fully connect with the characters.
That said, I did enjoy the author’s writing style and would definitely be interested in checking out more of their work in the future!
April 11, 2026
The Summer I Found you is a beautiful, sun-soaked romance that delivers a deeply satisfying second-chance journey. Wrapped in family secrets, personal healing, and a swoony, slow-burn romance, readers will be rooting from the very first spark. With equal parts heartache and hope, this novel beautifully explores what it means to rebuild—not just a home, but a life—and reminds us that sometimes the most unexpected places lead us back to ourselves. -Linny Mack, author of The Cape May Series
July 24, 2026
This book was a cute romance. Typical romance but well written. It was a pinch of spice which was great for me because I'm not to found of smut type books. If you want an upbeat book that blends trauma, family secrets and home renovation reality shows, this book is for you.
June 22, 2026
3.5 🌟 I really enjoyed this book. Maybe it’s because I really related to the main character in the sense of giving up yourself being thrown into motherhood at such a young age. I loved that she seizes the opportunity to really live her life and make herself happy.
April 23, 2026
Finally a romance that I could get into! I really enjoyed the characters in THE SUMMER I FOUND YOU. The Long Island setting was also very interesting to me, since I have never been there before. This summer romance would make the perfect beach read for your next vacation!
Many thanks to Jennifer O’Brien for my gifted copy.
This review will be shared to my Instagram account (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the future.
Many thanks to Jennifer O’Brien for my gifted copy.
This review will be shared to my Instagram account (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the future.
January 22, 2026
This was such a cute read. It’s going to be the perfect beach read. Dahlia is such a great female main character. You cheer her on the whole time. I loved reading about her finding her confidence again. Noah is a great male main character. He holds his own.
So worth the read! I didn’t want to stop reading it!
So worth the read! I didn’t want to stop reading it!
May 15, 2026
When a thirty-something woman needs to start over after a difficult marriage breaks up, she has an old family home on the north shore to restore and only a month to do it. A talented HGTV-style celebrity gives her a hand even as she uncovers family secrets and a new chance at love in a summer beach romance from debut author, Jennifer O’Brien.
Dahlia must heal after a devasting marriage situation so she gets away to Long Island and her aunt’s home that she inherited. She plans to fix it up and only has a month. Not realizing what bad shape it was in, she is ready to flail until Noah, a TV personality from next door steps up. Noah has the no-how as a home builder and he turns out to be a wonderful guy. In fact, they both notice one another and the time working on the house is a sweet time of relationship-building as much as home repairing.
But, Dahlia comes across a family mystery including garden clues left by her aunt. The secrets revealed change everything, but Noah is right there with her.
The Summer I Found You was an easy-going, gentle low-angst story. There are emotional vibes that could have dug deep resulting from her past and recovery, but instead these are noted and moved on from. The pair of lovers came together rather quickly in some ways, but with all that was going on including the mystery, I went with it. I loved the home improvement element and all the work they were doing. The mystery, now, that was secondary, but yet pivotal to giving this book some great momentum and spikes of emotional excitement.
All in all, this was relaxing and cozy and I enjoyed seeing Dahlia and Noah together and working the house and the mystery. If readers want something easy-flowing and tender for their summer book bag, drop in The Summer I Found You.
I rec'd an eARC from Crooked Lane Books to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Caffeinated Reader 5.6.26.
Dahlia must heal after a devasting marriage situation so she gets away to Long Island and her aunt’s home that she inherited. She plans to fix it up and only has a month. Not realizing what bad shape it was in, she is ready to flail until Noah, a TV personality from next door steps up. Noah has the no-how as a home builder and he turns out to be a wonderful guy. In fact, they both notice one another and the time working on the house is a sweet time of relationship-building as much as home repairing.
But, Dahlia comes across a family mystery including garden clues left by her aunt. The secrets revealed change everything, but Noah is right there with her.
The Summer I Found You was an easy-going, gentle low-angst story. There are emotional vibes that could have dug deep resulting from her past and recovery, but instead these are noted and moved on from. The pair of lovers came together rather quickly in some ways, but with all that was going on including the mystery, I went with it. I loved the home improvement element and all the work they were doing. The mystery, now, that was secondary, but yet pivotal to giving this book some great momentum and spikes of emotional excitement.
All in all, this was relaxing and cozy and I enjoyed seeing Dahlia and Noah together and working the house and the mystery. If readers want something easy-flowing and tender for their summer book bag, drop in The Summer I Found You.
I rec'd an eARC from Crooked Lane Books to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Caffeinated Reader 5.6.26.
December 4, 2025
Recently divorced Dahlia escapes her current reality and heads to her aunt’s beach house for the summer to get it ready to sell. It turns out that the house needs more work than she’s capable of, and her hot young neighbor Noah is only too happy to help.
I struggled with this book and knew it was going to be a two star read for me. I did not care for the author’s writing style and struggled to connect with or care about the characters because of it. Words like ‘cringe’ and ‘cheesy’ came up in my head quite a bit. When the answers to Aunt Lil’s mystery started coming to light I found myself enjoying it a bit more. Ultimately, it was a pleasant and very sweet read but I can’t justify three stars, it was just okay. This author’s writing style is not for me and I will pass on her future work.
Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for the opportunity to read an early copy.
I struggled with this book and knew it was going to be a two star read for me. I did not care for the author’s writing style and struggled to connect with or care about the characters because of it. Words like ‘cringe’ and ‘cheesy’ came up in my head quite a bit. When the answers to Aunt Lil’s mystery started coming to light I found myself enjoying it a bit more. Ultimately, it was a pleasant and very sweet read but I can’t justify three stars, it was just okay. This author’s writing style is not for me and I will pass on her future work.
Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for the opportunity to read an early copy.
June 19, 2026
I listened to this one on audiobook, narrated by Grayson Owens and Samantha Brentmore, and I really enjoyed both of their performances. They sold me on these characters, and I thought they were a great fit for the story.
Overall, I had a good time with this book. It was exactly the kind of palate cleanser I needed after a few heavier reads. It wasn’t one that completely wowed me, but I still enjoyed the time I spent with it.
The story follows Dahlia, who’s newly divorced and heads back to her family’s beach house on Long Island to get it ready to sell. While she’s there, she meets her neighbor Noah, a reality TV home renovation star, and also finds herself pulled into a family mystery that’s been waiting a long time to be uncovered.
One of my favorite parts was Dahlia’s friendship with her best friend. Their conversations felt natural, and I always enjoyed the scenes they shared. I also liked that Dahlia never really bought into the whole fancy Hamptons lifestyle. She just felt refreshingly down-to-earth.
I will admit, I picked this one up because I saw “fixer-upper beach house” and “home renovation” and immediately thought, Yes, please. As an HGTV fan, I was hoping we’d get a lot more of that part of the story than we did. The renovations ended up taking more of a back seat than I expected, so that was probably my biggest disappointment. I also found myself wishing I had a chance to get to know the characters a little better because I think that would’ve made me more invested in their stories.
This one also has a miscommunication trope, which I don’t love. That is just a personal reading preference for me. It’s one I almost never love, so I know that affected my overall enjoyment a bit.
One thing I should mention is that this romance definitely brings the spice. There were a couple of scenes that had me blushing a little.
All in all, I think this is a fun summer read if you’re looking for something lighter with romance, family secrets, a beautiful beach setting, and a little heat mixed in.
Overall, I had a good time with this book. It was exactly the kind of palate cleanser I needed after a few heavier reads. It wasn’t one that completely wowed me, but I still enjoyed the time I spent with it.
The story follows Dahlia, who’s newly divorced and heads back to her family’s beach house on Long Island to get it ready to sell. While she’s there, she meets her neighbor Noah, a reality TV home renovation star, and also finds herself pulled into a family mystery that’s been waiting a long time to be uncovered.
One of my favorite parts was Dahlia’s friendship with her best friend. Their conversations felt natural, and I always enjoyed the scenes they shared. I also liked that Dahlia never really bought into the whole fancy Hamptons lifestyle. She just felt refreshingly down-to-earth.
I will admit, I picked this one up because I saw “fixer-upper beach house” and “home renovation” and immediately thought, Yes, please. As an HGTV fan, I was hoping we’d get a lot more of that part of the story than we did. The renovations ended up taking more of a back seat than I expected, so that was probably my biggest disappointment. I also found myself wishing I had a chance to get to know the characters a little better because I think that would’ve made me more invested in their stories.
This one also has a miscommunication trope, which I don’t love. That is just a personal reading preference for me. It’s one I almost never love, so I know that affected my overall enjoyment a bit.
One thing I should mention is that this romance definitely brings the spice. There were a couple of scenes that had me blushing a little.
All in all, I think this is a fun summer read if you’re looking for something lighter with romance, family secrets, a beautiful beach setting, and a little heat mixed in.
April 7, 2026
I really enjoyed this second chance, reverse age gap, summer romance between a divorced single mom in her late thirties and a younger reality tv star who was recently dumped. There's forced proximity, a family mystery, light-hearted summer fun but also a great balance of emotional depth and personal growth. It was also good on audio and would just make a perfect summer beach read. Definitely recommended. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
August 18, 2026
This book was SO cute. I loved how it came full circle in so many ways! Dahlia was married to a crappy husband. When breaking free, she met Noah unexpectedly. Noah has a past- between his home life and awful ex girlfriend, there are many twists and turns in this book. But most of all, the story of Aunt Lil, Gene, Rose, Dahlia, and Daisy is incredible. Definitely recommend this novel!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2026
This was such a cute age gap romance. I really liked the FMC she was not afraid to speak up for herself against younger female bitches 😂 the romance cold be a bit cheesy at times, but still ate this up. 4 stars and loved this atmospheric writing bc I’m from Long Island and instantly transported me to out east here I love going out there in the summertime 😁
November 29, 2025
This is an absolutely beautifully written summer romance that follows Dahlia a recently divorced woman who’s husband never genuinely cared for her. She has suffered several loses and now returns to her late aunts house to fix it up to sell. She has no plans on meeting the attractive man next door and they have a whirlwind of a summer romance. There is spice, there is drama, there is soul searching. This book had me hooked from the very first chapter. It was so relatable in so many ways. The author had a way of making you capture every moment as if you were living it yourself.
Thank you Alcove Press and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
Thank you Alcove Press and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
April 17, 2026
3.5 ⭐
I'm a little conflicted. This book contains two storylines: the romance plot between Dahlia and Noah, and figuring out the mystery of Aunt Lil.
I lovedddd the second storyline. The mystery was written beautifully and had so many layers that I always got excited when the book continued with it. For some reason, plotlines like this always intrigue me. It got a satisfying, bittersweet ending and a journey that I couldn't have predicted before reading it.
The romance plotline however went wayyyy to fast for my liking. I still feel like I don't really know Dahlia and Noah that well, let alone that these two know each other well enough to fall for each other and make life altering decisions because of each other. I didn't vibe with them (I physically cringed when the words "cougar" and "puma" were used in the same sentence, thankfully they did not really appear again after). I also really didn't get why Dahlia wanted to keep her daughter a secret. You know these things end up horribly and the reasoning felt too selfish. I'm all for choosing for yourself, but pretending like your daughter doesn't exist...
All in all, I think most people will enjoy this book. I enjoyed this book, but I would have loved it more if the romance didn't feel like it was tagged on. More time on that part of the book would have made the book as a whole stronger.
Thank you Netgalley and Alcove Press for providing the ebook!
I'm a little conflicted. This book contains two storylines: the romance plot between Dahlia and Noah, and figuring out the mystery of Aunt Lil.
I lovedddd the second storyline. The mystery was written beautifully and had so many layers that I always got excited when the book continued with it. For some reason, plotlines like this always intrigue me. It got a satisfying, bittersweet ending and a journey that I couldn't have predicted before reading it.
The romance plotline however went wayyyy to fast for my liking. I still feel like I don't really know Dahlia and Noah that well, let alone that these two know each other well enough to fall for each other and make life altering decisions because of each other. I didn't vibe with them (I physically cringed when the words "cougar" and "puma" were used in the same sentence, thankfully they did not really appear again after). I also really didn't get why Dahlia wanted to keep her daughter a secret. You know these things end up horribly and the reasoning felt too selfish. I'm all for choosing for yourself, but pretending like your daughter doesn't exist...
All in all, I think most people will enjoy this book. I enjoyed this book, but I would have loved it more if the romance didn't feel like it was tagged on. More time on that part of the book would have made the book as a whole stronger.
Thank you Netgalley and Alcove Press for providing the ebook!
June 12, 2026
Dahlia is not only going through a divorce, but also grieving the loss of her Aunt Lil. Seeking a fresh start, she retreats to her aunt's beach house to prepare it for sale. But Aunt Lil left behind one final mystery, and Dahlia soon finds herself searching for a hidden key that may unlock a long-buried family secret 🔑. Along the way, she befriends her handsome neighbor Noah, who just happens to be a reality TV star on a home renovation show 📺.
I really wanted to enjoy this one, but unfortunately it just didn't work for me. The biggest issue was the romance ❤️. The relationship between Dahlia and Noah moved far too quickly, and I never felt invested in them as a couple. Between the instalove and some of the pet names they used for each other, I found myself cringing more often than swooning 😬. There just wasn't enough buildup or chemistry to make the romance feel believable.
The mystery surrounding Aunt Lil's key and family history was easily the most interesting part of the book for me, and honestly the main reason I kept reading. I enjoyed trying to piece together what happened in the past, but even that storyline wasn't enough to fully save the book. The pacing felt slow, and outside of the mystery, not much happened that kept me engaged.
Overall, this wasn't a terrible read, but it was a forgettable one. The family mystery had potential and kept me turning the pages, but the romance never clicked for me and the story lacked the excitement I was hoping for. Unfortunately, this one just didn't leave much of an impression.
I really wanted to enjoy this one, but unfortunately it just didn't work for me. The biggest issue was the romance ❤️. The relationship between Dahlia and Noah moved far too quickly, and I never felt invested in them as a couple. Between the instalove and some of the pet names they used for each other, I found myself cringing more often than swooning 😬. There just wasn't enough buildup or chemistry to make the romance feel believable.
The mystery surrounding Aunt Lil's key and family history was easily the most interesting part of the book for me, and honestly the main reason I kept reading. I enjoyed trying to piece together what happened in the past, but even that storyline wasn't enough to fully save the book. The pacing felt slow, and outside of the mystery, not much happened that kept me engaged.
Overall, this wasn't a terrible read, but it was a forgettable one. The family mystery had potential and kept me turning the pages, but the romance never clicked for me and the story lacked the excitement I was hoping for. Unfortunately, this one just didn't leave much of an impression.
January 14, 2026
Thank you to Jennifer O'Brien and Alcove Press for giving me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is the kind of book that doesn’t scream for your attention. It just opens its arms and quietly ruins you.
The writing style really worked for me. Soft, readable, and emotionally grounded. Yes, the story is predictable. You can see the beats coming from a mile away. And yet? It still hit. Sometimes knowing what’s coming doesn’t stop it from hurting.
I did wish for a touch more drama. I’m greedy like that. But even without it, this book is sad. Not hysterical sobbing sad, but that heavy, aching kind that settles in your chest and refuses to leave.
And Noah? Excuse me. Where do I order one. Because this man is an absolute gem and I refuse to believe he should exist only on paper.
A sweet, melancholy read that worked exactly as intended for me.
This is the kind of book that doesn’t scream for your attention. It just opens its arms and quietly ruins you.
The writing style really worked for me. Soft, readable, and emotionally grounded. Yes, the story is predictable. You can see the beats coming from a mile away. And yet? It still hit. Sometimes knowing what’s coming doesn’t stop it from hurting.
I did wish for a touch more drama. I’m greedy like that. But even without it, this book is sad. Not hysterical sobbing sad, but that heavy, aching kind that settles in your chest and refuses to leave.
And Noah? Excuse me. Where do I order one. Because this man is an absolute gem and I refuse to believe he should exist only on paper.
A sweet, melancholy read that worked exactly as intended for me.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was immediately drawn by this cute cover and the blurb. I always love a story about an FMC in her 30s finding herself and trying to catch up on missed experiences, especially after setting aside her own needs for so long. However, I was dissatisfied by the lack of character development. It felt like she immediately jumped too deeply into a new relationship and I wanted to see her explore all the things she felt she had missed out on! The family secrets/mystery plot was the most interesting aspect of the story, but was secondary to the romance. This was a quick, light read, and I could see it appealing as a light summer beach/poolside read. It’s the author's debut novel, so I’m interested in seeing what she writes next!
Thanks to Alcove Press & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy! All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 4/7/26
Thanks to Alcove Press & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy! All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 4/7/26
August 1, 2026
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars
A promising debut! I would absolutely read more from this author.
This was a cosy, low-stakes read. Low angst, low conflict and a fun side plot. The story is very much a great summer read, with a target audience (at least in my opinion) of women in their 30s and 40s who have gone through the rollercoaster of life, and chosen to rise from the ashes.
I read and listened to this immersively, and loved Samantha Brentmoor as the narrator.
I would have liked a deeper exploration of the conflict between Dahlia and Noah, and Dahlia and Kara. Instead, it was rushed and didn't give satisfaction on a true resolution. I found the steamy scenes and nicknames a little cringe, and out of character for Noah...but ultimately that's just my taste.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Alcove Press for the ARC opportunity in exchange for an honest review.
A promising debut! I would absolutely read more from this author.
This was a cosy, low-stakes read. Low angst, low conflict and a fun side plot. The story is very much a great summer read, with a target audience (at least in my opinion) of women in their 30s and 40s who have gone through the rollercoaster of life, and chosen to rise from the ashes.
I read and listened to this immersively, and loved Samantha Brentmoor as the narrator.
I would have liked a deeper exploration of the conflict between Dahlia and Noah, and Dahlia and Kara. Instead, it was rushed and didn't give satisfaction on a true resolution. I found the steamy scenes and nicknames a little cringe, and out of character for Noah...but ultimately that's just my taste.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Alcove Press for the ARC opportunity in exchange for an honest review.
April 9, 2026
Thank you Alcove Press for the gifted ARC! This does not affect my honest review.
This was such a cute read and so honestly so mature too. With older main characters, there was less outside drama that I felt could’ve contributed more to the excitement of the plot. However, this makes sense for older characters.
I think the underlying plot of mystery while Dahlia looks to uncover this message her deceased grandmother left her was exciting. It added an element of suspense to what would normally be seen as a contemporary romantic story.
Noah was fun to get to know. He was such an ideal MMC and felt so genuine and kind. It helped to balance out some of Dahlia’s snip first ask questions later attitude. They definitely were the missing piece each other needed.
This was such a cute read and so honestly so mature too. With older main characters, there was less outside drama that I felt could’ve contributed more to the excitement of the plot. However, this makes sense for older characters.
I think the underlying plot of mystery while Dahlia looks to uncover this message her deceased grandmother left her was exciting. It added an element of suspense to what would normally be seen as a contemporary romantic story.
Noah was fun to get to know. He was such an ideal MMC and felt so genuine and kind. It helped to balance out some of Dahlia’s snip first ask questions later attitude. They definitely were the missing piece each other needed.
July 22, 2026
I ended up picking this book up to do a buddy read with my Willow Lane girl Julie and I am so thrilled that I did. THE SUMMER I FOUND YOU is a beautiful story of motherhood, grief/healing, family secrets and second chances. I loved the different cast of characters in this novel and Dahlia is an FMC that you can't help but root for!
This was the perfect summer read with such a beautiful setting that had me wanting to pack my bags and head to the North Fork of Long Island! Julie and I completely binged this book and finished it after just a few days. I'm so impressed that this is Jennifer's debut novel and I can't wait to see what this author comes out with next!
This was the perfect summer read with such a beautiful setting that had me wanting to pack my bags and head to the North Fork of Long Island! Julie and I completely binged this book and finished it after just a few days. I'm so impressed that this is Jennifer's debut novel and I can't wait to see what this author comes out with next!
April 22, 2026
This is our now go grab a copy and take on the go with you this summer
This was just what I needed to get me in the mood for summer I loved the journal and letter entries my favorite part of a the story and we got a forever happy ending. Perfect!
My thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was just what I needed to get me in the mood for summer I loved the journal and letter entries my favorite part of a the story and we got a forever happy ending. Perfect!
My thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2026
I received this book as an ARC copy from NetGalley.
Such a feel good book! Reminds me of the coziness and love of The Notebook, but smuttier, today’s twist and more contemporary. Highly recommend as a feel good, summer read!
Such a feel good book! Reminds me of the coziness and love of The Notebook, but smuttier, today’s twist and more contemporary. Highly recommend as a feel good, summer read!
June 7, 2026
The first third felt like a retelling of Anne Hathaway's The Idea of You but the second part felt more original and I liked that. Found family, etc.
July 7, 2026
This is a lovely, quintessential summer read. The author crafted a likable protagonist with a strong voice and a contemplative, thoughtful nature. Her imagery helped the setting feel like an important character in the novel. This was my first book of the summer, and truly a sweet escape.
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