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The Summer I Found You
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 which threaten to upend everything she believes about her world.
The truth is supposed to set you 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 which threaten to upend everything she believes about her world.
The truth is supposed to set you 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.
336 pages, Paperback
First published April 7, 2026
About the author
Jennifer O'Brien
1 book79 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 205 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
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!
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
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.
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.
February 11, 2026
After finishing The Summer I Found You I am ready to pack my bags and head straight to the beautiful coast of the Northeast! Give me that slow beach house life in the North Fork of Long Island any day, thank you very much.
This is a contemporary romance/family mystery that follows Dahlia, a woman looking for a fresh start after leaving her difficult marriage. I especially loved the mystery component of this book - a found letter and a missing key that leads to clues of a long time family secret.
If you love stories about second chances, romance and mystery - put this at the top of your TBR list. Great debut book! Thank you for sending me an Advanced Copy to read and review.
This is a contemporary romance/family mystery that follows Dahlia, a woman looking for a fresh start after leaving her difficult marriage. I especially loved the mystery component of this book - a found letter and a missing key that leads to clues of a long time family secret.
If you love stories about second chances, romance and mystery - put this at the top of your TBR list. Great debut book! Thank you for sending me an Advanced Copy to read and review.
January 4, 2026
While searching for an ARC to request on NetGalley one day, this novel cover caught my eye. I typically have been requesting thrillers and wanted something different. I am thankful to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book ahead of publication.
THIS is the style of novel I enjoy reading on a good beach day! In fact, this is typically what I would look for on a regular basis before I discovered I really enjoy thrillers as well as romances. The cover and the book itself is reminiscing of a Carley Fortune novel so for fans of our beloved ‘Canadian Colleen Hoover’, do yourself a favor and read this book when it comes out!
The book is full of descriptive writing so the reader can easily imagine the North Fork setting where recently divorced Dahlia arrives to fix up her great aunt’s cottage. The fact that she was on a time line to be in Charleston to begin a new career in two months which all of a sudden is reduced to one month made me question the reality factor here. Since the novel is predictable, despite the age gap obstacle of the main characters and some drama they quickly overcame, I felt pretty safe placing my bet that the ending would be a happily ever after one for Dahlia and Noah.
At times the descriptive writing is too much. Too much talk about facial hair, and too many pebbles crunching when a vehicle, motorcycle or feet walk/drive over these pebbles. I loved it the first time, cringed a wee bit the second time but seven times was too much and twice in one chapter almost made me stop reading altogether.
But the added element of mystery in the novel nudged me onward, plus I actually don’t mind a good age gap love story every once in a while. I’d rather read about an older woman falling in love with a younger guy than a same sex romance any day and unfortunately one just can’t pick up a novel these days without finding your token gay characters inserted here and there. In The Summer I Found You, there you will also find characters with alternative lifestyles, Noah’s sister Gretchen and Noah’s uncle and his partner who we really do not get to know but do exist in the background.
The mystery solving thankfully was assisted by Penny, (another possibly homosexual character) a show biz producer of Noah’s who fast tracked figuring out who Liz/Lil’s love interest was in 1955. She was able to get an email address for Dahlia to reach out to the famous actor and surprisingly her short plea for answers was all he needed to give her a call. The fact that he instantaneously inserted himself into Dahlia’s life with open arms seemed a tad unbelievable given his old age and celebrity status but by the end of the novel he was making plans to move from California to Long Island. Perhaps my personal experience of meeting my biological father has jaded me.
Before this novel goes to print there were a couple of errors needing to be addressed and I’m sure they will be so there’s no need to mention them here but the two that stood out to me just made me feel that the writing process for this book was either rushed or just poorly edited as this was the first time for me reading an ARC of what looks like it’s going to be a popular summer read in 2026, by a debut author with celebrity status, where I’ve found typos!
I personally had never heard of Jennifer O’Brien so I had to google her. She has a cute introduction with photos on her Instagram (I knew I would find her there based on how often Instagram was mentioned in this novel). She should learn the correct spelling of the bookstore name offering a preorder promo for her book though!
I feel guilty being critical with my review. I’ve been an avid reader my entire life so I have a good grasp on what I’m going to LOVE when requesting an ARC to gain knowledge about new books to promote them at the library I work at. I most certainly do judge books by their covers and it was a really nice cover, followed by a catchy, interesting description that made me hit that request button. I had the same feeling when I grabbed a new arrival from the library a couple of years ago when I was processing the new items our manager had ordered. I discovered Abby Jiminez in a similar manner. That being said, Jiminez had already written a number of best selling novels when I stumbled across her. I had no idea who she was or how popular her novels were among library patrons as I was fairly new to my position at the time. (clearly I don’t watch a lot of TV because I’m too busy reading books!)
I have high hopes for Jennifer O’Brien’s writing career. Being an educator in a previous life, she has the university background to properly produce a book and I suppose her celebrity status aided her in scoring a decent publisher. I expect we will see more books by her. I will definitely read them and I’m happy I discovered her first novel at this stage because so often, I will be recommended a book and really enjoy it but the idea of reading all the works by a really good writer is daunting because if they have twenty other books under their belt already, it can be time consuming! I just want to read and promote all the books!
Overall, I enjoyed this book! I read it in four sessions which is good for me because I often have four books on the go at any given moment! This book was my first novel read for 2026 after starting the year with a poetry book and a memoir so maybe that’s why I’m choosing to give 3 stars. I read so many good books last year that it was super hard to pick my favorite!
After doing a search for this book in my province’s library online catalog I see that it isn’t listed yet despite the fact it’s coming soon in April. I will give it some time to see if it shows up in the catalog, and if not will request it via ILL to make someone take notice and I will ask my patrons to do the same. Perhaps our new manager will take my suggestion to order a copy when they get settled into their position. I definitely plan to ask patrons if they’ve heard of the author or seen her on TV, get the conversation going about the book. I know many ladies who will enjoy this one!
Thanks again NetGalley for the ARC! Onto the next!
THIS is the style of novel I enjoy reading on a good beach day! In fact, this is typically what I would look for on a regular basis before I discovered I really enjoy thrillers as well as romances. The cover and the book itself is reminiscing of a Carley Fortune novel so for fans of our beloved ‘Canadian Colleen Hoover’, do yourself a favor and read this book when it comes out!
The book is full of descriptive writing so the reader can easily imagine the North Fork setting where recently divorced Dahlia arrives to fix up her great aunt’s cottage. The fact that she was on a time line to be in Charleston to begin a new career in two months which all of a sudden is reduced to one month made me question the reality factor here. Since the novel is predictable, despite the age gap obstacle of the main characters and some drama they quickly overcame, I felt pretty safe placing my bet that the ending would be a happily ever after one for Dahlia and Noah.
At times the descriptive writing is too much. Too much talk about facial hair, and too many pebbles crunching when a vehicle, motorcycle or feet walk/drive over these pebbles. I loved it the first time, cringed a wee bit the second time but seven times was too much and twice in one chapter almost made me stop reading altogether.
But the added element of mystery in the novel nudged me onward, plus I actually don’t mind a good age gap love story every once in a while. I’d rather read about an older woman falling in love with a younger guy than a same sex romance any day and unfortunately one just can’t pick up a novel these days without finding your token gay characters inserted here and there. In The Summer I Found You, there you will also find characters with alternative lifestyles, Noah’s sister Gretchen and Noah’s uncle and his partner who we really do not get to know but do exist in the background.
The mystery solving thankfully was assisted by Penny, (another possibly homosexual character) a show biz producer of Noah’s who fast tracked figuring out who Liz/Lil’s love interest was in 1955. She was able to get an email address for Dahlia to reach out to the famous actor and surprisingly her short plea for answers was all he needed to give her a call. The fact that he instantaneously inserted himself into Dahlia’s life with open arms seemed a tad unbelievable given his old age and celebrity status but by the end of the novel he was making plans to move from California to Long Island. Perhaps my personal experience of meeting my biological father has jaded me.
Before this novel goes to print there were a couple of errors needing to be addressed and I’m sure they will be so there’s no need to mention them here but the two that stood out to me just made me feel that the writing process for this book was either rushed or just poorly edited as this was the first time for me reading an ARC of what looks like it’s going to be a popular summer read in 2026, by a debut author with celebrity status, where I’ve found typos!
I personally had never heard of Jennifer O’Brien so I had to google her. She has a cute introduction with photos on her Instagram (I knew I would find her there based on how often Instagram was mentioned in this novel). She should learn the correct spelling of the bookstore name offering a preorder promo for her book though!
I feel guilty being critical with my review. I’ve been an avid reader my entire life so I have a good grasp on what I’m going to LOVE when requesting an ARC to gain knowledge about new books to promote them at the library I work at. I most certainly do judge books by their covers and it was a really nice cover, followed by a catchy, interesting description that made me hit that request button. I had the same feeling when I grabbed a new arrival from the library a couple of years ago when I was processing the new items our manager had ordered. I discovered Abby Jiminez in a similar manner. That being said, Jiminez had already written a number of best selling novels when I stumbled across her. I had no idea who she was or how popular her novels were among library patrons as I was fairly new to my position at the time. (clearly I don’t watch a lot of TV because I’m too busy reading books!)
I have high hopes for Jennifer O’Brien’s writing career. Being an educator in a previous life, she has the university background to properly produce a book and I suppose her celebrity status aided her in scoring a decent publisher. I expect we will see more books by her. I will definitely read them and I’m happy I discovered her first novel at this stage because so often, I will be recommended a book and really enjoy it but the idea of reading all the works by a really good writer is daunting because if they have twenty other books under their belt already, it can be time consuming! I just want to read and promote all the books!
Overall, I enjoyed this book! I read it in four sessions which is good for me because I often have four books on the go at any given moment! This book was my first novel read for 2026 after starting the year with a poetry book and a memoir so maybe that’s why I’m choosing to give 3 stars. I read so many good books last year that it was super hard to pick my favorite!
After doing a search for this book in my province’s library online catalog I see that it isn’t listed yet despite the fact it’s coming soon in April. I will give it some time to see if it shows up in the catalog, and if not will request it via ILL to make someone take notice and I will ask my patrons to do the same. Perhaps our new manager will take my suggestion to order a copy when they get settled into their position. I definitely plan to ask patrons if they’ve heard of the author or seen her on TV, get the conversation going about the book. I know many ladies who will enjoy this one!
Thanks again NetGalley for the ARC! Onto the next!
January 16, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for providing me an eARC in exchange for my honest review!
After major life changes, Dahlia, a 38-year-old basically-divorced single mom, returns to her family’s beach house to get it ready to sell. Once there, she realizes it is far more decrepit than she remembers, leaving her with endless renovations and emotional baggage. On top of that, her recently deceased Aunt Lil has left behind a series of clues tied to a long-buried family secret. Enter Noah, the 28-year-old reality renovation TV celebrity who lives next door and quickly offers his help. Sparks fly almost immediately, and Dahlia is suddenly juggling house projects, unresolved family history, and a new romance in The Summer I Found You, all while trying to decide what kind of life she wants after years of putting everyone else first.
This very much felt like a Hallmark movie, slightly unrealistic but absolutely maxed out on romance. I was personally hoping for a more even women’s fiction and romance crossover, similar to Annabel Monaghan’s books, but this leaned heavily into romance. I wanted more space for Dahlia to figure out who she was on her own without feeling so rushed into a new relationship, especially since her divorce was not even finalized yet. I know her marriage had been dead for years, but I still cannot imagine the emotional whiplash of everything fully settling. While I appreciated that she recognized her need to build an identity independent of both family and romance, and not put all her eggs in one basket professionally or emotionally, it still felt like she fell into a new relationship and corresponding new life before finding real inner peace.
What surprised me most was the mystery aspect of the story and how much I enjoyed it. Following the clues and uncovering the family secret was sweet and satisfying, and I honestly wished we had gotten more of Aunt Lil and her love interest’s backstory. Dahlia did feel a bit immature in her new romantic relationship, though I thought she handled outside judgment fairly well. Overall, it gave early midlife crisis vibes in the nicest way possible. This was not a bad book by any means, just not quite my cup of tea. That said, I think this would be a great pick for readers who love a second chance at life romance, not to be confused with second chance romance, as we witness the end of the life Dahlia has known for 15 years and the beginning of something new.
After major life changes, Dahlia, a 38-year-old basically-divorced single mom, returns to her family’s beach house to get it ready to sell. Once there, she realizes it is far more decrepit than she remembers, leaving her with endless renovations and emotional baggage. On top of that, her recently deceased Aunt Lil has left behind a series of clues tied to a long-buried family secret. Enter Noah, the 28-year-old reality renovation TV celebrity who lives next door and quickly offers his help. Sparks fly almost immediately, and Dahlia is suddenly juggling house projects, unresolved family history, and a new romance in The Summer I Found You, all while trying to decide what kind of life she wants after years of putting everyone else first.
This very much felt like a Hallmark movie, slightly unrealistic but absolutely maxed out on romance. I was personally hoping for a more even women’s fiction and romance crossover, similar to Annabel Monaghan’s books, but this leaned heavily into romance. I wanted more space for Dahlia to figure out who she was on her own without feeling so rushed into a new relationship, especially since her divorce was not even finalized yet. I know her marriage had been dead for years, but I still cannot imagine the emotional whiplash of everything fully settling. While I appreciated that she recognized her need to build an identity independent of both family and romance, and not put all her eggs in one basket professionally or emotionally, it still felt like she fell into a new relationship and corresponding new life before finding real inner peace.
What surprised me most was the mystery aspect of the story and how much I enjoyed it. Following the clues and uncovering the family secret was sweet and satisfying, and I honestly wished we had gotten more of Aunt Lil and her love interest’s backstory. Dahlia did feel a bit immature in her new romantic relationship, though I thought she handled outside judgment fairly well. Overall, it gave early midlife crisis vibes in the nicest way possible. This was not a bad book by any means, just not quite my cup of tea. That said, I think this would be a great pick for readers who love a second chance at life romance, not to be confused with second chance romance, as we witness the end of the life Dahlia has known for 15 years and the beginning of something new.
December 2, 2025
An Emily Henry-esque story, warm, substantial and super-bingeable, brimming with pop-culture references and relatable moments, centred around a weather-beaten beach house in dire need of repair, the very place that slowly pieces back together the main character i.e. Dahlia. As she settles in and chips away at the renovations, she finds herself working alongside the town’s newest resident a reality-TV-star and incredibly handsome handyman, i.e. Noah.
Our female lead is swiftly established as the “good girl”, the sort who has spent her life identifying with Monica from Friends. She's been paired with Noah who is all motorbikes and rough-around-the-edges charm — the perfect foil to her type-A, list-making ways. Her healing arc feels honest: a toxic past relationship, the tentative promise of something new, and a heap of emotional baggage she’s been lugging around for far too long. Living in the old family home forces her to confront it all, giving her something physical, tangible, to channel her feelings into.
Her summer bucket list is properly brilliant — one I wouldn’t mind attempting myself — and it’s crafted to be richly emotional and rewarding for Dahlia. A single mother and an absolute badass, she’d found herself trapped with the wrong man, and watching her reclaim her life feels deeply satisfying.
Noah, meanwhile, is that delightful mix of gentleman and bad boy, the sort of man who appreciates The Notebook — which, let’s be honest, means he’s unmistakably been written by a woman. Their romance could easily have slipped into “rebound territory” were it not for the fact that we witness Dahlia’s healing in real time, watching her genuinely move past her ex rather than simply replacing him. I finished this in one sitting and found it super comforting. The perfect thing to read if you like slow-burn romance, hopeful new beginnings and lots of home improvement projects!
Our female lead is swiftly established as the “good girl”, the sort who has spent her life identifying with Monica from Friends. She's been paired with Noah who is all motorbikes and rough-around-the-edges charm — the perfect foil to her type-A, list-making ways. Her healing arc feels honest: a toxic past relationship, the tentative promise of something new, and a heap of emotional baggage she’s been lugging around for far too long. Living in the old family home forces her to confront it all, giving her something physical, tangible, to channel her feelings into.
Her summer bucket list is properly brilliant — one I wouldn’t mind attempting myself — and it’s crafted to be richly emotional and rewarding for Dahlia. A single mother and an absolute badass, she’d found herself trapped with the wrong man, and watching her reclaim her life feels deeply satisfying.
Noah, meanwhile, is that delightful mix of gentleman and bad boy, the sort of man who appreciates The Notebook — which, let’s be honest, means he’s unmistakably been written by a woman. Their romance could easily have slipped into “rebound territory” were it not for the fact that we witness Dahlia’s healing in real time, watching her genuinely move past her ex rather than simply replacing him. I finished this in one sitting and found it super comforting. The perfect thing to read if you like slow-burn romance, hopeful new beginnings and lots of home improvement projects!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for the opportunity to read an early copy.
I'm not going to lie, I was immediately drawn by the cover when I saw it! The blurb was the next thing that had me sold: I always love it when the FMC is in her 30s, especially when so many books nowadays follow characters in their early 20s.
The story centres on Dahlia, who is freshly out of a bad marriage and decides to spend the summer at her late aunt's beach house, tasked with getting it ready to sell. However, when it turns out the property needs more work than expected, her neighbour Noah steps in to help. Running alongside the romance is a family mystery involving her aunt's hidden past — and honestly, it was this thread that had me most invested.
The book has a lot going for it. The writing has a gentleness to it, and there are some genuinely lovely passages about grief, motherhood, and what it means to start over. The beachy setting creates a warm feeling and the whole thing has an easy, summery quality that makes it a comfortable read.
To me, the romance in this book was ok but it didn't pull at my heartstrings like I would normally expect in a very good romance book. Something was just lacking a bit for me. I was missing the tension and angst that would typically have me glued to the pages. I struggled to feel truly invested in the two of them as a couple, in the obsessive way you do when a romance really works.
For me, the real standout was the family secrets storyline. Although it is secondary to the romance, to me it was the most interesting aspect of the story and it is what kept me most engaged and I found myself enjoying the read more and more as we were uncovering this mystery.
All that said, this is a warm and easy read, and I think fits greatly as a summer/beach read. It's a debut, and there is promise here; I'll be curious to see where the author goes next.
I'm not going to lie, I was immediately drawn by the cover when I saw it! The blurb was the next thing that had me sold: I always love it when the FMC is in her 30s, especially when so many books nowadays follow characters in their early 20s.
The story centres on Dahlia, who is freshly out of a bad marriage and decides to spend the summer at her late aunt's beach house, tasked with getting it ready to sell. However, when it turns out the property needs more work than expected, her neighbour Noah steps in to help. Running alongside the romance is a family mystery involving her aunt's hidden past — and honestly, it was this thread that had me most invested.
The book has a lot going for it. The writing has a gentleness to it, and there are some genuinely lovely passages about grief, motherhood, and what it means to start over. The beachy setting creates a warm feeling and the whole thing has an easy, summery quality that makes it a comfortable read.
To me, the romance in this book was ok but it didn't pull at my heartstrings like I would normally expect in a very good romance book. Something was just lacking a bit for me. I was missing the tension and angst that would typically have me glued to the pages. I struggled to feel truly invested in the two of them as a couple, in the obsessive way you do when a romance really works.
For me, the real standout was the family secrets storyline. Although it is secondary to the romance, to me it was the most interesting aspect of the story and it is what kept me most engaged and I found myself enjoying the read more and more as we were uncovering this mystery.
All that said, this is a warm and easy read, and I think fits greatly as a summer/beach read. It's a debut, and there is promise here; I'll be curious to see where the author goes next.
May 15, 2026
This is the kind of novel that completely immerses you from the very first pages and leaves you thinking about the characters long after you’ve finished—a perfect read to set the mood for summer! At its heart, this is a story about starting over: what it means to step into the unknown, confront the past, and discover unexpected possibilities. What stands out most is the emotional depth of the character development—none of the characters feel one-dimensional or predictable. Jennifer O’Brien does a beautiful job allowing them to evolve naturally, revealing vulnerabilities, strengths, and emotional complexities in a way that feels authentic rather than forced. Watching relationships shift and deepen over the course of the story is one of the book’s greatest strengths.
What makes this novel especially memorable is its balance of heartfelt emotion and escapism. It delivers romance, introspection, and emotional tension without ever losing its warmth. The pacing and undercurrent of a buried family secret keeps the story moving while still giving meaningful moments room to breathe, making the emotional payoffs feel all the more satisfying.
Jennifer O’Brien also brings the North Fork of Long Island vividly to life. Southold isn’t simply a backdrop; it becomes an essential part of the story’s identity. Anyone familiar with Long Island’s East End will recognize that distinct blend of laid-back waterfront beauty, understated elegance, and close-knit community warmth that makes the area so special. The setting adds a rich sense of atmosphere and nostalgia that perfectly complements the story’s themes of healing and fresh starts.
Overall, The Summer I Found You is a warm, immersive, and deeply satisfying novel that blends romance, mystery, family history, and the restorative spirit of summer into a story that feels both escapist and emotionally grounded. Perfect for anyone who loves atmospheric fiction with heart, history, and the promise of new beginnings.
What makes this novel especially memorable is its balance of heartfelt emotion and escapism. It delivers romance, introspection, and emotional tension without ever losing its warmth. The pacing and undercurrent of a buried family secret keeps the story moving while still giving meaningful moments room to breathe, making the emotional payoffs feel all the more satisfying.
Jennifer O’Brien also brings the North Fork of Long Island vividly to life. Southold isn’t simply a backdrop; it becomes an essential part of the story’s identity. Anyone familiar with Long Island’s East End will recognize that distinct blend of laid-back waterfront beauty, understated elegance, and close-knit community warmth that makes the area so special. The setting adds a rich sense of atmosphere and nostalgia that perfectly complements the story’s themes of healing and fresh starts.
Overall, The Summer I Found You is a warm, immersive, and deeply satisfying novel that blends romance, mystery, family history, and the restorative spirit of summer into a story that feels both escapist and emotionally grounded. Perfect for anyone who loves atmospheric fiction with heart, history, and the promise of new beginnings.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Rating: 3/5
Spice: 1.5/5
I'm a little disappointed by this read, and I'm really sad about it. I really wanted to love this.
It wasn't a bad book, I just noticed some things in it that made me realise i don't like those things.
Let's start from the beginning. The concept of this book captured my attention immediately. I love home renovation shows, and who doesn't like a reverse age-gap (something I haven't read a lot of, but want to read more).
I wanted a book about a woman rediscovering herself and realising she is so much more than she thought. Unfortunately, this fell felt for me.
Besides the very random pop culture references, which kind of ages a book (thinking of reading about Harry Styles, Taylor Swift or the Jonas brothers in ten years is weird), I also did not enjoy the fact that the FMC, Dahlia, kept referring to the 28-year-old MMC, Noah, as a BOY in her inner monologue.
It made their relationship feel weird and dirty, and made me cringe every time.
I also didn't love that she didn't tell him about her daughter. Like why? That was an unnecessary thing to put in the book. And her explaining it away as wanting to just be herself and not somebody's mother just made me kind of angry. In my opinion, being someone's mother should not make you less desirable, and if he does think that you are better off without him because he is no different than your scumbag ex.
Also, it felt like the author forgot about the "bucket list" trope that she threw in there. I would have loved to see a bit more of the Dahlia working towards accomplishing those tasks, instead of these kind of off-hand remarks about it every few chapters.
Overall, I would say this is fairly good for a debut, but I would have loved to see it get some more time to simmer.
Thank you to Netgalley and Alcove Press for the advanced copy of this read.
Spice: 1.5/5
I'm a little disappointed by this read, and I'm really sad about it. I really wanted to love this.
It wasn't a bad book, I just noticed some things in it that made me realise i don't like those things.
Let's start from the beginning. The concept of this book captured my attention immediately. I love home renovation shows, and who doesn't like a reverse age-gap (something I haven't read a lot of, but want to read more).
I wanted a book about a woman rediscovering herself and realising she is so much more than she thought. Unfortunately, this fell felt for me.
Besides the very random pop culture references, which kind of ages a book (thinking of reading about Harry Styles, Taylor Swift or the Jonas brothers in ten years is weird), I also did not enjoy the fact that the FMC, Dahlia, kept referring to the 28-year-old MMC, Noah, as a BOY in her inner monologue.
It made their relationship feel weird and dirty, and made me cringe every time.
I also didn't love that she didn't tell him about her daughter. Like why? That was an unnecessary thing to put in the book. And her explaining it away as wanting to just be herself and not somebody's mother just made me kind of angry. In my opinion, being someone's mother should not make you less desirable, and if he does think that you are better off without him because he is no different than your scumbag ex.
Also, it felt like the author forgot about the "bucket list" trope that she threw in there. I would have loved to see a bit more of the Dahlia working towards accomplishing those tasks, instead of these kind of off-hand remarks about it every few chapters.
Overall, I would say this is fairly good for a debut, but I would have loved to see it get some more time to simmer.
Thank you to Netgalley and Alcove Press for the advanced copy of this read.
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