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The Summer I Found You: A Novel
Not yet published
Expected 7 Apr 26A 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
Expected publication April 7, 2026
6584 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer O'Brien
1 book34 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 62 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
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!
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!
Want to read
November 25, 2025pre-read notes:
What can I say I love a good home design tv show but what got me to request this ARC was the summer vibes coming from the cover 🥺 this sounds so good, I can’t wait!
What can I say I love a good home design tv show but what got me to request this ARC was the summer vibes coming from the cover 🥺 this sounds so good, I can’t wait!
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.
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.
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.
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
Rated 3.75 stars
At first I enjoyed getting to know Dahlia and was liking the writing style. As the book progressed though I started to not like having to suspend my belief in how some of the events were just happening. It was hard to belief that everything just fell into place so easily.
I enjoyed meeting Noah and was into the relationship that was growing between Dahlia and Noah. Then things changed and the let's take it slow request was not so slow. It seemed to move fast once it was at a certain point. And then there was a point where every time they were alone together it was like a pair of rabbits. It seems this relationship is based primarily on sexual attraction.
I have a pet peeve about how ideas are not followed through on and happenings are not placed at the realistic timing or location. For example, Dahlia wanted to review her divorce papers because she did not trust her soon to be ex-husband. But when she received the papers, she did not do this. They were signed and mailed off. Or how about that we were never told what kind of dog Harry is. I read back searching for this information but never found it. There are descriptors but no mention of breed. Or, one more, when flowers are described as blooming or certain insects being present but the timing of that is not correct. Crickets chirp in late summer, not early. Zinnias are late blooming annuals not perennials flowering in July.
Anyway... even though the above was not well done, I still enjoyed the mystery of Dahlia's family history and her finding her real-self again.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC and opportunity to read it!
At first I enjoyed getting to know Dahlia and was liking the writing style. As the book progressed though I started to not like having to suspend my belief in how some of the events were just happening. It was hard to belief that everything just fell into place so easily.
I enjoyed meeting Noah and was into the relationship that was growing between Dahlia and Noah. Then things changed and the let's take it slow request was not so slow. It seemed to move fast once it was at a certain point. And then there was a point where every time they were alone together it was like a pair of rabbits. It seems this relationship is based primarily on sexual attraction.
I have a pet peeve about how ideas are not followed through on and happenings are not placed at the realistic timing or location. For example, Dahlia wanted to review her divorce papers because she did not trust her soon to be ex-husband. But when she received the papers, she did not do this. They were signed and mailed off. Or how about that we were never told what kind of dog Harry is. I read back searching for this information but never found it. There are descriptors but no mention of breed. Or, one more, when flowers are described as blooming or certain insects being present but the timing of that is not correct. Crickets chirp in late summer, not early. Zinnias are late blooming annuals not perennials flowering in July.
Anyway... even though the above was not well done, I still enjoyed the mystery of Dahlia's family history and her finding her real-self again.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC and opportunity to read it!
December 1, 2025
The story follows Dahlia, a newly divorced single mom who returns to her family’s rundown beach house to sell it — only to find more mess, more mystery, and maybe even a second chance at love. Her neighbor turns out to be Noah, a home-renovation reality TV star who steps in to help her fix the place up… and, eventually, helps her rebuild much more than just a house.
I’ve got mixed feelings about this one, honestly.
It took me a while to settle into the story, mostly because the writing didn’t immediately hit with the emotional depth I usually look for. The narrative relied a bit more on telling than showing, so whenever the characters talked about their past, we often got a quick summary instead of experiencing the moment with them. That made it harder for me to feel fully immersed, especially in the beginning, and the transitions into Dahlia’s past memories could’ve been smoother too.
That said, there’s nothing wrong with the writing itself — it’s clear and easy to follow. And whether the writing improved as the story progressed or I simply grew more accustomed to the style, it definitely felt better as I kept reading.
Once I warmed up to the characters, the story started working for me. Dahlia and Noah were genuinely compelling together, they just fit them in a way that made rooting for them feel natural. The age gap trope isn’t usually my thing, but having an older fmc for once was refreshing and added a dynamic I liked.
The mystery surrounding Lil was the strongest part of the book. That storyline gave the plot the depth and momentum it needed.
I’ve got mixed feelings about this one, honestly.
It took me a while to settle into the story, mostly because the writing didn’t immediately hit with the emotional depth I usually look for. The narrative relied a bit more on telling than showing, so whenever the characters talked about their past, we often got a quick summary instead of experiencing the moment with them. That made it harder for me to feel fully immersed, especially in the beginning, and the transitions into Dahlia’s past memories could’ve been smoother too.
That said, there’s nothing wrong with the writing itself — it’s clear and easy to follow. And whether the writing improved as the story progressed or I simply grew more accustomed to the style, it definitely felt better as I kept reading.
Once I warmed up to the characters, the story started working for me. Dahlia and Noah were genuinely compelling together, they just fit them in a way that made rooting for them feel natural. The age gap trope isn’t usually my thing, but having an older fmc for once was refreshing and added a dynamic I liked.
The mystery surrounding Lil was the strongest part of the book. That storyline gave the plot the depth and momentum it needed.
December 31, 2025
I was really pulled into this. This book has all the right ingredients. Dahlia has a familiarity to her; it’s like you know her and she has this warmth to her. I was really rooting for her to have this amazing adventure.
This book intertwines a love story and a family mystery from the past. There is an age gap where Dahlia is actually the older one which didn’t bother me at all.
I loved the cozy atmosphere, summer bucket list, being able to visualize scenes, the HGTV style fixer up piece, and the mystery. I think it gives Emily Henry summer vibes (sprinkled with The Notebook and The Idea of You) but with a lot more spice.
Criticisms -
It felt rushed. I wanted more of the world she was in, the work she was doing/family mystery puzzle pieces, and more slow burn for the love story aspect.
There were too many similes that they stood out in an unnatural way.
Intimacy felt rushed despite MMC wanting to take things slow. It felt inconsistent to him as a person. I also didn’t see him as a “bad boy” but more of a rough around the edges handyman with an old soul, so that shift pulls me out a bit.
This book makes for a fun summer read. 3.5 stars
*FYI - for those unaware, this book is on the spice end. I didn’t mind the spice with the exception that it felt rushed.
Thank you to Jennifer O’Brien and Alcove Press for providing me an advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
This book intertwines a love story and a family mystery from the past. There is an age gap where Dahlia is actually the older one which didn’t bother me at all.
I loved the cozy atmosphere, summer bucket list, being able to visualize scenes, the HGTV style fixer up piece, and the mystery. I think it gives Emily Henry summer vibes (sprinkled with The Notebook and The Idea of You) but with a lot more spice.
Criticisms -
It felt rushed. I wanted more of the world she was in, the work she was doing/family mystery puzzle pieces, and more slow burn for the love story aspect.
There were too many similes that they stood out in an unnatural way.
Intimacy felt rushed despite MMC wanting to take things slow. It felt inconsistent to him as a person. I also didn’t see him as a “bad boy” but more of a rough around the edges handyman with an old soul, so that shift pulls me out a bit.
This book makes for a fun summer read. 3.5 stars
*FYI - for those unaware, this book is on the spice end. I didn’t mind the spice with the exception that it felt rushed.
Thank you to Jennifer O’Brien and Alcove Press for providing me an advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
November 25, 2025
I enjoyed this sexy summer romance! It features an age-gap, forced proximity romance with the MMC as a reality TV celebrity and the FMC a “normal” person facing life as a single woman after years in a loveless marriage.
Dahlia and Noah find an easy chemistry right away when they realize her deceased aunt gave the former renovation-TV star permission to use her old barn while Dahlia is fixing up the house for sale. Neither of them wants the distraction, but their attraction is hard to deny. Dahlia also needs to locate a (literal) key that, according to her beloved Aunt Lil, will change her life forever. Along with that, she needs to get the house sale-ready before her new job starts at the end of summer!
This story focuses on Dahlia learning how to be her own person after finally divorcing her husband and watching her daughter spread her wings as a young adult. The romance is both sweet and steamy as she and Noah figure out whether their relationship is just a fling or something worth hanging on to long after summer ends. I liked watching them grow as individuals and a couple, and the beachy setting is described beautifully. The resolution of Dahlia’s family mystery is also a great part of the story.
Thanks to Alcove Press and NetGalley for the chance to read an ARC!
Dahlia and Noah find an easy chemistry right away when they realize her deceased aunt gave the former renovation-TV star permission to use her old barn while Dahlia is fixing up the house for sale. Neither of them wants the distraction, but their attraction is hard to deny. Dahlia also needs to locate a (literal) key that, according to her beloved Aunt Lil, will change her life forever. Along with that, she needs to get the house sale-ready before her new job starts at the end of summer!
This story focuses on Dahlia learning how to be her own person after finally divorcing her husband and watching her daughter spread her wings as a young adult. The romance is both sweet and steamy as she and Noah figure out whether their relationship is just a fling or something worth hanging on to long after summer ends. I liked watching them grow as individuals and a couple, and the beachy setting is described beautifully. The resolution of Dahlia’s family mystery is also a great part of the story.
Thanks to Alcove Press and NetGalley for the chance to read an ARC!
November 17, 2025
With her beautifully vivid descriptions, Jennifer O’Brien used her design knowledge to help bring this story to life. I could truly picture every scene in great detail, and that imagery really helped make this story pop!
While the writing was what really stood out to me, I also enjoyed the plot itself. This story was a bit women’s fiction, Dahlia finding herself post divorce, part romance, Dahlia finding love a second (or maybe first) time, and part mystery, Dahlia uncovering a family secret. I especially loved the messy family drama and the sweet way all the pieces came together.
Even with all the moving pieces, I found the pacing smooth and liked jumping between the topics to move the plot forward. There were times I didn’t really understand a lot of things that Dahlia was very emotional about (e.g., keeping Daisy a secret, the sudden decision about Charleston, etc). However, I’m lucky to not have been in a love-less marriage for 15years nor have I been divorced so I do think it’s believable Dahlia’s emotions would be frantic and all over the place.
All in all, a delightful read. 4.5 stars.
Thanks to Jennifer O’Brien and Alcove Press for providing me an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
While the writing was what really stood out to me, I also enjoyed the plot itself. This story was a bit women’s fiction, Dahlia finding herself post divorce, part romance, Dahlia finding love a second (or maybe first) time, and part mystery, Dahlia uncovering a family secret. I especially loved the messy family drama and the sweet way all the pieces came together.
Even with all the moving pieces, I found the pacing smooth and liked jumping between the topics to move the plot forward. There were times I didn’t really understand a lot of things that Dahlia was very emotional about (e.g., keeping Daisy a secret, the sudden decision about Charleston, etc). However, I’m lucky to not have been in a love-less marriage for 15years nor have I been divorced so I do think it’s believable Dahlia’s emotions would be frantic and all over the place.
All in all, a delightful read. 4.5 stars.
Thanks to Jennifer O’Brien and Alcove Press for providing me an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Jennifer O'Brien for an advanced copy!
This is a classic second chance romance book. Dahlia is getting divorced and after the passing of her Aunt Lil , she needs to go back to the home that she loves dearly, and use the summer to clean it out and get it ready to sell. What she didn’t plan for is Noah, the next-door neighbor’s nephew. He was given permission to use the barn on the property to build furniture. He offers to help her fix up the home and even though there is an age gap they find themselves drawn to each other.
I have to admit this book was somewhat predictable but I can’t say that I was upset about it. You want to see a happy ending when you have a character like Dahlia who never put herself first and for once she is doing what she wants to do and what makes her feel most alive. No spoilers here! But there is a letter from her Aunt Lil that shakes up the summer and sets you up for a shocker of a revelation! The secret that Dahlia discovers is heart breaking and gut wrenching but also adds clarity and a validation to her feelings.
It is worth the read if you like a good love story with some twists and somewhat expected turns and then a surprise at the end!
This is a classic second chance romance book. Dahlia is getting divorced and after the passing of her Aunt Lil , she needs to go back to the home that she loves dearly, and use the summer to clean it out and get it ready to sell. What she didn’t plan for is Noah, the next-door neighbor’s nephew. He was given permission to use the barn on the property to build furniture. He offers to help her fix up the home and even though there is an age gap they find themselves drawn to each other.
I have to admit this book was somewhat predictable but I can’t say that I was upset about it. You want to see a happy ending when you have a character like Dahlia who never put herself first and for once she is doing what she wants to do and what makes her feel most alive. No spoilers here! But there is a letter from her Aunt Lil that shakes up the summer and sets you up for a shocker of a revelation! The secret that Dahlia discovers is heart breaking and gut wrenching but also adds clarity and a validation to her feelings.
It is worth the read if you like a good love story with some twists and somewhat expected turns and then a surprise at the end!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC! All opinions are my own. I feel bad, but finishing this one was a real struggle for me. I think the only thing keeping me reading was because I wanted to find out the rest of the little family mystery, which I admit was satisfying and might get an extra half star for me. However, even that seemed a little drawn out. For someone who needed to get this house fixed up and sold and this key found in a shirt amount of time, Dahlia sure was good at finding a million other things to do. Overall, I felt like the character of Dahlia didn’t have much depth. If she went on about Noah’s mustache or whiskers one more time, I was going to lose it. Maybe some women find facial hair just that sexy, but it was weird to me. I didn’t really feel like there was depth to Noah’s character or the basis of this love interest either. I think my favorite character was the dog, so that’s saying something. I couldn’t even come to love the friends. The writing also seemed kind of basic to me, and I just couldn’t get into the romance. Definitely disappointed in this one. FYI lots of sexual content, some profanity, and talk of emotional abuse
November 23, 2025
Age gap and forced proximity, heck YES!!! I went into this book really not even knowing anything, just saw the cover and saw that it was romance and said yes! And gosh, I do not regret it. This book was everything and more.
The main character, Dahlia goes to a small town where she has to figure out her Aunt Lil’s estate and get it all in order after her passing. There, she ends up figuring things out from her past, present and future. She is closing her chapter from a previous marriage, dealing with a career transition and not sure what to do next, all while there is a good looking man who is next door. This man also has a past and seeing them work through it separate and together makes this book all the more intense.
I’ll admit, there was a lot going on. But at the same time, I’m used to having to keep track of different situations, my primary preference is fantasy, so it wasn’t bad, it kept it exciting. I totally loved this book and definitely recommend it!
I obtained a copy of this e-arc on Netgalley.
The main character, Dahlia goes to a small town where she has to figure out her Aunt Lil’s estate and get it all in order after her passing. There, she ends up figuring things out from her past, present and future. She is closing her chapter from a previous marriage, dealing with a career transition and not sure what to do next, all while there is a good looking man who is next door. This man also has a past and seeing them work through it separate and together makes this book all the more intense.
I’ll admit, there was a lot going on. But at the same time, I’m used to having to keep track of different situations, my primary preference is fantasy, so it wasn’t bad, it kept it exciting. I totally loved this book and definitely recommend it!
I obtained a copy of this e-arc on Netgalley.
December 11, 2025
The Summer I Found You by Jennifer O’Brian is a beautifully written, atmospheric story that perfectly blends grief, healing, and second chances. We follow Dahlia, newly divorced from a manipulative and misogynistic husband, as she navigates loss, learns to rediscover herself, and slowly opens her heart again.
I loved the coastal setting, the emotional depth, and the way the mystery thread kept the pacing tight and bingeable. The romance is soft and hopeful, though I found myself wishing for a bit more yearning between Dahlia and Noah and a deeper level of understanding from him—especially toward the end. Still, the story felt heartfelt, cinematic, and would make an incredible Hallmark-style adaptation.
A compelling, easy-to-lose-yourself-in read. 3.5 ⭐️
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with the ARC.
I loved the coastal setting, the emotional depth, and the way the mystery thread kept the pacing tight and bingeable. The romance is soft and hopeful, though I found myself wishing for a bit more yearning between Dahlia and Noah and a deeper level of understanding from him—especially toward the end. Still, the story felt heartfelt, cinematic, and would make an incredible Hallmark-style adaptation.
A compelling, easy-to-lose-yourself-in read. 3.5 ⭐️
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a heartwarming love story! I was hooked from the start. The suspense and build up as to whether or not Noah was going to transition their friendship into something more kept me turning the page, unable to put it down.
The mystery and excitement did not end there. The way the plots were seamlessly interwoven only enhanced the reader’s experience and the thrill of what was to happen next.
The writing was incredibly descriptive. The pages came to life, as I was transported to the east end of Long Island right there with her. It was as if I was at Dahlia‘s beach house experiencing the story in real time. The dedication and devotion to each chapter captures the imagery perfectly.
Thank you Jen O’Brien for this warm
& heartfelt summer read full of romance, family drama, and mystery. I would highly recommend over and over again.
The mystery and excitement did not end there. The way the plots were seamlessly interwoven only enhanced the reader’s experience and the thrill of what was to happen next.
The writing was incredibly descriptive. The pages came to life, as I was transported to the east end of Long Island right there with her. It was as if I was at Dahlia‘s beach house experiencing the story in real time. The dedication and devotion to each chapter captures the imagery perfectly.
Thank you Jen O’Brien for this warm
& heartfelt summer read full of romance, family drama, and mystery. I would highly recommend over and over again.
January 25, 2026
3.5/5
This was such a sweet book. It was a heartfelt story about motherhood, grief, healing, and finding happiness. I also enjoyed the family mystery subplot. That was pretty intriguing. The characters also seemed very relatable.
I also really enjoyed the setting, and the overall Hallmark/Lifetime movie plus HGTV vibes. The writing was very descriptive and really made you feel like you were there. With that said, it was almost too descriptive at times which made things drag in parts. I also wouldn’t have minded a little more angst and/or drama at certain points. I loved the epilogue and how it rounded things out.
Overall, I enjoyed this and feel it was a good debut novel. I would definitely read more from this author.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a sweet book. It was a heartfelt story about motherhood, grief, healing, and finding happiness. I also enjoyed the family mystery subplot. That was pretty intriguing. The characters also seemed very relatable.
I also really enjoyed the setting, and the overall Hallmark/Lifetime movie plus HGTV vibes. The writing was very descriptive and really made you feel like you were there. With that said, it was almost too descriptive at times which made things drag in parts. I also wouldn’t have minded a little more angst and/or drama at certain points. I loved the epilogue and how it rounded things out.
Overall, I enjoyed this and feel it was a good debut novel. I would definitely read more from this author.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 25, 2025
“The Summer I Found You “ is such a heartfelt, atmospheric read. I really enjoyed how Jennifer O’Brien brought the setting to life …the beach house, the garden, even the little moments in between all felt vivid and grounding. You can really feel her design background in the best way.
Dahlia’s journey hit me more emotionally than I expected. Her messy, honest attempts to rebuild after heartbreak felt relatable, and I loved the gentle mix of summer romance, family secrets, and personal healing. The mystery woven through the story added a nice layer of intrigue without taking away from the warmth of the romance.
Overall, this was an emotional, summery escape with just the right amount of depth.
Thank you Alcove Press and NetGalley for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Dahlia’s journey hit me more emotionally than I expected. Her messy, honest attempts to rebuild after heartbreak felt relatable, and I loved the gentle mix of summer romance, family secrets, and personal healing. The mystery woven through the story added a nice layer of intrigue without taking away from the warmth of the romance.
Overall, this was an emotional, summery escape with just the right amount of depth.
Thank you Alcove Press and NetGalley for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 1, 2025
3.5 stars
Dahlia’s life is at a major point of change with her beloved aunt dying, her divorce going through and plans to move on to a new job. She just has a quick one month stop at her aunts house to close it up and get it up for sale. Then enters Noah, the younger, sexy, reality TV star.
This book definitely had Nora goes off script vibes. There is a mystery in the story too trying to figure out where the key to the lockbox is and what the major secret is that her aunt couldn’t bear to tell her while she was live. I really liked this part of the story and it kept it intriguing.
Where I take stars away is the characters. I found them to be inconsistent and jumping around a lot. They went from saying we are taking it slow, to the next day definitely not being slow. They are hot, then cold, then back again and I often couldn’t find a reason. And Dahlia swears she’s not going to hurt Noah… all while planning to skip town in a few weeks. It just felt odd and disjointed.
Overall I enjoyed the book, but the disjointed characters affected the flow of the book.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Dahlia’s life is at a major point of change with her beloved aunt dying, her divorce going through and plans to move on to a new job. She just has a quick one month stop at her aunts house to close it up and get it up for sale. Then enters Noah, the younger, sexy, reality TV star.
This book definitely had Nora goes off script vibes. There is a mystery in the story too trying to figure out where the key to the lockbox is and what the major secret is that her aunt couldn’t bear to tell her while she was live. I really liked this part of the story and it kept it intriguing.
Where I take stars away is the characters. I found them to be inconsistent and jumping around a lot. They went from saying we are taking it slow, to the next day definitely not being slow. They are hot, then cold, then back again and I often couldn’t find a reason. And Dahlia swears she’s not going to hurt Noah… all while planning to skip town in a few weeks. It just felt odd and disjointed.
Overall I enjoyed the book, but the disjointed characters affected the flow of the book.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 2, 2025
Well I don’t want to be over critical but there were two glaring annoyances that I hope an editor gets. The overuse of the name Dahlia and the internal dialogue she had. Believe me she talked to herself overthinking everything single move.
The author was very detailed in scenery, for those who haven’t been to the Hamptons. Unfortunate though the home was lacking what should have been a shingled manor of classic Hampton architecture.
Dahlia was 10 years older than Noah and that was a big issue but not for me so it seemed redundant. Then there is the lineage fact. I get that Rose was dead for 25 years and all but Lil had enough time to make her story heard. She wasted a lot of precious years for no reason
The author was very detailed in scenery, for those who haven’t been to the Hamptons. Unfortunate though the home was lacking what should have been a shingled manor of classic Hampton architecture.
Dahlia was 10 years older than Noah and that was a big issue but not for me so it seemed redundant. Then there is the lineage fact. I get that Rose was dead for 25 years and all but Lil had enough time to make her story heard. She wasted a lot of precious years for no reason
December 8, 2025
Thank you to the Author and to Netgalley for this ARC.
I thought this was such an emotionally necessary book. The growth the FMC went through and struggles she fought through were so tough and life changing.
I will say the two MCs bugged me towards the end during a big conflict and I felt the FMC could’ve reacted a little more mature or such but honestly when do we ever react to hurt correctly. It was something that kind of brought me out of the story though. The MMC kind of just goes offline/ignores her and it really pointed out their age differences.
In conclusion, I did like the book and thought it was Harry warming and emotional. The love and happiness found was so tender hearted.
I thought this was such an emotionally necessary book. The growth the FMC went through and struggles she fought through were so tough and life changing.
I will say the two MCs bugged me towards the end during a big conflict and I felt the FMC could’ve reacted a little more mature or such but honestly when do we ever react to hurt correctly. It was something that kind of brought me out of the story though. The MMC kind of just goes offline/ignores her and it really pointed out their age differences.
In conclusion, I did like the book and thought it was Harry warming and emotional. The love and happiness found was so tender hearted.
dnf
February 12, 2026DNF @ 16%
I was initially drawn to this book due to its beautiful cover. It gives the ultimate summer vibes: a picturesque sunset walk along the beach. That plus a reality TV star love interest and long-buried family secrets coming to light seemed like the perfect recipe for a book I was going to enjoy. Unfortunately, the dialogue felt forced and stilted, like the author was trying to include too much exposition through it, and the main character’s inner monologue read as almost immature for her late-thirties age. I was hoping I could overlook those things to get to the family mystery portion of the book, but the insta-lust between the main character and the love interest proved otherwise.
Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review!
I was initially drawn to this book due to its beautiful cover. It gives the ultimate summer vibes: a picturesque sunset walk along the beach. That plus a reality TV star love interest and long-buried family secrets coming to light seemed like the perfect recipe for a book I was going to enjoy. Unfortunately, the dialogue felt forced and stilted, like the author was trying to include too much exposition through it, and the main character’s inner monologue read as almost immature for her late-thirties age. I was hoping I could overlook those things to get to the family mystery portion of the book, but the insta-lust between the main character and the love interest proved otherwise.
Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review!
December 9, 2025
Everyone loves a good beach read, and this one delivers all the charm and nostalgia that makes you wish you were right there in the sand. Dahlia inherits a quirky old fixer-upper from her beloved Aunt Lil and heads there for the summer, hoping to uncover a long-lost key along with the secrets and memories tied to it. Noah, a younger reality TV star nursing a broken heart, arrives looking for his own fresh start. When they unexpectedly end up sharing the barn on the property, sparks fly as mysteries unravel. This story blends sweet romance, a touch of intrigue, and just enough obstacles to keep you rooting for their happily ever after.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I enjoyed this summer romance, but I will say the family secret was more interesting to me. I had an inkling from the beginning what the secret would be, so it was somewhat clichéd, but the book was well-written. For me, my favorite part of the book was seeing Dahlia find herself. At first, you could tell she was just a shell of herself, never taking the time to find her own happiness, instead focusing on her daughter. Her transition to living for herself, finding her happiness, outside of her relationship, was beautiful.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the eARC of this book.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the eARC of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Dahlia, recently divorced, sets out to get her Aunt Lil's beach house ready for sale. She is surprised to find out that Noah, a reality TV star that renovates houses, has permission to use her shed to make furniture. He was dumped on the show so neither Dahlia nor Noah is looking for a romance. They quickly develop a connection. There is a lot she is not telling Noah about herself and there is a lot she discovers about her own family. I really enjoyed how Dahlia and Noah were able to find interests they shared and how they made each other better people. This is a great story with surprises along the way and wonderful characters.
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