What do you think?
Rate this book
Hallow's End #2
Where Summer Left Us
He was my first love. My first heartbreak. And the one I never really got over.
Six years ago, I left Hallow’s End to chase big-city dreams–just like James said I should. Now I’m back, burned out and completely unprepared to face the man who let me go.
Once upon a time, he promised me forever.
Now, he pretends nothing ever happened between us. But I know better.
James is familiar enough for me to know he’s hurting–even if he doesn’t realize it himself.
And I’m not sure I can walk away a second time.
Where Summer Left Us is a slow-burn, small-town, second-chance romance filled with childhood nostalgia, heartbreak, healing, and the kind of love that never really leaves you.
N.B. While Where Summer Left Us is a lighthearted story of love, friendship, and second chances, it also touches on real-life challenges, including mental health struggles and emotional growth.
Six years ago, I left Hallow’s End to chase big-city dreams–just like James said I should. Now I’m back, burned out and completely unprepared to face the man who let me go.
Once upon a time, he promised me forever.
Now, he pretends nothing ever happened between us. But I know better.
James is familiar enough for me to know he’s hurting–even if he doesn’t realize it himself.
And I’m not sure I can walk away a second time.
Where Summer Left Us is a slow-burn, small-town, second-chance romance filled with childhood nostalgia, heartbreak, healing, and the kind of love that never really leaves you.
N.B. While Where Summer Left Us is a lighthearted story of love, friendship, and second chances, it also touches on real-life challenges, including mental health struggles and emotional growth.
379 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 6, 2025
About the author
Patricia Prior
6 books44 followersPatricia writes romance across genres, from small-town love stories and paranormal worlds to dystopian fantasy cities. Whether the story is soft and slow or dark and destructive, her books center love in all its messy, complicated, break-you-open forms, with plenty of yearning, emotional damage, and characters who tend to leave a lasting impression.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 20, 2025
FMC - Daphne: 5 🌟
MMC - James: 5 🌟
SPICE: 🌶🌶
LIKES: Yet another second chance romance that stole my heart! Daphne and James are the kind of couple that gave me butterflies and made me want to slap some sense into them at the same time 😆 The yearning between them for so many years made my heart ache, and I COULD NOT wait for the moment when they finally came to their senses and admitted their feelings for each other again after all this time! I also loved how the book was filled with these will they/won't they moments and sweet memories through the dual timeline, and then BAM, James has this filthy mouth out of nowhere 👀
I also want to mention how depression was addressed in this story as well. There were a handful of moments that hit home for me and really made me feel almost protective over James. I think it was incorporated in the story really well and showed the peace and beauty of what it's like to come out the other side of a bad episode.
DISLIKES: I feel like I wasn't wholly invested through the entire story, like there were moments I could take or leave. And the main personal critique I have is that I prefer when timeline jumps are chronologically in order. I understand that some of the memories were kind of handpicked to fit into the current timeline, but maybe it's an OCD thing where I'm not a fan of the character ages in the past jumping from 16 to 18, back to 16, to 19, and then to 14.
Overall, this was a very sweet childhood friends second chance romance! If you enjoy the boy nextdoor love stories filled to the brim with pining and an amazing happily ever after, then definitely give this a read!!
Thank you to Torch Lit Ink for the opportunity to read this ARC 💕
MMC - James: 5 🌟
SPICE: 🌶🌶
LIKES: Yet another second chance romance that stole my heart! Daphne and James are the kind of couple that gave me butterflies and made me want to slap some sense into them at the same time 😆 The yearning between them for so many years made my heart ache, and I COULD NOT wait for the moment when they finally came to their senses and admitted their feelings for each other again after all this time! I also loved how the book was filled with these will they/won't they moments and sweet memories through the dual timeline, and then BAM, James has this filthy mouth out of nowhere 👀
I also want to mention how depression was addressed in this story as well. There were a handful of moments that hit home for me and really made me feel almost protective over James. I think it was incorporated in the story really well and showed the peace and beauty of what it's like to come out the other side of a bad episode.
DISLIKES: I feel like I wasn't wholly invested through the entire story, like there were moments I could take or leave. And the main personal critique I have is that I prefer when timeline jumps are chronologically in order. I understand that some of the memories were kind of handpicked to fit into the current timeline, but maybe it's an OCD thing where I'm not a fan of the character ages in the past jumping from 16 to 18, back to 16, to 19, and then to 14.
Overall, this was a very sweet childhood friends second chance romance! If you enjoy the boy nextdoor love stories filled to the brim with pining and an amazing happily ever after, then definitely give this a read!!
Thank you to Torch Lit Ink for the opportunity to read this ARC 💕
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2025
Thank you so much to the author and Luna Literacy for providing me with this ARC for my honest review!
The story is based around Daphne & James who are lifelong best friends that were in love with each other since the age of 14. They shared 1 summer of amazing time together after high school but then things went wrong.
6 years later, James is still in their hometown working for his father’s garage and helping take care of his sick mother. Daphne is in a big city working at her dream job as a pediatric nurse but in a horrible corporate setting she hates. Daphne gets the courage to leave her job and go back to her hometown to try and re-evaluate her life.
Lots of back and forth, pushing one another away, dealing with their own problems shows Daphne & James they were always meant to be together!
The book was such a fun summer read! The characters are lovable and you can relate as they actually deal with real world problems (sick parents, mental health, bad jobs, etc.)
I look forward to reading more from this series! I’m hoping book 3 is about Ivy & Caleb 🤞🏼
The story is based around Daphne & James who are lifelong best friends that were in love with each other since the age of 14. They shared 1 summer of amazing time together after high school but then things went wrong.
6 years later, James is still in their hometown working for his father’s garage and helping take care of his sick mother. Daphne is in a big city working at her dream job as a pediatric nurse but in a horrible corporate setting she hates. Daphne gets the courage to leave her job and go back to her hometown to try and re-evaluate her life.
Lots of back and forth, pushing one another away, dealing with their own problems shows Daphne & James they were always meant to be together!
The book was such a fun summer read! The characters are lovable and you can relate as they actually deal with real world problems (sick parents, mental health, bad jobs, etc.)
I look forward to reading more from this series! I’m hoping book 3 is about Ivy & Caleb 🤞🏼
June 24, 2025
The way I dragged out reading this book because I wanted to be in its universe forever 💖 If I could rate this book more than 5 stars I would. It's the perfect combination of yearning, history, flirty banter and good summer vibes. The writing was flawless, and I was obsessed with every detail sprinkled throughout, effortlessly coming together for the bigger picture of Daphne & James ✨️💖
July 4, 2025
✨ARC REVIEW✨
“You’re it for me, Sunshine.” ☀️
Coming back to Hallow’s End was never the plan for Daphne Summers. Rekindling what she had with her neighbor and best friend, James Price was also never in the plans. Especially not after the last summer they were together six years ago. But moving back to her hometown, Daphne can’t help but notice the broody boy next door and revisit what they started all those summers ago.
What a great read! This book is perfect for you if you enjoy a second chance, friends to lovers romance. I was rooting for James & Daphne throughout the entire story.
I loved the way the author wrote about depression and really helped us understand the MMC. All of his emotions felt so real and so raw. I was also pleased to see these attributes depicted in a male character. I think it’s important to show case that men suffer from mental health problems as well.
The FMC was relatable in that fact that people think that if they come back home then they have failed at life. I loved that Daphne was able to learn that redirection isn’t failure and that it sometimes leads you back to your roots.
If you want a romance read this summer, Where Summer Left Us is available now!
“You’re it for me, Sunshine.” ☀️
Coming back to Hallow’s End was never the plan for Daphne Summers. Rekindling what she had with her neighbor and best friend, James Price was also never in the plans. Especially not after the last summer they were together six years ago. But moving back to her hometown, Daphne can’t help but notice the broody boy next door and revisit what they started all those summers ago.
What a great read! This book is perfect for you if you enjoy a second chance, friends to lovers romance. I was rooting for James & Daphne throughout the entire story.
I loved the way the author wrote about depression and really helped us understand the MMC. All of his emotions felt so real and so raw. I was also pleased to see these attributes depicted in a male character. I think it’s important to show case that men suffer from mental health problems as well.
The FMC was relatable in that fact that people think that if they come back home then they have failed at life. I loved that Daphne was able to learn that redirection isn’t failure and that it sometimes leads you back to your roots.
If you want a romance read this summer, Where Summer Left Us is available now!
June 20, 2025
I think this book is definitely a book to read if you're in the mood for a second chance, childhood friends to lover, and enjoy a bit of the miscommunication/lack of communication trope/microtrope. It follows the story between James and Daphne and them finding their way back to one another after six years of time spent apart due to circumstances. As you read, there's no denying the love these two had for one another and what made the book enjoyable was the banter these two received from friends and family at how OBVIOUS it was that they both had lingering feelings for one another. The storyline and the chemistry between the two was definitely a solid read, and there were parts of the story that made me feel for these two and the amount of hurt they put on one another just to protect the other person. The way the author also touches upon mental health in this story was in such great detail with the raw emotions that James was going through that I loved the vulnerability it showcased among the characters and how it could truly affect someone.
With that being said, I just had a hard time with how much was unspoken between the two characters. The miscommunication between the two, or mostly the lack of communication, at points felt like it drew away from the story that I just wished they got to actually talk to one another. Like, REALLY talk to one another. Before Daphne left for college, James did the unthinkable and I think that in itself should have had the man grovel in some capacity. But, I felt like some topics was just overlooked between the two, and they moved on which I think wouldn't have been as realistic given the history between them.
Overall though, despite the little qualms I had as I read, the story was still a good read and there were moments where you caught glimpses of the next, potential story. I honestly hope the next one is about Ivy and Caleb because their little moments had me excited about them potentially getting their own story.
Thank you to the author and Luna Literary for this eARC! I love sharing my opinions with others, and if you read this book, I hope to see what your thoughts are!
With that being said, I just had a hard time with how much was unspoken between the two characters. The miscommunication between the two, or mostly the lack of communication, at points felt like it drew away from the story that I just wished they got to actually talk to one another. Like, REALLY talk to one another. Before Daphne left for college, James did the unthinkable and I think that in itself should have had the man grovel in some capacity. But, I felt like some topics was just overlooked between the two, and they moved on which I think wouldn't have been as realistic given the history between them.
Overall though, despite the little qualms I had as I read, the story was still a good read and there were moments where you caught glimpses of the next, potential story. I honestly hope the next one is about Ivy and Caleb because their little moments had me excited about them potentially getting their own story.
Thank you to the author and Luna Literary for this eARC! I love sharing my opinions with others, and if you read this book, I hope to see what your thoughts are!
May 31, 2025
I just finished Where Summer Left Us by Patricia Prior, and I honestly need a moment to recover. This book got under my skin in the most unexpected way. It wasn’t loud or dramatic. It was quiet and aching, like a bruise you forget is there until you press too hard.
Daphne Summers returns to Hallow’s End after her life in the city collapses. From the very first chapter, I could feel her reluctance. Coming home felt like defeat to her, and I completely understood that. Sometimes the place we run from is the only one left when everything else falls apart. Her vulnerability really hit me. She’s not trying to be strong all the time, and that made her feel real.
Then there’s James Price. The boy she left behind. Her first love. Her biggest heartbreak. The moment he stepped into the story, I knew I was in trouble. James is the kind of character who says very little but carries so much. Every interaction between him and Daphne had this weight to it, like they were holding back everything they never got to say. And when they do start to say it? Prepare to feel it in your chest. I’m not kidding. It’s that intense.
I found myself frustrated with both of them at times, and that’s what I loved. They’re not perfect. They’re messy and stubborn and still hurting. But that’s what makes their story feel so raw. Daphne wants to believe that what they had was worth saving, while James is doing everything he can to pretend it never mattered. Except we can all tell it still matters. A lot.
What surprised me was how much of this story wasn’t just about romance. It’s about identity. About letting go of who you thought you had to be and learning to live with the pieces left behind when your plans fall apart. Daphne’s journey felt so personal. Watching her rebuild herself slowly, quietly, and painfully was one of the best parts of this book.
Patricia Prior’s writing is stunning. So many lines made me stop and just sit with them. The kind of writing that feels like it’s speaking directly to something you’ve felt but never had words for.
If you love slow-burn second chances, small-town settings, unresolved feelings that simmer beneath the surface, and characters that feel beautifully human, you need this book. It’s not just a love story. It’s a story about coming home to yourself.
Daphne Summers returns to Hallow’s End after her life in the city collapses. From the very first chapter, I could feel her reluctance. Coming home felt like defeat to her, and I completely understood that. Sometimes the place we run from is the only one left when everything else falls apart. Her vulnerability really hit me. She’s not trying to be strong all the time, and that made her feel real.
Then there’s James Price. The boy she left behind. Her first love. Her biggest heartbreak. The moment he stepped into the story, I knew I was in trouble. James is the kind of character who says very little but carries so much. Every interaction between him and Daphne had this weight to it, like they were holding back everything they never got to say. And when they do start to say it? Prepare to feel it in your chest. I’m not kidding. It’s that intense.
I found myself frustrated with both of them at times, and that’s what I loved. They’re not perfect. They’re messy and stubborn and still hurting. But that’s what makes their story feel so raw. Daphne wants to believe that what they had was worth saving, while James is doing everything he can to pretend it never mattered. Except we can all tell it still matters. A lot.
What surprised me was how much of this story wasn’t just about romance. It’s about identity. About letting go of who you thought you had to be and learning to live with the pieces left behind when your plans fall apart. Daphne’s journey felt so personal. Watching her rebuild herself slowly, quietly, and painfully was one of the best parts of this book.
Patricia Prior’s writing is stunning. So many lines made me stop and just sit with them. The kind of writing that feels like it’s speaking directly to something you’ve felt but never had words for.
If you love slow-burn second chances, small-town settings, unresolved feelings that simmer beneath the surface, and characters that feel beautifully human, you need this book. It’s not just a love story. It’s a story about coming home to yourself.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2025
I was meaning to write this review two weeks ago but I've been so caught up with work, I haven't had a spare minute to fully sit down with my thoughts (sorry Patricia) but here I am, finally with the time to tell you about my favourite summer read!
*ARC READ*
Holy heck, what a book. I was reading it on my commute to and from work (when I read most of my books) and I found my self looking forward to the train ride home so I could get back into the world of Daphne and James.
The story follows two life long best friends, who had a summer fling in between school and college as they navigate their adult lives. We get snippets of flashbacks to "that summer" along with flashbacks from before through the book, along side present time adult Daphne and James.
The entire romance is full on fluff, it's adorable (obviously with a sprinkling of spice). I loved reading about them falling in love as teenagers just as much as I loved reading about them getting to know each other again as adults and realising that love never went away.
This books is such a good summer read. It's cute, sexy, heart-wrenching, satisfying and everything I could hope for in a cosy romance.
*All opinions and thoughts are my own and are in no way bias
*ARC READ*
Holy heck, what a book. I was reading it on my commute to and from work (when I read most of my books) and I found my self looking forward to the train ride home so I could get back into the world of Daphne and James.
The story follows two life long best friends, who had a summer fling in between school and college as they navigate their adult lives. We get snippets of flashbacks to "that summer" along with flashbacks from before through the book, along side present time adult Daphne and James.
The entire romance is full on fluff, it's adorable (obviously with a sprinkling of spice). I loved reading about them falling in love as teenagers just as much as I loved reading about them getting to know each other again as adults and realising that love never went away.
This books is such a good summer read. It's cute, sexy, heart-wrenching, satisfying and everything I could hope for in a cosy romance.
*All opinions and thoughts are my own and are in no way bias
September 22, 2025
Oh my! These two are the cutest & the worst!! They are so totally meant to be together! The tension throughout was excruciating yet glorious.
I had the best time reading this one! Patricia truly captured some deeply challenging themes in such a sensitive & beautiful way. Watching our MCs James & Daphne navigate life & love in their mid 20s, with glorious flashback moments of where their connection truly began. This story really took my emotions on a journey, the destination totally worth it!!
Thank you so much Patricia for sharing this wonderful story with me!!
I had the best time reading this one! Patricia truly captured some deeply challenging themes in such a sensitive & beautiful way. Watching our MCs James & Daphne navigate life & love in their mid 20s, with glorious flashback moments of where their connection truly began. This story really took my emotions on a journey, the destination totally worth it!!
Thank you so much Patricia for sharing this wonderful story with me!!
June 6, 2025
Thank you Patricia Prior and Luna Literary for sending me an ARC copy of the second book in the Hallow’s Ends series! This was such a beautiful story of Daphne and James, two friends to lovers to strangers to lovers again! Oh man my heart went if an emotional journey with this one. We have Daphne who returns to their small town after leaving for six years after an eventful summer with James, and the way my jaw dropped when that ended! She is trying to figure out the next steps in her life and also catch up her friends and James. James is dealing with running his families garage and taking care of his sick mother but tends to neglect himself in the process.
They have been through so much together and when they finally have their happy ending it is well deserved and worth it! It’s a wonderful book to read at the start of summer! I highly recommend!
They have been through so much together and when they finally have their happy ending it is well deserved and worth it! It’s a wonderful book to read at the start of summer! I highly recommend!
June 20, 2025
Such a tender, beautifully written story about love, loss, and the quiet pull of the past. Patricia Prior’s writing is lyrical and full of emotional depth! Each page feels like a warm, nostalgic breeze. The love between Daphne and James is rich and real, and the story lingers long after you finish. A heartfelt, unforgettable read! 🫶🏻
June 12, 2025
The perfect summer read! Falling in love with your childhood best friend, and all of life’s challenges that come along with that, this story isn’t a fairy tale by any means, it’s very honest and realistic and I throughly enjoyed it!
October 2, 2025
***I was provided the ARC for this book***
I liked this book a lot. I was rooting for them MCs the entire book until they finally got back together.
The mental health/depression representation was amazing. It was very prevalent for most of the book but not obvious until maybe 3/4 of the way in. The Author did an amazing job writing it.
I would have given it a 5 if not for 2 reasons.
It was slightly confusing because it was a dual POV plus a dual timeline. But the confusing part was the past timelines didn't go in order. So it was slightly hard to follow.
The other was the intimate scenes. Nothing happened until 88% of the way in the book (really sloooooow burn) but what I didn't really like about it was the scenes and the words during them didn't match the book or the characters. Like it was trying to add spice to the book when it didn't really call for it. I LOVE spicy books, but this one didn't really need it.
Overall though this was a good read. I was rooting for the characters, the second chance, first loves romance was so sweet, and the mental health aspect was very well done. Definitely put on your TBR list.
4⭐️
2🌶 (only 2 scenes after 88% in the book)
I liked this book a lot. I was rooting for them MCs the entire book until they finally got back together.
The mental health/depression representation was amazing. It was very prevalent for most of the book but not obvious until maybe 3/4 of the way in. The Author did an amazing job writing it.
I would have given it a 5 if not for 2 reasons.
It was slightly confusing because it was a dual POV plus a dual timeline. But the confusing part was the past timelines didn't go in order. So it was slightly hard to follow.
The other was the intimate scenes. Nothing happened until 88% of the way in the book (really sloooooow burn) but what I didn't really like about it was the scenes and the words during them didn't match the book or the characters. Like it was trying to add spice to the book when it didn't really call for it. I LOVE spicy books, but this one didn't really need it.
Overall though this was a good read. I was rooting for the characters, the second chance, first loves romance was so sweet, and the mental health aspect was very well done. Definitely put on your TBR list.
4⭐️
2🌶 (only 2 scenes after 88% in the book)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2025
Infinity stars. The yearning in this book is just everything for me, plus the amazing mental health rep is done so well.
November 21, 2025
Daphne and James are childhood best friends who go through all of high school yearning for each other. Neither one quite making the leap to anything more; afraid of losing each other. They have years of history together making the perfect combination with lots of flirty banter between them.
Finally they decide to just give it a chance the summer before college. Life happens and Daphne ends up running away to college while James stays helping his family. When Daphne decides to come back to their small town of Hallow's End, they get the second chance they both desperately want.
I love the small flashbacks of high school to see the fall of what seemed like a perfect little relationship and how Daphne and James are years later. I loved seeing the forever they promised each other. This story is such a beautiful second chance at love when the world feels like it's crashing down on you and your person comes to support you and help carry some of that weight. They do it all for love and this is the type of second chance that I absolutely love.
Finally they decide to just give it a chance the summer before college. Life happens and Daphne ends up running away to college while James stays helping his family. When Daphne decides to come back to their small town of Hallow's End, they get the second chance they both desperately want.
I love the small flashbacks of high school to see the fall of what seemed like a perfect little relationship and how Daphne and James are years later. I loved seeing the forever they promised each other. This story is such a beautiful second chance at love when the world feels like it's crashing down on you and your person comes to support you and help carry some of that weight. They do it all for love and this is the type of second chance that I absolutely love.
September 30, 2025
Daphne and James have grown up together, literally. Their moms have been friends forever. They always thought of each other as best friends, until they caught feelings. The summer before college they finally got together, but things changed for James and his plans changed. He didn’t want Daphne to change her plans, so he did something awful. Daphne left to go to school to become a nurse. But now she’s employed at a hospital that cares more about numbers than patients, and she hates it. So she winds up back home, where James is. Only, his life isn’t what it seems and he’s hurting. Can they make it a second time?
There is so much to love about this second chance romance, friends to lovers book! There is absolutely no denying how much these two love each other. There were times that I wanted to shake each other the characters and tell them to wake up and just get with it already (thanks Brodie!). James was always so selfless when it came to Daphne. It was really so sweet.
There is a really big mental health aspect to this book and a character that deals with depression. As someone that has depression, I think the author handled this very well. I think that author did a great job describing what it felt like for that character, really showed what that character needed, and how those around them could help. It’s not easy being with someone who suffers from depression, but we aren’t broken people.
There is a little bit of miscommunication in here, or really just the failure to communicate in a timely manner. I will say, this book was a bit longer than it had to be. There were some flashback chapters in there, and some were really great, and others didn’t need to be there. Also, the placement of them were iffy. One chapter ended really emotionally, and then flashback chapter. It was very strange to have to switch that emotion.
This book is out now, so check it out!
There is so much to love about this second chance romance, friends to lovers book! There is absolutely no denying how much these two love each other. There were times that I wanted to shake each other the characters and tell them to wake up and just get with it already (thanks Brodie!). James was always so selfless when it came to Daphne. It was really so sweet.
There is a really big mental health aspect to this book and a character that deals with depression. As someone that has depression, I think the author handled this very well. I think that author did a great job describing what it felt like for that character, really showed what that character needed, and how those around them could help. It’s not easy being with someone who suffers from depression, but we aren’t broken people.
There is a little bit of miscommunication in here, or really just the failure to communicate in a timely manner. I will say, this book was a bit longer than it had to be. There were some flashback chapters in there, and some were really great, and others didn’t need to be there. Also, the placement of them were iffy. One chapter ended really emotionally, and then flashback chapter. It was very strange to have to switch that emotion.
This book is out now, so check it out!
June 4, 2025
Patricia Prior shares a story about the allure and pain of: Falling in love with your closest friend, and when a detrimental job isn't benefiting you anymore, departing from it to allow for your own healing, despite the chaos.
The main characters of the novel are Daphne and James, lifelong close friends who became romantically involved at the age of 14. Following high school, they enjoyed an amazing summer together, but then situations became difficult.
Six years later, James remains in their hometown, attempting to look after his sick mother while working at his father's garage. Daphne is employed as a pediatric nurse in a large city, a role that suits her perfectly, yet she loathes the terrible corporate atmosphere. Daphne discovers the courage to leave her job and go back to her hometown in order to evaluate her life.
In an unexpected manner, this book truly affected me. It wasn't loud or dramatic. It pained and was quiet, similar to a bruise you overlook until you press too firmly.
Indeed, chapter 42 deserves a separate fire caution, and there’s a tent scene that feels so authentic it will evoke both laughter and tears. I’m frankly conversing with myself, dripping, and fanning.
Nevertheless, this novel possesses a quiet power that transcends its gradual romance and authentic humor. One that assures you it's okay to feel down. that reaching out doesn’t mean you’re weak. that your family will always support you in choosing tranquility over stress.
This reminder is needed by many of us, especially those experiencing burnout, anxiety, or depression. This book is perfect for Mental Health Awareness Week and, in reality, for anyone who has been having difficulty maintaining their calm for an extended period.
The main characters of the novel are Daphne and James, lifelong close friends who became romantically involved at the age of 14. Following high school, they enjoyed an amazing summer together, but then situations became difficult.
Six years later, James remains in their hometown, attempting to look after his sick mother while working at his father's garage. Daphne is employed as a pediatric nurse in a large city, a role that suits her perfectly, yet she loathes the terrible corporate atmosphere. Daphne discovers the courage to leave her job and go back to her hometown in order to evaluate her life.
In an unexpected manner, this book truly affected me. It wasn't loud or dramatic. It pained and was quiet, similar to a bruise you overlook until you press too firmly.
Indeed, chapter 42 deserves a separate fire caution, and there’s a tent scene that feels so authentic it will evoke both laughter and tears. I’m frankly conversing with myself, dripping, and fanning.
Nevertheless, this novel possesses a quiet power that transcends its gradual romance and authentic humor. One that assures you it's okay to feel down. that reaching out doesn’t mean you’re weak. that your family will always support you in choosing tranquility over stress.
This reminder is needed by many of us, especially those experiencing burnout, anxiety, or depression. This book is perfect for Mental Health Awareness Week and, in reality, for anyone who has been having difficulty maintaining their calm for an extended period.
June 18, 2025
"Because that's what best friends did. I fixed her broken things, and she...she made everything feel less broken."
James and Daphne. This book took me high and then slammed me to the floor. I think when you're telling a story about literal lifetime friends who fall in love, this has to happen. They have to grow up, grow apart, and hopefully come back together. And James and Daphne served this heartache up perfectly. I cried and my heart broke for both of them. I rocked and thanked their moms and their best friend, Brodie, for standing by them both. These characters are beautiful and sweet. The secondary characters are lovable and I'm sensing more to this series (hopefully!). Brodie deserves the world! He's honest and selfless - "Maybe it's your turn to be brave." -Brodie to Daphne
Mental health depiction here - and it was heart breaking but is so needed. Some of us are just out here living our best lives in public but struggle in private. Check on your friends and family! Big shoutout to Stella the therapy dog.
"I'm looking at you like you're air and I'm suffocating."
tropes include:
*it was always you
*friends to lovers
*second chance romance
triggers:
*sick parent
*hospitalization of a parent
*alcoholism
*panic attacks/depression w hospitalization
I received this eARC and my review is voluntary-opinions are my own. Thank you to Patricia Prior and Luna Literary Management for the opportunity!
James and Daphne. This book took me high and then slammed me to the floor. I think when you're telling a story about literal lifetime friends who fall in love, this has to happen. They have to grow up, grow apart, and hopefully come back together. And James and Daphne served this heartache up perfectly. I cried and my heart broke for both of them. I rocked and thanked their moms and their best friend, Brodie, for standing by them both. These characters are beautiful and sweet. The secondary characters are lovable and I'm sensing more to this series (hopefully!). Brodie deserves the world! He's honest and selfless - "Maybe it's your turn to be brave." -Brodie to Daphne
Mental health depiction here - and it was heart breaking but is so needed. Some of us are just out here living our best lives in public but struggle in private. Check on your friends and family! Big shoutout to Stella the therapy dog.
"I'm looking at you like you're air and I'm suffocating."
tropes include:
*it was always you
*friends to lovers
*second chance romance
triggers:
*sick parent
*hospitalization of a parent
*alcoholism
*panic attacks/depression w hospitalization
I received this eARC and my review is voluntary-opinions are my own. Thank you to Patricia Prior and Luna Literary Management for the opportunity!
June 4, 2025
📚 Where Summer Left Us – Patricia Prior
ARC Review
From chapter one, I was already in my feelings — I mean, cutting your nails in a public space…Instant pet peeve. But what starts with cringe quickly deepens into something tender, funny, and quietly gutting in all the right ways.
Patricia Prior delivers a story about the ache and beauty of:
💔 Falling in love with your best friend
🌪 Leaving a toxic job when it’s no longer serving you
🧠 Holding space for your own healing, even when it’s messy
There’s a moment that hit me straight in the chest:
“You’re not broken… you’re healing.”
So simple. So powerful.
It’s a reminder so many of us need — especially when living with depression, anxiety, or burnout. It makes this book perfect for Mental Health Awareness Week — and really, for anyone who’s been quietly holding it together for too long.
There’s a doggy tent moment that’s so real it’ll make you laugh-cry, and yes — chapter 42 deserves its own fire warning. Dripping, fanning, and genuinely whispering holy f*** to myself.
But beyond the slow-burn romance and relatable humour, there’s a quiet strength in this story. One that reminds you it’s okay to not be okay. That reaching out doesn’t make you weak. That the people who love you will always want you to choose peace, not pressure.
It’s messy, honest, a little raw, and deeply human.
And I absolutely loved it.
ARC Review
From chapter one, I was already in my feelings — I mean, cutting your nails in a public space…Instant pet peeve. But what starts with cringe quickly deepens into something tender, funny, and quietly gutting in all the right ways.
Patricia Prior delivers a story about the ache and beauty of:
💔 Falling in love with your best friend
🌪 Leaving a toxic job when it’s no longer serving you
🧠 Holding space for your own healing, even when it’s messy
There’s a moment that hit me straight in the chest:
“You’re not broken… you’re healing.”
So simple. So powerful.
It’s a reminder so many of us need — especially when living with depression, anxiety, or burnout. It makes this book perfect for Mental Health Awareness Week — and really, for anyone who’s been quietly holding it together for too long.
There’s a doggy tent moment that’s so real it’ll make you laugh-cry, and yes — chapter 42 deserves its own fire warning. Dripping, fanning, and genuinely whispering holy f*** to myself.
But beyond the slow-burn romance and relatable humour, there’s a quiet strength in this story. One that reminds you it’s okay to not be okay. That reaching out doesn’t make you weak. That the people who love you will always want you to choose peace, not pressure.
It’s messy, honest, a little raw, and deeply human.
And I absolutely loved it.
September 28, 2025
Where Summer Left Us begins at the start of the present and moves between the past and the present. James is a mechanic, struggling alongside his father due to his mother's medical bills. Daphne is working away at Brookside as a paediatric nurse. She's becoming increasingly frustrated with it being more about the system than the patient, so she decides to return home to love with her mom until she can find a job. James said hurtful things when she left to make things over between them. But seeing him again, she still has feelings for James. James wants to have feelings back, but doesn't want his heart broken again if she returns to Brookside. Things begin to get too much for James, between the stress of money problems due to his mother's decreasing health and increasing medical bills, and trying to be there for everyone but himself. Things come to a head when his mom is in the hospital and he has a breakdown and needs help himself. Will James and Daphne get through this and get their HEA, or will this be the end of them?
If you love a small-town second-chance romance between a caring nurse and her broken man, you will love this read. Patricia gives you all the feelings and emotions for James and Daphne. There may be some triggers for people therefore please heed the author's notes on the book before reading or purchasing.
If you love a small-town second-chance romance between a caring nurse and her broken man, you will love this read. Patricia gives you all the feelings and emotions for James and Daphne. There may be some triggers for people therefore please heed the author's notes on the book before reading or purchasing.
December 27, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book 2 in the Hallows End series, and I absolutely loved it. I felt so deeply connected to the story, and Patricia was able to convey every emotion right off the page. I genuinely didn’t want it to end.
Learning about James and Daphne had my heart aching, and don’t even get me started on how protective I feel over Brodie; he deserves the world. There is so much care and depth in these characters, their journeys, their relationships, and their attempts to do the best they can in an unpredictable world. Even in the perfect town, you never know how real magic comes together.
Patricia was so considerate in her portrayal of mental health that it made me feel even more engaged and emotionally connected to the story. The dynamic also gave me serious McDreamy and Meredith vibes, which made it impossible not to root for them.
“Love isn’t about grand gestures or perfect timing. It’s about being there. In whatever way he needs.”
Second-chance love is always a push and pull, and as much as it’s a cliché, everything happens for a reason. It’s been beautiful watching James and Daphne’s story unfold.
Book 2 in the Hallows End series, and I absolutely loved it. I felt so deeply connected to the story, and Patricia was able to convey every emotion right off the page. I genuinely didn’t want it to end.
Learning about James and Daphne had my heart aching, and don’t even get me started on how protective I feel over Brodie; he deserves the world. There is so much care and depth in these characters, their journeys, their relationships, and their attempts to do the best they can in an unpredictable world. Even in the perfect town, you never know how real magic comes together.
Patricia was so considerate in her portrayal of mental health that it made me feel even more engaged and emotionally connected to the story. The dynamic also gave me serious McDreamy and Meredith vibes, which made it impossible not to root for them.
“Love isn’t about grand gestures or perfect timing. It’s about being there. In whatever way he needs.”
Second-chance love is always a push and pull, and as much as it’s a cliché, everything happens for a reason. It’s been beautiful watching James and Daphne’s story unfold.
September 29, 2025
I have to admit that I almost didn't review this book because I really do not prefer this cover. However, the blurb caught my attention and I decided to give it a chance. I'm so glad I did because I ended up really enjoying it!
Daphne and James have been friends since childhood and spent one summer together as a couple before Daphne left for college in the city. Before she left, James broke her heart, so she hasn't returned since that summer 6 years ago.
I loved Daphne and her struggle to return home while feeling like she failed at making her dream come true in the city (even though she hated it there). The writing was great and there was lots of angst and longing, which I love in a book. Overall, a great read!
Daphne and James have been friends since childhood and spent one summer together as a couple before Daphne left for college in the city. Before she left, James broke her heart, so she hasn't returned since that summer 6 years ago.
I loved Daphne and her struggle to return home while feeling like she failed at making her dream come true in the city (even though she hated it there). The writing was great and there was lots of angst and longing, which I love in a book. Overall, a great read!
November 6, 2025
I completely fell in love with this book and the
breathtaking chemistry between Daphne & James! The
slow-burn tension, the delicious angst, and all that
longing made my heart ache in the best way possible.
Every glance, every unspoken word between them
carried so much weight, and I couldn't stop turning the
pages just to see when they'd finally give in and talk
things out. Their journey wasn't perfect-at times, I was
so frustrated with the way they handled their emotions.
But honestly, that's what made them feel so real. Love
isn't always neat; it's messy, raw, and full of mistakes-
and that's exactly what made their story so powerful
and human. Their imperfections didn't ruin the
romance; they made it even more beautiful.
breathtaking chemistry between Daphne & James! The
slow-burn tension, the delicious angst, and all that
longing made my heart ache in the best way possible.
Every glance, every unspoken word between them
carried so much weight, and I couldn't stop turning the
pages just to see when they'd finally give in and talk
things out. Their journey wasn't perfect-at times, I was
so frustrated with the way they handled their emotions.
But honestly, that's what made them feel so real. Love
isn't always neat; it's messy, raw, and full of mistakes-
and that's exactly what made their story so powerful
and human. Their imperfections didn't ruin the
romance; they made it even more beautiful.
October 12, 2025
This was a sweet second chance romance. The premises were all good and the writing was really spotless. I also liked the way that a heavy theme like depression was talked about.
But those ducking time jumps, I hated them with all myself, because you can't tell me something from when they were 16 then 19 then back to 16. I'm in my thirties, I barely remember why I went into a room, I need chronological order in my time jumps. Anyway this was my personal critique and has absolutely 0 to do with the quality of the book or the excecution who once again was done amazingly.
Thank you Torcklink for the eArc
But those ducking time jumps, I hated them with all myself, because you can't tell me something from when they were 16 then 19 then back to 16. I'm in my thirties, I barely remember why I went into a room, I need chronological order in my time jumps. Anyway this was my personal critique and has absolutely 0 to do with the quality of the book or the excecution who once again was done amazingly.
Thank you Torcklink for the eArc
September 30, 2025
This was such a beautiful surprise when Patricia's writing style immediately pulled me into this story. There's some heavy themes throughout the book, and the author has a way of capturing emotion that felt intimate and real. I loved how the story unfolded, balancing the present and past perfectly.
I closed the book feeling connected to the characters, Daphne and James, in an authentic way and I can't wait to read more of her work in the future!
If you’re looking for a small-town romance with tons of layers of emotion, this is one to add to your tbr!
October 13, 2025
I like a second chance romance and this was okay. I felt so annoyed at times that these two were just off and on LOL. I am not a patient person in general so this really tested me LOL.
I do, however, appreciate the insight on James. I also have depression so it was nice to be able to relate to a character on that aspect.
The spice was PG13 in my opinion.
I felt like there was something missing but I can't put my finger on what.
But as a palate cleanser on a rainy day, this book was great.
I do, however, appreciate the insight on James. I also have depression so it was nice to be able to relate to a character on that aspect.
The spice was PG13 in my opinion.
I felt like there was something missing but I can't put my finger on what.
But as a palate cleanser on a rainy day, this book was great.
July 1, 2025
Daphne and James have known each other forever. Not only have they been friends for so long, but they started dating also. After an amazing summer things changed.
Daphne moved away and James stayed in their small town. When Daphne returns back to their hometown James pretends he doesn’t know her at first, but slowly they make their way back into each other’s lives.
A great summer read, I loved every minute of it.
Daphne moved away and James stayed in their small town. When Daphne returns back to their hometown James pretends he doesn’t know her at first, but slowly they make their way back into each other’s lives.
A great summer read, I loved every minute of it.
June 20, 2025
I'm such a sucker for books with mutual pining in them, and this one does not disappoint. Daphne came back to her home town (and her first love) after her life in the city blew up, and now she has to face her childhood best friend and see if a relationship will be worth messing up their friendship. The yearning is there, the spice is there, the everything you want is there. Love it!
October 2, 2025
I really enjoyed this read, a second chance romance that seemed would never happen.
A couple I was routing for right from the start, the full story is told through the timelines of their past.
Emotional at times but also a heartwarming story which was very well written and flowed beautifully.
#RomanceReads #Bookstagrammer #RomanceBookstagram #Bookish #ReadersOfInstagram #TorchLitInk
A couple I was routing for right from the start, the full story is told through the timelines of their past.
Emotional at times but also a heartwarming story which was very well written and flowed beautifully.
#RomanceReads #Bookstagrammer #RomanceBookstagram #Bookish #ReadersOfInstagram #TorchLitInk
October 9, 2025
3.75
Some stories don’t hit you all at once ..... they simmer.
This one felt like late-night drives, old songs you shouldn’t have played again, and the ache of almost getting it right.
Small town nostalgia, heartbreak, healing — all tangled together in that “we never really moved on” kind of love. It’s tender, a little messy, and honest in a way that sneaks up on you.
Some stories don’t hit you all at once ..... they simmer.
This one felt like late-night drives, old songs you shouldn’t have played again, and the ache of almost getting it right.
Small town nostalgia, heartbreak, healing — all tangled together in that “we never really moved on” kind of love. It’s tender, a little messy, and honest in a way that sneaks up on you.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews