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Our Last Summer
A summer that changed everything. A second chance to put things right. ~
‘Heart-warming, funny, and completely brilliant!’ Jaimie Admans
Four years ago, Elodie Parker left the village of Little Heaton where she’d lived for her entire life. She hasn’t been back since.
Now, with her little sister’s wedding looming, she’s going home again. It should be a time for celebration, but there are things Elodie left behind she’s not ready to face. Not least the love of her life, Tomasz. The man who, if Elodie is really honest, she still loves.
But something magical happens on the flight. As turbulence hits, Elodie is thrown back into the past. It’s eight years ago, the day she met Tomasz for the very first time. Before everything went wrong and Elodie ran away forever.
Can Elodie find a way to change the past – and get the happy ever after she longs for?
Readers LOVE Our Last Summer! ‘I loved this and I could read it over and over!… It was absolutely perfect! 5 stars!!’ NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I loved Our Last Summer… A must-read for romance lovers who like their love stories to pack an emotional punch.’ NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I devoured it in one sitting… I fell in love with all the characters and could not stop reading!… A perfect summer beach read.’ NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Could not put it down… I reached for tissues more than once… Captivating and heartwarming.’ NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Heart-warming, funny, and completely brilliant!’ Jaimie Admans
Four years ago, Elodie Parker left the village of Little Heaton where she’d lived for her entire life. She hasn’t been back since.
Now, with her little sister’s wedding looming, she’s going home again. It should be a time for celebration, but there are things Elodie left behind she’s not ready to face. Not least the love of her life, Tomasz. The man who, if Elodie is really honest, she still loves.
But something magical happens on the flight. As turbulence hits, Elodie is thrown back into the past. It’s eight years ago, the day she met Tomasz for the very first time. Before everything went wrong and Elodie ran away forever.
Can Elodie find a way to change the past – and get the happy ever after she longs for?
Readers LOVE Our Last Summer! ‘I loved this and I could read it over and over!… It was absolutely perfect! 5 stars!!’ NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I loved Our Last Summer… A must-read for romance lovers who like their love stories to pack an emotional punch.’ NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I devoured it in one sitting… I fell in love with all the characters and could not stop reading!… A perfect summer beach read.’ NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Could not put it down… I reached for tissues more than once… Captivating and heartwarming.’ NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Audible Audio
Published July 5, 2023
About the author
Jennifer Joyce
24 books144 followersI'm a writer of romantic comedies who lives in Manchester with my husband and our two daughters. I've been scribbling down bits of stories for as long as I can remember, graduating from a pen to a typewriter and then an electronic typewriter. And I felt like the bee's knees typing on THAT. I now write my books on a laptop (which has a proper delete button and everything).
You can keep up to date with my books by subscribing to my newsletter. The newsletters are packed with book news, exclusive content and giveaways. Sign up here: https://mailchi.mp/310b4ee4365f/jenni...
You can keep in touch with me on Twitter and Instagram (both @writer_jenn) or by liking my Facebook page www.facebook.com/jenniferjoycewrites
You can keep up to date with my books by subscribing to my newsletter. The newsletters are packed with book news, exclusive content and giveaways. Sign up here: https://mailchi.mp/310b4ee4365f/jenni...
You can keep in touch with me on Twitter and Instagram (both @writer_jenn) or by liking my Facebook page www.facebook.com/jenniferjoycewrites
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
July 5, 2023
I enjoy reading “second chance” stories but this offering failed to hit the mark. I thought the narrative was a bit muddled and that the writer didn’t truly capitalise on illustrating key relationships, making them less believable as a result.
Elodie randomly discovers she is time-travelling back to her twenties, re-living the years leading up to her best friend’s death. In real time, Elodie is flying from California to home, dreading returning to the little village that she turned her back on as a result of the tragedy. At unexpected moments during the flight, Elodie finds herself sucked out of her reality and back in the past. Realising that she could alter events to prevent the tragedy from taking place, Elodie learns to enjoy being back home and starts to accept that moving to California has not been the positive dream she was hoping for.
Joyce subtly indicates the times when Elodie is going to move from the plane and into the past. However, I think this could have been made more explicit. Even if Elodie doesn’t realise it, I would have liked to have understood what might have been triggering this jump. I did wonder whether the action that triggered Elodie’s time-travelling was a metaphor but think this could have been explained.
For the most part, I thought the time-travelling to be sporadic and not really linking together. It was only after I had finished the book did I realise that Elodie does revisit key moments of her summers. But, it isn’t made clear to readers at the time and this meant I was frustrated at how disconnected this appeared to Elodie’s eventual goal. Furthermore, I did not feel invested in her relationships, particularly with Tomasz. Whilst he is depicted as the love of her life, I thought Joyce could have relived more of their budding connection because I think this was dominated by Elodie’s desperation to change the past.
The final quarter of the book was the most exciting and interesting. Finally, revelations were being made and that really fuelled my interest in the story. I liked the clever plot twists and was uncertain how the story would eventually conclude. Would Elodie succeed? How would her memories change? Would there still be a tragedy? All these and more flitted through my mind as I carried on reading, and I thought this last part of the story was the most relevant of all.
In my opinion, the ending felt a bit rushed and convenient. Plot ends were tied up all too quickly and neatly with a few too may coincidences for my liking. I think this reflected my overall enjoyment of the story because it just plodded along for the most part with readers watching Elodie’s attitude change towards her youth. I wanted there to be more obvious connections to the events Elodie is trying to alter and this didn’t come until nearly the close of the novel.
This is a sweet summer tale of second chances but I don’t think it was my favourite in terms of using time-travelling to right some wrongs.
With thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Elodie randomly discovers she is time-travelling back to her twenties, re-living the years leading up to her best friend’s death. In real time, Elodie is flying from California to home, dreading returning to the little village that she turned her back on as a result of the tragedy. At unexpected moments during the flight, Elodie finds herself sucked out of her reality and back in the past. Realising that she could alter events to prevent the tragedy from taking place, Elodie learns to enjoy being back home and starts to accept that moving to California has not been the positive dream she was hoping for.
Joyce subtly indicates the times when Elodie is going to move from the plane and into the past. However, I think this could have been made more explicit. Even if Elodie doesn’t realise it, I would have liked to have understood what might have been triggering this jump. I did wonder whether the action that triggered Elodie’s time-travelling was a metaphor but think this could have been explained.
For the most part, I thought the time-travelling to be sporadic and not really linking together. It was only after I had finished the book did I realise that Elodie does revisit key moments of her summers. But, it isn’t made clear to readers at the time and this meant I was frustrated at how disconnected this appeared to Elodie’s eventual goal. Furthermore, I did not feel invested in her relationships, particularly with Tomasz. Whilst he is depicted as the love of her life, I thought Joyce could have relived more of their budding connection because I think this was dominated by Elodie’s desperation to change the past.
The final quarter of the book was the most exciting and interesting. Finally, revelations were being made and that really fuelled my interest in the story. I liked the clever plot twists and was uncertain how the story would eventually conclude. Would Elodie succeed? How would her memories change? Would there still be a tragedy? All these and more flitted through my mind as I carried on reading, and I thought this last part of the story was the most relevant of all.
In my opinion, the ending felt a bit rushed and convenient. Plot ends were tied up all too quickly and neatly with a few too may coincidences for my liking. I think this reflected my overall enjoyment of the story because it just plodded along for the most part with readers watching Elodie’s attitude change towards her youth. I wanted there to be more obvious connections to the events Elodie is trying to alter and this didn’t come until nearly the close of the novel.
This is a sweet summer tale of second chances but I don’t think it was my favourite in terms of using time-travelling to right some wrongs.
With thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 2, 2023
I think at some point in life, we all wonder "if I could go back in time, what's the one thing I'd change?". That's what this book is about. And while I liked the premise, it didn't grip me and I feel conflicted about the resolution. I guess I wished the time travel part was in some way explained, instead of the "I don't know how this all happened, but I'm glad I did" that we got.
July 12, 2023
To me this was a slightly disconnected, yet overall wholesome second chance romance story.
I really liked the character dynamics, although the time travel did make it somewhat difficult to follow at times. Everyone felt very genuine, and I was really rooting for everything to work out.
I also did find it a bit slow, but the ending really picked up and tied everything together in a way that made me really happy! Overall, a fairly mindless but enjoyable read!
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for providing me with a review copy! All opinions are my own.
I really liked the character dynamics, although the time travel did make it somewhat difficult to follow at times. Everyone felt very genuine, and I was really rooting for everything to work out.
I also did find it a bit slow, but the ending really picked up and tied everything together in a way that made me really happy! Overall, a fairly mindless but enjoyable read!
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for providing me with a review copy! All opinions are my own.
March 2, 2024
I was torn between 2 and 3 stars for the rating of this one. I didn’t dislike it, and it did keep me reading. I felt like I was interested in the story but the actual execution was a little poor. Some spoilery thoughts ahead:
An ok read, but I think there are better books with similar plots
An ok read, but I think there are better books with similar plots
July 20, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and HQ Digital for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
4 years ago Elodie escaped her life and moved half way across the world in the wake of a brutal tragedy. She is now returning to her little village for her sister's wedding when all of a sudden she finds herself thrown into the past before the tragedy occurred and her life was turned upside down. Going back and forth from past to present can Elodie change the fate of the past or is she forced to relive it all over again powerless to change fate?
The book provides a nice array of characters to follow and get to know. The story flows nicely at a medium pace, however there are many hints along the way at what some secrets were and I feel this was uneeded. Sometimes things should just be said otherwise it risks becoming annoying. That said I found the story endearing with the right ending I'm sure everyone feels it needed. Not a bad novel just felt it need a bit of kick up it's arsenal to get going properly.
4 years ago Elodie escaped her life and moved half way across the world in the wake of a brutal tragedy. She is now returning to her little village for her sister's wedding when all of a sudden she finds herself thrown into the past before the tragedy occurred and her life was turned upside down. Going back and forth from past to present can Elodie change the fate of the past or is she forced to relive it all over again powerless to change fate?
The book provides a nice array of characters to follow and get to know. The story flows nicely at a medium pace, however there are many hints along the way at what some secrets were and I feel this was uneeded. Sometimes things should just be said otherwise it risks becoming annoying. That said I found the story endearing with the right ending I'm sure everyone feels it needed. Not a bad novel just felt it need a bit of kick up it's arsenal to get going properly.
September 2, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC version of this book!
Don't we all wish we could go back in time and change something, especially if it was something completely life altering? I thought the premise of Our Last Summer was refreshing, not a typical rom com novel. I found the book to be a little bit slow, but I enjoyed how the very end tied everything together. I was truly rooting for all characters that everything would work out in their favor. I found myself going in and out of engagement with the plot. Some parts I couldn't put it down because I was dying to know what happened next, but other parts of it I found to be a bit of filler and unengaging. But at the end, I really wanted to know what happened with Elodie. I found it refreshing that the story was mainly plot driven, and how could Elodie use this time travel to change the things that changed her life years ago, and not just focused on the romance of it all. If you've ever had an instance in your life where you'd go back to change how you did things, give this book a shot!
Don't forget! Come back to your Review on the pub date, 14 Sep 2023, to post to retailer
Don't we all wish we could go back in time and change something, especially if it was something completely life altering? I thought the premise of Our Last Summer was refreshing, not a typical rom com novel. I found the book to be a little bit slow, but I enjoyed how the very end tied everything together. I was truly rooting for all characters that everything would work out in their favor. I found myself going in and out of engagement with the plot. Some parts I couldn't put it down because I was dying to know what happened next, but other parts of it I found to be a bit of filler and unengaging. But at the end, I really wanted to know what happened with Elodie. I found it refreshing that the story was mainly plot driven, and how could Elodie use this time travel to change the things that changed her life years ago, and not just focused on the romance of it all. If you've ever had an instance in your life where you'd go back to change how you did things, give this book a shot!
Don't forget! Come back to your Review on the pub date, 14 Sep 2023, to post to retailer
June 8, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley and HQ digital for the ARC of Our Last Summer by Jennifer Joyec
Our Last Summer was a slow warm hug of a book! I loved the idea and the concept, and thought the execution of the "time-traveling" was done wonderfully. The idea of getting that second chance at a first love, and a second chance to rethink from different perspectives, really hit the mark. I loved that we not only saw Elodie fall in love, we saw her learn and change for the better. She had fantastic character growth and thanks to the "time hops" I wanted to keep reading to find out more! This story is so much more than a romance, which is also something I love about a good love story; the romance is there, but it's not all we get, making it feel more well-rounded. I also adored the ending. This is a fun and easy read, and would make a great addition to your tbr list when it's released in September!
Our Last Summer was a slow warm hug of a book! I loved the idea and the concept, and thought the execution of the "time-traveling" was done wonderfully. The idea of getting that second chance at a first love, and a second chance to rethink from different perspectives, really hit the mark. I loved that we not only saw Elodie fall in love, we saw her learn and change for the better. She had fantastic character growth and thanks to the "time hops" I wanted to keep reading to find out more! This story is so much more than a romance, which is also something I love about a good love story; the romance is there, but it's not all we get, making it feel more well-rounded. I also adored the ending. This is a fun and easy read, and would make a great addition to your tbr list when it's released in September!
July 5, 2023
Maybe it’s because I’m a Brit living in California but this book really got me feeling sentimental about my hometown. The small village Elodie grew up in is so relatable and I found myself smiling many times with fond memories of my own childhood friendships.
I love the idea, what would you do differently if given a second chance. But this isn’t just about reviving a first love, it’s a second chance at being a better sister, friend, employee.
Some books feel like you’re being given a big hug and this is one of those. Check it out when published in September 2023!
Thanks @netgalley and @hqstories for the early access.
#bookreview #ourlastsummer #jenniferjoyce #netgalley #secondchances #firstlove #friendships #englishvillage #britincalifornia #canyourecommendagoodbook #bookstagram #bookrecommendations
I love the idea, what would you do differently if given a second chance. But this isn’t just about reviving a first love, it’s a second chance at being a better sister, friend, employee.
Some books feel like you’re being given a big hug and this is one of those. Check it out when published in September 2023!
Thanks @netgalley and @hqstories for the early access.
#bookreview #ourlastsummer #jenniferjoyce #netgalley #secondchances #firstlove #friendships #englishvillage #britincalifornia #canyourecommendagoodbook #bookstagram #bookrecommendations
March 17, 2026
DNF at 9%
I've been lucky enough to get approved for an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review of the book.
I really wish I could've gotten through more of this book but I just couldn't.
I've never really been a fan of a time travelling moment but thought I'd be able to over look it for a 2nd chance romance. I couldn't.
Jennifer Joyce has a lovely writing style to read I just couldn't find any interest in the characters whatsoever and just don't care if they end up together or not.
I've been lucky enough to get approved for an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review of the book.
I really wish I could've gotten through more of this book but I just couldn't.
I've never really been a fan of a time travelling moment but thought I'd be able to over look it for a 2nd chance romance. I couldn't.
Jennifer Joyce has a lovely writing style to read I just couldn't find any interest in the characters whatsoever and just don't care if they end up together or not.
July 17, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley and HQ digital for the ARC of Our Last Summer by Jennifer Joyce
I loved the idea and thought the execution of the "time-traveling" was done wonderfully.I loved that we not only saw Elodie falling in love, we saw her grow as a character.
There were times that I didn't see any of the characters as being relatable. The characters weren't as likeable as I thought they would be.
I'm not really someone who would choose to read a second chance romance, but I think I would read it again. Just keep an open mind whilst reading.
.
I loved the idea and thought the execution of the "time-traveling" was done wonderfully.I loved that we not only saw Elodie falling in love, we saw her grow as a character.
There were times that I didn't see any of the characters as being relatable. The characters weren't as likeable as I thought they would be.
I'm not really someone who would choose to read a second chance romance, but I think I would read it again. Just keep an open mind whilst reading.
.
September 13, 2023
It's my first time reading a book by this author and I loved it so much.
It was an easy read. Heartbreaking and heartwarming all at once.
Ridden by grief, Elodie threw everything away 4 years ago. But now she gets thrown back 8 years into the past and has a chance to change her future. Can she do it? Can she save her relationship with the love of her life? Can she save her best friend? And can she actually have her happy ever after?
— "Do you ever wish you could go back and do things differently?" Because I do. I wish, with all my heart, that I could go back and change it all." —
I loved following along Elodie's story. Finding out what happened that made her run away. Discovering her fears and her dreams. Seeing her dreams change the more she thought about everything and tried to change her fate. And the second chance romance? Beautiful. It's actually even a second chance at life more than anything, it wasn't just her relationship that she was changing.
It wasn't 100% easy reading this book, to be fair. Not by a long shot. Because although it's easily read in the real sense of the word, it was painfully beautiful. And as someone who has lost people in her life, it struck home. I too wish I could back in time and change their fates. Because like Elodie said: "They say that time heals but that’s a load of bollocks if you ask me. Some wounds remain, no matter how well you mask them from the world.".
But I loved this book. It was beautiful and gave me hope. Not that I'll somehow travel back in time and change things, but that I can make all the good decisions going forward towards my happy ending if I just try to actually think about what I want instead of looking at only the gloomy side of things and basing my decisions on that.
"Life’s full of choices. We just have to make sure we make the right ones. And if we don’t, we have to learn from the mistakes we make."
I'll be recommending this book to everyone who'll listen to me! It's just that good. I don't even know how to move on from it right now.
Thank you so much to netgalley, the publisher and the author for the arc of this book in exchange of an honest review. 💗
It was an easy read. Heartbreaking and heartwarming all at once.
Ridden by grief, Elodie threw everything away 4 years ago. But now she gets thrown back 8 years into the past and has a chance to change her future. Can she do it? Can she save her relationship with the love of her life? Can she save her best friend? And can she actually have her happy ever after?
— "Do you ever wish you could go back and do things differently?" Because I do. I wish, with all my heart, that I could go back and change it all." —
I loved following along Elodie's story. Finding out what happened that made her run away. Discovering her fears and her dreams. Seeing her dreams change the more she thought about everything and tried to change her fate. And the second chance romance? Beautiful. It's actually even a second chance at life more than anything, it wasn't just her relationship that she was changing.
It wasn't 100% easy reading this book, to be fair. Not by a long shot. Because although it's easily read in the real sense of the word, it was painfully beautiful. And as someone who has lost people in her life, it struck home. I too wish I could back in time and change their fates. Because like Elodie said: "They say that time heals but that’s a load of bollocks if you ask me. Some wounds remain, no matter how well you mask them from the world.".
But I loved this book. It was beautiful and gave me hope. Not that I'll somehow travel back in time and change things, but that I can make all the good decisions going forward towards my happy ending if I just try to actually think about what I want instead of looking at only the gloomy side of things and basing my decisions on that.
"Life’s full of choices. We just have to make sure we make the right ones. And if we don’t, we have to learn from the mistakes we make."
I'll be recommending this book to everyone who'll listen to me! It's just that good. I don't even know how to move on from it right now.
Thank you so much to netgalley, the publisher and the author for the arc of this book in exchange of an honest review. 💗
February 27, 2026
Jennifer Joyce’s Our Last Summer follows Elodie, who is flying from her current home in California back to her childhood home in Little Heaton, Cheshire. It’ll be the first time she’s gone back to Little Heaton since she left the town - and everyone else in it, including the love of her life, Tomasz - behind, following the tragedy that drove her away from home. But something happens on the plane, and it seems like Elodie might have been given a second chance. I definitely feel like this was more about a second chance at life than a second chance at love. We were told why Elodie and Tomasz fell in love rather than shown why, whereas Elodie’s relationships with Ed, Yvonne, and Heather were really strong and well-developed, and it was really interesting to see how someone might choose to do things if given a second chance at life. It’s hard to say who my favourite character was because all of the characters were genuinely likeable, and they felt real. My least favourite character was the Reverend, he’s the only one with no layer of understanding. I recommend this book because the writing of this book was excellently done, and the ending was beautiful. And I mean this, despite the fact that my perfect ending would have been: SPOILER Elodie chooses to go to California with Tomasz. She wakes up on the plane, next to him. They’re flying back to the UK for Heather’s wedding, together, after living in California together for four years. Whilst in Little Heaton for the wedding, that’s when Elodie decides she wants to stay there. Tomasz agrees to move back. Otherwise, I feel like - realistically - Elodie would spend the rest of her life wondering what if. ‘What if I had moved to California with Tomasz?’ However, I can acknowledge that this is because of my own personal feelings about choosing to stay in small home towns in the north of England, and absolutely nothing to do with the writing of this book. “Life’s full of choices, we just have to make sure we make the right ones. And if we don’t, we have to learn from the mistakes we make.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2023
Could not put it down. I was not familiar with Jennifer Joyce's work and so I had no idea what to expect.
It started out with a premise resembling "The Wedding Date", then shifted into Netflix's "Maniac" tones, before finally settling into pure time-travel-fiction goodness.
Elodie's journey was heartfelt and moving. I reached for tissues more than once.
It's a shared fantasy of everyone who's ever lost a loved one to be able to jump back in time to moments where they could still be with that person, even without the possibility of changing the timeline. Just reliving mundane, nothing-big-happens moments and realizing how lucky we were back then, only by being in their presence.
What resonated most with me is that, for Elodie, questioning her mental health became secondary to enjoying the opportunity of being thrown back in time. Her love of others is more important than herself. And it made me so very sad for her, she didn't have nothing in her present timeline that she would miss, only regrets and an all-consuming wish to change her past.
I loved how unpredictable the plot was, I was also thrown around between present and past, along with Elodie. She is relatable and brave and an overall good person, not to mention a great companion for time jumps. Her patience and ambition are inspiring.
Elodie's relationship with her friends is delightful and refreshing, but my personal favorite was the sisterly bickering which threw me back - I won't stop until my sister reads this too, I relived so many real life fights between these pages...
Little Heaton is idyllic and cozy, but seeing it through Elodie's eyes, it feels realistic that someone who's grown up in a small town wants to get out so desperately.
"Our Last Summer" is captivating and heartwarming but, at the same time, touchingly though-provoking.
Special thanks to HQ and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my review.
It started out with a premise resembling "The Wedding Date", then shifted into Netflix's "Maniac" tones, before finally settling into pure time-travel-fiction goodness.
Elodie's journey was heartfelt and moving. I reached for tissues more than once.
It's a shared fantasy of everyone who's ever lost a loved one to be able to jump back in time to moments where they could still be with that person, even without the possibility of changing the timeline. Just reliving mundane, nothing-big-happens moments and realizing how lucky we were back then, only by being in their presence.
What resonated most with me is that, for Elodie, questioning her mental health became secondary to enjoying the opportunity of being thrown back in time. Her love of others is more important than herself. And it made me so very sad for her, she didn't have nothing in her present timeline that she would miss, only regrets and an all-consuming wish to change her past.
I loved how unpredictable the plot was, I was also thrown around between present and past, along with Elodie. She is relatable and brave and an overall good person, not to mention a great companion for time jumps. Her patience and ambition are inspiring.
Elodie's relationship with her friends is delightful and refreshing, but my personal favorite was the sisterly bickering which threw me back - I won't stop until my sister reads this too, I relived so many real life fights between these pages...
Little Heaton is idyllic and cozy, but seeing it through Elodie's eyes, it feels realistic that someone who's grown up in a small town wants to get out so desperately.
"Our Last Summer" is captivating and heartwarming but, at the same time, touchingly though-provoking.
Special thanks to HQ and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my review.
August 28, 2023
🔹 My take: 3.25/5
🔸 Elodie Parker is on her way from LA to her hometown Little Heaton for her sister’s wedding. She is on her flight dreading this journey since she vanished Little Heaton 4 years back to pursue a flourishing career in LA. Job was not the only motive to move to US but the fact was she was running away from her hometown, from her friends, family, colleagues. The events that unfolded when she left were unnerving and has changed her whole life. She is on her flight and suddenly with a blink of an eye, she is transported 8 years back, to her hometown to relive the summer when she was 24. What follows is a series of events and time travel that allows Elodie to re look at people and situations different to what she did the first time. Whether Elodie is lucky enough to change the course of actions of her past to in turn change her present and future - read ‘Our Last Summer’.
💖 Wows - The plot, the storyline was very good and I could understand the emotions Elodie felt each time. The friendship between Elodie, Yvonne and Ed was very cute. The extended family was also embedded in the story very nicely. I liked Ed the most for his continuous support to the gang and humour. The Novaks were also described well including the town, woods and the pubs. It felt like I was in Little Heaton enjoying a Chardonnay.
💔 Ows - I found too much of repetition within the book. While we know that Elodie wanted to rejig her past but there was this constant reminder in the book about something that she wanted to change. It was that what the event was was known from page 1 but exactly how the event happened or came to light was described much much later in the book. Till that time the suspense kept on building and it felt like reading the same thing again.
💫 This fiction novel is about time travel and if you are interested in reading this concept, you would like ‘Our Last Summer’. ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Thanks to @netgalley and @HQstories for sharing the review copy in exchange for honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
🔸 Elodie Parker is on her way from LA to her hometown Little Heaton for her sister’s wedding. She is on her flight dreading this journey since she vanished Little Heaton 4 years back to pursue a flourishing career in LA. Job was not the only motive to move to US but the fact was she was running away from her hometown, from her friends, family, colleagues. The events that unfolded when she left were unnerving and has changed her whole life. She is on her flight and suddenly with a blink of an eye, she is transported 8 years back, to her hometown to relive the summer when she was 24. What follows is a series of events and time travel that allows Elodie to re look at people and situations different to what she did the first time. Whether Elodie is lucky enough to change the course of actions of her past to in turn change her present and future - read ‘Our Last Summer’.
💖 Wows - The plot, the storyline was very good and I could understand the emotions Elodie felt each time. The friendship between Elodie, Yvonne and Ed was very cute. The extended family was also embedded in the story very nicely. I liked Ed the most for his continuous support to the gang and humour. The Novaks were also described well including the town, woods and the pubs. It felt like I was in Little Heaton enjoying a Chardonnay.
💔 Ows - I found too much of repetition within the book. While we know that Elodie wanted to rejig her past but there was this constant reminder in the book about something that she wanted to change. It was that what the event was was known from page 1 but exactly how the event happened or came to light was described much much later in the book. Till that time the suspense kept on building and it felt like reading the same thing again.
💫 This fiction novel is about time travel and if you are interested in reading this concept, you would like ‘Our Last Summer’. ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Thanks to @netgalley and @HQstories for sharing the review copy in exchange for honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
September 21, 2023
Elodie Parker is returning home for the first time in four years to attend her sister’s hen do and wedding. On the nine hour flight she experiences some turbulence, but when she opens her eyes she finds herself eight years in the past. Four years before one of her bests friends was killed in a motorcycle accident. Four years before she broke up with the love of herself. Elodie finds herself with a chance to hang out with her friend one last time before she is whisked back to the present.
That is until she is sent to the past a second time. Slowly she gets determined to try to stop or change the events that lead up to Ed’s death.
The story is told with a lightness of tone, but Ed’s secret (and the reveal that lead to the fight that lead to his death) is handled with some heavy handedness. There was so much foreshadowing that I’m sure I’ve figured it out pretty early on. By the time Elodie was returned to the present for the third time I was starting to wonder how much longer the author was going to drag it out.
The beginning of the book was definitely better than the end. Maybe I’m just very quick at seeing patterns, but even after the fourth trip back Elodie hadn’t figured out what event instigated a trip back in time. And she also hadn’t figured out what triggered her to go back to the present time. I thought she was pretty dense when she started to freak out that she had not been able to change the past, when pretty clearly her present was different. (So, uhm, yeah, something must have been changed in the past. So why not hang on to that little bit of optimism instead of getting worked up?)
The book clearly falls in the feelgood genre, but it fails as a romcom. Whatever the attraction with Tomasz was, it was all tell, no show. Therefore not delivering on the romance at all.
I read an ARC through NetGalley.
That is until she is sent to the past a second time. Slowly she gets determined to try to stop or change the events that lead up to Ed’s death.
The story is told with a lightness of tone, but Ed’s secret (and the reveal that lead to the fight that lead to his death) is handled with some heavy handedness. There was so much foreshadowing that I’m sure I’ve figured it out pretty early on. By the time Elodie was returned to the present for the third time I was starting to wonder how much longer the author was going to drag it out.
The beginning of the book was definitely better than the end. Maybe I’m just very quick at seeing patterns, but even after the fourth trip back Elodie hadn’t figured out what event instigated a trip back in time. And she also hadn’t figured out what triggered her to go back to the present time. I thought she was pretty dense when she started to freak out that she had not been able to change the past, when pretty clearly her present was different. (So, uhm, yeah, something must have been changed in the past. So why not hang on to that little bit of optimism instead of getting worked up?)
The book clearly falls in the feelgood genre, but it fails as a romcom. Whatever the attraction with Tomasz was, it was all tell, no show. Therefore not delivering on the romance at all.
I read an ARC through NetGalley.
September 15, 2023
When I saw this book on NetGalley, I had been seeing it everywhere. The cover looks really pretty and I don’t know why but it gave me Every Last Word - Christina Lauren vibes; so I was like why not.
In all honesty, this book started really slow. It picked up the pace eventually. But by the time I finished the book I realized it wasn’t my cup of tea
I liked the plot and I liked the fact that the FMC is in her thirties. I’m close to that age now and I relate to that age a lot more than younger FMCs
I also could relate to the feelings and thoughts she was facing throughout the book especially about going back home and seeing people she had to see
The whole setting of the book was very descriptive and I like that so much. Made me feel like I, myself, am in Little Heaton
Also, something that is quite new to me; time travel. I had the chance to live that in this book. So I liked that too
What I didn’t like however, is that just by chapter 3 I had read the exact same thing like 15 times. There was a lot of repetition that wasn’t very necessary
I also didn’t like that there was a continuous mention of Ed in the beginning without knowing a single thing about him other than his name. I wish we were properly introduced to the characters. Because of that I just felt like I wanted to finish the book for the sake of finishing it not for the thrill of events
I liked it yes. It was better than so many other books I’ve read, but I don’t think I can ever reread it!
In all honesty, this book started really slow. It picked up the pace eventually. But by the time I finished the book I realized it wasn’t my cup of tea
I liked the plot and I liked the fact that the FMC is in her thirties. I’m close to that age now and I relate to that age a lot more than younger FMCs
I also could relate to the feelings and thoughts she was facing throughout the book especially about going back home and seeing people she had to see
The whole setting of the book was very descriptive and I like that so much. Made me feel like I, myself, am in Little Heaton
Also, something that is quite new to me; time travel. I had the chance to live that in this book. So I liked that too
What I didn’t like however, is that just by chapter 3 I had read the exact same thing like 15 times. There was a lot of repetition that wasn’t very necessary
I also didn’t like that there was a continuous mention of Ed in the beginning without knowing a single thing about him other than his name. I wish we were properly introduced to the characters. Because of that I just felt like I wanted to finish the book for the sake of finishing it not for the thrill of events
I liked it yes. It was better than so many other books I’ve read, but I don’t think I can ever reread it!
July 5, 2023
I’m not usually a fan of time travel books but I loved Our Last Summer by Jennifer Joyce and would highly recommend it. The time travel element was cleverly done as the discomfort and confusion of Elodie when she first goes back to her past mirrored my own feelings and drew me in to the story from the off. Although a love story at its heart it is so much more than that - an emotional and engaging read about second chances and the power of love - romantic/ familial/ friend. It is a book that tugs at your heart strings and leaves your thoughts running long after the final page.
The plot is well-paced and keeps the reader engaged throughout with the magical element adding a unique twist that creates interest and intrigue. The author’s writing style is simple but highly effective striking just the write note and bringing to life both the setting and characters. All of us at some point have wondered “What if” and seeing the power of second chances in this book is both inspirational and thought provoking.
Overall, Our Last Summer is a beautiful and heartwarming story that will leave readers feeling uplifted and inspired. A must-read for romance lovers who like their love stories to pack an emotional punch. Perfect for fans of Cecilia Ahern, Emily Bell and Lia Louis. Available for pre-order
The plot is well-paced and keeps the reader engaged throughout with the magical element adding a unique twist that creates interest and intrigue. The author’s writing style is simple but highly effective striking just the write note and bringing to life both the setting and characters. All of us at some point have wondered “What if” and seeing the power of second chances in this book is both inspirational and thought provoking.
Overall, Our Last Summer is a beautiful and heartwarming story that will leave readers feeling uplifted and inspired. A must-read for romance lovers who like their love stories to pack an emotional punch. Perfect for fans of Cecilia Ahern, Emily Bell and Lia Louis. Available for pre-order
July 15, 2023
I received this ebook via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank everyone involved in allowing me early access. All opinions are my own.
3.5 ⭐️
“Our last summer” brings us the story of Elodie, who moved to California after the lost of her best friend. When flying back home for her sister’s wedding, she finds herself back in time, seven years before, capable of preventing the big event that changed the course of her life.
The plot line seemed very promising at first, but the execution was, perhaps, not the best. The first 60% of the book is extremely slow paced, which was unfortunately, given it is such a small book (under 300 pages), so I expected a faster pace. I don’t think the slow pace worked well in characterizing the characters or the environment they were in, as sometimes the events seemed repetitive and leading nowhere. Regardless, the last 40% were amazing, hence my classification. I can’t overlook the slow beginning but I did really appreciate the ending. Elodie grows a LOT in the last 40% of the book and I love a good character evolution, she comes to terms with what is in fact important for her and what she was afraid of facing. It is also a great reflection on how the outcome of events could easily change with a small action of concern by our loved ones.
3.5 ⭐️
“Our last summer” brings us the story of Elodie, who moved to California after the lost of her best friend. When flying back home for her sister’s wedding, she finds herself back in time, seven years before, capable of preventing the big event that changed the course of her life.
The plot line seemed very promising at first, but the execution was, perhaps, not the best. The first 60% of the book is extremely slow paced, which was unfortunately, given it is such a small book (under 300 pages), so I expected a faster pace. I don’t think the slow pace worked well in characterizing the characters or the environment they were in, as sometimes the events seemed repetitive and leading nowhere. Regardless, the last 40% were amazing, hence my classification. I can’t overlook the slow beginning but I did really appreciate the ending. Elodie grows a LOT in the last 40% of the book and I love a good character evolution, she comes to terms with what is in fact important for her and what she was afraid of facing. It is also a great reflection on how the outcome of events could easily change with a small action of concern by our loved ones.
July 24, 2023
Our Last Summer is a time travelling romance that sees Elodie going back and forth between different points in time as she tries to fix some big events in her life.
Time travel books always makes me wonder what, if anything, I’d change if I could go back. And what would each new decision change in the flow on. I was excited to see how this would play out but I was left wanting a little at the end. We didn’t really get any time with the two MCs together or see any of the start of their relationship, which is the best part. Them falling in love was totally skipped to make way for the other parts of the story, which is fine, I was just expecting more “romance”.
The big emotional confrontation I was expecting to happen between Elodie and Tomasz where she apologised and made made some big declarations of love didn’t happen and it instead kind of happened between her and a side character.
That might make it sound like I didn’t enjoy the whole book, but I did! It was still entertaining and I wanted to keep reading, but it was just missing some big parts of where I wanted it to go. If you’re not too worried about the romance part then you’ll probably enjoy this too.
Thanks to #NetGallery and the publisher. I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Genre: Romance
Format: Digital
POV: Single
Spice: 0/5
Age suggestion: 16+
Time travel books always makes me wonder what, if anything, I’d change if I could go back. And what would each new decision change in the flow on. I was excited to see how this would play out but I was left wanting a little at the end. We didn’t really get any time with the two MCs together or see any of the start of their relationship, which is the best part. Them falling in love was totally skipped to make way for the other parts of the story, which is fine, I was just expecting more “romance”.
The big emotional confrontation I was expecting to happen between Elodie and Tomasz where she apologised and made made some big declarations of love didn’t happen and it instead kind of happened between her and a side character.
That might make it sound like I didn’t enjoy the whole book, but I did! It was still entertaining and I wanted to keep reading, but it was just missing some big parts of where I wanted it to go. If you’re not too worried about the romance part then you’ll probably enjoy this too.
Thanks to #NetGallery and the publisher. I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Genre: Romance
Format: Digital
POV: Single
Spice: 0/5
Age suggestion: 16+
August 27, 2023
*Title: Our Last Summer-a standalone
*Release date: 9/14/23- read: 8/26 /23
*Author: Jennifer Joyce-1st time author for me
*Book cover: cute summertime colors
*Format: e-ARC
*Page Count:294
*POV: 1st person Elodie
*Setting: LA to Little Heaton, UK
*Genre: Adult Fiction, Rom-Com
*Tropes: ✅ 2nd chance romance ✅ time travel ✅ friendship ✅ small town ✅clean romance
Look out for: ⚠️motorcycle accident/death, homophobia
*Synopsis: Elodie is dreading coming back to her hometown village for her sister's wedding because of some bad memories. While on the plane, she's thrown back 8 years in the past with the possibility to right some wrongs.
Characters:
-Elodie Parker
-Ed
- Yvonne Berkely
- Heather
- Tomasz
- Sacha Nowak
- Ronnie
*Review: There is not much romance between the h/H, but it's an interesting concept to go back in time to change pivotal moments in your life. To see if making different choices makes life better. I just watched The Flash on Max, and Barry Allen goes back in time to change history, which doesn't go too well. I did love Elodie's efforts to appreciate her BFFs and family more.
*Rating: 3/5 ⭐⭐⭐
Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher HQ for this ARC 🧡! I voluntarily give my honest review and all opinions expressed are my own.
*Release date: 9/14/23- read: 8/26 /23
*Author: Jennifer Joyce-1st time author for me
*Book cover: cute summertime colors
*Format: e-ARC
*Page Count:294
*POV: 1st person Elodie
*Setting: LA to Little Heaton, UK
*Genre: Adult Fiction, Rom-Com
*Tropes: ✅ 2nd chance romance ✅ time travel ✅ friendship ✅ small town ✅clean romance
Look out for: ⚠️motorcycle accident/death, homophobia
*Synopsis: Elodie is dreading coming back to her hometown village for her sister's wedding because of some bad memories. While on the plane, she's thrown back 8 years in the past with the possibility to right some wrongs.
Characters:
-Elodie Parker
-Ed
- Yvonne Berkely
- Heather
- Tomasz
- Sacha Nowak
- Ronnie
*Review: There is not much romance between the h/H, but it's an interesting concept to go back in time to change pivotal moments in your life. To see if making different choices makes life better. I just watched The Flash on Max, and Barry Allen goes back in time to change history, which doesn't go too well. I did love Elodie's efforts to appreciate her BFFs and family more.
*Rating: 3/5 ⭐⭐⭐
Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher HQ for this ARC 🧡! I voluntarily give my honest review and all opinions expressed are my own.
August 29, 2023
Our Last Summer by Jennifer Joyce is an interesting take on traveling back in time to change the past - for better, hopefully. While on an anxious flight back home to the UK, Elodie Parker starts reliving the nightmare that took her away from her sleepy little village and to her new life in California. Not long after the flight takes off, Elodie starts traveling back to key events in her past, and tries to make positive changes to save a tragedy from occurring.
I liked the plot and the main character Elodie, along with her sister. However, sometimes the story was confusing and jumped around without enough of an explanation. Characters change throughout the story as a result of Elodie going back in time, but we don’t get enough of a glimpse into the change as a result of time constraints. Some relationships seemed forced, and there weren’t enough connections to make some of the relationships seem realistic.
I applaud Jennifer Joyce for writing something new and interesting with unexpected plot twists. I can see where she was going and what she was trying to accomplish, unfortunately, there is just too much going on for this story to flow in a pleasing manner.
Thank you to HQ Digital and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. #OurLastSummer #NetGalley #kindle
I liked the plot and the main character Elodie, along with her sister. However, sometimes the story was confusing and jumped around without enough of an explanation. Characters change throughout the story as a result of Elodie going back in time, but we don’t get enough of a glimpse into the change as a result of time constraints. Some relationships seemed forced, and there weren’t enough connections to make some of the relationships seem realistic.
I applaud Jennifer Joyce for writing something new and interesting with unexpected plot twists. I can see where she was going and what she was trying to accomplish, unfortunately, there is just too much going on for this story to flow in a pleasing manner.
Thank you to HQ Digital and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. #OurLastSummer #NetGalley #kindle
July 8, 2023
Wow! What a (plane) ride of a book! Jennifer Joyce is the queen of time-travel rom coms!
On a plane home, Elodie is sent back in time to relive one fateful summer and possibly change the past and the events that sent her life off-course.
Jennifer Joyce is one of my favourite authors. Her books are always both heart-warming and laugh-out-loud funny, and you can rely on her for writing fantastic stories that offer something a bit different! I've read and loved many of her books over the years, but the most recent ones - The Christmas Cupid and this fabulous read - are definitely two of my favourites!
This is pure escapism and a window into something we've all probably fantasised about at some point or another - what if you could go back and prevent something bad from happening?
It was masterfully plotted so you understand everything at the exact moment you're supposed to. And what a brilliant ending! Throughout the book, I was unsure of how it was all going to be wrapped up, but it didn't let me down - as I knew it wouldn't!
This was an absolute joy to read! I both raced through it because I was desperate to find out how it would be resolved and I equally didn't want it to end!
5 HUGE stars!
I can't wait to see where Jennifer is time-travelling to next time!
On a plane home, Elodie is sent back in time to relive one fateful summer and possibly change the past and the events that sent her life off-course.
Jennifer Joyce is one of my favourite authors. Her books are always both heart-warming and laugh-out-loud funny, and you can rely on her for writing fantastic stories that offer something a bit different! I've read and loved many of her books over the years, but the most recent ones - The Christmas Cupid and this fabulous read - are definitely two of my favourites!
This is pure escapism and a window into something we've all probably fantasised about at some point or another - what if you could go back and prevent something bad from happening?
It was masterfully plotted so you understand everything at the exact moment you're supposed to. And what a brilliant ending! Throughout the book, I was unsure of how it was all going to be wrapped up, but it didn't let me down - as I knew it wouldn't!
This was an absolute joy to read! I both raced through it because I was desperate to find out how it would be resolved and I equally didn't want it to end!
5 HUGE stars!
I can't wait to see where Jennifer is time-travelling to next time!
September 12, 2023
First thought: Loved it! If you ever wanted to go back and change your biggest regret or have a chance to say goodbye one last time this books for you.
Elodie’s life didn’t go as planned, what was supposed to be the best opportunity of her life ended up being lonely. It’s all because of one fated night 4 years ago where she would loose the two men she loved most in the world at the same time. So she did the only thing that made sense to her at the time; to follow her plans and move to California and start over.
Now 4 years later she finds herself on a plane from CA heading back to England to her small town of Little Heaton for her sister wedding. She’s not ready to face what she left behind. However shortly after take off the plane hits severe turbulence and she’s thrown around. Elodie wakes up 8years in the past and her Ed is still alive. She has no idea if it’s a dream, heaven or actually happening.
This book is about time travel and the choices we face and the consequences behind them. The story follows Elodie through glimpses of the past and she has the chance to learn and try again. Will Elodie loose both the men she loves again or can she changes all their fates?
Tropes you’ll find:
* Dual Timelines
* Second Chance
* First Love
* Small Town
* Closed Door
Elodie’s life didn’t go as planned, what was supposed to be the best opportunity of her life ended up being lonely. It’s all because of one fated night 4 years ago where she would loose the two men she loved most in the world at the same time. So she did the only thing that made sense to her at the time; to follow her plans and move to California and start over.
Now 4 years later she finds herself on a plane from CA heading back to England to her small town of Little Heaton for her sister wedding. She’s not ready to face what she left behind. However shortly after take off the plane hits severe turbulence and she’s thrown around. Elodie wakes up 8years in the past and her Ed is still alive. She has no idea if it’s a dream, heaven or actually happening.
This book is about time travel and the choices we face and the consequences behind them. The story follows Elodie through glimpses of the past and she has the chance to learn and try again. Will Elodie loose both the men she loves again or can she changes all their fates?
Tropes you’ll find:
* Dual Timelines
* Second Chance
* First Love
* Small Town
* Closed Door
April 13, 2024
Our Last Summer by Jennifer Joyce
Blurb
Four years ago, Elodie Parker laeft the village of Little Heaton where she’d lived for her entire life. She hasn’t been back since. Now, with her little sister’s wedding looming, she’s going home again. It should be a time for celebration, but there are things Elodie left behind she’s not ready to face. Not least the love of her life, Tomasz. The man who, if Elodie is really honest, she still loves. But something magical happens on the flight. As turbulence hits, Elodie is thrown back into the past. It’s eight years ago, the day she met Tomasz for the very first time. Before everything went wrong and Elodie ran away forever. Can Elodie find a way to change the past – and get the happy ever after she longs for?
My Opinion
Elodie Parker is returning home for her sister's wedding. Whilst she is on the plane she time travels back to her previous summers in Little Heaton. This was a joy to read, and I enjoyed the way that Jennifer Joyce used time travel to fill the reader in on past events. Who would have thought that so much could happen on a plane ride?
This was a book I chose based entirely on the cover (I know!) but it was a very enjoyable read.
Rating 4/5
Blurb
Four years ago, Elodie Parker laeft the village of Little Heaton where she’d lived for her entire life. She hasn’t been back since. Now, with her little sister’s wedding looming, she’s going home again. It should be a time for celebration, but there are things Elodie left behind she’s not ready to face. Not least the love of her life, Tomasz. The man who, if Elodie is really honest, she still loves. But something magical happens on the flight. As turbulence hits, Elodie is thrown back into the past. It’s eight years ago, the day she met Tomasz for the very first time. Before everything went wrong and Elodie ran away forever. Can Elodie find a way to change the past – and get the happy ever after she longs for?
My Opinion
Elodie Parker is returning home for her sister's wedding. Whilst she is on the plane she time travels back to her previous summers in Little Heaton. This was a joy to read, and I enjoyed the way that Jennifer Joyce used time travel to fill the reader in on past events. Who would have thought that so much could happen on a plane ride?
This was a book I chose based entirely on the cover (I know!) but it was a very enjoyable read.
Rating 4/5
July 21, 2023
Elodie is set to reluctantly return home to England for the first time in four years for her sister’s wedding. She’s avoiding going back due to the tragic passing of her friend Ed and failed relationship with Tomasz, the love of her life. But during some turbulence on the flight, Elodie is thrown back in time to the day she met Tomasz for the first time, and Ed is still alive. As she’s sent back in time over the years leading up to Ed’s death, Elodie magically has the chance to fix all of the things that went wrong and she left England. Can she save Ed and her relationship with Tomasz before it’s too late?
Thank you so much to @netgalley for the ARC! I enjoyed the second chance romance and time travel aspects of this book, and it was interesting to see how Elodie’s small changes had a big impact on the story. I feel as though the relationship between Elodie and Tomasz and Tomasz’s character in general were a little flat, mainly because so much of the story was focuses on Eloise’s journey to change the past instead of their relationship or who Tomasz is. The ending felt a little rushed to wrap up all of the story lines, but it was still a happy resolution.
Thank you so much to @netgalley for the ARC! I enjoyed the second chance romance and time travel aspects of this book, and it was interesting to see how Elodie’s small changes had a big impact on the story. I feel as though the relationship between Elodie and Tomasz and Tomasz’s character in general were a little flat, mainly because so much of the story was focuses on Eloise’s journey to change the past instead of their relationship or who Tomasz is. The ending felt a little rushed to wrap up all of the story lines, but it was still a happy resolution.
September 14, 2023
I received this book as an ARC from HQ through NetGalley and this review is based on my own opinion.
Four years after Elodie moved to the states, she is now flying back to her hometown Little Heaton for her sisters wedding. She hasn't been back once and she isn't really excited to go back because of the things and persons she left behind.
When turbulence hits the plane something unbelievable happens, Elodie travelled back in time to 8 years ago, when she first met Tomazs. Could this be her second chance at life so she can change the past and get the happy life she so badly wanted.
The subtitle 'What if you had a second chance with the love of your life?' suggests that the book is about a relationship but the story is more a second chance at Elodies life in general as it also revolves around her work, friends, family and life in general.
Our Last Summer was an easy read and once into the story I kept reading it to find out how it would end.
It had an ending I really didn't expect with some plottwists around the ending.
The plot went between the present, when Elodie is on the plane, and the past, when she time travelled back which made it interesting to keep reading.
Four years after Elodie moved to the states, she is now flying back to her hometown Little Heaton for her sisters wedding. She hasn't been back once and she isn't really excited to go back because of the things and persons she left behind.
When turbulence hits the plane something unbelievable happens, Elodie travelled back in time to 8 years ago, when she first met Tomazs. Could this be her second chance at life so she can change the past and get the happy life she so badly wanted.
The subtitle 'What if you had a second chance with the love of your life?' suggests that the book is about a relationship but the story is more a second chance at Elodies life in general as it also revolves around her work, friends, family and life in general.
Our Last Summer was an easy read and once into the story I kept reading it to find out how it would end.
It had an ending I really didn't expect with some plottwists around the ending.
The plot went between the present, when Elodie is on the plane, and the past, when she time travelled back which made it interesting to keep reading.
August 19, 2023
Gracias a netgalley por darme la oportunidad de leer esto y dar mi honesta reseña.
En cierto modo de como disfrutas de la comida reconfortante así disfrutas de este libro.
No estoy pidiendo entender por qué pasó lo que pasó, o por qué no lo controlas. Simplemente lo disfrutas sin preguntar la mecánica o por qué no hay efecto mariposa, o cómo solo absorbe los recuerdos de su yo pasado con cada cambio.
Ahora con cada viaje en el tiempo debes preguntarte, ¿lo hace porque ahora es más madura y entiende sus decisiones o porque realmente se arrepintió? Porque su yo pasado comprende rápidamente que ella y su hermana están separadas y hace pequeños cambios en esa relación. Y también extraña mucho a sus padres, lo que influye en su decisión de quedarse porque no los ha visto en 4 años. Pero tal vez esa sea la razón por la que dices que te arrepientes o simplemente eres lo suficientemente maduro y entiendes que fue solo tu duelo lo que no te permitió vivir feliz. No sé, pero me gustó la forma en que todo encaja al final.
Y espero que ya sea septiembre para verlo en los estantes.
En cierto modo de como disfrutas de la comida reconfortante así disfrutas de este libro.
No estoy pidiendo entender por qué pasó lo que pasó, o por qué no lo controlas. Simplemente lo disfrutas sin preguntar la mecánica o por qué no hay efecto mariposa, o cómo solo absorbe los recuerdos de su yo pasado con cada cambio.
Ahora con cada viaje en el tiempo debes preguntarte, ¿lo hace porque ahora es más madura y entiende sus decisiones o porque realmente se arrepintió? Porque su yo pasado comprende rápidamente que ella y su hermana están separadas y hace pequeños cambios en esa relación. Y también extraña mucho a sus padres, lo que influye en su decisión de quedarse porque no los ha visto en 4 años. Pero tal vez esa sea la razón por la que dices que te arrepientes o simplemente eres lo suficientemente maduro y entiendes que fue solo tu duelo lo que no te permitió vivir feliz. No sé, pero me gustó la forma en que todo encaja al final.
Y espero que ya sea septiembre para verlo en los estantes.
September 12, 2023
Thank you HQ and NetGalley for gifting a copy of this read before the paperback release.
Have you ever picked up a book with high hopes, only to finish it and feel underwhelmed? Unfortunately, that's how I felt after reading 'Our Last Summer.' While I wouldn't say it was a terrible read, it didn't quite hit the mark for me and didn't leave a lasting impression.
The story centres around the theme of second chances and life lessons, which is a topic I typically enjoy. The writing style was straightforward enough to follow, with dual timelines that were paced well, but I found myself struggling to connect with the main character, Elodie. I'm not quite sure why, but something about her character just didn't resonate with me.
In terms of the plot, there were some interesting twists and turns that kept me engaged, but overall, I felt like there was something missing. Perhaps it was the lack of character development or the predictable ending that left me feeling unsatisfied.
Despite my lukewarm feelings towards 'Our Last Summer,' I am still open to reading more books by this author in the future.
Have you ever picked up a book with high hopes, only to finish it and feel underwhelmed? Unfortunately, that's how I felt after reading 'Our Last Summer.' While I wouldn't say it was a terrible read, it didn't quite hit the mark for me and didn't leave a lasting impression.
The story centres around the theme of second chances and life lessons, which is a topic I typically enjoy. The writing style was straightforward enough to follow, with dual timelines that were paced well, but I found myself struggling to connect with the main character, Elodie. I'm not quite sure why, but something about her character just didn't resonate with me.
In terms of the plot, there were some interesting twists and turns that kept me engaged, but overall, I felt like there was something missing. Perhaps it was the lack of character development or the predictable ending that left me feeling unsatisfied.
Despite my lukewarm feelings towards 'Our Last Summer,' I am still open to reading more books by this author in the future.
July 7, 2023
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Second chance romance are my absolute favourite and I am determined to read every single one of them, but this one didn't hit as well as I hoped. I had a hard time connecting with Elodie's relationships. I wanted to see more of her connection with Tomasz, it felt a bit lacking for someone she claims is the love of her life. The time travelling back and forth to relive significant memories from her past was a nice touch but I wish it was done better. I didn't understand the purpose of the time travelling and how it was relevant to the present day story until way later in the novel :/
Overall, a bit disappointed as i'm a huge fan of second chance romances but still a good read for anyone interested!
This book is out now for anyone interested in reading it!! I'd love to hear your thoughts on it ♡
Second chance romance are my absolute favourite and I am determined to read every single one of them, but this one didn't hit as well as I hoped. I had a hard time connecting with Elodie's relationships. I wanted to see more of her connection with Tomasz, it felt a bit lacking for someone she claims is the love of her life. The time travelling back and forth to relive significant memories from her past was a nice touch but I wish it was done better. I didn't understand the purpose of the time travelling and how it was relevant to the present day story until way later in the novel :/
Overall, a bit disappointed as i'm a huge fan of second chance romances but still a good read for anyone interested!
This book is out now for anyone interested in reading it!! I'd love to hear your thoughts on it ♡
July 17, 2023
I love a second chance romance, and I also love the thought of time traveling into the past. Unfortunately, I had an extremely hard time getting any feelings from this one. It might just be me, and maybe I just couldn't resonate with this story. I enjoyed following along with what had happened with everyone as Elodie was traveling back to her 20s. I liked the thought of her being able to fix some things in her past that caused so much heartbreak. I just felt like the story was very "on the surface." I found it hard to like have a connection with any character in this one. I did love the ending and thought the best part of this book was the ending chapters. I just needed more from this one, I needed to love a character and feel more about the situation. Great read for summer vibes, second chance romance, past/present, and small town romance.
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