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Holiday Mode #2
That Summer Festival
Every girl deserves a fairytale. I just didn't expect mine to happen at that summer festival and definitely not with a rock star.
My life hasn’t turned out the way I’d hoped.
I was supposed to be a backup dancer for a pop singer by now.
But my dad died.
So I’m working endless shifts at his diner and living above my stepmother’s garage.
And when she makes me work instead of going to that summer festival, I think my dreams can’t get any further away.
But then I meet a charming guy who whisks me away to the music festival, and I have the time of my life.
Only when midnight strikes, my mystery man takes to the stage to perform.
Holy sh!t. He’s really a rock star.
And clearly I never knew him at all.
My life hasn’t turned out the way I’d hoped.
I was supposed to be a backup dancer for a pop singer by now.
But my dad died.
So I’m working endless shifts at his diner and living above my stepmother’s garage.
And when she makes me work instead of going to that summer festival, I think my dreams can’t get any further away.
But then I meet a charming guy who whisks me away to the music festival, and I have the time of my life.
Only when midnight strikes, my mystery man takes to the stage to perform.
Holy sh!t. He’s really a rock star.
And clearly I never knew him at all.
- GenresNovella
121 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 14, 2025
7 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
Gillian Archer
32 books461 followersGILLIAN ARCHER has a bachelor’s degree in mining engineering but prefers to spend her time on happily ever after. She writes the kind of stories she loves to read—the hotter the better! When she’s not pounding away on the keyboard, she can be found chasing her preschooler, or surfing the couch and indulging in her latest reality TV fixation, or reading awesome romance ebooks by her favorite authors. Gillian Archer lives in the wilds of Nevada with her amazing husband, gorgeous little girl, and goofy dog.
Check out her website for updates on her latest releases.
Check out her website for updates on her latest releases.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
August 19, 2025
Book 2 in the Holiday Mode series: Ben and Ella
This is a modern day Cinderella retelling. Ella works at her late fathers diner, dreams of being a backup dancer out of reach because her stepmother and her two daughters have taken over life and shackled her working at the diner full time.
She meets a mysterious guy, Ben, at her diner after giving away her tickets to the summer festival she was so excited to go to after her stepmother forced her to work that weekend.
The next day she was gifted VIP tickets and everything changed for the better and her whole world changes… when she meets Ben again and finds out who he really is. It’s a fast-paced modern romance and fairytale retelling of Cinderella. A quick sweet read
This is a modern day Cinderella retelling. Ella works at her late fathers diner, dreams of being a backup dancer out of reach because her stepmother and her two daughters have taken over life and shackled her working at the diner full time.
She meets a mysterious guy, Ben, at her diner after giving away her tickets to the summer festival she was so excited to go to after her stepmother forced her to work that weekend.
The next day she was gifted VIP tickets and everything changed for the better and her whole world changes… when she meets Ben again and finds out who he really is. It’s a fast-paced modern romance and fairytale retelling of Cinderella. A quick sweet read
July 15, 2025
An absolute 5 star novella! I loved this Cinderella retelling and truth me told I wish it was a full novel!!
I'm so glad I got to arc read this. It was such a lovely story and the subtle cinderella and beauty and the beast references were a nice touch.
This is definitely something I will be buying once released, something I only do when I truly love an arc read 📚 💕
I'm so glad I got to arc read this. It was such a lovely story and the subtle cinderella and beauty and the beast references were a nice touch.
This is definitely something I will be buying once released, something I only do when I truly love an arc read 📚 💕
July 17, 2025
Ok so this book was fast paced and it was a fan fiction lover's dream! Basically Emma hates her Cinderella like life as a waitress in her late dads diner, and her step monsters. She meets a handsome man but before she can flirt he is gone. Later she receives a VIP pass to the festival she couldn't go to because of work. The handsome man arranged for her to get it and meet up with him. It's instalove from there with some spice but when she realizes that her hot new man may be a celebrity it throws her off and she runs. However, in true fiction form he comes to whisk her off her feet and they live happily ever after.
It's very fan fiction so quiet frankly a little too instalove for me. I like to see characters "fall in love" not in just 2 days but it really was a sweet story about how he really likes her and she likes him for him, not celeb status. I think for a quick spicy celeb romance read I would recommend!
Thanks to NetGalley and Gillian Archer for allowing me to review this ARC!!
It's very fan fiction so quiet frankly a little too instalove for me. I like to see characters "fall in love" not in just 2 days but it really was a sweet story about how he really likes her and she likes him for him, not celeb status. I think for a quick spicy celeb romance read I would recommend!
Thanks to NetGalley and Gillian Archer for allowing me to review this ARC!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2025
That summer festival
By: Gillian Archer
📚💕⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💕📚
Sweet but short Novella
In this sweet love story we get Ben and Emma’s story. The author lets dreams soar and see worth in a life of uncertainty. While yes like so many others I would have enjoyed a longer book but as written it was amazing. The author writes with so much intensity and emotion pulled from each book it’s felt page after page. Some are quick witted story lines are so perfect and lets you believe you have a front row seat. So being able to read this love story didn’t disappoint. The authors ability to have two separate individuals struggling in their everyday life and try to navigate someone else’s thoughts, needs and desires was intense and gives all the fills.
Authors blurb: Every girl deserves a fairytale. I just didn’t expect mine to happen at that summer festival and definitely not with a rock star. My life hasn’t turned out the way I’d hoped.
My wonderful dad died and left everything to my wicked stepmother. Now I’m working endless shifts at his old diner and living above her garage.
And when she makes me work instead of going to that summer festival, I think my dreams can’t get any further away.
But then I meet a charming guy who is so into me. He whisks me away to the music festival, and I have the time of my life. Only when midnight strikes, my mystery man takes to the stage to perform.
Holy sh!t, he’s really a rock star.
And clearly I never knew him at all.
This book has everything I love in a book. Then you add that it's beautifully written and believable. It is easily a five star read. Written in dual POV this story flows so incredibly well that the next thing you know you’re 80% into the book and loving every second of it. The believable way the characters interact is perfect. Run, Hop, Jump or use your (1 click) finger to do whatever you have to do and get this amazing book. It'll break your heart, you'll want to scream with frustration and it'll let you discover that love just might conquer all.
The chemistry is steamy and sweet and oh so romantic.
By: Gillian Archer
📚💕⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💕📚
Sweet but short Novella
In this sweet love story we get Ben and Emma’s story. The author lets dreams soar and see worth in a life of uncertainty. While yes like so many others I would have enjoyed a longer book but as written it was amazing. The author writes with so much intensity and emotion pulled from each book it’s felt page after page. Some are quick witted story lines are so perfect and lets you believe you have a front row seat. So being able to read this love story didn’t disappoint. The authors ability to have two separate individuals struggling in their everyday life and try to navigate someone else’s thoughts, needs and desires was intense and gives all the fills.
Authors blurb: Every girl deserves a fairytale. I just didn’t expect mine to happen at that summer festival and definitely not with a rock star. My life hasn’t turned out the way I’d hoped.
My wonderful dad died and left everything to my wicked stepmother. Now I’m working endless shifts at his old diner and living above her garage.
And when she makes me work instead of going to that summer festival, I think my dreams can’t get any further away.
But then I meet a charming guy who is so into me. He whisks me away to the music festival, and I have the time of my life. Only when midnight strikes, my mystery man takes to the stage to perform.
Holy sh!t, he’s really a rock star.
And clearly I never knew him at all.
This book has everything I love in a book. Then you add that it's beautifully written and believable. It is easily a five star read. Written in dual POV this story flows so incredibly well that the next thing you know you’re 80% into the book and loving every second of it. The believable way the characters interact is perfect. Run, Hop, Jump or use your (1 click) finger to do whatever you have to do and get this amazing book. It'll break your heart, you'll want to scream with frustration and it'll let you discover that love just might conquer all.
The chemistry is steamy and sweet and oh so romantic.
August 11, 2025
This was a quick little novella of a modern day retelling of Cinderella. I didn't want it to end and I wanted more!
Emma has dreams and goals that she wants to achieve but can't because of her step mother and step sisters. The weekend of the summer festival that Emma is dying to attend, she's left with the duty of working the diner her father left behind when he passed. But it's here that she meets the mysterious but gorgeous Ben. He tries flirting and giving Emma attention, but since she's not really used to that, she sort of blows him off. Due to some really good friends who love her and really want to support her and see her happy, they make it possible for her to attend the festival, where she, again, runs into Ben. And Ben wants her to have the best time. He stops at nothing to make sure she has an amazing time, sees all the performances she wants to see, gets the experiences she dreaming of. All the while, Emma keeps wondering who he really is and how it's possible for him to make all these things happen for her. After spending the whole day with him and attending the last performance of the night, he's called on to stage to perform and that's when she realizes that he's a star. I wouldn't really say rockstar since he went out on stage and rapped, but he was a star nonetheless. Emma was thrown for a loop, since she isn't really down with that style of music and was more upset that he spent the entire day hiding who he really was. She's ready to call off whatever it is between them that was forming but Ben can't allow that. He's already fallen and doesn't want to let her go.
The story was quick, easy, and intriguing enough to keep your attention. I did wish it was slightly longer though. I felt the ending was just a little abrupt. Still a fun little luck read.
Emma has dreams and goals that she wants to achieve but can't because of her step mother and step sisters. The weekend of the summer festival that Emma is dying to attend, she's left with the duty of working the diner her father left behind when he passed. But it's here that she meets the mysterious but gorgeous Ben. He tries flirting and giving Emma attention, but since she's not really used to that, she sort of blows him off. Due to some really good friends who love her and really want to support her and see her happy, they make it possible for her to attend the festival, where she, again, runs into Ben. And Ben wants her to have the best time. He stops at nothing to make sure she has an amazing time, sees all the performances she wants to see, gets the experiences she dreaming of. All the while, Emma keeps wondering who he really is and how it's possible for him to make all these things happen for her. After spending the whole day with him and attending the last performance of the night, he's called on to stage to perform and that's when she realizes that he's a star. I wouldn't really say rockstar since he went out on stage and rapped, but he was a star nonetheless. Emma was thrown for a loop, since she isn't really down with that style of music and was more upset that he spent the entire day hiding who he really was. She's ready to call off whatever it is between them that was forming but Ben can't allow that. He's already fallen and doesn't want to let her go.
The story was quick, easy, and intriguing enough to keep your attention. I did wish it was slightly longer though. I felt the ending was just a little abrupt. Still a fun little luck read.
August 13, 2025
That Summer Festival is a charming novella with a modern-day Cinderella twist. After the death of her father, Emma has been doing everything she can to keep his dream of a successful diner alive. Yet, life is far from simple, particularly with her stepmother, who constantly makes her feel worthless. Then, one ordinary day at work, Emma meets Ben. Their initial encounter is brief but leaves an impression. Fate intervenes when they cross paths again at a vibrant summer music festival. It is here that their connection truly begins to flourish until Emma discovers who Ben really is.
The novella beautifully captures the giddy, fleeting magic of festival nights. Ben and Emma’s interactions are full of witty exchanges and the kind of quiet intimacy that grows from simply enjoying someone’s company. What I enjoyed most about this story is how it blended a fairy tale with grounded, everyday emotion. Emma isn’t a helpless damsel; she’s hardworking, independent, and determined to honour her father’s legacy. Likewise, Ben is more than just the handsome prince but a person navigating the complexities of his success while unexpectedly finding someone who sees him for who he truly is. A great read, which I just wished had been longer!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The novella beautifully captures the giddy, fleeting magic of festival nights. Ben and Emma’s interactions are full of witty exchanges and the kind of quiet intimacy that grows from simply enjoying someone’s company. What I enjoyed most about this story is how it blended a fairy tale with grounded, everyday emotion. Emma isn’t a helpless damsel; she’s hardworking, independent, and determined to honour her father’s legacy. Likewise, Ben is more than just the handsome prince but a person navigating the complexities of his success while unexpectedly finding someone who sees him for who he truly is. A great read, which I just wished had been longer!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 23, 2025
So imagine Cinderella, but with a diner. And then imagine the prince, but he’s really anything but once you realize who he actually is. And honestly, imagine Cinderella getting so much more than “the guy” in the end. And you’re now looking at Emma. She’s worked so hard, but she hates the legacy she’s stuck tending. Her best friend knows this, as does the guy who her dad confided in once upon a time. And her dad? Well, he wasn’t the greatest when he was around, but he also knew that she deserved more in life.
Then, enter Ben. He’s saying all the right things, making the right moves. But he’s also a tad secretive. And when the truth comes out, Emma is DONE. Which is good, since it seems that her life has been waiting for her to just decide to start living it for herself. So, yeah. She flicks a certain finger at those holding her back, she dances toward a bright future, and Ben? Well, Ben might be a prince after all because he supports Emma’s dream in every single way and is 100% her biggest fan.
This is quick, fun, spicy, and oh so satisfying when she FINALLY tells Lydia exactly how she feels!
Then, enter Ben. He’s saying all the right things, making the right moves. But he’s also a tad secretive. And when the truth comes out, Emma is DONE. Which is good, since it seems that her life has been waiting for her to just decide to start living it for herself. So, yeah. She flicks a certain finger at those holding her back, she dances toward a bright future, and Ben? Well, Ben might be a prince after all because he supports Emma’s dream in every single way and is 100% her biggest fan.
This is quick, fun, spicy, and oh so satisfying when she FINALLY tells Lydia exactly how she feels!
August 20, 2025
Sometimes Emma Tremaine feels as if she is living in a fairytale, but not one of the happy ones. When her father passed away, he left ownership of his diner to his new wife. Emma is now working in the diner, living above the garage and barely making a living. During her shift, two men, Ben and Roscoe, come in to the diner and after chatting with them, Ben leaves her an amazing tip. She had planned to attend a weekend festival, but that was cancelled when her stepmother demanded that she work. Later, receiving a free pass for the festival, her friends urge her to go and have fun. She sees the men. from the diner at the festival, and they join forces to enjoy the day. Ben, aka rapper Reuben Bello, felt an instant attraction to Emma, someone who didn’t know who he was and didn’t want something from him. He knows how she feels about rappers and needs to tell her who he really is. She is also attracted to Ben and they soon throw caution to the wind to enjoy her unexpected freedom. How will she react when she finds out who he is? Is there a chance for an “ever after” for Ben & Emma? I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
August 19, 2025
💚🤘That Summer Festival by Gillian Archer🤘💚
121 Pages
A Holiday Mode Novella
I am a sucker for a Cinderella retelling and this was no exception, man oh man this entire novella had me in it's grasp and I didn't want to put it down.
Emma has not had very good luck in life in recent years and the only thing she has to look forward to is The Oceanfront Music Festival, that is until the Step Monster has something to say about it. When Emma gets a second chance at having a great time she goes all in before she can talk herself out of it.
This was a beautiful and quick little read that had you feeling all the feelings, both Emma and B are just perfect for each other in every single way, I did also love the nod to the Tin Gods! ALL HAIL!
I absolutely love Gillians writing and cannot wait to see what she writes next,
I would recommend this Novella and her other series, especially The Tin Gods series, it had me in a chokehold
For Fans of Rockstar Romances, Fairytale Retellings, Insta-Love, Secret Identity, Waitress Heroine X Rock Star Hero and some delicious spicy goodness.
121 Pages
A Holiday Mode Novella
I am a sucker for a Cinderella retelling and this was no exception, man oh man this entire novella had me in it's grasp and I didn't want to put it down.
Emma has not had very good luck in life in recent years and the only thing she has to look forward to is The Oceanfront Music Festival, that is until the Step Monster has something to say about it. When Emma gets a second chance at having a great time she goes all in before she can talk herself out of it.
This was a beautiful and quick little read that had you feeling all the feelings, both Emma and B are just perfect for each other in every single way, I did also love the nod to the Tin Gods! ALL HAIL!
I absolutely love Gillians writing and cannot wait to see what she writes next,
I would recommend this Novella and her other series, especially The Tin Gods series, it had me in a chokehold
For Fans of Rockstar Romances, Fairytale Retellings, Insta-Love, Secret Identity, Waitress Heroine X Rock Star Hero and some delicious spicy goodness.
July 18, 2025
This is a great novella from Gilliam Archer and the second book in the Holiday Mode Series. I didn't actually realise it was a series when I requested the book but this didn't detract from my enjoyment. Both books can be read as stand alones.
This is a short retelling of Cinderella with reference to other fairytales dotted about. I wish there was more to the story as I really enjoyed it, everything just happened and was over to quickly for me. When Emmas father dies she is left with her step mother and step sisters to run his diner and basically scivvy after them, she dreams of escape and becomming a dancer. 'B' is a artist and takes an instant shine to Emma when he visits the diner, as he is playing at a local festival. The two finally meet and it is insta-love. This is the first book I have ready by the author but I will defintely be looking out for more of her work.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for a copy of this novella in exchange for an honest review.
This is a short retelling of Cinderella with reference to other fairytales dotted about. I wish there was more to the story as I really enjoyed it, everything just happened and was over to quickly for me. When Emmas father dies she is left with her step mother and step sisters to run his diner and basically scivvy after them, she dreams of escape and becomming a dancer. 'B' is a artist and takes an instant shine to Emma when he visits the diner, as he is playing at a local festival. The two finally meet and it is insta-love. This is the first book I have ready by the author but I will defintely be looking out for more of her work.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for a copy of this novella in exchange for an honest review.
August 11, 2025
That Summer Festival is book two of the Holiday Mode Series. This is a new take on a retelling of Cinderella.
I'm not sure if Emma was just naive or oblivious. There were a lot of hints which she was not picking up on. This didn't deter the story I just thought it was interesting how everyone seemed to be included in what was going on buy Emma never really delved into her questioning. If she did she would've saved herself a lot of heartache and embarrassment.
Ben was glorious in this story. He just wants to experience a day he can be like everyone else and when he meets Emma, he knows he has found the one for him. But of course, he is keeping something major from him which has the potential to ruin everything they have build together over the course of the day together. Even after the big revelation, he was solely focused on Emma and making sure she was okay. He truly was a Prince Charming.
I'm not sure if Emma was just naive or oblivious. There were a lot of hints which she was not picking up on. This didn't deter the story I just thought it was interesting how everyone seemed to be included in what was going on buy Emma never really delved into her questioning. If she did she would've saved herself a lot of heartache and embarrassment.
Ben was glorious in this story. He just wants to experience a day he can be like everyone else and when he meets Emma, he knows he has found the one for him. But of course, he is keeping something major from him which has the potential to ruin everything they have build together over the course of the day together. Even after the big revelation, he was solely focused on Emma and making sure she was okay. He truly was a Prince Charming.
August 20, 2025
I love a good fairytale retelling - and this is a great one.
This novella is Cinderella in a modern setting, with a music festival taking the place of the royal ball. There are plenty of references to the Disney movie, with my favourite being Bruno the bloodhound who is the bestest boy.
For such a short read, Ms Archer did a great job of bringing the characters to life. I was invested in their emotions and wanted to know what would happen. I honestly wish it had been longer so we could have seen the step-monsters get what was coming to them.
There is open door spice that technically is a one night thing. The book deals with the death of a parent, difficult/toxic relationships and low self worth. All up, it’s a short, sweet read that I knocked over in a couple of hours. I would thoroughly recommend this to fans of rockstar romances and rom coms.
This novella is Cinderella in a modern setting, with a music festival taking the place of the royal ball. There are plenty of references to the Disney movie, with my favourite being Bruno the bloodhound who is the bestest boy.
For such a short read, Ms Archer did a great job of bringing the characters to life. I was invested in their emotions and wanted to know what would happen. I honestly wish it had been longer so we could have seen the step-monsters get what was coming to them.
There is open door spice that technically is a one night thing. The book deals with the death of a parent, difficult/toxic relationships and low self worth. All up, it’s a short, sweet read that I knocked over in a couple of hours. I would thoroughly recommend this to fans of rockstar romances and rom coms.
July 16, 2025
That Summer Festival is a standalone novella. It’s part of the Holiday Mode series but doesn’t have to be read in order.
This is a quick read and a fun ride! This is an insta-love Cinderella story. Emma Tremaine’s dad has died, leaving his diner to Emma’s evil stepmother. Emma slaves away while her stepmother and two stepsisters reap the benefits.
Cue a fairy godmother and handsome, mysterious prince.
What to expect:
🎵 Single POV/ First Person/ Past Tense
🎵 Insta-love
🎵 Cinderella Retelling
🎵 Rock Star Romance
🎵 New Adult
🎵 Contemporary Romance
🎵 Secret identity
🎵 Happily ever after
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ (one scene)
Thank you Gillian Archer and Naughty Nook PR for providing me with an advanced copy of this book!
This is a quick read and a fun ride! This is an insta-love Cinderella story. Emma Tremaine’s dad has died, leaving his diner to Emma’s evil stepmother. Emma slaves away while her stepmother and two stepsisters reap the benefits.
Cue a fairy godmother and handsome, mysterious prince.
What to expect:
🎵 Single POV/ First Person/ Past Tense
🎵 Insta-love
🎵 Cinderella Retelling
🎵 Rock Star Romance
🎵 New Adult
🎵 Contemporary Romance
🎵 Secret identity
🎵 Happily ever after
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ (one scene)
Thank you Gillian Archer and Naughty Nook PR for providing me with an advanced copy of this book!
July 17, 2025
Gillian Archer follows up her Christmas novella with this amazing read for summer. Emma is looking forward to going to the summer music festival, but since her dad passed away, she is the only one keeping her father's diner open, which funds her step-mom and step siblings lifestyle. A handsome stranger overhears the exchange and is smitten with Emma. VIP tickets show up for Emma for the festival, and the guy from the diner is her benefactor, who happens to be rockstar Ben Emma has no idea who his is. During the course of the festival day, the two get to know each other without all of the trappings of Ben's fame. Once the news is out - can Emma trust Ben enough to take a chance? #thatsummerfestival #gillianarcher
October 3, 2025
This was a super quick read, not only because it's a short book because the story read so quickly. Sure there was insta love but the story flowed. With the tropes of music star and of course the references to cinderella just cinched the book for me.
I really enjoyed Ben, he just wanted to be someone normal and live a real life while Ella is just trying to gain the freedom from her stepfamily and current life that she knows she deserves. It was a fun read and their chemistry was undeniable.
My favorite part was when the author wrote how potent the characters were to one another. There is something so strong about that word that you just felt it.
Really nice story, characters and just a great read.
I really enjoyed Ben, he just wanted to be someone normal and live a real life while Ella is just trying to gain the freedom from her stepfamily and current life that she knows she deserves. It was a fun read and their chemistry was undeniable.
My favorite part was when the author wrote how potent the characters were to one another. There is something so strong about that word that you just felt it.
Really nice story, characters and just a great read.
July 13, 2025
Very much a Cinderella retelling set in a small town with Emma who dreams about being a dancer on the stage with famous performers. She is mistreated by her step-mother and step-sisters and works at her late fathers diner. A chance encounter with a mysterious stranger names "B" and sets in motion a series of events that change her life.
After having to give away her pass to a friend she is able to attend and encounters "B" once more. They have a love at first sight kind of encounter. Turns out "B" is someone famous and Emma believes he lied to her to get what he wants.
He helps her stand up to her step-mother and get the courage to change her life for the better.
After having to give away her pass to a friend she is able to attend and encounters "B" once more. They have a love at first sight kind of encounter. Turns out "B" is someone famous and Emma believes he lied to her to get what he wants.
He helps her stand up to her step-mother and get the courage to change her life for the better.
July 18, 2025
3 ½ Stars ... a quick romance
This is a cute romance and although I liked Emma and Ben enough, I just didn't love them. I don't know how she didn't get that he was famous with the disguise, bodyguard, people staring, etc. But it's every girl's dream to be swept off her feet by a rockstar. It's a modern day Cinderella.
Emma is stuck working in her dad's diner after he died. Her stepmother took over their house with her 2 daughters and Emma was relegated to the loft over the garage. When she goes to the summer festival she meets Ben and there is an instant attraction. But she is hesitant because Ben is very mysterious.
I received an ARC courtesy of the author.
This is a cute romance and although I liked Emma and Ben enough, I just didn't love them. I don't know how she didn't get that he was famous with the disguise, bodyguard, people staring, etc. But it's every girl's dream to be swept off her feet by a rockstar. It's a modern day Cinderella.
Emma is stuck working in her dad's diner after he died. Her stepmother took over their house with her 2 daughters and Emma was relegated to the loft over the garage. When she goes to the summer festival she meets Ben and there is an instant attraction. But she is hesitant because Ben is very mysterious.
I received an ARC courtesy of the author.
August 3, 2025
This totally gave me Cinderella vibes. Emma's father passed away and left everything to the evil stepmother. Emma wants to go the musical festival but is instead forced to work. There is even what could be consider the fairy godmother who is trying to convince her to go.
Enter Ben, the customer at the diner who she is instantly attracted to but chews him out for a comment. Godmother Gwen manages to find a way for Emma to go to the concert. It is a whirlwind day with some really sweet moments including Ben. It's a fun quick read.
Thank you NetGalley and Gillian Archer for providing me this ARC. All my opinions are my own.
Enter Ben, the customer at the diner who she is instantly attracted to but chews him out for a comment. Godmother Gwen manages to find a way for Emma to go to the concert. It is a whirlwind day with some really sweet moments including Ben. It's a fun quick read.
Thank you NetGalley and Gillian Archer for providing me this ARC. All my opinions are my own.
August 12, 2025
This one really excited me when I read the "about" of the book....it was giving fairytale but modernized version
When he changed sit just to look have a better look at her all the dead butterfly in my stomach woke up 😤😤😤
He was literally waiting for her to figure it out but home girl was clueless
Everything was all good until she thought it was his plan all along it really annoyed me.... just let the man explain but thankfully it didn't last a day
when he said "All I heard was that I’m your boyfriend now.” all what was In my head was I need this man
I ate this book up...I wish it was long so I get to see more about them but I have no complain and no regret
When he changed sit just to look have a better look at her all the dead butterfly in my stomach woke up 😤😤😤
He was literally waiting for her to figure it out but home girl was clueless
Everything was all good until she thought it was his plan all along it really annoyed me.... just let the man explain but thankfully it didn't last a day
when he said "All I heard was that I’m your boyfriend now.” all what was In my head was I need this man
I ate this book up...I wish it was long so I get to see more about them but I have no complain and no regret
July 19, 2025
This story starts off like a Cinderella story but more like the one staring Hilary Duff… do you remember it?
Ella’s father dies and leaves her wicked step mother his diner and she has too self absorbed daughters while poor Emma is forced to work. She has plans to go to a musical festival until her step mother makes her work and she takes her daughters.
But then she meets B.
Then she sees him as the festival. His name is Ben.
He’s not who she thinks…
Sweet novella length story with a happily ever after.
Ella’s father dies and leaves her wicked step mother his diner and she has too self absorbed daughters while poor Emma is forced to work. She has plans to go to a musical festival until her step mother makes her work and she takes her daughters.
But then she meets B.
Then she sees him as the festival. His name is Ben.
He’s not who she thinks…
Sweet novella length story with a happily ever after.
July 19, 2025
This is book 2 in the Holiday Mode series. It is a short and sweet novella.
Definitely had a Cinderella Story vibe (you millennials know what I’m talking about - Hilary Duff - sigh). He falls hard and fast, total insta-love with a side of mistaken identity.
It took place over a couple of days and was all told from the fmc pov.
I enjoyed the story, like everything Gillian writes, it was great. Would have loved it to be a full length book with some of Ben’s pov.
Recommend for a quick, fun summer read.
Thank you to Gillian for the ARC in exchange for me honest feedback.
Definitely had a Cinderella Story vibe (you millennials know what I’m talking about - Hilary Duff - sigh). He falls hard and fast, total insta-love with a side of mistaken identity.
It took place over a couple of days and was all told from the fmc pov.
I enjoyed the story, like everything Gillian writes, it was great. Would have loved it to be a full length book with some of Ben’s pov.
Recommend for a quick, fun summer read.
Thank you to Gillian for the ARC in exchange for me honest feedback.
August 15, 2025
I really enjoyed That Summer Festival. The instant chemistry between Emma and Ben was a major draw and had me hooked from the very first pages.
I also found myself chuckling at a certain point when Emma couldn't quite piece together who Ben actually was. It was a charming and comical plot point that added a layer of fun to the story.
Emma chasing her dreams was such a magical moment, and I'm super glad everything worked out between her and Ben
If you love a book with great chemistry, a little bit of fun miscommunication, and a powerful connection, you'll love this one. Highly recommend!
I also found myself chuckling at a certain point when Emma couldn't quite piece together who Ben actually was. It was a charming and comical plot point that added a layer of fun to the story.
Emma chasing her dreams was such a magical moment, and I'm super glad everything worked out between her and Ben
If you love a book with great chemistry, a little bit of fun miscommunication, and a powerful connection, you'll love this one. Highly recommend!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2025
Insta-love flares fast in this modern day Cinderella story! I really enjoyed both main characters in this Holiday Mode novella from Gillian Archer. It's short, and takes place mostly over a one day period, so there's not a lot of deep development of either the characters or their relationship, but it's fun and it's exhilarating and there's a good bone structure to a relationship by the end. I recommend this story to anyone who wants a quick read that will nab your attention quickly and have you turning page after page to see how it's all going to play out. Sweet, sexy and sinful!
August 30, 2025
The second book in the Holiday Mode series by Gillian Archer is called That Summer Festival, and it delivers exactly what the title promises. It was a fun short read, a modern reedition of Cinderella, which is fun most of the time, like in this case. My only issue with the story was that Ella was so oblivious to all the hints about Ben's true identity, and she was very naive. Even as I say that, I have to admit that I laughed at most of the misunderstandings. This December (book 1) was better, but this one is nice too. A solid 4 star read. I would recommend it.
October 3, 2025
If you're looking for a quick, fun, read then you won't go far wrong with That Summer Festival. This is a cinderella retelling, with the handsome prince being a rock star, what's not to love. It is a really quick read, which does mean that it doesn't really have a great deal of depth to it, but that didn't really matter, it was still lots of fun and I really enjoyed it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.
July 22, 2025
Very cute novella. The book reminded me of A Cinderella Story. Overall the plot was good. I would have liked to see a bit more drama with the step sisters. I thought it was so funny all the time Emma didn't figure out who Ben was. Normally I am not a fan of Instalove but for some reason in this book it worked for me. Would definitely read more from the author.
Thank you NetGalley and Gillian Archer for allowing me to read this ARC
Thank you NetGalley and Gillian Archer for allowing me to read this ARC
July 26, 2025
A remake of Cinderella and a quick read. Emma is forced to work in her dead dad's restaurant and pay rent to her step mom. Her sister's are too good to work there, though. Emma meets Ben, a famous rapper, at the restaurant but has no idea who he is. Good short story although missing some pieces at the end: what happened to Emma's stepmom? Did she get in trouble with the labor dept? I would have liked to see Emma's stepmom and sisters try to be friendly and she zap them!
August 11, 2025
Emma is our “Cinderella” who has been suffering under her stepmom’s reign over her. One weekend, one summer festival, and her life is completely changed.
This is more of an insta love story, and the pace is fast throughout. While there are some bumps in the road for Emma and Ben, everything is soon resolved between them, with minimal angst.
This is definitely perfect if you are looking for a quick read while on summer holiday.
This is more of an insta love story, and the pace is fast throughout. While there are some bumps in the road for Emma and Ben, everything is soon resolved between them, with minimal angst.
This is definitely perfect if you are looking for a quick read while on summer holiday.
August 12, 2025
ARC review
2.5-3⭐️
3🌶
Cinderella story with a rockstar. Thus was a short little novella about a weekend romance at a music festival. The characters fall fast and hard with minimal conflict. The FMC is a young waitress who longs to be a dancer. He has a hidden identity. When they cross path at her dad's diner things take off. If you're a fan of anything by Gillan Archer, you will love this short romance.
2.5-3⭐️
3🌶
Cinderella story with a rockstar. Thus was a short little novella about a weekend romance at a music festival. The characters fall fast and hard with minimal conflict. The FMC is a young waitress who longs to be a dancer. He has a hidden identity. When they cross path at her dad's diner things take off. If you're a fan of anything by Gillan Archer, you will love this short romance.
September 11, 2025
This Cinderella retelling novella was a quick read. I liked the aspect that this was a romance between a famous singer in disguise and a dreamer wanting to become a dancer.
It was an instalove where sparks were flying from the first few pages. Sometimes I found the FMC annoying and some actions from the characters repetitive but it was a cute read and had quotable moments.
Thank you to the author and Naughty Nook PR for the arc. This is my honest opinion.
It was an instalove where sparks were flying from the first few pages. Sometimes I found the FMC annoying and some actions from the characters repetitive but it was a cute read and had quotable moments.
Thank you to the author and Naughty Nook PR for the arc. This is my honest opinion.
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