What do you think?
Rate this book
Summer, in Between
A firecracker bookworm. A Neanderthal surfer. One unforgettable summer.
Seventeen-year-old Cat Kelty should be spending her last summer before year 12 buried in books, prepping for the future she’s determined to claim.
Instead, she’s trapped in a house with rowdy brothers, mortifyingly affectionate parents, and a cantankerous Nonna. Then, to make things worse, Paul GD Lightwood—a walking surfer god, King of the Neanderthals, all abs and an infuriatingly disarming smile—shows up to work for her father.
Cat’s plan is simple: escape this testosterone-fueled town and never look back. But life—and Paul—have other ideas.
Salty hot chips, beach parties, swimming beyond the breakers—Summer, in Between is a funny, heartwarming story about first love, family, and finding where you belong.
Seventeen-year-old Cat Kelty should be spending her last summer before year 12 buried in books, prepping for the future she’s determined to claim.
Instead, she’s trapped in a house with rowdy brothers, mortifyingly affectionate parents, and a cantankerous Nonna. Then, to make things worse, Paul GD Lightwood—a walking surfer god, King of the Neanderthals, all abs and an infuriatingly disarming smile—shows up to work for her father.
Cat’s plan is simple: escape this testosterone-fueled town and never look back. But life—and Paul—have other ideas.
Salty hot chips, beach parties, swimming beyond the breakers—Summer, in Between is a funny, heartwarming story about first love, family, and finding where you belong.
- GenresYoung Adult
270 pages, Paperback
First published September 16, 2025
7 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
About the author
Holly Cardamone
5 books17 followersHolly Cardamone is a Melbourne-based author and communications specialist. Her writing has appeared in publications as diverse as bridal tomes and in fashion magazines, in trade publications and in the large dailies. Her debut novel, Summer, in Between was the 2024 winner of the Hawkeye Publishing Manuscript Development Prize and will be published by Hawkeye in September 2025.
She’s a mother of two, wife to a devilishly handsome Carlton Football Club tragic and slave to the most beautiful boy in the world, Buddy the Australian Shepherd. She’s also a voracious reader who has been known to mumble ‘just one more page’ on more than a handful of occasions.
She’s a mother of two, wife to a devilishly handsome Carlton Football Club tragic and slave to the most beautiful boy in the world, Buddy the Australian Shepherd. She’s also a voracious reader who has been known to mumble ‘just one more page’ on more than a handful of occasions.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
September 15, 2025
For Cat Kelty, this final summer before Year 12 is one in which she plans to read all her textbooks and prepare for her future, probably in law or medicine. What she didn’t bank on was being stuck in a house undergoing renovations, or that the work would involve Paul Lightwood, local surfer god and King of the Neanderthals. Hired by her father to help him with the construction, his infuriating charm and gorgeous smile are nearly as distracting as his hot surfer body. Cat’s plan is to escape this small town and never look back, but life may have other ideas.
How do I explain how much I loved this book? Cat was so smart and sassy and driven and refused to take crap from anyone. I wish I had half her confidence and assertiveness at seventeen. However, when it came to relationships and love, she was definitely a lot less sure and I adored her all the more for it. Paul was also amazing, funny, loyal, hardworking and hot, but not completely perfect. Both characters were very real in the way they were portrayed as young people capable of making mistakes and not having all the answers.
Cat’s family were also a huge drawcard for me. Her Nonna was hilarious and some of the things she said to Cat reminded me of my own Nana. I loved this rowdy, close-knit loving family where they supported each other and even arguments were mostly in good fun.
The small town of Batter’s Cove was the idyllic beach town and the freedom of the outdoors and the surf really shone through in these pages. I loved that Holly didn’t paint it as the perfect town though as it still had real world problems with youth crime, invading tourists and teen drinking.
Summer, In Between was a book I was incapable of putting down and I shed a tear at the end partly because it was over. I even found myself thinking about going back to read more of the book only to remember that it was finsihed. Cat and Paul are characters that will stay with me for a while and I have actually spent time wondering what happened to them after the book as if they were real people.
Although targeted at a YA audience, I feel that this book has something in it for everyone and is perfect for summer reading.
How do I explain how much I loved this book? Cat was so smart and sassy and driven and refused to take crap from anyone. I wish I had half her confidence and assertiveness at seventeen. However, when it came to relationships and love, she was definitely a lot less sure and I adored her all the more for it. Paul was also amazing, funny, loyal, hardworking and hot, but not completely perfect. Both characters were very real in the way they were portrayed as young people capable of making mistakes and not having all the answers.
Cat’s family were also a huge drawcard for me. Her Nonna was hilarious and some of the things she said to Cat reminded me of my own Nana. I loved this rowdy, close-knit loving family where they supported each other and even arguments were mostly in good fun.
The small town of Batter’s Cove was the idyllic beach town and the freedom of the outdoors and the surf really shone through in these pages. I loved that Holly didn’t paint it as the perfect town though as it still had real world problems with youth crime, invading tourists and teen drinking.
Summer, In Between was a book I was incapable of putting down and I shed a tear at the end partly because it was over. I even found myself thinking about going back to read more of the book only to remember that it was finsihed. Cat and Paul are characters that will stay with me for a while and I have actually spent time wondering what happened to them after the book as if they were real people.
Although targeted at a YA audience, I feel that this book has something in it for everyone and is perfect for summer reading.
September 14, 2025
I really had a love hate relationship with this book 😭 a lot more love than hate but I just felt it lacked a few important details.
First, what I loved, the nostalgia for sure I feel like Holly hit the nail on the head when it came to growing up in Australia and I loved that! Another thing would be the family dynamic as well as the beach setting. I loved the way the main characters had this epic summer romance and the MMC was just the absolute best! I actually cried in the end purely because this guy was so kind.
This brings me to my negatives, this guy was actually too perfect 😭 idk if I’m just cynical but I found it really hard to believe a guy could be this kind, patient and understanding… I also didn’t love the age gap, I know 3 years isn’t a lot but when it’s 17 vs 20 it’s kinda creepy and I found it unrealistic for the parents to be so encouraging of the relationship, the mmc’s parents were the only ones that actually thought it was an issue which is crazy. Another thing that bothered me and probably isn’t that important for others is that they never said what state they lived in… I really just wanted to know where they lived and when they kept referring to “the city” I wanted to know what city they meant. I’m not sure if it’s purely because it was set in Australia and I’m familiar with the cities or if this is something that would always drive me crazy but it wasn’t until page 236 (of 259 pages) that they actually wrote Melbourne which I’m now assuming is where they were talking about the entire time. Another thing that bothered me was that the little brothers ages were never mentioned and maybe it’s not a big deal but to me they were an important part of the story and I spent a lot of time wondering how old they were rather than focusing on the story.
I’m still so glad I preordered this book as it gave me all the summer feels and so much nostalgia and for that I’m giving it 3 stars.
First, what I loved, the nostalgia for sure I feel like Holly hit the nail on the head when it came to growing up in Australia and I loved that! Another thing would be the family dynamic as well as the beach setting. I loved the way the main characters had this epic summer romance and the MMC was just the absolute best! I actually cried in the end purely because this guy was so kind.
This brings me to my negatives, this guy was actually too perfect 😭 idk if I’m just cynical but I found it really hard to believe a guy could be this kind, patient and understanding… I also didn’t love the age gap, I know 3 years isn’t a lot but when it’s 17 vs 20 it’s kinda creepy and I found it unrealistic for the parents to be so encouraging of the relationship, the mmc’s parents were the only ones that actually thought it was an issue which is crazy. Another thing that bothered me and probably isn’t that important for others is that they never said what state they lived in… I really just wanted to know where they lived and when they kept referring to “the city” I wanted to know what city they meant. I’m not sure if it’s purely because it was set in Australia and I’m familiar with the cities or if this is something that would always drive me crazy but it wasn’t until page 236 (of 259 pages) that they actually wrote Melbourne which I’m now assuming is where they were talking about the entire time. Another thing that bothered me was that the little brothers ages were never mentioned and maybe it’s not a big deal but to me they were an important part of the story and I spent a lot of time wondering how old they were rather than focusing on the story.
I’m still so glad I preordered this book as it gave me all the summer feels and so much nostalgia and for that I’m giving it 3 stars.
May 30, 2025
Summer, In Between is a heartwarming, often hilarious, thoughtful exploration of the intricacies of young love, teenage girlhood, surfer culture, and staying true to oneself.
Summer, in Between explores the world of seventeen-year-old Cat, a funny, feisty, girl with a beautiful, loving family. With her besties away for the summer break, she resigns herself to a quiet one, studying, and hanging with family, totally unprepared to have her world rocked by the last person on her meet-up list.
This is a brilliantly told, soulful, unputdownable novel for the young and young at heart. It is entirely captivating from the first sentence, laugh out loud hilarious, relatable, and at times, heartbreaking.
A truly touching story with depth. Absolutely wonderful.
Summer, in Between explores the world of seventeen-year-old Cat, a funny, feisty, girl with a beautiful, loving family. With her besties away for the summer break, she resigns herself to a quiet one, studying, and hanging with family, totally unprepared to have her world rocked by the last person on her meet-up list.
This is a brilliantly told, soulful, unputdownable novel for the young and young at heart. It is entirely captivating from the first sentence, laugh out loud hilarious, relatable, and at times, heartbreaking.
A truly touching story with depth. Absolutely wonderful.
October 8, 2025
Summer, in Between will bring back all the feels of that first summer romance. The sun, sand and hot chips on the beach. The story follows Cat as she falls for walking surfer god Paul Lightwood when he is employed by her father to work on their house renovations and follows the ups and downs of their relationship during the summer break.
I loved Cat's family! Her parents were affectionate, loud and often embarrassing. Her brothers were such typical little brothers, annoying and obnoxious, but loveable. Cat's nonna was outspoken and cantankerous. The quintessential Italian grandmother. She was my favourite character.
I loved Cat's fiery temper and determination. Her teenage hormones were all over the place especially where Paul was concerned.
Summer. in Between is a funny and heartfelt read and I found it hard to put aside, and read it in a day, as I became involved in the lives of Cat's whole family.
I was eager for Cat to have her forever with Paul but also attain her dream of going to University.
Holly has given her readers an honest portrayal of teens. They like to party and indulge in underage drinking. They overreact, make bad decisions and spread gossip.
Holly leaves the story beyond the story up to the reader. What happens after that final page? I would love a sequel when Holly and Paul are a bit older - they are characters I didn't want to let go of.
Content: underage drinking
alludes to consensual sex
I loved Cat's family! Her parents were affectionate, loud and often embarrassing. Her brothers were such typical little brothers, annoying and obnoxious, but loveable. Cat's nonna was outspoken and cantankerous. The quintessential Italian grandmother. She was my favourite character.
I loved Cat's fiery temper and determination. Her teenage hormones were all over the place especially where Paul was concerned.
Summer. in Between is a funny and heartfelt read and I found it hard to put aside, and read it in a day, as I became involved in the lives of Cat's whole family.
I was eager for Cat to have her forever with Paul but also attain her dream of going to University.
Holly has given her readers an honest portrayal of teens. They like to party and indulge in underage drinking. They overreact, make bad decisions and spread gossip.
Holly leaves the story beyond the story up to the reader. What happens after that final page? I would love a sequel when Holly and Paul are a bit older - they are characters I didn't want to let go of.
Content: underage drinking
alludes to consensual sex
September 29, 2025
Wow.
Devoured this contemporary romance YA debut in one sitting.
The setting will catapult you straight back to beach holidays as a teen and the humorous characters will leave you smiling.
Cat is entering her final year of school and is hellbent on achieving a high ATAR.
Paul is a tradie surfer working for her dad.
And Cat's family is wonderful.
The perfect book for a few hours of blissful escapism.
Loved it.
Devoured this contemporary romance YA debut in one sitting.
The setting will catapult you straight back to beach holidays as a teen and the humorous characters will leave you smiling.
Cat is entering her final year of school and is hellbent on achieving a high ATAR.
Paul is a tradie surfer working for her dad.
And Cat's family is wonderful.
The perfect book for a few hours of blissful escapism.
Loved it.
December 5, 2025
*https://www.instagram.com/mrsb_book_r...
🌻Holly Cardamone won the 2024 Hawkeye Prize for her debut novel Summer, In Between. I’d seen a number of glowing reviews and author event posts for this one so I gathered two of my closest book friends to indulge in a buddy read of this one. I’m so glad I read Holly Cardamone’s first book with friends!
🌻Summer, In Between brings us the Cat, a young woman who intends to spend her last summer before her big year twelve year studying, but renovations, a handsome surfer, and her larger than life family ensure that she has a more eventful season than she planned. Holly Cardamone’s novel follows her lead Cat as she grows into her own body, makes some mistakes and learns about love in all its forms in this genuine and heartwarming tale.
🌻I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to share this book with not one but two of my best buddy read pals. I was excited to start this and although I had the wonderful support of my two fellow readers, I fell into a rut with this one, reading it not how I intended but in fits and starts as I navigated work pressures and parenting duties. As much as I tried to prevent it from happening I’m pretty sure it impacted my final response to this book, but what I will say is that it definitely took me on a trip down memory lane to my own experiences of the pivotal impending year 12 time period.
🌻This book definitely carries a strong Puberty Blues and Looking for Alibrandi vibe. It pulled me straight back to that awkward, emotional, coming of age space in late adolescence. Cat’s voice evokes a mix of youthful confidence, naivety, a newfound assertiveness, confusion and weight of uncertainty you often experience on the cusp of adulthood when you feel the heaviness of trying to decide your future. Alongside our female lead is her love interest Paul, who came across as both believable and flawed, complete with his own young adult misgivings. These two are paired well.
Many will agree that the star moments in this book are the family segments. We do fully experience genuine familial affection, the overbearing nature of adults, the fights, the respect of our elders thanks to Nonna's presence. All these scenes are relayed with touches of emotion and comedy. I definitely felt involved in this one.
With its easy-going style, beachy and breezy setting, it almost felt like my own home. I liked the mention of carefree beach gatherings and coastal vibes. With this laid back approach Cardamone inserts issues such as young love, confusion, expectations, family pressures, forming identity, small town gossip, the power of friendship, the journey from childhood to adulthood, independence, self confidence, expressing your desires and cultural or generational divides.
I enjoyed this book. I embraced the coming-of-age approach and the nostalgia. The three of us had some good chats about this one! Thanks again to @cofffeeandpages2021 and @nadsylovesbooks
🌻Holly Cardamone won the 2024 Hawkeye Prize for her debut novel Summer, In Between. I’d seen a number of glowing reviews and author event posts for this one so I gathered two of my closest book friends to indulge in a buddy read of this one. I’m so glad I read Holly Cardamone’s first book with friends!
🌻Summer, In Between brings us the Cat, a young woman who intends to spend her last summer before her big year twelve year studying, but renovations, a handsome surfer, and her larger than life family ensure that she has a more eventful season than she planned. Holly Cardamone’s novel follows her lead Cat as she grows into her own body, makes some mistakes and learns about love in all its forms in this genuine and heartwarming tale.
🌻I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to share this book with not one but two of my best buddy read pals. I was excited to start this and although I had the wonderful support of my two fellow readers, I fell into a rut with this one, reading it not how I intended but in fits and starts as I navigated work pressures and parenting duties. As much as I tried to prevent it from happening I’m pretty sure it impacted my final response to this book, but what I will say is that it definitely took me on a trip down memory lane to my own experiences of the pivotal impending year 12 time period.
🌻This book definitely carries a strong Puberty Blues and Looking for Alibrandi vibe. It pulled me straight back to that awkward, emotional, coming of age space in late adolescence. Cat’s voice evokes a mix of youthful confidence, naivety, a newfound assertiveness, confusion and weight of uncertainty you often experience on the cusp of adulthood when you feel the heaviness of trying to decide your future. Alongside our female lead is her love interest Paul, who came across as both believable and flawed, complete with his own young adult misgivings. These two are paired well.
Many will agree that the star moments in this book are the family segments. We do fully experience genuine familial affection, the overbearing nature of adults, the fights, the respect of our elders thanks to Nonna's presence. All these scenes are relayed with touches of emotion and comedy. I definitely felt involved in this one.
With its easy-going style, beachy and breezy setting, it almost felt like my own home. I liked the mention of carefree beach gatherings and coastal vibes. With this laid back approach Cardamone inserts issues such as young love, confusion, expectations, family pressures, forming identity, small town gossip, the power of friendship, the journey from childhood to adulthood, independence, self confidence, expressing your desires and cultural or generational divides.
I enjoyed this book. I embraced the coming-of-age approach and the nostalgia. The three of us had some good chats about this one! Thanks again to @cofffeeandpages2021 and @nadsylovesbooks
August 9, 2025
Quintessentially Aussie, full of summer feels and a charming, addictive coming of age story that will make readers nostalgic for their last summer before adulthood OR will be like listening to your friends tell you what they've been up to (and are worried about) if you're off the same age as Cat Kelty. Filled with complex characters, a richly drawn setting and reminiscent of Looking for Alibrandi, Summer, in Between is not to be missed. Adored this book.
September 15, 2025
Cat Kelty is on the verge of freedom, almost 18, but first this summer she must study hard ready for year 12. And while that will be difficult with her loving but over bearing parents, loud and annoying brothers and all knowing Nonna, it isn’t not completely unachievable.
But her plans are thrown out the window when super handsome surfer Paul Lightwood arrives on her door step, now working for her dad this summer.
It can’t be that hard to avoid her house now.. surely?
The three to six months before you turn eighteen is such a tough age and Holly navigates it effortlessly during an Australian summer. The meddling family, the friends, the whole story is so real and warm
Oh how I loved Cat from the first page, she is a firecracker with so much sensitivity and maturity for her age. Her beautiful family and Paul are wonderful characters who really complete the story
There was so much nostalgia to this beautiful book, I couldn’t put it down and was taken back to my early adult years
Congratulations Holly on this wonderful debut! I can’t wait to read what’s next
Thank you so much Hawkeye for my gifted copy to review
But her plans are thrown out the window when super handsome surfer Paul Lightwood arrives on her door step, now working for her dad this summer.
It can’t be that hard to avoid her house now.. surely?
The three to six months before you turn eighteen is such a tough age and Holly navigates it effortlessly during an Australian summer. The meddling family, the friends, the whole story is so real and warm
Oh how I loved Cat from the first page, she is a firecracker with so much sensitivity and maturity for her age. Her beautiful family and Paul are wonderful characters who really complete the story
There was so much nostalgia to this beautiful book, I couldn’t put it down and was taken back to my early adult years
Congratulations Holly on this wonderful debut! I can’t wait to read what’s next
Thank you so much Hawkeye for my gifted copy to review
September 7, 2025
Thank you Hawkeye Publishing for sending me a copy for review! All thoughts are my own.
This was a great Australian coming of age summer romance. There was so much about it that reminded me of my own teen years even though I grew up inland. Small town, gossip mill, fish and chips with mates in town, party spots, them vs us with other schools. All the slang and that hot summer beach vibe. All of it was deliciously Australian and I always wanna champion Australian stories.
I loved Cat’s relationship with her parents and her brothers. They were all so close and loved each other so much and had so much fun together and it really reminded me of my own family and the closeness we’ve always had.
I guess I just wasn’t entirely sold on the romance? I’m not sure how I feel about a 17 year old dating a 20 year old. I know it’s only 3 years but she’s still in school and he’s a full adult with a job and even though she was more mature than him and his mates most of the time, it didn’t quite sit right with me.
This was a great Australian coming of age summer romance. There was so much about it that reminded me of my own teen years even though I grew up inland. Small town, gossip mill, fish and chips with mates in town, party spots, them vs us with other schools. All the slang and that hot summer beach vibe. All of it was deliciously Australian and I always wanna champion Australian stories.
I loved Cat’s relationship with her parents and her brothers. They were all so close and loved each other so much and had so much fun together and it really reminded me of my own family and the closeness we’ve always had.
I guess I just wasn’t entirely sold on the romance? I’m not sure how I feel about a 17 year old dating a 20 year old. I know it’s only 3 years but she’s still in school and he’s a full adult with a job and even though she was more mature than him and his mates most of the time, it didn’t quite sit right with me.
June 3, 2025
What happens when Melina Marchetta and Blue Water High are caught Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging? Summer in Between is a coming of age tale that will make you feel the sun on your back, the sand between your toes, and the dusting of sea salt on your lips. Perfect for a mental holiday, this is the kind of book you might finish in a week but will keep you coming back to Batter's Cove all year long
September 26, 2025
4.5 stars.
Seventeen-year-old Cat Kelty should be spending her last summer before year 12 buried in books, prepping for the future she’s determined to claim. Instead, she’s trapped in a house with rowdy brothers, mortifyingly affectionate parents, and a cantankerous Nonna. Then, to make things worse, Paul GD Lightwood—a walking surfer god, King of the Neanderthals, all abs and an infuriatingly disarming smile—shows up to work for her father.
What a vibe! From the beginning, this book exuded summer all over. Youth, beach, sand, surfing, guys with abs, school break and the Italian feast - all screamed delicious summer to me.
I ended up really loving this story. Even though the coming-of-age arc wasn’t anything new, the storytelling was fresh and very Aussie. Cat was a very unique 17-year-old who thought and acted like a 27-year-old in some aspects, and like a 7-year-old in others.
Nonna, of course, stole my heart immediately as expected. What I didn’t expect was Paul! Anticipating him to be a man-candy in the story, he turned out to be much wiser than her age (and circumstances allowed him to be). I loved how he called Cat out on the bias of labelling him a certain way because of his appearance - that was really awesome!
Teenage flirting scenes aren’t usually my cup of tea (I’m too old for these), but my gosh, I actually didn’t mind Cat and Paul’s because their chemistry was sizzling! And even the banters within Cat’s family were all so good - I chuckled out loud a number of times!
This was a top notch beach read, for both young adults and adults. And Holly is now an author on my watchlist - what a great writing.
(Thanks to Hawkeye Publishing for a gifted review copy)
See my bookstagram review.
Seventeen-year-old Cat Kelty should be spending her last summer before year 12 buried in books, prepping for the future she’s determined to claim. Instead, she’s trapped in a house with rowdy brothers, mortifyingly affectionate parents, and a cantankerous Nonna. Then, to make things worse, Paul GD Lightwood—a walking surfer god, King of the Neanderthals, all abs and an infuriatingly disarming smile—shows up to work for her father.
What a vibe! From the beginning, this book exuded summer all over. Youth, beach, sand, surfing, guys with abs, school break and the Italian feast - all screamed delicious summer to me.
I ended up really loving this story. Even though the coming-of-age arc wasn’t anything new, the storytelling was fresh and very Aussie. Cat was a very unique 17-year-old who thought and acted like a 27-year-old in some aspects, and like a 7-year-old in others.
Nonna, of course, stole my heart immediately as expected. What I didn’t expect was Paul! Anticipating him to be a man-candy in the story, he turned out to be much wiser than her age (and circumstances allowed him to be). I loved how he called Cat out on the bias of labelling him a certain way because of his appearance - that was really awesome!
Teenage flirting scenes aren’t usually my cup of tea (I’m too old for these), but my gosh, I actually didn’t mind Cat and Paul’s because their chemistry was sizzling! And even the banters within Cat’s family were all so good - I chuckled out loud a number of times!
This was a top notch beach read, for both young adults and adults. And Holly is now an author on my watchlist - what a great writing.
(Thanks to Hawkeye Publishing for a gifted review copy)
See my bookstagram review.
November 21, 2025
I adored this book! Holly Cardamone's debut is a fun, heartfelt coming-of-age story, full of warmth and deeply relatable. It's a story about first love and managing the challenges and the ups and downs of that first relationship, while also trying to figure out what you want to do for the rest of your life. Cat is feisty and loyal, and I fell in love with her and her family from the very beginning. Paul is delightful and such a sweetheart, and I loved the connection and chemistry between the two of them. Holly hit all the right notes with this book, and I can't wait to read more from her.
September 24, 2025
This book was such a perfect nostalgic summer read! I started watching The Summer I Turned Pretty this week, and I think fans of the show/books would really enjoy Summer, In Between as well!
In comparison to TSITP, this book is heavily Aussie 🦘I was transported back to all my trips to the Gold Coast, and you can really feel the salty air and sand beneath your feet, as you immerse yourself in this book.
This is definitely a teen/YA read, and I did feel like I needed to make the characters the same age in my head. Maybe it’s because I’m nearly 30, but 17 seems SO young and it felt a bit icky that the MMC was 20, while the FMC was heading into grade 12 🤨 she was getting into a head spin over her studies and deciding what she wants to do for uni, while he was working as a tradie and out surfing with his friends.
Despite that, the two uhh… 17 year olds, had a really wholesome relationship. I loved Paul’s relationship with Cat’s family. Having family dinners with them, working on renos with her dad, driving her Nonna home, taking her little brother out surfing. The book was filled with so many cute moments, and I was definitely giggling and kicking my feet over a lot of them 🤭💗
I think Cat was a really well written character and reacted to many things as a 17 year old would. What she was stressing about, felt really relatable to how I felt at that age. Paul was the sweetest golden retriever surf god of a man. I did hate his friends though, Cavey was rank and Cat was stronger than I would have been 😪
Cat and her family were Italian/Australian and I loved learning a few new Italian phrases 👀 but reading about all the lunches at their house had me craving pasta so bad 😩🍝
Summer, In Between was such a fun read and it gave me some Angus Thongs & Perfect Snogging vibes (a fave of teen Amber’s 🤪) crossed with the Aussie vibes of Puberty Blues. Thank you Hawkeye Publishing or the e-ARC!
In comparison to TSITP, this book is heavily Aussie 🦘I was transported back to all my trips to the Gold Coast, and you can really feel the salty air and sand beneath your feet, as you immerse yourself in this book.
This is definitely a teen/YA read, and I did feel like I needed to make the characters the same age in my head. Maybe it’s because I’m nearly 30, but 17 seems SO young and it felt a bit icky that the MMC was 20, while the FMC was heading into grade 12 🤨 she was getting into a head spin over her studies and deciding what she wants to do for uni, while he was working as a tradie and out surfing with his friends.
Despite that, the two uhh… 17 year olds, had a really wholesome relationship. I loved Paul’s relationship with Cat’s family. Having family dinners with them, working on renos with her dad, driving her Nonna home, taking her little brother out surfing. The book was filled with so many cute moments, and I was definitely giggling and kicking my feet over a lot of them 🤭💗
I think Cat was a really well written character and reacted to many things as a 17 year old would. What she was stressing about, felt really relatable to how I felt at that age. Paul was the sweetest golden retriever surf god of a man. I did hate his friends though, Cavey was rank and Cat was stronger than I would have been 😪
Cat and her family were Italian/Australian and I loved learning a few new Italian phrases 👀 but reading about all the lunches at their house had me craving pasta so bad 😩🍝
Summer, In Between was such a fun read and it gave me some Angus Thongs & Perfect Snogging vibes (a fave of teen Amber’s 🤪) crossed with the Aussie vibes of Puberty Blues. Thank you Hawkeye Publishing or the e-ARC!
August 18, 2025
What a glorious debut novel! I fell in love with Cat and Paul (and the whole family) from the beginning. The characters jumped off the page with their hilarious banter and relatability.
Looking For Alibrandi was my favourite novel as a teenager and this book transported me straight back to that.
I could feel the teenage angst mingling with youthful optimism, and that feisty curiosity that comes with wanting to jump over the precipice into adulthood.
Together with the idyllic beachside setting I was transfixed from beginning to end.
5 huge stars! Loved it!
Suitable for YA readers and all adults that fancy a hit of nostalgia.
Looking For Alibrandi was my favourite novel as a teenager and this book transported me straight back to that.
I could feel the teenage angst mingling with youthful optimism, and that feisty curiosity that comes with wanting to jump over the precipice into adulthood.
Together with the idyllic beachside setting I was transfixed from beginning to end.
5 huge stars! Loved it!
Suitable for YA readers and all adults that fancy a hit of nostalgia.
May 29, 2025
Through a strong sense of place, Holly Cardamone perfectly captures the tender moments of adolescence and the teenage angst between girlhood and womanhood, while deftly exploring deeper themes of identity, cultural heritage, and anticipation for the future. Summer, In Between is a sweet and wholesome romance brought to life with writing so evocative you can feel the heat of the sun on your shoulders, the grit of sand between your toes, and the salt encrusted on your eyelashes.
October 10, 2025
I really loved Summer, In Between — it hits that perfect sweet‑spot between teenage angst, first love, and trying to figure out who you even are when you’re stuck between what you were and what you want to become.
Cat Kelty (17) is so real: her ambitions, her fears, the way she sees the hot summer ahead of Year 12, the expectations from family and future. Her life was supposed to be all about books and studying and escaping the small coastal town. Then comes Paul Lightwood, surfer‑guy, working for her dad, shaking up everything. The chemistry is messy (in a good way), Cat’s family is loud and loving and totally relatable, and the setting is summer: hot days, salty beaches, small‑town vibes, with all the insecurities underneath.
What really stood out to me: the tension between wanting to be ambitious and needing to just breathe. The way Cat’s heritage, family dynamics, and future plans tug at her heart felt authentic. The romance never glosses over the complications. Also, the humour is sharp — I laughed, I cringed, I felt like I was 17 again.
If I had one gripe: some of the pacing drags in parts, especially when Cat’s worrying too much. But honestly, it never lost me, because the emotional core was strong.
Cat Kelty (17) is so real: her ambitions, her fears, the way she sees the hot summer ahead of Year 12, the expectations from family and future. Her life was supposed to be all about books and studying and escaping the small coastal town. Then comes Paul Lightwood, surfer‑guy, working for her dad, shaking up everything. The chemistry is messy (in a good way), Cat’s family is loud and loving and totally relatable, and the setting is summer: hot days, salty beaches, small‑town vibes, with all the insecurities underneath.
What really stood out to me: the tension between wanting to be ambitious and needing to just breathe. The way Cat’s heritage, family dynamics, and future plans tug at her heart felt authentic. The romance never glosses over the complications. Also, the humour is sharp — I laughed, I cringed, I felt like I was 17 again.
If I had one gripe: some of the pacing drags in parts, especially when Cat’s worrying too much. But honestly, it never lost me, because the emotional core was strong.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2025
While I'm way past my years of reading YA fiction I could not have enjoyed Summer, in Between more!
I adored reminiscing of summers past– Holly Cardamone has succinctly captured the essence of teenage angst and depth of emotion that first love presents, all served up in the setting of a holiday town bathed in beachy sunshine, sea, and a battle of turf wars in the surf.
Summer, in Between is the fabulous and captivating story of Cat and her 'walking surfer god' boyfriend, Paul. Think Romeo and Juliet Italian-Aussie style. It gave me the feels of a contemporary version of Puberty Blues, crossed with the mismatched lovers of Notting Hill – both storytelling forms I have long admired.
I flew through the book and was reluctant to put it down - that smacks right there of a great read - no matter your age!
I adored reminiscing of summers past– Holly Cardamone has succinctly captured the essence of teenage angst and depth of emotion that first love presents, all served up in the setting of a holiday town bathed in beachy sunshine, sea, and a battle of turf wars in the surf.
Summer, in Between is the fabulous and captivating story of Cat and her 'walking surfer god' boyfriend, Paul. Think Romeo and Juliet Italian-Aussie style. It gave me the feels of a contemporary version of Puberty Blues, crossed with the mismatched lovers of Notting Hill – both storytelling forms I have long admired.
I flew through the book and was reluctant to put it down - that smacks right there of a great read - no matter your age!
May 31, 2025
I'm a YA fan from way back. And, IMHO it's one of the hardest genres to hit the right notes with. Debut author Holly Cardamone succeeds with Summer, in Between.
It’s summer and seventeen year-old Caterina Kelty, future lawyer or doctor, is all in her head about her final year of school — she has to make sure she doesn’t waste the opportunities her clever brain can afford her. Enter Paul Lightwood, surfer god, and the chippie Cat’s dad just hired to build the flat underneath their house for her Nonna to move into. Yep, summer just became very confusing.
This book is a delight! A coming of age tale full of romance and humour. Firecracker Cat and her noisy Italian family will win your heart, while the charming and often misunderstood Paul finds his way into Cat’s.
It’s summer and seventeen year-old Caterina Kelty, future lawyer or doctor, is all in her head about her final year of school — she has to make sure she doesn’t waste the opportunities her clever brain can afford her. Enter Paul Lightwood, surfer god, and the chippie Cat’s dad just hired to build the flat underneath their house for her Nonna to move into. Yep, summer just became very confusing.
This book is a delight! A coming of age tale full of romance and humour. Firecracker Cat and her noisy Italian family will win your heart, while the charming and often misunderstood Paul finds his way into Cat’s.
October 13, 2025
Heartfelt, funny, and surprisingly useful as a parent!
I’m not a teen, but I’m raising two boys — and Summer, In Between gave me all the feels and a bunch of ideas for better conversations with them. Holly Cardamone nails what it’s like to be a teen sorting through love, trust, identity, and anger — especially through Cat, who is bold, emotional, and completely herself (and why shouldn’t she be?).
Paul is a gem — kind, respectful, and the kind of boy you’d be proud to raise. Their conversations are what I’ll remember most — raw, real, and full of big feelings handled with care. I also loved the chaotic family moments and the easy flow of the writing.
Emotional, funny, and deeply human — highly recommended for both teens and the adults who love them.
I’m not a teen, but I’m raising two boys — and Summer, In Between gave me all the feels and a bunch of ideas for better conversations with them. Holly Cardamone nails what it’s like to be a teen sorting through love, trust, identity, and anger — especially through Cat, who is bold, emotional, and completely herself (and why shouldn’t she be?).
Paul is a gem — kind, respectful, and the kind of boy you’d be proud to raise. Their conversations are what I’ll remember most — raw, real, and full of big feelings handled with care. I also loved the chaotic family moments and the easy flow of the writing.
Emotional, funny, and deeply human — highly recommended for both teens and the adults who love them.
August 4, 2025
This is my second read of this book. The first was on my Kindle and this time it was with the physical paperback.
I loved this book even more on the second read! I laughed so much and related to the characters even more. (I wish I had Cat's Nonna!)
I absolutely love the clever mix between light and heavy: from humourous family members (the light) to the big, heavy and important topics of mysogyny, feminism and the patriarchy.
Holly's writing is impressive. I particularly enjoyed her setting-themed figurative language and her use of realistic dialogue.
Finally, yay for having a main character with real and fiesty feelings (aka an actual relatable human being).
I loved this book even more on the second read! I laughed so much and related to the characters even more. (I wish I had Cat's Nonna!)
I absolutely love the clever mix between light and heavy: from humourous family members (the light) to the big, heavy and important topics of mysogyny, feminism and the patriarchy.
Holly's writing is impressive. I particularly enjoyed her setting-themed figurative language and her use of realistic dialogue.
Finally, yay for having a main character with real and fiesty feelings (aka an actual relatable human being).
September 30, 2025
This book would be a perfect read for by the pool or at the beach!!
The summer & young love vibes were immaculate!! I do love a meet cute & Paul & Cat were CUTEEEE!! Holly also had me genuinely laughing, the writing was so good & clever.
Cat was such a real & relatable 17yo with the way she reacted to certain situations & her own insecurities. Her dynamic with her family was honestly my favourite part of this whole story. It felt so nostalgic & the sibling relationships were so fun!!
Nothing beats a big family dinner after a day in the sun & the surf 🥹
I need this book to be made into a movie!! It was giving Aussie TSITP meets Puberty Blues.
4.25 STARS 🌟
The summer & young love vibes were immaculate!! I do love a meet cute & Paul & Cat were CUTEEEE!! Holly also had me genuinely laughing, the writing was so good & clever.
Cat was such a real & relatable 17yo with the way she reacted to certain situations & her own insecurities. Her dynamic with her family was honestly my favourite part of this whole story. It felt so nostalgic & the sibling relationships were so fun!!
Nothing beats a big family dinner after a day in the sun & the surf 🥹
I need this book to be made into a movie!! It was giving Aussie TSITP meets Puberty Blues.
4.25 STARS 🌟
October 10, 2025
I honestly loved Summer, In Between by Holly Cardamone. It felt so real — like reading straight out of my own head sometimes. Cat is such a relatable main character: smart, frustrated, a bit awkward, and just trying to figure out who she is and what she wants.
The whole summer vibe, the beach, the family chaos, the cute-but-annoying guy — it all felt exactly like being 17 and stuck between childhood and the real world. I especially liked how it showed family pressure and wanting to escape without making it cheesy.
It’s funny, emotional, and totally Australian. If you’ve ever wanted to run away from your small town but also kind of love it deep down, you’ll get this book.
The whole summer vibe, the beach, the family chaos, the cute-but-annoying guy — it all felt exactly like being 17 and stuck between childhood and the real world. I especially liked how it showed family pressure and wanting to escape without making it cheesy.
It’s funny, emotional, and totally Australian. If you’ve ever wanted to run away from your small town but also kind of love it deep down, you’ll get this book.
May 23, 2025
Summer, in Between is a nostalgic time capsule of youth—a beachside summer that captures the thrill and heartbreak of first love with pitch-perfect authenticity and whip-smart laugh-out-loud moments. It’s a portal into your own experience of first love, except the love interest, the protagonist’s family, and the setting are better than yours were. Cat knows her own mind, but needs to get out of her own way—and yet, she never compromises her dreams for love. This book will make you wonder why you don’t read more YA.
July 28, 2025
Thankyou to Hawkeye publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. This novel deep dived me straight into feeling like I was 17 again. The way Australian Summer was described so beautifully felt nostalgic. The angsty teenage emotions were depicted so authentically and I felt myself being transported back to that time and remembering the exact way I felt too. The characters were relatable and I enjoyed how she fleshed out Paul's character to show he wasn't "just another dumb tradie". This is such an easy summer read and would be delightful to read near the beach.
September 16, 2025
There are some books you just know, you’re going to have a great time with… and my goodness, did Holly Cardamone’s debut deliver!
‘Summer, In Between’ is a beautiful YA romance, following teenagers Cat and Paul, and the season that changed it all.
This is the coming of age story you wish you could have read as a teenager, but also, a trip down memory lane you can adore just as much in adulthood. It made me nostalgic for the days leading into my own final year of school, and I loved it so much!
Set in Australia and described to perfection, the story explores everything a seventeen year old can relate to, including the ups and downs of first relationships, the pressures of study, and the weight of figuring out what you want to do with the rest of your life.
It’s such a special read, that I’ve added it to the list of books I’d like my daughter to read when she’s older.
Big thanks to Holly and Hawkeye Publishing for my copy - and happy publication day!
‘Summer, In Between’ is a beautiful YA romance, following teenagers Cat and Paul, and the season that changed it all.
This is the coming of age story you wish you could have read as a teenager, but also, a trip down memory lane you can adore just as much in adulthood. It made me nostalgic for the days leading into my own final year of school, and I loved it so much!
Set in Australia and described to perfection, the story explores everything a seventeen year old can relate to, including the ups and downs of first relationships, the pressures of study, and the weight of figuring out what you want to do with the rest of your life.
It’s such a special read, that I’ve added it to the list of books I’d like my daughter to read when she’s older.
Big thanks to Holly and Hawkeye Publishing for my copy - and happy publication day!
October 10, 2025
This is such a fun YA debut that gives all those wonderful Australian Summer vibes.
A story about first love, family, and finding out where you belong, and what matters to you... it is both fun and funny.
I loved Cat's family, particularly her nonna... and it was so refreshing to see a book for teens that features a family who all get along, and parents that are present and supportive.
The perfect Australian coming of age story.
Thanks to Hawkeye Publishing for the review copy of this book
A story about first love, family, and finding out where you belong, and what matters to you... it is both fun and funny.
I loved Cat's family, particularly her nonna... and it was so refreshing to see a book for teens that features a family who all get along, and parents that are present and supportive.
The perfect Australian coming of age story.
Thanks to Hawkeye Publishing for the review copy of this book
October 15, 2025
The book took me back to my time as a awkward teenager in a surf community, no longer a kid, not an adult, while the surfer god sat at the apex of the social structure. The lead character negotiates her way through some of the mediocrity of languid, small towns, still dreaming 'big' & not being held back, while balancing loyalty to 'place' and family. This may appeal (and appear to be) a female oriented book, but young men will learn a lot too. Physicality and masculinity are 'natural' directions of young men, but communication, trust and standards also count :)
November 13, 2025
I really loved this book, it’s a great summer vibe and took me back to my young adult summer days, falling in love, school pressures, peer group pressures etc. I loved the Italian family connection and Nonna of course. Holly weaves parental love and guidance together with important issues of consensual sex, under age drinking, and the Australian surf culture with many heartfelt, laugh out loud, and painful realisations moments. This is beautifully written and explores all characters well. I rated this a 4 1/2 actually as I felt the ending was a little rushed.
June 2, 2025
Summer In Between is a heartfelt, humorous, and deeply relatable story that captures the bittersweet transition from adolescence to adulthood.
Holly Cardamone’s writing pulses with emotional clarity, vivid storytelling and wit.
A standout coming-of-age novel, the laugh out loud moments (like, snort through your nose and spit your coffee type moments) are beautifully layered with deeply emotional, moments that hurtled me back to my own, in between, becoming.
I couldn’t put it down!
Holly Cardamone’s writing pulses with emotional clarity, vivid storytelling and wit.
A standout coming-of-age novel, the laugh out loud moments (like, snort through your nose and spit your coffee type moments) are beautifully layered with deeply emotional, moments that hurtled me back to my own, in between, becoming.
I couldn’t put it down!
September 29, 2025
Cat navigates that tricky “in-between” stage of life—between childhood and adulthood, between family, friends, and figuring out who she really is.
Her friendships are messy, fun, and full of the little relatable moments.
My daughter and I both loved it.
It’s heartfelt without being heavy, making it the perfect palate cleanser between more intense reads for us spicy readers.
If you’re looking for a gentle, character-driven story full of warmth, reflection this one is a must-read.
Her friendships are messy, fun, and full of the little relatable moments.
My daughter and I both loved it.
It’s heartfelt without being heavy, making it the perfect palate cleanser between more intense reads for us spicy readers.
If you’re looking for a gentle, character-driven story full of warmth, reflection this one is a must-read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews