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An Unexpected Summer
A Harmony Ink Press Young Adult Title
Life at home has become awkward since Brendan told his parents he's gay. Relief comes when his cousin gets him a job at a nearby lake resort for the summer. Happy to get away, he plans to give his parents space while saving money for his college fund and hanging out with his cousin Tracey, the only other person he’s out to. Turns out Tobin, a boy from school Brendan has a crush on, is also working there for the summer, and the two of them have been assigned to share a room. Brendan’s nervous reaction doesn’t get the summer off to the best start. Now, not only does Brendan have to fix his relationship with his parents, he has to figure out a way to make things right with Tobin too.
Life at home has become awkward since Brendan told his parents he's gay. Relief comes when his cousin gets him a job at a nearby lake resort for the summer. Happy to get away, he plans to give his parents space while saving money for his college fund and hanging out with his cousin Tracey, the only other person he’s out to. Turns out Tobin, a boy from school Brendan has a crush on, is also working there for the summer, and the two of them have been assigned to share a room. Brendan’s nervous reaction doesn’t get the summer off to the best start. Now, not only does Brendan have to fix his relationship with his parents, he has to figure out a way to make things right with Tobin too.
56 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 15, 2015
1 person is currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Kate Sands
6 books9 followersKate Sands grew up in a small, rural town on the Canadian Prairies. She developed a love of reading and writing at a young age, becoming completely enamored with the craft of storytelling. It wasn’t until she grew up and left small town life behind, moving on to the Big City, before she truly understood what diversity was and what it could be. She still reads a variety of fiction, but concentrates writing in the LGBTQA+ genre in an effort to add to that diversity. She hopes that these kinds of stories will reach someone, somewhere, in a way she missed out on in her earlier years.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 16, 2015
At least I finished it, but this book didn't work for me. I liked the cover and the blurb so I pre-ordered this book, looking forward to reading it. Sadly somehow I couldn't relate to any of the people in this book. I had problems with the writing style, I felt detached. In the end not much really happened besides what the blurb already told.
I think I'll refrain from this kind of story in the future.
I think I'll refrain from this kind of story in the future.
March 18, 2015
3.5 stars
I stumbled over this book because one of my favorite authors tweeted about it – apparently they are friends. It was one of those impulsive moments; I didn’t even pay attention to the book summary. I only knew that it would be a young adult story (which I hope would translated into lack of sex *ha!*).
The story was pretty much what the blurb said, there weren’t any surprises. But what I appreciated from this was the relationship between Brendan and his parents. While it did start rather awkward since his mother seemed to have difficult to come to terms with Brendan’s sexuality, but in the end, it didn’t turn out as an ‘angst’ and ‘dark’ storyline. I admit that one of the reasons why I tend to avoid LGBT young adult from MM publishers is because often the story turns sad. As much as it is realistic, but I also prefer to read hopeful and positive coming-of-age stories. I want to reading about supportive parents and unconditional love, even if it takes a little time for them to adjust their expectations when it comes to their own children.
As for Brendan and Tobin’s storyline – it was nice and uncomplicated. I really liked the fact that it wasn’t instant-love (or lust) between the two. They formed a friendship and it ended as a hopeful beginning of something more. I imagine that Brendan and Tobin would have a memorable year once summer is over and they are going back to school. For that, I wish them all the best.
I stumbled over this book because one of my favorite authors tweeted about it – apparently they are friends. It was one of those impulsive moments; I didn’t even pay attention to the book summary. I only knew that it would be a young adult story (which I hope would translated into lack of sex *ha!*).
The story was pretty much what the blurb said, there weren’t any surprises. But what I appreciated from this was the relationship between Brendan and his parents. While it did start rather awkward since his mother seemed to have difficult to come to terms with Brendan’s sexuality, but in the end, it didn’t turn out as an ‘angst’ and ‘dark’ storyline. I admit that one of the reasons why I tend to avoid LGBT young adult from MM publishers is because often the story turns sad. As much as it is realistic, but I also prefer to read hopeful and positive coming-of-age stories. I want to reading about supportive parents and unconditional love, even if it takes a little time for them to adjust their expectations when it comes to their own children.
As for Brendan and Tobin’s storyline – it was nice and uncomplicated. I really liked the fact that it wasn’t instant-love (or lust) between the two. They formed a friendship and it ended as a hopeful beginning of something more. I imagine that Brendan and Tobin would have a memorable year once summer is over and they are going back to school. For that, I wish them all the best.
January 10, 2015
This was an amazing young adult short story. It was beautifully written and it was so, so real. The characters were flawed and believable, their experiences a great example that life can be hard at times, but love and acceptance do make a huge difference in the lives of young people.
First of all, this isn’t a love story that gets a happily ever after, and I’m so glad it wasn’t. Why? Because the main characters are 17 year old boys who just start to come to terms with who they are, and there’s no assurance that their relationship is going to be lasting 10 years from now. This was more a coming of age, self acceptance, being true to whom you really are type of story.
Brendan’s parents recently found out he’s gay and while they don’t reject him, they need a while to come to terms with it. They were real, loving parents, who never stopped telling Brendan they still love him; they just needed time to form different expectations when it comes to Brendan’s future.
Tobin is one of Brendan’s school mates and they get to spend the whole summer together since the resort where Brendan works for the summer is owned by Tobin’s parents. Tobin is out and proud, has a great relationship with his parents, and Brendan can’t help but be jealous. They become close friends and they start a beautiful relationship together. I loved that they never made forever promises, they were realistic in their expectations, and made the decision to enjoy each other for now, because you never know what the future holds. Tobin was a great support system to Brendan, and coming out didn’t seem as scary anymore if one of the perks is a relationship with Tobin out in the open.
I really loved this story, and I would recommend it to everyone who enjoys young adult books.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
First of all, this isn’t a love story that gets a happily ever after, and I’m so glad it wasn’t. Why? Because the main characters are 17 year old boys who just start to come to terms with who they are, and there’s no assurance that their relationship is going to be lasting 10 years from now. This was more a coming of age, self acceptance, being true to whom you really are type of story.
Brendan’s parents recently found out he’s gay and while they don’t reject him, they need a while to come to terms with it. They were real, loving parents, who never stopped telling Brendan they still love him; they just needed time to form different expectations when it comes to Brendan’s future.
Tobin is one of Brendan’s school mates and they get to spend the whole summer together since the resort where Brendan works for the summer is owned by Tobin’s parents. Tobin is out and proud, has a great relationship with his parents, and Brendan can’t help but be jealous. They become close friends and they start a beautiful relationship together. I loved that they never made forever promises, they were realistic in their expectations, and made the decision to enjoy each other for now, because you never know what the future holds. Tobin was a great support system to Brendan, and coming out didn’t seem as scary anymore if one of the perks is a relationship with Tobin out in the open.
I really loved this story, and I would recommend it to everyone who enjoys young adult books.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
December 20, 2018
An Unexpected Summer is an amazing young adult romance by Kate Sands.
From the very beginning, the tone is pleasant and hopeful, sucking me right into this beautiful coming of age story.
Brendan's struggling with coming out, and spends his summer with his crush, the out and proud Tobin. This time together helps Brendan to be more secure and brave.
One of the main storylines is Brendan's relationship with his parents. I love the way this is written, with sensitivity and genuineness. It's an important part of any coming out process and it's a great part of this book.
Overall, An Unexpected Summer is a tender story of discovery and coming of age. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a feel-good, sweet, young adult romance.
January 21, 2015
cute
Cute coming out story but way to short not worth the price. Wish it was longer. Would have loved to see what more could have happened.
Cute coming out story but way to short not worth the price. Wish it was longer. Would have loved to see what more could have happened.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews