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The Holliday Girls #1
Sparks Fly
Three girls, one summer—and the perfect beach listen for fans of
Gilmore Girls
, Jenny Han, and Elin Hilderbrand!
The Hollidays are having a summer to remember . . .
Georgia can’t wait to get back to Laurel Lake, where she’ll be too busy lifeguarding to miss her boyfriend, Rhys. Besides, he’ll visit every weekend. It’ll be perfect. She certainly won’t get distracted by the local boy who seems determined to catch her eye …
Daisy is finally old enough for a summer job at the local club, which is good because it will take her mind off the confusing way she and Owen said goodbye—by kissing. A lot. Are they dating now? And if so, should she not be spending time with Mateo, the hot older guy who’s always available to give her a ride home from work?
Eden is on thin ice with her parents, who think that learning to survive in the woods will “fix” her. Sure, being at the lake with Georgia and Daisy is great. A backpacking class? No. A backpacking class with her ex infatuation and forever arch nemesis, Leo? She’d rather hike all the way back to New York City.
The Holliday sisters have so many about love, friendship, and who they want to be. Luckily, they also have each other.
The Hollidays are having a summer to remember . . .
Georgia can’t wait to get back to Laurel Lake, where she’ll be too busy lifeguarding to miss her boyfriend, Rhys. Besides, he’ll visit every weekend. It’ll be perfect. She certainly won’t get distracted by the local boy who seems determined to catch her eye …
Daisy is finally old enough for a summer job at the local club, which is good because it will take her mind off the confusing way she and Owen said goodbye—by kissing. A lot. Are they dating now? And if so, should she not be spending time with Mateo, the hot older guy who’s always available to give her a ride home from work?
Eden is on thin ice with her parents, who think that learning to survive in the woods will “fix” her. Sure, being at the lake with Georgia and Daisy is great. A backpacking class? No. A backpacking class with her ex infatuation and forever arch nemesis, Leo? She’d rather hike all the way back to New York City.
The Holliday sisters have so many about love, friendship, and who they want to be. Luckily, they also have each other.
320 pages, Paperback
Published May 12, 2026
About the author
Hazel Henry
2 books29 followersHazel Henry lives in New England, where she cozies up by the fire in the winter and sunbathes at the lake in the summer. You’ll normally find her reading, daydreaming about cute boys, and getting in the spirit of whatever holiday is coming up.
source: Amazon
source: Amazon
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
May 29, 2026
Sparks Fly is the first book in the Holliday Girls series and is Hazel Henry’s debut YA novel and what a way to kickstart a series.
This book follows two sisters and a cousin who all have a tight bond sharing their summer together. They each have their own POV throughout the boy and it’s easy to follow.
They’re all there to relax and have fun but they’re also stressing about certain things in their life, mostly boys.
This book was a joy to read. I loved seeing how close they all were. I loved watching each of the girls doing their own thing and navigating their way through their tough situations.
I do enjoy a summer read and this one is definitely one you could take to the beach and read. If you’re into summer vibes, complicated relationships and a fun family getaway then you’ll love this. These three girls bring the fun and drama.
I can’t wait for book 2 to come out, I’ve enjoyed following these girls on their adventures.
This book follows two sisters and a cousin who all have a tight bond sharing their summer together. They each have their own POV throughout the boy and it’s easy to follow.
They’re all there to relax and have fun but they’re also stressing about certain things in their life, mostly boys.
This book was a joy to read. I loved seeing how close they all were. I loved watching each of the girls doing their own thing and navigating their way through their tough situations.
I do enjoy a summer read and this one is definitely one you could take to the beach and read. If you’re into summer vibes, complicated relationships and a fun family getaway then you’ll love this. These three girls bring the fun and drama.
I can’t wait for book 2 to come out, I’ve enjoyed following these girls on their adventures.
June 10, 2026
Oh to be young again… there is just something about reading a good summertime romance while laying out in the sunshine. Sparks Fly is a coming of age, YA romance that will take you right into the heart of the story. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that this is Hazel Henry’s debut novel. I really enjoyed her writing and can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.
I loved the dynamic between the sisters and cousin, the family drama felt raw and real and the different romances were fun to follow along to.
I loved the dynamic between the sisters and cousin, the family drama felt raw and real and the different romances were fun to follow along to.
April 17, 2026
Sparks Fly is the debut YA novel of Hazel Henry. It is book one in a duology (I think?) in the Holliday Girls series and it follows two sisters and their cousin as they spend the summer together.
I knew nothing about this going in, so I was very pleasantly surprised to find that this book featured a strong cousin relationship. I love books about cousins that are close so I was thrilled to find that out.
This book is the perfect summery read. From fireworks and lifeguarding to hiking and kayaking, this book was full of summer vibes. I loved the descriptions of the lake and the lakeside town. The small town setting really came to life for me and I liked all the summer vibes.
Each of the 3 POV characters (Daisy and Georgia are sisters, Eden is their cousin) has boy troubles and I liked following each girl as they navigated their feelings and relationships. They were written in an interesting way so it wasn’t always clear what path the girls would take with their respective love interest.
I also found the book to be very well written. I wouldn’t have guessed that this was the author’s debut.
I would definitely recommend this one if you are looking for the perfect beach read or if you are not taking a vacation this year — this book will definitely transport you!
I knew nothing about this going in, so I was very pleasantly surprised to find that this book featured a strong cousin relationship. I love books about cousins that are close so I was thrilled to find that out.
This book is the perfect summery read. From fireworks and lifeguarding to hiking and kayaking, this book was full of summer vibes. I loved the descriptions of the lake and the lakeside town. The small town setting really came to life for me and I liked all the summer vibes.
Each of the 3 POV characters (Daisy and Georgia are sisters, Eden is their cousin) has boy troubles and I liked following each girl as they navigated their feelings and relationships. They were written in an interesting way so it wasn’t always clear what path the girls would take with their respective love interest.
I also found the book to be very well written. I wouldn’t have guessed that this was the author’s debut.
I would definitely recommend this one if you are looking for the perfect beach read or if you are not taking a vacation this year — this book will definitely transport you!
May 3, 2026
This complimentary ALC from Harper Audio via NetGalley had me fully in my summer feels… but with one oddly specific hang-up I couldn’t quite shake.
This is such a cute, easy beach read, perfect for anyone looking to sink into all the dreamy summer vibes. Think vacation settings, young love, complicated relationships, and family dynamics that just hits differently in a seasonal story. I know teen me would have absolutely devoured this.
As an adult, I still really enjoyed it as a light, fluffy, endearing read. It gave strong Elin Hilderbrand energy, just with YA characters at the center, which made it feel both nostalgic and fresh.
My biggest (and very personal) challenge, though, was the setting. The story takes place in a fictional Catskills town called Laurel / Laurel Lake—but there’s an actual Laurel in New York on the North Fork of Long Island that I’m familiar with, and it’s a completely different kind of beach enclave. My brain just could not reconcile the two. I kept picturing the real place while reading something entirely different, which pulled me out of the story more than I would have liked. I fully admit this is a me problem, but it did make me wonder if fictional towns should maybe avoid sharing names with real ones in the same state.
On the audio side, the narration by Emma Marion Love, Caitlin Kelly, and Sura Siu was really well done. They captured the tone and emotional beats of the story and kept a steady, engaging pace throughout. I also loved the addition of music at the start—such a nice touch from Harper Audio and a great way to immediately set the mood.
If you’re looking for a fun, beachy read that leans into nostalgia—young love, summer decisions, and family dynamics—this is definitely one to throw in your beach bag.
This is such a cute, easy beach read, perfect for anyone looking to sink into all the dreamy summer vibes. Think vacation settings, young love, complicated relationships, and family dynamics that just hits differently in a seasonal story. I know teen me would have absolutely devoured this.
As an adult, I still really enjoyed it as a light, fluffy, endearing read. It gave strong Elin Hilderbrand energy, just with YA characters at the center, which made it feel both nostalgic and fresh.
My biggest (and very personal) challenge, though, was the setting. The story takes place in a fictional Catskills town called Laurel / Laurel Lake—but there’s an actual Laurel in New York on the North Fork of Long Island that I’m familiar with, and it’s a completely different kind of beach enclave. My brain just could not reconcile the two. I kept picturing the real place while reading something entirely different, which pulled me out of the story more than I would have liked. I fully admit this is a me problem, but it did make me wonder if fictional towns should maybe avoid sharing names with real ones in the same state.
On the audio side, the narration by Emma Marion Love, Caitlin Kelly, and Sura Siu was really well done. They captured the tone and emotional beats of the story and kept a steady, engaging pace throughout. I also loved the addition of music at the start—such a nice touch from Harper Audio and a great way to immediately set the mood.
If you’re looking for a fun, beachy read that leans into nostalgia—young love, summer decisions, and family dynamics—this is definitely one to throw in your beach bag.
May 12, 2026
This was a super cute YA summer read. There were multiple POVs and different romance plots. I enjoyed following each girl's story. I listened to Sparks Fly and the narrator was great! Really made me feel like I was reading a teen book.
There was definitely some spice. It is the summer before they go off to college but I was definitely not expecting the spice with the teen scenario.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperAudio Childrens for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
There was definitely some spice. It is the summer before they go off to college but I was definitely not expecting the spice with the teen scenario.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperAudio Childrens for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
August 7, 2026
Cute last summer before college
This was a book about the boy drama surrounding two sisters and their cousin the summer before the oldest two girls head to college. It was definitely well written for the young adult age group! We get to see each chapter from a different girl's perspective.
Georgia and Daisy are returning to the lake house their family owns for the first time since their dad died unexpectedly three years ago. Emotions are high especially since their mom is bringing along her boyfriend. Each girl has a plan to keep busy while they're there for the summer. Georgia is picking up her cousin Eden and bringing her there as well. Boy drama ensues!
This was a book about the boy drama surrounding two sisters and their cousin the summer before the oldest two girls head to college. It was definitely well written for the young adult age group! We get to see each chapter from a different girl's perspective.
Georgia and Daisy are returning to the lake house their family owns for the first time since their dad died unexpectedly three years ago. Emotions are high especially since their mom is bringing along her boyfriend. Each girl has a plan to keep busy while they're there for the summer. Georgia is picking up her cousin Eden and bringing her there as well. Boy drama ensues!
July 29, 2026
Such a great coming of age, YA novel! You follow the journey of 3 girls, who are all very different from each other, and a summer where they find out who they really are. Such a fun summer read.
June 12, 2026
This story is told through three POVs, and by three narrators, which really helped each main character feel distinct. The narrators do a fantastic job of bringing their characters to life, capturing their unique personalities and making their individual journeys engaging and memorable.
However, I will say the beginning was a little rough for me. One narrator’s voice at first was a bit overly exaggerative and immature sounding, and I honestly wasn’t sure if I wanted to continue because of it. Thankfully it improved as the story went on, and before long I became much more invested in the characters and their journeys.
What really stood out to me most was the emotional depth of this story. While it has all the warmth and charm of a summer read, it also explores themes of love, first times, heartbreak, trust, grief, and letting go. Through each character POV the author dives into a wide range of emotions in a way that feels honest and authentic. Their struggles, relationships, and personal growths felt incredibly realistic, making it easy to connect with them on a deeper level. The author also does well at balancing heavier themes with lighthearted moments.
Also, the bond between the sisters and their cousin felt incredibly genuine. Their dynamic was one of unwavering support, and they always had each other's backs no matter what. Each character has their own love interest, which gives the story a strong summer romance feel. But more than anything I feel this story is about the experiences that shape us and the people who help us through them. Because of that I think that many women no matter the age will find something to relate to within the pages whether it's the family dynamics, friendships, first loves, heartbreaks, or the challenges of growing into yourself. The overall vibes i got from this book was The Summer I Turned Pretty meets Mystic Pizza. If you’re a fan of Jenny Han, you’ll definitely love this book.
I do want to add that there is discussion of sex, virginity, death, and first times. It is not descriptive, but it is something to keep in mind if you're a parent looking for a book for their kids. I would say this leans more upper YA.
However, I will say the beginning was a little rough for me. One narrator’s voice at first was a bit overly exaggerative and immature sounding, and I honestly wasn’t sure if I wanted to continue because of it. Thankfully it improved as the story went on, and before long I became much more invested in the characters and their journeys.
What really stood out to me most was the emotional depth of this story. While it has all the warmth and charm of a summer read, it also explores themes of love, first times, heartbreak, trust, grief, and letting go. Through each character POV the author dives into a wide range of emotions in a way that feels honest and authentic. Their struggles, relationships, and personal growths felt incredibly realistic, making it easy to connect with them on a deeper level. The author also does well at balancing heavier themes with lighthearted moments.
Also, the bond between the sisters and their cousin felt incredibly genuine. Their dynamic was one of unwavering support, and they always had each other's backs no matter what. Each character has their own love interest, which gives the story a strong summer romance feel. But more than anything I feel this story is about the experiences that shape us and the people who help us through them. Because of that I think that many women no matter the age will find something to relate to within the pages whether it's the family dynamics, friendships, first loves, heartbreaks, or the challenges of growing into yourself. The overall vibes i got from this book was The Summer I Turned Pretty meets Mystic Pizza. If you’re a fan of Jenny Han, you’ll definitely love this book.
I do want to add that there is discussion of sex, virginity, death, and first times. It is not descriptive, but it is something to keep in mind if you're a parent looking for a book for their kids. I would say this leans more upper YA.
July 2, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to Hazel Henry, HarperAudio Children's, and NetGalley for the advanced listening copy.
Sparks Fly was everything I want in a summer YA audiobook. The story is full of heart, nostalgia, family, first love, and finding yourself, making it the perfect book to listen to on a sunny day.
The audiobook was fantastic. Having a different narrator for each of the three girls made it incredibly easy to connect with each perspective, and every performance brought so much personality and emotion to the story. The narration added another layer to the friendships, family dynamics, and romances, making the characters feel authentic and easy to root for.
I also loved that while each girl had her own romance, the heart of the story was the bond between the sisters and their cousin. Their relationships felt genuine, and watching them support one another through heartbreak, grief, growing up, and life's changes made this so much more than just a romance.
Hazel Henry's debut perfectly captures those unforgettable summers where everything seems to change at once. It's sweet, emotional, and full of the kind of coming-of-age moments that stay with you long after the final chapter.
If you're looking for a feel-good YA audiobook with wonderful narration, multiple POVs, and all the nostalgic summer vibes, I highly recommend picking this one up.
Thank you to Hazel Henry, HarperAudio Children's, and NetGalley for the advanced listening copy.
Sparks Fly was everything I want in a summer YA audiobook. The story is full of heart, nostalgia, family, first love, and finding yourself, making it the perfect book to listen to on a sunny day.
The audiobook was fantastic. Having a different narrator for each of the three girls made it incredibly easy to connect with each perspective, and every performance brought so much personality and emotion to the story. The narration added another layer to the friendships, family dynamics, and romances, making the characters feel authentic and easy to root for.
I also loved that while each girl had her own romance, the heart of the story was the bond between the sisters and their cousin. Their relationships felt genuine, and watching them support one another through heartbreak, grief, growing up, and life's changes made this so much more than just a romance.
Hazel Henry's debut perfectly captures those unforgettable summers where everything seems to change at once. It's sweet, emotional, and full of the kind of coming-of-age moments that stay with you long after the final chapter.
If you're looking for a feel-good YA audiobook with wonderful narration, multiple POVs, and all the nostalgic summer vibes, I highly recommend picking this one up.
June 28, 2026
Thank you to harper 360 ya for the arc of this book!
It has been a long time since I finished a book in a day but this one I did! It was the perfect book to read on the hottest day of the year.
I loved the family dynamics in the book and the way we followed all 3 of the holliday girls stories, it definitely made it fun to read.
It also had a lovely lake setting with a town that sounds so calm and lovely, how I wish I could visit it!
Overall I would highly recommend if you are looking for a fun holiday read, or a book to read in your garden in the sun!
It has been a long time since I finished a book in a day but this one I did! It was the perfect book to read on the hottest day of the year.
I loved the family dynamics in the book and the way we followed all 3 of the holliday girls stories, it definitely made it fun to read.
It also had a lovely lake setting with a town that sounds so calm and lovely, how I wish I could visit it!
Overall I would highly recommend if you are looking for a fun holiday read, or a book to read in your garden in the sun!
May 16, 2026
Three girls.
One summer.
Endless possibilities.
The Holliday Girls are going to the lake. All three have summer expectations. Will they get the summer they want? Or the summer they need?
Meet our three narrators:
👩🦰 Daisy - She is the younger sister to Georgia and cousin to Eden. Her best friend Owen kissed her right before Summer break and then left for Europe with his grandpa. Why do the postcards he is sending Daisy make her feel like she has been "friendzoned. Will the handsome Mateo make up for the missing Owen?
👱♀️Georgia - Daisy's big sister and enjoying a last summer before college. She thinks she has her life all planned out. She'll marry her boyfriend Rhys after college. Before they even get to the lake she realizes this will not be the summer she planned. Will her new friend Benny be the distraction she needs?
👩Eden - Her parents think she has gone off the rails and sign her up for a two-week wilderness camp. A surprise participant will force her to deal with a traumatic experience from the past. Will she get her happy ending?
I don't think it's a spoiler to let you know each of these three young women find themselves satisfied with the end of this story. We look forward to revisiting them over the holidays in Santa Maybe.
Thank you to Avon and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
One summer.
Endless possibilities.
The Holliday Girls are going to the lake. All three have summer expectations. Will they get the summer they want? Or the summer they need?
Meet our three narrators:
👩🦰 Daisy - She is the younger sister to Georgia and cousin to Eden. Her best friend Owen kissed her right before Summer break and then left for Europe with his grandpa. Why do the postcards he is sending Daisy make her feel like she has been "friendzoned. Will the handsome Mateo make up for the missing Owen?
👱♀️Georgia - Daisy's big sister and enjoying a last summer before college. She thinks she has her life all planned out. She'll marry her boyfriend Rhys after college. Before they even get to the lake she realizes this will not be the summer she planned. Will her new friend Benny be the distraction she needs?
👩Eden - Her parents think she has gone off the rails and sign her up for a two-week wilderness camp. A surprise participant will force her to deal with a traumatic experience from the past. Will she get her happy ending?
I don't think it's a spoiler to let you know each of these three young women find themselves satisfied with the end of this story. We look forward to revisiting them over the holidays in Santa Maybe.
Thank you to Avon and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
June 2, 2026
Some books tell a story. Sparks Fly feels like a summer you’ll wish you had lived.🌅💕📖
There are some books that feel like a season, & Sparks Fly (ARC) feels exactly like summer bottled up into pages.🌸☀️ From the very first chapter, I was completely swept away by the lakeside setting, the complicated relationships, & the kind of romance that gives you that giddy, kicking your feet feeling.
What I loved most was how this wasn’t just a romance…it was a story about growing up. Watching Georgia, Daisy, & Eden navigate love, friendship, & their own personal struggles made the story feel so real & relatable. Each girl had her own journey, & I found myself rooting for all of them in different ways.
The atmosphere was honestly everything. The lake, the warm nights, the nostalgia, the chaos of summer crushes…it felt like stepping into the perfect coming of age movie. @proofoflex writes in a way that makes every moment sparkle, whether it’s a heart fluttering romantic scene or a quiet moment between sisters.
And can we talk about the romance? 🫶 The chemistry was adorable, the tension was chef’s kiss, & I was fully invested in every relationship. But what made the book stand out for me was that the emotional moments hit just as hard as the romantic ones.
Overall: Sparks Fly is the kind of book that leaves you smiling after you turn the last page. It’s warm, heartfelt, romantic, & full of summer magic. If you’re looking for a YA romance that feels like golden sunsets, lake water, & falling in love when you least expect it, this book absolutely delivers.
There are some books that feel like a season, & Sparks Fly (ARC) feels exactly like summer bottled up into pages.🌸☀️ From the very first chapter, I was completely swept away by the lakeside setting, the complicated relationships, & the kind of romance that gives you that giddy, kicking your feet feeling.
What I loved most was how this wasn’t just a romance…it was a story about growing up. Watching Georgia, Daisy, & Eden navigate love, friendship, & their own personal struggles made the story feel so real & relatable. Each girl had her own journey, & I found myself rooting for all of them in different ways.
The atmosphere was honestly everything. The lake, the warm nights, the nostalgia, the chaos of summer crushes…it felt like stepping into the perfect coming of age movie. @proofoflex writes in a way that makes every moment sparkle, whether it’s a heart fluttering romantic scene or a quiet moment between sisters.
And can we talk about the romance? 🫶 The chemistry was adorable, the tension was chef’s kiss, & I was fully invested in every relationship. But what made the book stand out for me was that the emotional moments hit just as hard as the romantic ones.
Overall: Sparks Fly is the kind of book that leaves you smiling after you turn the last page. It’s warm, heartfelt, romantic, & full of summer magic. If you’re looking for a YA romance that feels like golden sunsets, lake water, & falling in love when you least expect it, this book absolutely delivers.
May 29, 2026
Sparks Fly
Genre: YA romance
Pages: 308
Rating: ☆☆☆☆
“You are stuck in some idea of what your life is supposed to be like. But there's obviously so much more to you, beneath the surface. It's no secret that I like you, and I want you to admit that you feel this too. But even if you never admit it to me, I just... I hate how locked up you are. It's not fair. For someone as special and beautiful as you to be living in this, like, this... I don't know... this box you've put yourself into."
This was such a cute fun summer read! Absolutely perfect if you loved the summer i turned pretty!
This follows 2 sisters and a cousin but they are more all like sisters, it’s such a cute story with some drama. Daisy and Owen are the cutest!! I really enjoyed this one it was a quick read. Georgia has been holding it all together for her sister and mum and has lost insight of herself so seeing her character growth was so lovely. All 3 of the girls were experiencing their own troubles with boys with georgia trying to help Eden and Daisy. It were nice reading each of their POV’s and seeing what they were going through and each others perspectives of what they were going through.
I’m excited to dive back into the holiday girls and see how they are getting on in the next book.
Tropes:
♡︎ Small town
♡︎ Friends to lovers
♡︎ Enemies to lovers
♡︎ Forced proximity
♡︎ Multiple POV’s
Genre: YA romance
Pages: 308
Rating: ☆☆☆☆
“You are stuck in some idea of what your life is supposed to be like. But there's obviously so much more to you, beneath the surface. It's no secret that I like you, and I want you to admit that you feel this too. But even if you never admit it to me, I just... I hate how locked up you are. It's not fair. For someone as special and beautiful as you to be living in this, like, this... I don't know... this box you've put yourself into."
This was such a cute fun summer read! Absolutely perfect if you loved the summer i turned pretty!
This follows 2 sisters and a cousin but they are more all like sisters, it’s such a cute story with some drama. Daisy and Owen are the cutest!! I really enjoyed this one it was a quick read. Georgia has been holding it all together for her sister and mum and has lost insight of herself so seeing her character growth was so lovely. All 3 of the girls were experiencing their own troubles with boys with georgia trying to help Eden and Daisy. It were nice reading each of their POV’s and seeing what they were going through and each others perspectives of what they were going through.
I’m excited to dive back into the holiday girls and see how they are getting on in the next book.
Tropes:
♡︎ Small town
♡︎ Friends to lovers
♡︎ Enemies to lovers
♡︎ Forced proximity
♡︎ Multiple POV’s
May 20, 2026
✨☀️ *Sparks Fly* by Hazel Henry gave me all the dreamy, chaotic, emotional summer vibes and honestly felt like stepping straight into a YA version of The Summer I Turned Pretty.
Set in the Catskills at their family’s summer home, we follow cousins Georgia, Daisy, and Eden as they spend one unforgettable summer navigating complicated relationships, messy emotions, heartbreak, grief, and discovering who they really are. From long-distance relationship struggles and ex-boyfriend drama to new crushes and family changes, this book packed in SO much teen summer chaos in the best way. 🌊💌✨
What really stood out to me was the cousin dynamic. Their bond felt authentic, comforting, and messy all at once, the kind of relationships that make you laugh one second and want to scream the next. And the drama?? Completely addictive. 👀
This story also touches on heavier topics like grieving a parent and adjusting to a parent’s new relationship, which added emotional depth beneath all the romance and summer fun.
⭐️ Rating: 3.5 stars
If you love:
☀️ summer romance
🏡 family vacation settings
💔 messy relationships
✨ coming-of-age stories
👀 addictive drama
…then this one might be for you!
Big thank you to NetGalley, Harper Audio and Hazel Henry for the ALC!
Set in the Catskills at their family’s summer home, we follow cousins Georgia, Daisy, and Eden as they spend one unforgettable summer navigating complicated relationships, messy emotions, heartbreak, grief, and discovering who they really are. From long-distance relationship struggles and ex-boyfriend drama to new crushes and family changes, this book packed in SO much teen summer chaos in the best way. 🌊💌✨
What really stood out to me was the cousin dynamic. Their bond felt authentic, comforting, and messy all at once, the kind of relationships that make you laugh one second and want to scream the next. And the drama?? Completely addictive. 👀
This story also touches on heavier topics like grieving a parent and adjusting to a parent’s new relationship, which added emotional depth beneath all the romance and summer fun.
⭐️ Rating: 3.5 stars
If you love:
☀️ summer romance
🏡 family vacation settings
💔 messy relationships
✨ coming-of-age stories
👀 addictive drama
…then this one might be for you!
Big thank you to NetGalley, Harper Audio and Hazel Henry for the ALC!
June 1, 2026
Thank you to Harper Collins for sending me a proof of this book!!
3.5⭐
This was honestly a super sweet summer holiday story. We follow two sisters and their cousin as they navigate teenage life during the summer. They all go to Laurel Lake, Georgia in a long term relationship, Daisy unsure whether she likes her best friend and Eden still healing from a nasty break up with her ex. They all navigate new and old relationships as well as the changes that teenage life and anticipating starting college can bring.
This story felt very nostalgic of ya books I would read growing up! I really liked how the story was set up switching between each of the girls stories. The plot flowed well and I was invested in all three love stories.
**** spoilers ahead
My only issue was Georgias cheating plot line. I really don’t enjoy cheating in books and I felt it wasn’t really needed. They story tried to make it seem okay because we later find out her boyfriend was also cheating and planning to break up with her. I felt her friendship with Benny could have helped her realise that she wanted more without her needing to cheat on Rhys. I understand that she’s a teenager but it felt unecessary for me.
On the whole this was a great paced, fun ya story with beautiful friendships!
3.5⭐
This was honestly a super sweet summer holiday story. We follow two sisters and their cousin as they navigate teenage life during the summer. They all go to Laurel Lake, Georgia in a long term relationship, Daisy unsure whether she likes her best friend and Eden still healing from a nasty break up with her ex. They all navigate new and old relationships as well as the changes that teenage life and anticipating starting college can bring.
This story felt very nostalgic of ya books I would read growing up! I really liked how the story was set up switching between each of the girls stories. The plot flowed well and I was invested in all three love stories.
**** spoilers ahead
My only issue was Georgias cheating plot line. I really don’t enjoy cheating in books and I felt it wasn’t really needed. They story tried to make it seem okay because we later find out her boyfriend was also cheating and planning to break up with her. I felt her friendship with Benny could have helped her realise that she wanted more without her needing to cheat on Rhys. I understand that she’s a teenager but it felt unecessary for me.
On the whole this was a great paced, fun ya story with beautiful friendships!
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May 13, 2026The cutest YA cousin romance set at a lake in the Catskills. Plus a three way love story; no not THAT kind!)
Sparks Fly features sisters Georgia and Daisy and their cousin Eden. All of them gather at Laurel Lake, a place Georgia and Daisy haven’t been since the death of their father a few years back.
This book managed to get in a LOT: three romance plots, a grief plot, and the individual issues each girl was facing, things like boyfriend troubles, confusing breakups, friends that might be more, and decisions about their futures.
I loved that the girls had summer jobs, Georgia as a lifeguard and Daisy in a restaurant at the local tennis club. And each girl had emotional issues to work through (I’ll leave those for you to discover.)
The author of this is very mysterious and the copyright is Harper Collins, so I feel like this is a work for hire book, but this author is talented!!
Check out my list of NEW YA Summer Romances for 2026
My Master Post on New Summer Romance Books for 2026 has all the top summer romance books you need to know about. Be sure to check it out and then Download my Summer Romance Reading Guide
I also have two summer quizzes for you to take, my Find Your Perfect Summer Trope Quiz and my Choose Your Summer Romance Adventure Quiz. Take them both and get book recommendations based on your answers!
Sparks Fly features sisters Georgia and Daisy and their cousin Eden. All of them gather at Laurel Lake, a place Georgia and Daisy haven’t been since the death of their father a few years back.
This book managed to get in a LOT: three romance plots, a grief plot, and the individual issues each girl was facing, things like boyfriend troubles, confusing breakups, friends that might be more, and decisions about their futures.
I loved that the girls had summer jobs, Georgia as a lifeguard and Daisy in a restaurant at the local tennis club. And each girl had emotional issues to work through (I’ll leave those for you to discover.)
The author of this is very mysterious and the copyright is Harper Collins, so I feel like this is a work for hire book, but this author is talented!!
Check out my list of NEW YA Summer Romances for 2026
My Master Post on New Summer Romance Books for 2026 has all the top summer romance books you need to know about. Be sure to check it out and then Download my Summer Romance Reading Guide
I also have two summer quizzes for you to take, my Find Your Perfect Summer Trope Quiz and my Choose Your Summer Romance Adventure Quiz. Take them both and get book recommendations based on your answers!
June 10, 2026
Sparks Fly is the first book in the Holliday Girls series(?) and Hazel Henry's debut YA novel, and it's a fun, summery start to the series. From life-guarding and kayaking to fireworks and lakeside adventures, the book is packed with summer vibes. The small-town lake setting felt vivid and nostalgic.
The story follows sisters Georgia and Daisy, along with their cousin Eden, as they spend the summer navigating friendship, family, and plenty of romantic drama. I loved the close bond between the girls and enjoyed following each of their individual journeys through multiple POVs. Their relationships felt authentic, messy, and comforting all at once.
The atmosphere was the standout for me! The lake, warm nights, summer crushes, and coming-of-age feel made it incredibly easy to read and fall into the world. How I wish I could be there! The romances were sweet, with plenty of chemistry and tension, but I also appreciated that the emotional and family moments carried just as much weight.
While it's very much a YA story and revolves heavily around boy drama, it's an enjoyable and easy summer read if you embrace that perspective.
The story follows sisters Georgia and Daisy, along with their cousin Eden, as they spend the summer navigating friendship, family, and plenty of romantic drama. I loved the close bond between the girls and enjoyed following each of their individual journeys through multiple POVs. Their relationships felt authentic, messy, and comforting all at once.
The atmosphere was the standout for me! The lake, warm nights, summer crushes, and coming-of-age feel made it incredibly easy to read and fall into the world. How I wish I could be there! The romances were sweet, with plenty of chemistry and tension, but I also appreciated that the emotional and family moments carried just as much weight.
While it's very much a YA story and revolves heavily around boy drama, it's an enjoyable and easy summer read if you embrace that perspective.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A true nostalgic summer of your teen years! The sisters and close cousin have all the adventures and feelings that I remember as a teen girl. In a small town, 3 girls have their lakeside summer: life guarding, beach days, summer romances and a backpacking challenge. They have run ins with their exes, crushes, and long time boyfriends. As the boys come and go and different sisters/cousins think one boy may be good for someone else, but is maybe better for them?
I laughed and truly felt part of the drama between all the characters--a fun summer read for 2026! I've already added the Christmas book to my list for this fall/winter.
Note on Audio:This was cute and the narration made me truly feel like it was teenage girls. However, the story was a little hard to follow with all the changes so I believe this would have been a better hard copy book for me.
Thank to NetGalley for this ARC!
I laughed and truly felt part of the drama between all the characters--a fun summer read for 2026! I've already added the Christmas book to my list for this fall/winter.
Note on Audio:This was cute and the narration made me truly feel like it was teenage girls. However, the story was a little hard to follow with all the changes so I believe this would have been a better hard copy book for me.
Thank to NetGalley for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Sparks Fly is the first young adult romance in The Holliday Girls series. It’s summer and Georgia, Daisy and Eden are about to have a summer they will never forget. Each of them will face challenges, feelings and adventures that will help them figure out who they truly are during this point in their lives.
This was such a nostalgic read that was so easy to get pulled into and get through. The story is very YA in all of the best ways and I couldn’t get enough. Each girl faces their own love story full in their own way throughout this book and each one was engaging and easy to get invested in. I listened to the audiobook version of this book and I do think it was really well done, but at times I forgot whose chapter we were on because if I wasn’t paying attention closely the voices seemed similar to me, even though each girl had her own narrator. Overall I really loved this book and it was full of nostalgic summer feels. I look forward to seeing if anything else comes for these girls.
This was such a nostalgic read that was so easy to get pulled into and get through. The story is very YA in all of the best ways and I couldn’t get enough. Each girl faces their own love story full in their own way throughout this book and each one was engaging and easy to get invested in. I listened to the audiobook version of this book and I do think it was really well done, but at times I forgot whose chapter we were on because if I wasn’t paying attention closely the voices seemed similar to me, even though each girl had her own narrator. Overall I really loved this book and it was full of nostalgic summer feels. I look forward to seeing if anything else comes for these girls.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Many thanks to HarperAudio Children's, Author Hazel Henry, Narrated by Emma Marion Love, Caitlin Kelly, and Sura Siu and NetGalley for the ARC of Sparks Fly in exchange for an honest review.
Sparks Fly is a young adult novel that tracks through three girls through their summer at Laurel Lake. Having not visited the lake since their father/uncle's passing, the girls are finding new normal there. With clear expectations of their lives and their loves, the girls mindset is challenged with new boys and situations in the process. This book reminds me of "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" with life lessons given in more of a clean narration. I would categories this novel as a closed-door romance and is appropriate for high school readers and those young at heart.
Sparks Fly is a young adult novel that tracks through three girls through their summer at Laurel Lake. Having not visited the lake since their father/uncle's passing, the girls are finding new normal there. With clear expectations of their lives and their loves, the girls mindset is challenged with new boys and situations in the process. This book reminds me of "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" with life lessons given in more of a clean narration. I would categories this novel as a closed-door romance and is appropriate for high school readers and those young at heart.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What a wonderful book about sisterhood, family, friendship, and romance. Told through the three girls points-of-view, sisters Georgia and Daisy and their cousin Eden, we see the girls have fun as they and their family head up to the lake for the summer. Georgia wants to lifeguard, Daisy hopes to find a part time job, and Eden is going to a wilderness camp for two weeks. Georgia’s boyfriend can’t come, and she’s disappointed. Daisy hangs out with Mateo, and Eden runs into an old boyfriend at the camp (what!?). All three girls have decisions to make about boys.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
May 16, 2026
this was a quick, fun read. i read it in basically one sitting and enjoyed it. i was invested in all three of the girls and enjoyed their stories and their relationships with one another and the other people in this book. it's obviously a young adult novel and it reads that way. i was surprised at some of the content, as it's been a while since i've read a young adult and don't know if they all normalize some of the behaviors the teens got up to and if that's just what's considered normal nowadays or what. considering i'm an adult, i wasn't scandalized, but i do think some of the relationship stuff is a bit mature for this age group. but what do i know
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July 3, 2026First I want to thank Harper Audio via NetGalley for the e-galley of the audiobook.
This 3 person POV novel follows the Holliday girls (two sisters and a cousin) navigating summer at a lake house in a quaint town in the Catskills. Broken hearts, misunderstandings, grief and infidelity are all on the menu.
The narrators captured each girls' character perfectly. The novel was easy to follow and listen along. The infidelity plot and major breakup was predictable from the first few chapters, but I was enthralled with the sisters/cousin dynamic and soldiered on.
I enjoyed this YA "beach read" and would be interested in a book 2 if it comes along.
This 3 person POV novel follows the Holliday girls (two sisters and a cousin) navigating summer at a lake house in a quaint town in the Catskills. Broken hearts, misunderstandings, grief and infidelity are all on the menu.
The narrators captured each girls' character perfectly. The novel was easy to follow and listen along. The infidelity plot and major breakup was predictable from the first few chapters, but I was enthralled with the sisters/cousin dynamic and soldiered on.
I enjoyed this YA "beach read" and would be interested in a book 2 if it comes along.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.75
A cute, sweet teen read. The 'beach read for Gilmore Girls fans' tagline is what initially drew me in, and it definitely delivered on that small-town atmosphere.
Although this is a Young Adult novel, if you fully lean into that perspective, it's a quick enjoyable summer story. This follows the summer escapades of three girls—two sisters and a close cousin—at Laurel Lake. It perfectly captures that nostalgic teenage angst and the messy process of trying to figure life out. A solid, easy read for fans of coming-of-age stories!
A cute, sweet teen read. The 'beach read for Gilmore Girls fans' tagline is what initially drew me in, and it definitely delivered on that small-town atmosphere.
Although this is a Young Adult novel, if you fully lean into that perspective, it's a quick enjoyable summer story. This follows the summer escapades of three girls—two sisters and a close cousin—at Laurel Lake. It perfectly captures that nostalgic teenage angst and the messy process of trying to figure life out. A solid, easy read for fans of coming-of-age stories!
June 10, 2026
I was really excited to listen to this YA summer romance, and it didn't disappoint. It follows three girls, who each have their own love story happening. First there is Georgia, who is in love with her distant boyfriend Rhys, but drawn to a boy named Benny. Then there is Daisy, who has a pen pal best friend named Owen, but also drawn to a guy named Mateo. Then there is Eden, who is in a wilderness program with her ex, Leo, and they keep getting pushed together.
This was a really cute audiobook, perfect for fans of a light YA read.
This was a really cute audiobook, perfect for fans of a light YA read.
July 25, 2026
Thank you, NetGalley and HarperAudio Children’s | Avon a, for the ARC of this audiobook, Sparks Fly.
This was a very YA book that touched on a lot of young topics and read from the POV of a group of young teenagers. I really liked the cousin relationship and thought they were all like sisters at times and would have loved to have a relationship like that growing up. I don't think I 100% liked this story because of how young the stories were and how immature the characters were, because they were literal children. It just didn't resonate with me
This was a very YA book that touched on a lot of young topics and read from the POV of a group of young teenagers. I really liked the cousin relationship and thought they were all like sisters at times and would have loved to have a relationship like that growing up. I don't think I 100% liked this story because of how young the stories were and how immature the characters were, because they were literal children. It just didn't resonate with me
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Sweet YA summer romance
This was a quick easy beach read. Georgia, Daisy, and Eden are spending the summer back at the lake where they used to summer before Georgia and Daisy's father died.
The story is sweet and warm. You can literally feel those long hot summer days in every page. The story follows the three girls struggling with the past and the future, but finding their way in the end.
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4/5.
This was a quick easy beach read. Georgia, Daisy, and Eden are spending the summer back at the lake where they used to summer before Georgia and Daisy's father died.
The story is sweet and warm. You can literally feel those long hot summer days in every page. The story follows the three girls struggling with the past and the future, but finding their way in the end.
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4/5.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Overall, a feel good teen drama. 3 cousins meet up for the summer before 2 go off to college. They haven’t done this in a few years since their father/uncle died. Surprisingly it doesn’t go into too much about what happened.
The rest of the book is mainly boy likes girl type storyline and the girls coming into their own
Overall a feel good happy ending drama
Thank you NetGalley for the copy
The rest of the book is mainly boy likes girl type storyline and the girls coming into their own
Overall a feel good happy ending drama
Thank you NetGalley for the copy
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a cute book. Three children are having a lakeside summer filled with boys and feelings.
3 stars
Many thanks to Net Galley and HarperAudio Children’s for an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
3 stars
Many thanks to Net Galley and HarperAudio Children’s for an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 22, 2026
I think if I was 13/14 I would have eaten this up.
It’s a very simple story very surface level though.
There is a lot cheating also… which I’m not a huge fan of. Overall it’s an easy read.
Thank you to the publisher for this book.
It’s a very simple story very surface level though.
There is a lot cheating also… which I’m not a huge fan of. Overall it’s an easy read.
Thank you to the publisher for this book.
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