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Twelve and a Half Summers
Some people have one chance to fall in love. Tara Sharma had an entire childhood.
The summer she was ten, Eli Ableman moved next door.
The summer she was twelve, he was her best friend.
The summer she was sixteen, she fell in love with him.
And the summer she was seventeen, he broke her heart into a million pieces.
Five years later, she’s ready to move on—with a plan to join a baking show, save her mom’s café, and never, ever fall in love again. It’s the perfect plan.
Or so she believes.
A chance encounter with Eli convinces her to partner with him on the show, and as producers mistake them for a couple, Tara’s memories come flooding- the feel of Eli’s skin next to hers, their long summer days in their backyard sanctuary, and the truth behind the six inch scar on her wrist.
Tara remembers who she used to be, and she is faced with the biggest choice of her life- keep nursing her unspoken wounds, or revive her hope in the potential of an all consuming love.
Perfect for fans of Christina Lauren, Jenny Han, and Carley Fortune, this sweeping, nostalgic, friends-to-lovers romance explores love, loss, and forgiveness told through the eyes of the girl who never quite stopped loving the boy next door.
The summer she was ten, Eli Ableman moved next door.
The summer she was twelve, he was her best friend.
The summer she was sixteen, she fell in love with him.
And the summer she was seventeen, he broke her heart into a million pieces.
Five years later, she’s ready to move on—with a plan to join a baking show, save her mom’s café, and never, ever fall in love again. It’s the perfect plan.
Or so she believes.
A chance encounter with Eli convinces her to partner with him on the show, and as producers mistake them for a couple, Tara’s memories come flooding- the feel of Eli’s skin next to hers, their long summer days in their backyard sanctuary, and the truth behind the six inch scar on her wrist.
Tara remembers who she used to be, and she is faced with the biggest choice of her life- keep nursing her unspoken wounds, or revive her hope in the potential of an all consuming love.
Perfect for fans of Christina Lauren, Jenny Han, and Carley Fortune, this sweeping, nostalgic, friends-to-lovers romance explores love, loss, and forgiveness told through the eyes of the girl who never quite stopped loving the boy next door.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 17, 2025
8 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 16, 2025
“Best friends - refers to someone who provides consistent support, trust, and companionship through all of life's challenges and successes”
Thank you book Sirens and the author for the arc. This review is my own opinion and I am reviewing freely.
The writing was written well. I think a rom com from the author would be so funny and so interesting. Anyways, chapter 17 made me cry. I never cry with books and that one chapter was so intense and emotional.
It was slow at first, but after 40% it in picked up. This is a very short book so probably only 100 pages until it got super exciting. At the first 30% I was only going to give this book 3 stars, but then the action started! Then at about 45% I thought maybe 4. Once my eyes started to tear up, I needed to rate it 5 stars. This was at about 85%. It got so emotional and sad, but the ending was so perfect.
I loved the chemistry between Tara and Eli. It was so sweet, almost as sweet as the cakes they bake. I liked the reference to Tara’s Indian culture. Also side note the book was so cute. The cover, the playlist on the front page, the song lyrics before each chapter, the duel timelines of then and now. So organized and took so much thought which I appreciate. Such a fast read. Basically read it in one day.
Tw: death of parent off page, bloody cut
Spice: none
Language: 🧁
Troupe: fake dating in the now, best friends to lovers then
POV: first person female
Enjoyment 📦📦📦📦📦
Thank you book Sirens and the author for the arc. This review is my own opinion and I am reviewing freely.
The writing was written well. I think a rom com from the author would be so funny and so interesting. Anyways, chapter 17 made me cry. I never cry with books and that one chapter was so intense and emotional.
It was slow at first, but after 40% it in picked up. This is a very short book so probably only 100 pages until it got super exciting. At the first 30% I was only going to give this book 3 stars, but then the action started! Then at about 45% I thought maybe 4. Once my eyes started to tear up, I needed to rate it 5 stars. This was at about 85%. It got so emotional and sad, but the ending was so perfect.
I loved the chemistry between Tara and Eli. It was so sweet, almost as sweet as the cakes they bake. I liked the reference to Tara’s Indian culture. Also side note the book was so cute. The cover, the playlist on the front page, the song lyrics before each chapter, the duel timelines of then and now. So organized and took so much thought which I appreciate. Such a fast read. Basically read it in one day.
Tw: death of parent off page, bloody cut
Spice: none
Language: 🧁
Troupe: fake dating in the now, best friends to lovers then
POV: first person female
Enjoyment 📦📦📦📦📦
September 5, 2025
This delightful story is sweet and charming, leaving you with a warm feeling inside. It follows the journey of two neighbors who become best friends at the age of ten, only to face a five-year detour fueled by their stubborn pride. While I typically enjoy romance novels featuring morally complex characters and a bit of spice, Ria Charya's debut offers something different yet equally satisfying. This adorable love story introduces you to characters you can't help but cheer for, keeping you engaged and eager for their long-awaited happy ending. After a few weeks without reading, this was the first book I picked up, and I absolutely adored it! I went in without any expectations and found myself laughing and even kicking my feet in delight, especially towards the end. The flashback chapters added depth, revealing the events that shaped their relationship, and I may have shed a few tears along the way. I wholeheartedly love this book and can't wait to see what else this author has in store!
September 2, 2025
This was such a sweet, nostalgic romance. I loved the writing and would absolutely read anything this author writes!
I especially loved the descriptions of the Box, a shipping container converted into a backyard oasis and the backdrop of Tara and Eli’s childhood. The imagery in this book is stunning and immersive. I found myself pulled in completely!
This is a clean romance but it never feels like it’s “missing” a single thing. I highly recommend this book to anyone who would love a sweet romance with a satisfying HEA!
I especially loved the descriptions of the Box, a shipping container converted into a backyard oasis and the backdrop of Tara and Eli’s childhood. The imagery in this book is stunning and immersive. I found myself pulled in completely!
This is a clean romance but it never feels like it’s “missing” a single thing. I highly recommend this book to anyone who would love a sweet romance with a satisfying HEA!
August 30, 2025
4.25 stars!
Sweet, charming, and leaves you an overall good feeling. This story begins as new neighbors at age ten and turns into a best friends for life. Add a bit of stubborn pride, and they both throw their love into a 5 year detour. Generally, I want my romance books to have morally grey characters and a good amount of spice. This has neither, but Ria Charya's debut novel will not leave you wanting. This adorable lovestory will introduce you to characters you'll find yourself rooting for. It will hold your attention, build intrigue, and satisfy your hopes for a long awaited happily ever after.
Sweet, charming, and leaves you an overall good feeling. This story begins as new neighbors at age ten and turns into a best friends for life. Add a bit of stubborn pride, and they both throw their love into a 5 year detour. Generally, I want my romance books to have morally grey characters and a good amount of spice. This has neither, but Ria Charya's debut novel will not leave you wanting. This adorable lovestory will introduce you to characters you'll find yourself rooting for. It will hold your attention, build intrigue, and satisfy your hopes for a long awaited happily ever after.
August 24, 2025
Absolutely breathtaking. 🥹
This story is one that will stay with me for a long time. The characters, the heart, the LOVE…what a beautiful book.
The writing immediately drew me in. The author had such a poetic way of writing that made me fall in love with the book from the beginning, I read well over halfway in one sitting!
The characters felt so real and likable! Tara and Eli were such a sweet couple to read about, but they both had such good qualities and sweet moments as individuals that made this story that much more memorable.
The love that pours out of these pages was almost tangible. The emotions that I went through towards the end were just breathtaking!
The back and forth timeline between Tara and Eli’s childhood and the present was done so well! Being able to read the “then” chapters of them growing up together and their relationship evolving was so sweet. The “now” chapters were exciting with the baking competition and added more depth to the story that was perfect!
Highly, highly recommend!! I can’t wait to read anything and everything this author writes in the future!
Thank you to the author, Ria Charya, for the copy of this book. All opinions are my own! ❤️
This story is one that will stay with me for a long time. The characters, the heart, the LOVE…what a beautiful book.
The writing immediately drew me in. The author had such a poetic way of writing that made me fall in love with the book from the beginning, I read well over halfway in one sitting!
The characters felt so real and likable! Tara and Eli were such a sweet couple to read about, but they both had such good qualities and sweet moments as individuals that made this story that much more memorable.
The love that pours out of these pages was almost tangible. The emotions that I went through towards the end were just breathtaking!
The back and forth timeline between Tara and Eli’s childhood and the present was done so well! Being able to read the “then” chapters of them growing up together and their relationship evolving was so sweet. The “now” chapters were exciting with the baking competition and added more depth to the story that was perfect!
Highly, highly recommend!! I can’t wait to read anything and everything this author writes in the future!
Thank you to the author, Ria Charya, for the copy of this book. All opinions are my own! ❤️
August 30, 2025
This book perfectly captures the charm of a teenage boy-next-door romance. The love between the main characters is beautifully written, even as they spend their childhood convincing themselves—and everyone else—that they’re just friends. Tara’s opportunity to enter a baking competition becomes a turning point, opening doors she never knew she wanted to walk through. Heartwarming and engaging, this story is a delightful read for all ages!
August 21, 2025
Yes 5 stars for a cute story that can be read by any age group. I like this little romance because it brought me back in time to where young love is so sweet and always misunderstood. We tend to doubt that the other feels the same. So we stay in the friend zone where we know it's great and don't want to ruin it. Years later lives evolving, Tara is faced with trying to salvage her mother's business. She enters a cooking TV show, but needs a partner. Eli walks in minutes before she is to fill out the form. There is tension, and feelings, memories, and new people in the mix of it all. Tara is still in love with her bestfriend Eli and it's hard to just be his bestfriend with memories of the past and new people Tara is just beside herself. But top priority is saving her Mom's business and to do so her focus is on winning the top prize of this show. While juggling her feelings for Eli. The end of this cute story is the icing on the cake, bringing everything to light. Thanks Ms. Ria Charya for this beautiful read!
August 28, 2025
Who doesn’t love a good friends-to-lovers romance? This story was absolutely adorable—you can’t help but fall for the characters and cheer them on from the very beginning. It’s a light, well-written read that’s both charming and easy to get swept up in.
Thank you to Booksirens and the publisher for the e-arc
Thank you to Booksirens and the publisher for the e-arc
August 24, 2025
This book is exactly the read I was hoping it would be. The story is cute and wholesome. The characters feel like someone you know. The flashback chapters remind you of young crushes and how all encompassing those feelings of angst were and how you just couldn’t express what exactly it is you felt at that time. The “big scene” (clasps hands over heart) was so sweet! I laughed and cried and thoroughly enjoyed curling up in this comfort read.
*I received a free ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
*I received a free ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
August 23, 2025
The first book I’ve read in a few weeks and I absolutely loved it!! I didn’t know what to fully expect going in but enjoyed it every step of the way. Eli and Tara’s story had me laughing at parts. Yet throughout and especially towards the end had me giggling and kicking my feet. Loved the flashback chapters, so I got to see more in detail what led up to the current events in the story. I may have also cried a few times. Love this book wholeheartedly and can’t wait for more books by this author.
August 22, 2025
I was one of the lucky people chosen to be an ARC reader :)
If Never Have I Ever, The Summer I Turned Pretty, and The Great British Bake Off had a baby, it would be Twelve and a Half Summers. This book whisks you back to childhood memories, sprinkles in a first love (hello, boy-next-door), and folds it all into a present day story that’s as sweet as it is heart-tugging. (Ugh first heartbreak ) It’s the perfect mix of nostalgia and a little “what if?” (Yes she gets her HEA)
If Never Have I Ever, The Summer I Turned Pretty, and The Great British Bake Off had a baby, it would be Twelve and a Half Summers. This book whisks you back to childhood memories, sprinkles in a first love (hello, boy-next-door), and folds it all into a present day story that’s as sweet as it is heart-tugging. (Ugh first heartbreak ) It’s the perfect mix of nostalgia and a little “what if?” (Yes she gets her HEA)
September 30, 2025
The cute cover and premise immediately caught my attention, and once I learned the romance was clean, I was excited to dive in to 'Twelve and a Half Summers'. What I found was a really sweet YA romance about childhood best friends, Tara and Eli.
Told entirely from Tara’s perspective, the story alternates between “Then” (their adolescent years) and “Now” (their early twenties). This structure lets us see both their history and their present-day reconnection. I especially enjoyed how their shared love of baking weaves through it all, from childhood kitchen experiments to competing on a televised baking show that doubles as a chance to save Tara’s mom’s café. The baking element adds energy and keeps the story from leaning too heavily on pining, even though it’s clear from the beginning that Tara has loved Eli all along.
Because this is a shorter book, the characters aren’t explored as deeply as in longer romances, but the glimpses of their past and the reconciliation in the present make for a sweet, heartwarming scope. It felt refreshing not to compare it to weightier romances and simply enjoy it for what it is—a tender, clean love story that captures the charm of young love and second chances. From what I can tell, this is Ria Charya’s debut, and it left me delighted to see what she will write next.
Special thanks to BookSirens for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Told entirely from Tara’s perspective, the story alternates between “Then” (their adolescent years) and “Now” (their early twenties). This structure lets us see both their history and their present-day reconnection. I especially enjoyed how their shared love of baking weaves through it all, from childhood kitchen experiments to competing on a televised baking show that doubles as a chance to save Tara’s mom’s café. The baking element adds energy and keeps the story from leaning too heavily on pining, even though it’s clear from the beginning that Tara has loved Eli all along.
Because this is a shorter book, the characters aren’t explored as deeply as in longer romances, but the glimpses of their past and the reconciliation in the present make for a sweet, heartwarming scope. It felt refreshing not to compare it to weightier romances and simply enjoy it for what it is—a tender, clean love story that captures the charm of young love and second chances. From what I can tell, this is Ria Charya’s debut, and it left me delighted to see what she will write next.
Special thanks to BookSirens for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
September 11, 2025
I really enjoyed this book, I'm not usually a fan of friends to lovers but this book is written so well that I couldn't help but want to keep reading every time I picked it up. and it is also the first non audiobook I've read in almost a month so that rates it highly for me.
I felt that this book was well paced and went back and forth from the present to when Eli and Tara were children/teenagers. There wasn't a moment I was bored and wanted more to happen because there was always something going on and the author made even scenes that might have less action interesting. This is the first time I've read a romance with a big baking storyline and i really enjoyed that element of them going on the baking show and the intensity of seeing weather or not they would make it through the round.
overall I think this book is perfect for anyone as it is clean (something I really enjoy in a romance) so would suit a younger audience but the characters are in there 20s so it is can also fit an slightly older audience.
I felt that this book was well paced and went back and forth from the present to when Eli and Tara were children/teenagers. There wasn't a moment I was bored and wanted more to happen because there was always something going on and the author made even scenes that might have less action interesting. This is the first time I've read a romance with a big baking storyline and i really enjoyed that element of them going on the baking show and the intensity of seeing weather or not they would make it through the round.
overall I think this book is perfect for anyone as it is clean (something I really enjoy in a romance) so would suit a younger audience but the characters are in there 20s so it is can also fit an slightly older audience.
September 11, 2025
An absolutely beautiful debut!
This is the story of a girl who always felt "other" and the boy who always thought she was right where he belonged. They are idiots, and I love every piece of them!
Tara and Eli will give you all the feels as they reconcile the kids that they were with the adults that they have become. A true second-chance romance with a very fun reality TV twist! You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll wish you knew how to bake, but most of all, you will hope. I thought this story was very touching; it had a prominent miscommunication trope, the kind that can only be reconciled with "they were children and young people suck at being brave". As we see them grow closer as adults, we get to feel the roller coaster of both of these characters realizing that it is okay to be brave, it's okay to want, and it's important to dream.
I will absolutely be reading more from this talented author.
This is the story of a girl who always felt "other" and the boy who always thought she was right where he belonged. They are idiots, and I love every piece of them!
Tara and Eli will give you all the feels as they reconcile the kids that they were with the adults that they have become. A true second-chance romance with a very fun reality TV twist! You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll wish you knew how to bake, but most of all, you will hope. I thought this story was very touching; it had a prominent miscommunication trope, the kind that can only be reconciled with "they were children and young people suck at being brave". As we see them grow closer as adults, we get to feel the roller coaster of both of these characters realizing that it is okay to be brave, it's okay to want, and it's important to dream.
I will absolutely be reading more from this talented author.
August 31, 2025
Not something I would have thought I’d be able to do, but I got to read this as an ARC- I LOVED this story! It was such a sweet, romantic, heartfelt read- I loved reading and getting more and more details about Tara and Eli’s relationship and friendship throughout their childhood. And to see them come back together! I was rooting for them the whole time! And stayed up late to finish it lol
September 21, 2025
There was so much I loved about the concept of this book. The idea of going on a baking show to save her family's failing bakery is so unique and adorable, which is what everyone wants to see from a romance.
That said, I wanted a bit more from the story. The baking show was almost exactly a rip-off of The Great British Baking Show, down to switching out the "Hollywood Handshake" with a coveted "Bow" you receive from the judges. Just wish it wasn't so clearly that show.
I didn't find myself emotionally invested in the characters and they lacked a bit of depth from my perspective. It felt like all I know about the FMC's life for the 5 years the MMC wasn't in it is that she was pining after him and doing almost nothing else? I would love a bit more of her story living a full-life in between then. Women can have so much more in their lives than just having someone to love.
The best thing about this book by far is the writing style/tone/word-choices. I have been through a string of modern romances lately that make tiktok references and meme jokes and I really can't stand it. This author never does that and it makes this book feel so timeless and really great for an audience of any age!
With more depth on the characters (FMC in particular) and some more creativity with the baking show, this book would be an easy five stars and I am really looking forward to reading more from this author.
**DISCLAIMER** I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
That said, I wanted a bit more from the story. The baking show was almost exactly a rip-off of The Great British Baking Show, down to switching out the "Hollywood Handshake" with a coveted "Bow" you receive from the judges. Just wish it wasn't so clearly that show.
I didn't find myself emotionally invested in the characters and they lacked a bit of depth from my perspective. It felt like all I know about the FMC's life for the 5 years the MMC wasn't in it is that she was pining after him and doing almost nothing else? I would love a bit more of her story living a full-life in between then. Women can have so much more in their lives than just having someone to love.
The best thing about this book by far is the writing style/tone/word-choices. I have been through a string of modern romances lately that make tiktok references and meme jokes and I really can't stand it. This author never does that and it makes this book feel so timeless and really great for an audience of any age!
With more depth on the characters (FMC in particular) and some more creativity with the baking show, this book would be an easy five stars and I am really looking forward to reading more from this author.
**DISCLAIMER** I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 24, 2025
Twelve and a half summers is a book I would definitely recommend to anyone looking to feel happy and like you’ve just embraced the most genuine, warm and cozy hug, long after you’ve finished reading it. This book reeled me in from the beginning with its romantic charm and is chalked full of sweet, wholesome moments, sprinkled with some lighthearted fun! It is a beautifully written, best friends to lovers, second chance romance, that follows Tara and Eli, best friends since they were 10 years old. A genuine friendship full of nostalgia, laughter, and bonding over their love for aliens and baking! As Eli and Tara’s story progresses, they are faced with unspoken matters of the heart, mixed with a little heartbreak in between, that places hundreds of miles between them, for 5 agonizing years! Tara, a now college graduate, is back in her hometown planning to join a baking show competition to save her mother’s café from closure, when in walks … you guessed it! Eli Ableman! Will Tara and Eli speak again and clear the air? Will they rekindle their friendship after all these years? Will they finally affirm their unspoken words that left them distanced and heartbroken? You’ll have to read it to find out! I truly enjoyed reading this book and I hope that you will enjoy it too! Happy Reading!
September 6, 2025
I absolutely love and adore Twelve and a Half Summers by Ria Charya!! She writes like a well-seasoned author, yet this is her first published book. I love this story and how it was written so much that I am anxiously waiting for her second and more future books.
I love how she takes us readers through Tara and Eli's history of first meeting when Eli moves in next door to Tara and her mom, their growing friendship over the years, into being best friends, their growing love for one another. This is all interspersed every other chapter through their current lives, let's call it The Great British Baking era. We can see and physically feel the heartbreak coming toward the end of the Then chapters, as the lack of open communication builds to Tara's shattered soul. I cried and cried at that point, which was countered by all the joy, laughter, and sheer giddiness throughout. I think if anyone could have seen me while reading this, they would have seen this 🥹 look on my face.
This sweet, clean romance is perfect for any true lover of romance. It would be a great YA read. I am so happy that I took a chance on this new author. These characters and their story will stay with me for a long time. I hope you give Ria Charya and this story a chance! I'm sure you will love it like I do.
I love how she takes us readers through Tara and Eli's history of first meeting when Eli moves in next door to Tara and her mom, their growing friendship over the years, into being best friends, their growing love for one another. This is all interspersed every other chapter through their current lives, let's call it The Great British Baking era. We can see and physically feel the heartbreak coming toward the end of the Then chapters, as the lack of open communication builds to Tara's shattered soul. I cried and cried at that point, which was countered by all the joy, laughter, and sheer giddiness throughout. I think if anyone could have seen me while reading this, they would have seen this 🥹 look on my face.
This sweet, clean romance is perfect for any true lover of romance. It would be a great YA read. I am so happy that I took a chance on this new author. These characters and their story will stay with me for a long time. I hope you give Ria Charya and this story a chance! I'm sure you will love it like I do.
October 11, 2025
Five years ago, Tara’s heart was broken by her best friend and the love of her life.
Now, she’s entered a bake-off and has been accepted, but has to find a partner to bake with her. And the only one she can find is her childhood friend and the person who broke her heart, Eli.
This was a cute sort of coming of age, friends to lovers romance with baking!
It goes back and forth from the past to the present to help you learn about their relationship from the moment they met each other up to the present, and learn their dynamic and how they’re a rather great team.
I love the baking show aspect seeing as I do love a bake-off!
I do think the story seemed rather rushed on the present timeline. We kind of just jumped into the now and a baking show, and I wish the story was a bit slower, but overall, I enjoyed it and it was cute.
Thank you to BookSirens and the author for the e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Now, she’s entered a bake-off and has been accepted, but has to find a partner to bake with her. And the only one she can find is her childhood friend and the person who broke her heart, Eli.
This was a cute sort of coming of age, friends to lovers romance with baking!
It goes back and forth from the past to the present to help you learn about their relationship from the moment they met each other up to the present, and learn their dynamic and how they’re a rather great team.
I love the baking show aspect seeing as I do love a bake-off!
I do think the story seemed rather rushed on the present timeline. We kind of just jumped into the now and a baking show, and I wish the story was a bit slower, but overall, I enjoyed it and it was cute.
Thank you to BookSirens and the author for the e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 28, 2025
I really enjoyed this story—it had all the sweetness (and heartbreak) of first love woven with the fun twist of a baking competition. Tara and Eli’s journey felt genuine, and I loved how the author moved between their childhood memories and their present-day lives.
The writing painted such clear pictures in my mind that it was easy to imagine every moment. I’m a big fan of watching baking competitions, so getting to read about one made this even more enjoyable.
It was heartfelt, nostalgic, and charming. A great pick if you’re looking for a feel-good romance that still tugs on your heartstrings.
The writing painted such clear pictures in my mind that it was easy to imagine every moment. I’m a big fan of watching baking competitions, so getting to read about one made this even more enjoyable.
It was heartfelt, nostalgic, and charming. A great pick if you’re looking for a feel-good romance that still tugs on your heartstrings.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews