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Have a Great Summer
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Expected 26 May 26Set against a vibrant Jersey Shore backdrop and bursting with summertime romance, hometown nostalgia, smart humor, female friendship, and millennial angst, TODAY Show journalist Francesca Cocchi’s dual-timeline teenage-crush-to-adult-lovers debut is the perfect beach read for fans of Anabel Monaghan, Carley Fortune, and Emily Henry.
If time is supposed to heal all wounds, Lina Mariano’s broken teenage heart never quite got the message—but 15 sunny, sandy, angsty Jersey Shore summers later, she finds herself unexpectedly facing her old crush, getting a new perspective—and maybe even a hopeful glimpse of the future . . .
Lina Mariano is stuck—in her hometown, in her job, and in the past. And after six years of writing up local weddings as a columnist for a popular lifestyle website, she’s wholeheartedly sick of nuptials. Worse, the next one on her list is none other than Sebastian Nikolaou’s.
Working high school summers with sweet, handsome Sebastian at his mother’s iconic beach restaurant, teenage Lina was totally wrapped up in the way he made her feel—until the night that everything changed. Even so, she’s embarrassed to admit how often she still thinks of him, and now, comparing their present lives is wrenching. It will take a careful look at her younger self, and some wisdom from the best friend who was there for it all, to see that making her dreams come true is up to her alone—whether or not those dreams still include Sebastian . . .
Poignant, engaging, and insightful, Have a Great Summer is an ode to the confused teenager in all of us, and a reminder of the blissful, excruciating, delicious days of summers gone by.
If time is supposed to heal all wounds, Lina Mariano’s broken teenage heart never quite got the message—but 15 sunny, sandy, angsty Jersey Shore summers later, she finds herself unexpectedly facing her old crush, getting a new perspective—and maybe even a hopeful glimpse of the future . . .
Lina Mariano is stuck—in her hometown, in her job, and in the past. And after six years of writing up local weddings as a columnist for a popular lifestyle website, she’s wholeheartedly sick of nuptials. Worse, the next one on her list is none other than Sebastian Nikolaou’s.
Working high school summers with sweet, handsome Sebastian at his mother’s iconic beach restaurant, teenage Lina was totally wrapped up in the way he made her feel—until the night that everything changed. Even so, she’s embarrassed to admit how often she still thinks of him, and now, comparing their present lives is wrenching. It will take a careful look at her younger self, and some wisdom from the best friend who was there for it all, to see that making her dreams come true is up to her alone—whether or not those dreams still include Sebastian . . .
Poignant, engaging, and insightful, Have a Great Summer is an ode to the confused teenager in all of us, and a reminder of the blissful, excruciating, delicious days of summers gone by.
- GenresRomance
320 pages, Paperback
Expected publication May 26, 2026
5 people are currently reading
406 people want to read
About the author
Francesca Cocchi
1 book22 followersFrancesca is a writer and editor with more than nine years of experience at national outlets, such as NBC’s TODAY and Food Network Magazine. A proud Jersey native, she grew up down the shore in Monmouth County and currently lives in Jersey City with her husband, dog, and an overflowing bookcase. Have a Great Summer is her debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
August 30, 2025
If you’re looking for an atmospheric beach reach packed with emotion and nostalgia a la Carley Fortune and Elin Hilderbrand … I wrote this book for you <3 (Bonus points if you love millennial references, second chance romance, or have spent any time on the Jersey Shore!)
“Set against a vibrant Jersey Shore backdrop and bursting with summertime romance, hometown nostalgia, smart humor, female friendship, and millennial angst, journalist Francesca Cocchi’s dual-timeline teenage-crush-to-adult-lovers debut is the perfect beach read for fans of Annabel Monaghan, Carley Fortune, and Emily Henry.
If time is supposed to heal all wounds, Lina Mariano’s broken teenage heart never quite got the message—but 15 sunny, sandy, angsty Jersey Shore summers later, she finds herself unexpectedly facing her old crush, getting a new perspective—and maybe even a hopeful glimpse of the future . . .
Lina Mariano is stuck—in her hometown, in her job, and in the past. And after six years of writing up local weddings as a columnist for a popular lifestyle website, she’s wholeheartedly sick of nuptials. Worse, the next one on her list is none other than Sebastian Nikolaou’s.
Working high school summers with sweet, handsome Sebastian at his mother’s iconic beach restaurant, teenage Lina was totally wrapped up in the way he made her feel—until the night that everything changed. Even so, she’s embarrassed to admit how often she still thinks of him, and now, comparing their present lives is wrenching. It will take a careful look at her younger self, and some wisdom from the best friend who was there for it all, to see that making her dreams come true is up to her alone—whether or not those dreams still include Sebastian . . .
Poignant, engaging, and insightful, Have a Great Summer is an ode to the confused teenager in all of us, and a reminder of the blissful, excruciating, delicious days of summers gone by.”
“Set against a vibrant Jersey Shore backdrop and bursting with summertime romance, hometown nostalgia, smart humor, female friendship, and millennial angst, journalist Francesca Cocchi’s dual-timeline teenage-crush-to-adult-lovers debut is the perfect beach read for fans of Annabel Monaghan, Carley Fortune, and Emily Henry.
If time is supposed to heal all wounds, Lina Mariano’s broken teenage heart never quite got the message—but 15 sunny, sandy, angsty Jersey Shore summers later, she finds herself unexpectedly facing her old crush, getting a new perspective—and maybe even a hopeful glimpse of the future . . .
Lina Mariano is stuck—in her hometown, in her job, and in the past. And after six years of writing up local weddings as a columnist for a popular lifestyle website, she’s wholeheartedly sick of nuptials. Worse, the next one on her list is none other than Sebastian Nikolaou’s.
Working high school summers with sweet, handsome Sebastian at his mother’s iconic beach restaurant, teenage Lina was totally wrapped up in the way he made her feel—until the night that everything changed. Even so, she’s embarrassed to admit how often she still thinks of him, and now, comparing their present lives is wrenching. It will take a careful look at her younger self, and some wisdom from the best friend who was there for it all, to see that making her dreams come true is up to her alone—whether or not those dreams still include Sebastian . . .
Poignant, engaging, and insightful, Have a Great Summer is an ode to the confused teenager in all of us, and a reminder of the blissful, excruciating, delicious days of summers gone by.”
December 12, 2025
Although set on the Jersey Shore, this book is for anyone looking for a fun, nostalgia-inducing read that will transport you right back to your teenage years, regardless of where you spent them. Francesca's voice is second to none that makes this a very funny, very relatable and very easy read.
This book hits you in all the right places, with an amazing dual timeline romance...and an even better subplot about our most important friendships that will make you want to pick up the phone and catch up with an old friend.
This book hits you in all the right places, with an amazing dual timeline romance...and an even better subplot about our most important friendships that will make you want to pick up the phone and catch up with an old friend.
September 26, 2025
Absolutely adorable and filled with so many NJ Easter eggs it will make every Jersey Girl heart sing! 😍 Grab yourself a bagel from your favorite spot and enjoy a tale that captures millennial nostalgia and the unspeakable joy spent at the Jersey shore so lovingly that you’ll find yourself packing your beach bag and gladiator sandals before you know what hit you. Or, if you’re like me, it will transport you right back to high school and you’ll feel weirdly stressed about what to write in your crush’s yearbook. Loved it and cannot wait for more from Francesca Cocchi!
January 7, 2026
“Sebastian had shone his light on me, and I let myself melt from the warmth.” 💙
I couldn’t have picked a better book for my first read of 2026! Have a Great Summer made me feel all the feels, and I found myself smiling so often as I read. There are so many different relationship dynamics to love and appreciate in this story, and I found myself reflecting on my own life and the people I am grateful for as I made my way through the story. Truly relatable and wholesome.
This book had me wishing I grew up on the Jersey Shore. The setting is so dreamy, cutesy, and cozy. Even better, the nostalgia brought about through all of the mid-2000s references had me reminiscing on my own teenage years. Also, we love a dual timeline. This was such an easy and refreshing read, and I couldn’t put it down! I didn’t want the story to end, but I think Francesca wrapped it up beautifully. My heart is happy!
I couldn’t have picked a better book for my first read of 2026! Have a Great Summer made me feel all the feels, and I found myself smiling so often as I read. There are so many different relationship dynamics to love and appreciate in this story, and I found myself reflecting on my own life and the people I am grateful for as I made my way through the story. Truly relatable and wholesome.
This book had me wishing I grew up on the Jersey Shore. The setting is so dreamy, cutesy, and cozy. Even better, the nostalgia brought about through all of the mid-2000s references had me reminiscing on my own teenage years. Also, we love a dual timeline. This was such an easy and refreshing read, and I couldn’t put it down! I didn’t want the story to end, but I think Francesca wrapped it up beautifully. My heart is happy!
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January 9, 2026Have a Great Summer is not only a love letter to the Jersey Shore, but to friendship, family, and the importance of following your heart. This book was immediately on my radar when I saw a Tiktok posted by Francesca Cocchi saying that her debut novel was about a summer romance that took place at the Jersey Shore. As someone who grew up minutes from the Shore, I absolutely needed to give it a read and it exceeded any expectations. I highlighted so much of this book because I related to a whole lot. Having to go to work super early in the summers because of the Shore traffic, Paisley Vera Bradley bags, the Abercrombie skinny jeans & Uggs combo. So nostalgic!! I loved that she mentioned real establishments like Rook and the attention to detail. All the details Francesca Cocchi provides are so atmospheric that I really felt like I was there and she really sums up the Jersey Shore experience (not the MTV version!) perfectly.
In the book, we have dual timelines that alternate from now to 14 years ago when Angelina (Lina) Mariano was a high schooler working at Brantley Beach’s legendary restaurant, Bubba’s, which is where we meet her love interest, Sebastian. While their relationship can be a little complicated at times, the story focuses on so much more. We not only see their relationship dynamic change, but we see Lina’s character development which was very enjoyable. High school is such an impressionable time, but so is your 20s when you feel like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders. Even if you’ve never been to the Jersey Shore, there is something you will relate to or connect with in this story. Whether you attach to the characters or whether you can relate to what they’re going through, this is a perfect beach read for anyone.
Thank you to Kensington Press and NetGalley for the e-ARC! All opinions are my own.
P.S. Where can I get a copy of “Beach Bites: A Culinary History of the Jersey Shore”?!
In the book, we have dual timelines that alternate from now to 14 years ago when Angelina (Lina) Mariano was a high schooler working at Brantley Beach’s legendary restaurant, Bubba’s, which is where we meet her love interest, Sebastian. While their relationship can be a little complicated at times, the story focuses on so much more. We not only see their relationship dynamic change, but we see Lina’s character development which was very enjoyable. High school is such an impressionable time, but so is your 20s when you feel like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders. Even if you’ve never been to the Jersey Shore, there is something you will relate to or connect with in this story. Whether you attach to the characters or whether you can relate to what they’re going through, this is a perfect beach read for anyone.
Thank you to Kensington Press and NetGalley for the e-ARC! All opinions are my own.
P.S. Where can I get a copy of “Beach Bites: A Culinary History of the Jersey Shore”?!
December 15, 2025
Have a Great Summer is a perfect beach read that will transport you back in time in the best way, especially if you are from the tri-state area and used to blast playlists filled with Boys Like Girls on repeat with the windows down on the way to the beach.
Filled with millennial angst and brimming with hope and emotion, the story's dual timeline second chance premise is unique as it is teenage crush to lovers. Lina and Sebastian's connection is obvious pretty immediately when they are younger but you know she harbors resentment towards him now. Although you'd think there might be a power imbalance when they accidentally reunite years later, their dynamic was a lot sweeter and more wholesome than I expected which really drew me in. So much so, that I finished the book in one sitting.
Have a Great Summer is nostalgic, breezy, emotional and swoony and will have you itching to visit the Jersey Shore. A stunning debut from Francesca Cocchi, I'd recommend to all romance readers. Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC.
Filled with millennial angst and brimming with hope and emotion, the story's dual timeline second chance premise is unique as it is teenage crush to lovers. Lina and Sebastian's connection is obvious pretty immediately when they are younger but you know she harbors resentment towards him now. Although you'd think there might be a power imbalance when they accidentally reunite years later, their dynamic was a lot sweeter and more wholesome than I expected which really drew me in. So much so, that I finished the book in one sitting.
Have a Great Summer is nostalgic, breezy, emotional and swoony and will have you itching to visit the Jersey Shore. A stunning debut from Francesca Cocchi, I'd recommend to all romance readers. Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC.
December 18, 2025
How do I convince every romance genre-lover to read this novel?! We all know I’m a little biased towards a second chance romance, which is what Francesca kept hinting at before I was able to get this book in my hands. Not only does it tell the page-turning story of Lina and Sebastian, navigating their now-adult feelings for one another despite breaking one another’s heart in high school, but also gives way to let another relationship and love shine through by way of her best friend. This book reminds me of the Olivia Dean song, “I’ve Seen It,” due to the myriad of ways love shows up throughout Lina’s life (or the small glimpse we see of it throughout the book). Thanks for letting me read it in advance, Francesca! I’m so excited to see it officially out in the world next May.
December 27, 2025
This book had me laughing out loud multiple times, my favorite type of humor. It was so cute & extremely nostalgic, especially if you went to high school in the 2010s, I appreciated all the throw backs. dare I say it got me missing payless ???
perfect summer read 🫶🏻 may or may not have to be an annoying tourist next summer 🤭
perfect summer read 🫶🏻 may or may not have to be an annoying tourist next summer 🤭
December 30, 2025
okay so here is the book of summer 2026! i was smiling, giggling and kicking my feet the whole entire time. i loved this story and i love new jersey!!!!
December 18, 2025
If you’re a fan of Emily Henry, Carley Fortune or any classic romcom, you need to read this!! I couldn’t believe this was Francesca’s first book. Oftentimes in debuts there is some expected stumbling as the author find their footing as a writer, but there’s none of that here. The way she writes and the characters she created have you hooked from the start and never let you go. I absolutely devoured this book over the course of a few of the coldest days we’ve had in NYC this season and I was totally transported from my chilly apartment to this sunny beach town in Jersey. It was just what I needed right now, though it’s also the kind of book you’ll want to bring along for a day at the beach or your next vacation. If you’re looking for great love story, you’ll be more than satisfied. But beyond that, there’s also heartwarming friendships, plenty of laugh out loud moments and a whole lot of nostalgia that every millennial will appreciate. May needs to come faster so I can tell all my friends to read this book!!
January 8, 2026
A delicious beach read from an amazing debut author 💯
December 6, 2025
Beach read that got me through the first part of winter
January 7, 2026
3.5 Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review. This book had so much and was such a cute romance story. At the beginning I wasn’t sure if this was going to lead more towards regular women’s fiction over your true and true romance come but around the 30% mark I was sure what I was getting into. For me what makes the perfect second chance romance is the yearning between the two main characters in the “now” timeline. This book unfortunately did not have too much of that in my opinion. The two main characters didn’t really have any tension in my opinion and I was never really worried that they wouldn’t get together because there was no real reason for them not to. The conflict is more so introduced in the last act of the novel but I feel like the dynamic of the characters was too underdeveloped for it to make a lot of sense or to make me feel anything . The past timeline was more interesting to me personally and varied parts of the novel for me. The atmosphere of the novel as a whole all made a huge impact on my enjoyment of the novel. Down to the side characters everyone felt so real and helped to move the plot along. This book is going to make a great summer read and I would recommend picking this up.
December 27, 2025
Have a Great Summer is a poignant, heartfelt debut that beautifully captures love, loss, and the quiet truth that what’s meant for us has a way of finding us, no matter how messy the path. I flew through this book; it’s equal parts fun, emotional, and deeply relatable.
Sebastian and Lina’s story felt so real!! It’s tender, frustrating, and achingly honest in the way only the most meaningful relationships are. Their connection stayed with me long after I turned the final page. And as someone familiar with the Jersey Shore, the local references felt like little Easter eggs woven perfectly into the story, adding an extra layer of charm.
I also loved how thoughtfully the novel highlighted the importance of female friendship. The bonds between the women felt just as impactful as the romance, grounding the story and reminding you how essential those connections are in every season of life.
A moving, nostalgic read that reminds you of first loves, missed chances, and the summers that shape who we become. Highly recommend!
Sebastian and Lina’s story felt so real!! It’s tender, frustrating, and achingly honest in the way only the most meaningful relationships are. Their connection stayed with me long after I turned the final page. And as someone familiar with the Jersey Shore, the local references felt like little Easter eggs woven perfectly into the story, adding an extra layer of charm.
I also loved how thoughtfully the novel highlighted the importance of female friendship. The bonds between the women felt just as impactful as the romance, grounding the story and reminding you how essential those connections are in every season of life.
A moving, nostalgic read that reminds you of first loves, missed chances, and the summers that shape who we become. Highly recommend!
December 14, 2025
Rather than judging a book by its cover, I always judge a book by how quickly I read it. The fact that I finished this in less than 2 days while caring for an 8 month old speaks volumes. This book checks a lot of things I look for in romance books: second chance love, dual timeline, Jersey setting, and the world of weddings. But what I loved the most wasn’t the traditional romantic love plot but the subplots of self love and the power of female friendships. Cocchi was intentional about every choice she made, from the witty banter to the powerful imagery. This is a stunning debut and I can’t wait to see more.
January 2, 2026
For anyone that has ever lived, visited, or vacation anywhere along the Jersey Shore, this book is for you! You can tell the author knows the area personally and infuses her local passion and personal experiences into the fabric of the story. Adorable, fun, relatable and overall the perfect beach read.
December 30, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! From the first chapter, it hooked me with laugh-out-loud millennial references that felt nostalgic and fun. This is truly a girl’s girl book—the kind that celebrates friendship, growth, and romance in a way that feels relatable and empowering.
The Jersey Shore setting is done right. It’s vibrant, charming, and vivid enough to turn any reader into a wannabe tourist, dreaming of boardwalks, beach days, and summer nights by the water. The setting felt like a character all on its own.
Most of all, this was such an easy, engaging read. It kept me hooked and excited to find out how Lina and Sebastian’s love story would play out. Their journey kept me invested from start to finish, making this the perfect book for anyone looking for a feel-good romance with heart, humor, and beachy vibes.
The Jersey Shore setting is done right. It’s vibrant, charming, and vivid enough to turn any reader into a wannabe tourist, dreaming of boardwalks, beach days, and summer nights by the water. The setting felt like a character all on its own.
Most of all, this was such an easy, engaging read. It kept me hooked and excited to find out how Lina and Sebastian’s love story would play out. Their journey kept me invested from start to finish, making this the perfect book for anyone looking for a feel-good romance with heart, humor, and beachy vibes.
December 6, 2025
Love this book so much. I thought about Lina and Sebastian long after it was over! The perfect Jersey Shore summer read. No notes!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was a romance, yes, but also a love letter to the Jersey Shore and friendship. If you've never been to the Jersey Shore maybe you won't understand why locals who grew up here defend it when they hear people who haven't actually visited themselves trashing it. If you have based your opinion on only watching a reality tv show with a cast that is 99% from NY, then I urge you to pick up this book for a real look at why the people who live here love it so much and understand the reasons they do.
I can't stress enough that although the main romance in this story revolves around Lina and Sebastian, it also focuses on the friendships that have endured for years and that might be more important to your adult life than finding a soulmate. As women, we should all strive to find our own Maren and hope we get lucky enough to have her stick by our sides through awkward phases and adult decisions alike. Their friendship made me nostalgic for my own summertime friends that I would have sleepovers with and giggle about the cute lifeguards we saw at the beach that day.
Francesca absolutely nailed it when it comes to making the setting authentic- although I doubt she could have failed at this being as she grew up here. Some things that prove she's a true Jersey girl is her reference to Bennys, pork roll (don't argue with me about what this is called) and Rook. (Special shoutouts mentioned to Booskerdoo, other local roasteries and breweries, and Chicken or the Egg.)
You don't have to be from the Jersey Shore to enjoy this book, it would stand out on its own for the trips down memory lane for anyone that had great childhood summers or even those looking to escape into a romance that will make them feel warm on the inside. If you're a fan of Elin Hilderbrand's books but were looking for younger characters with no cheating, pick this up and then tell all your friends. I can't wait to see what else Ms. Cocchi dreams up next- she will be one to watch.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and especially Kensington Books for an advanced copy of this book!
I can't stress enough that although the main romance in this story revolves around Lina and Sebastian, it also focuses on the friendships that have endured for years and that might be more important to your adult life than finding a soulmate. As women, we should all strive to find our own Maren and hope we get lucky enough to have her stick by our sides through awkward phases and adult decisions alike. Their friendship made me nostalgic for my own summertime friends that I would have sleepovers with and giggle about the cute lifeguards we saw at the beach that day.
Francesca absolutely nailed it when it comes to making the setting authentic- although I doubt she could have failed at this being as she grew up here. Some things that prove she's a true Jersey girl is her reference to Bennys, pork roll (don't argue with me about what this is called) and Rook. (Special shoutouts mentioned to Booskerdoo, other local roasteries and breweries, and Chicken or the Egg.)
You don't have to be from the Jersey Shore to enjoy this book, it would stand out on its own for the trips down memory lane for anyone that had great childhood summers or even those looking to escape into a romance that will make them feel warm on the inside. If you're a fan of Elin Hilderbrand's books but were looking for younger characters with no cheating, pick this up and then tell all your friends. I can't wait to see what else Ms. Cocchi dreams up next- she will be one to watch.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and especially Kensington Books for an advanced copy of this book!
December 23, 2025
Have a Great Summer by Francesca Cocchi was such a nostalgic, easy summer read for me. With its dual timeline, it beautifully captures the feeling of teenage summers—first crushes, intense friendships, and that bittersweet sense of growing up that stays with you long after the season ends.
The story genuinely reminded me of my own teenage years, and I loved how much space the book gave to building the atmosphere and emotional connections throughout most of the novel. The friendship felt authentic, and the innocence of first love was handled with a lot of heart.
That said, while the book took its time developing the story, the ending felt a bit rushed in comparison. I was left wanting more from the main characters, especially after becoming so invested in their journey. A little more room to breathe and maybe a deeper conversation between the main characters at the end would have made it even stronger for me.
Overall, this was a perfect summer read—nostalgic, warm, and easy to get lost in. 4⭐️ thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the arc .
The story genuinely reminded me of my own teenage years, and I loved how much space the book gave to building the atmosphere and emotional connections throughout most of the novel. The friendship felt authentic, and the innocence of first love was handled with a lot of heart.
That said, while the book took its time developing the story, the ending felt a bit rushed in comparison. I was left wanting more from the main characters, especially after becoming so invested in their journey. A little more room to breathe and maybe a deeper conversation between the main characters at the end would have made it even stronger for me.
Overall, this was a perfect summer read—nostalgic, warm, and easy to get lost in. 4⭐️ thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the arc .
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
It was an ok read. It didn't get my full attention. Only half of my attention. It took me 6 days to read it. I noticed my attention was drifting away while I was listening to it. It was a cute read. Of coarse, it was set in summer. It had Now and Then timeline in it. Just like The Ginger Bread Bakery. I think that is why it only had my half attention. This is my first book that I read by Francesca Cocchi. I will read another book by her to give her an equally chance.
The book does transport you to Jersey Shore in the summer. There was chemistry between the main characters. They got a second chance at love. You got a glimpse of their teenage years. There was a duel timeline, Jersey setting, and a world of weddings.
The Cover got my attention. I really liked the cover. It beamed Summertime. I love covers that speak summertime. Summer is one of my favorite seasons.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC of this book.
The book does transport you to Jersey Shore in the summer. There was chemistry between the main characters. They got a second chance at love. You got a glimpse of their teenage years. There was a duel timeline, Jersey setting, and a world of weddings.
The Cover got my attention. I really liked the cover. It beamed Summertime. I love covers that speak summertime. Summer is one of my favorite seasons.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC of this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
FIRST BOOK OF 2026!
I absolutely loved Have a Great Summer by Francesca Cocchi. This was such a fun, beachy romance…and honestly the perfect escape while reading it in the middle of a dreary, freezing Chicago winter. One of the standout things for me was how clearly millennial the voice of this book is in the best way! The references, comments, and little innuendos felt so relatable and really captured what it was like growing up in the 2000s. Everything felt so real, warm, and easy to fall into that I am genuinely sad now that it’s over.
I also really loved reading the author’s note at the end. Hearing where the inspiration for the story came from and learning that this book was a long-time life goal shaped by so many real-life experiences made the whole story feel even more special and meaningful. It added such a personal layer and has me so excited for more books from Francesca Cocchi!
I absolutely loved Have a Great Summer by Francesca Cocchi. This was such a fun, beachy romance…and honestly the perfect escape while reading it in the middle of a dreary, freezing Chicago winter. One of the standout things for me was how clearly millennial the voice of this book is in the best way! The references, comments, and little innuendos felt so relatable and really captured what it was like growing up in the 2000s. Everything felt so real, warm, and easy to fall into that I am genuinely sad now that it’s over.
I also really loved reading the author’s note at the end. Hearing where the inspiration for the story came from and learning that this book was a long-time life goal shaped by so many real-life experiences made the whole story feel even more special and meaningful. It added such a personal layer and has me so excited for more books from Francesca Cocchi!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
After years of beach days spent reading summer romances set in fictional seaside towns, it was so surreal to read one that takes place in my own backyard. HAGS is the perfect beach read—nostalgic, heartfelt, and a total love letter to the Jersey Shore. I got excited every time another local reference popped up (Rook, Kane Brewing, The Chegg, etc.), and I have to obviously shout out the Greek characters and the quick Greek school mention, which you don’t see often 😂
This was a super cute story with Emily Henry / Carley Fortune vibes. My only regret is reading this during a gloomy, cold December instead of from my Tommy Bahama chair in Bradley Beach—which sounds suspiciously similar to the book’s setting of Brantley Beach 😉. I also wish there was just a littttttle more spice.
Thank you Francesca for the opportunity to read this in advance!
This was a super cute story with Emily Henry / Carley Fortune vibes. My only regret is reading this during a gloomy, cold December instead of from my Tommy Bahama chair in Bradley Beach—which sounds suspiciously similar to the book’s setting of Brantley Beach 😉. I also wish there was just a littttttle more spice.
Thank you Francesca for the opportunity to read this in advance!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
As someone who predominately reads nonfiction, I admittedly avoid rom-coms, the stark contrast of my preferred genre. I devoured this book in nearly one sitting.
Francesca Cocchi manages to capture every emotion that comes with an all-consuming crush (a canon event in teenage girlhood … and, for some of us, adulthood). The excitement, the embarrassment, the cautious optimism, the inevitable heartbreak, all of it. Best of all, she captures the relationships that matter most, the ones that stand strong “no matter where we live or work, no matter who else comes in or out of our lives…”.
If you’ve spent summers on the Jersey Shore—or are a “benny” from NYC like me—you’re going to especially adore this book. If you’ve never been to the Jersey Shore, these pages will transport you there. (Spoiler alert, it’s nothing like the MTV show.)
Francesca Cocchi manages to capture every emotion that comes with an all-consuming crush (a canon event in teenage girlhood … and, for some of us, adulthood). The excitement, the embarrassment, the cautious optimism, the inevitable heartbreak, all of it. Best of all, she captures the relationships that matter most, the ones that stand strong “no matter where we live or work, no matter who else comes in or out of our lives…”.
If you’ve spent summers on the Jersey Shore—or are a “benny” from NYC like me—you’re going to especially adore this book. If you’ve never been to the Jersey Shore, these pages will transport you there. (Spoiler alert, it’s nothing like the MTV show.)
Review of advance copy received from Author
I devoured this book in 48 hours and truly couldn’t put it down. It’s the perfect blend of nostalgia, heartfelt personal moments, and a genuine love letter to the Jersey Shore as only those who really know it can appreciate - all wrapped in a swoony, feel-good rom-com.
The characters are incredibly easy to root for and I found myself fully invested in their journey right up until the very end. The emotional beats feel authentic, the romance is sweet and satisfying, and the story strikes that rare balance of being both comforting and addictive.
It honestly deserves a place on the shelf alongside authors like Emily Henry and Carley Fortune. The writing feels lived-in and real, with small, specific details that make the world feel vibrant and relatable.
What a debut novel for Francesca Cocchi! I can’t wait to see what she does next!
The characters are incredibly easy to root for and I found myself fully invested in their journey right up until the very end. The emotional beats feel authentic, the romance is sweet and satisfying, and the story strikes that rare balance of being both comforting and addictive.
It honestly deserves a place on the shelf alongside authors like Emily Henry and Carley Fortune. The writing feels lived-in and real, with small, specific details that make the world feel vibrant and relatable.
What a debut novel for Francesca Cocchi! I can’t wait to see what she does next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you’re a fan of Emily Henry, then Cocchi’s debut novel is an absolute must-read. This book feels like a love letter to our teenage years and millennial girlhood! Through the dual-timelines, I found myself laughing out loud one minute and tearing up the next. The nostalgia is rich and vivid with so many odes to the Hollister-wearing era.
What makes this book truly special is how universal it feels. Whether you’re remembering your own summer of heart-eyes and heartbreak or you simply crave a story that celebrates the messy, beautiful, unforgettable moments that shape us, this book delivers joy, humor and a whole lot of heart.
What makes this book truly special is how universal it feels. Whether you’re remembering your own summer of heart-eyes and heartbreak or you simply crave a story that celebrates the messy, beautiful, unforgettable moments that shape us, this book delivers joy, humor and a whole lot of heart.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Lina is trying to break out of the wedding column she has written for the last 7 years; the spot she landed when she lost her job and was a "layover" until she found something else. When she bumps into her high school crush (who crushed her heart), Sebastian, one day everything seems to stop. Forced to cover his marriage for her column, Lina tries to hide the feelings she still has for him and the anger she still harbors for how he treated her.
Cocchi has written a cute romance set on the Jersey Shore that has more depth than I thought. Seeing Lina & Sebastian find one another again and how they help to heal each other made for a good read.
Thanks to PRH for the ARC!
Cocchi has written a cute romance set on the Jersey Shore that has more depth than I thought. Seeing Lina & Sebastian find one another again and how they help to heal each other made for a good read.
Thanks to PRH for the ARC!
October 17, 2025
What a delightful debut! HAVE A GREAT SUMMER perfectly captures that achy, delicious feeling of a teenage crush, and the hope and tension of re-capturing that crush years later, with a big heaping of growth, friendship, and figuring out your future. Cocchi is a master at setting - the Jersey Shore absolutely came alive and was a character in its own right. This is the kind of book you'll definitely want to bring to the beach. If you love Annabel Monaghan or Maine Characters by Hannah Orenstein, you're going to eat this up just like I did.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
ARC Read from Netgalley
Overall I thought this was a pretty good. It was a little hard for me to like both of the MCs, but they did grow on me in the end. I did love reading about Lina and Marrens friendship though! I do wish Sebastian had more than one POV chapter. The book feels less beachy and more reflective than I anticipated, but it was still a good story. The writing style was very strong, the author has a way of wrapping up loose ends within chapters, while also making you question what happens next.
Overall I thought this was a pretty good. It was a little hard for me to like both of the MCs, but they did grow on me in the end. I did love reading about Lina and Marrens friendship though! I do wish Sebastian had more than one POV chapter. The book feels less beachy and more reflective than I anticipated, but it was still a good story. The writing style was very strong, the author has a way of wrapping up loose ends within chapters, while also making you question what happens next.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What a great first read of 2026!! I felt transported to the Jersey Shore. Through the main character (and excellent writing) I felt as if I was reliving my own summers working at a snack stand (the perfect ice cream cone swirl still eludes me), what it felt like to have an all-consuming crush and friendships that have withstood the test of time. If you’re looking for the perfect summer read that will have you kicking your feet with glee, this is it!
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