What do you think?
The Vacation Shift
Gilmore Girls meets a reverse Parent Trap in this swoony and hilarious YA rom-com rom from popular adult romance author Lily Chu, following a teen who, while on a group tour to Japan, teams up with a fellow traveler to keep their parents from falling in love with each other.
Ivy Yu is cursed. Her parents separated six months ago, and she’s fallen into a fog. To help, her mother books an impulsive trip to Japan (cool) on a bus tour (very uncool). Ivy should be grateful, but this summer is her last chance to get her situationship, Connor, to fall in love with her.
When they arrive in Tokyo, it’s even worse than she imagined. Ivy and her Mom are the youngest of a group of seniors. Make that two of the youngest: there’s brooding Matteo, with his single dad, Keith.
Then Ivy discovers her mother and Keith are getting close, and her crush back home is hooking up with someone else. Desperate for some semblance of control and a distraction from the heaviness she can’t seem to shake off, she makes a deal with Matteo to keep their parents apart. Luckily, he agrees—and their devious plans begin.
Dodging nosy old ladies on the bus ride through Japan, their strange partnership begins to blossom into something unexpected and exciting—but can their romantic spark survive the journey?
Ivy Yu is cursed. Her parents separated six months ago, and she’s fallen into a fog. To help, her mother books an impulsive trip to Japan (cool) on a bus tour (very uncool). Ivy should be grateful, but this summer is her last chance to get her situationship, Connor, to fall in love with her.
When they arrive in Tokyo, it’s even worse than she imagined. Ivy and her Mom are the youngest of a group of seniors. Make that two of the youngest: there’s brooding Matteo, with his single dad, Keith.
Then Ivy discovers her mother and Keith are getting close, and her crush back home is hooking up with someone else. Desperate for some semblance of control and a distraction from the heaviness she can’t seem to shake off, she makes a deal with Matteo to keep their parents apart. Luckily, he agrees—and their devious plans begin.
Dodging nosy old ladies on the bus ride through Japan, their strange partnership begins to blossom into something unexpected and exciting—but can their romantic spark survive the journey?
352 pages, Paperback
First published June 23, 2026
About the author
Lily Chu
10 books1,965 followersLily Chu loves ordering the second-cheapest wine, wearing perfume all the time, and staying up far too late with a good book.
The Stand-In, The Comeback, and The Takedown are released in audio as Audible Originals, and are performed by Phillipa Soo. Lily’s critically acclaimed books have spent multiple weeks at number one in Audible Top Plus Listens in the All and the Romance categories, and have been named in Audible’s Best of the year lists.
In print, The Stand-In was named Target’s Book Club Pick for May as well as an Amazon Book of the Month and Apple Best Books of May.
Translation rights have been sold for seven languages.
The Stand-In, The Comeback, and The Takedown are released in audio as Audible Originals, and are performed by Phillipa Soo. Lily’s critically acclaimed books have spent multiple weeks at number one in Audible Top Plus Listens in the All and the Romance categories, and have been named in Audible’s Best of the year lists.
In print, The Stand-In was named Target’s Book Club Pick for May as well as an Amazon Book of the Month and Apple Best Books of May.
Translation rights have been sold for seven languages.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
huge thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
⛩️🌸🍵🍣🥢
happy publishing day!
i love a cutesy little romcom set in a different country with dysfunctional families and food and travel! there's nothing like a reverse "almost fake dating" trope. and even though it was pretty vanilla and boring, i also needed just a light book after reading a ton of fantasy at the time.
ivy
honestly i loved her, her internal dialogue was so real and valid and i was like "is this me?" at times even though it was not me. she was so valid for everything and loved her down < 33 and shes an art girlie WE STAN
matteo
literal king material, he was such a solid love interest with a personality and he balanced out ivy so well. i thought that their romance was cute because he had a personality and it was just a cute little plot with him.
everyone else
the parents sucked !!! the genuinely absurd lowk racist old ladies sucked !! but the overall vibes were good so this was a solid little read and i thought the setting was well done considering our prose was simple.
end notes
pick this book up if you want a little travel romcom for the plane.
frtc! this was cute tho, a pallete cleanser
⛩️🌸🍵🍣🥢
happy publishing day!
i love a cutesy little romcom set in a different country with dysfunctional families and food and travel! there's nothing like a reverse "almost fake dating" trope. and even though it was pretty vanilla and boring, i also needed just a light book after reading a ton of fantasy at the time.
ivy
honestly i loved her, her internal dialogue was so real and valid and i was like "is this me?" at times even though it was not me. she was so valid for everything and loved her down < 33 and shes an art girlie WE STAN
matteo
literal king material, he was such a solid love interest with a personality and he balanced out ivy so well. i thought that their romance was cute because he had a personality and it was just a cute little plot with him.
everyone else
the parents sucked !!! the genuinely absurd lowk racist old ladies sucked !! but the overall vibes were good so this was a solid little read and i thought the setting was well done considering our prose was simple.
end notes
pick this book up if you want a little travel romcom for the plane.
frtc! this was cute tho, a pallete cleanser
Want to Read
June 20, 2024From PW:
"Lily Chu’s YA debut THE VACATION SHIFT, pitched as a Gilmore Girls meets reverse Parent Trap mashup, about a struggling teen and her spontaneous mom who end up on a seniors tour of Japan in a spur-of-the-moment decision, with old ladies trying to matchmake them with a teenage boy and single dad on the trip, to Jennifer Ung at Quill Tree, in a very nice deal, at auction, by Carrie Pestritto at Laura Dail Literary Agency (world English)."
August 15, 2026
i think what i enjoyed most about the vacation shift is that it understands how catastrophically enormous everything can feel when you’re young. ivy is still reeling from her parents’ separation when her mum decides that what they apparently need is a group tour through japan, except ivy has left behind a situationship she’s convinced could become something more and now she’s stuck on a bus surrounded by retirees. then she meets matteo, another teenager travelling with his single dad, and when their parents start getting suspiciously close, the two decide to basically reverse-parent-trap them and keep them apart. obviously, somewhere between scheming, sightseeing, food, family drama and travelling across japan, their little alliance starts becoming something neither planned for. and i think that ridiculous premise worked for me because underneath it, ivy is messy, dramatic, occasionally selfish and so convinced that everyone else’s choices are somehow happening to her. there’s something painfully teenage about believing your parents’ separation is the end of the architecture you built your entire life inside, then desperately trying to control every other moving piece because you couldn’t control that one. and matteo??? sweet, steady, broody matteo balancing all of ivy’s chaos while their not-quite-fake-dating-but-almost situation quietly became something softer had me smiling like an idiot. the romance isn’t revolutionary, but god, sometimes i don’t want revolutionary. sometimes i want two teenagers being stupid in japan and accidentally falling for each other between food, sightseeing and family drama.
but i also think the book frustrated me precisely because i could see what it was trying to say about growing up, and i wanted it to push ivy just a little further. there were moments when her anger towards her mum felt less like hurt spilling over and more like the narrative allowing her to remain inside her own perspective for too long, especially when she afforded her dad a grace she rarely extended to her mother. i kept thinking about how growing up is partly the horrible discovery that your parents are not supporting characters in your life. they are people having a first attempt at living too, with wants and heartbreaks and dreams that continue existing outside of being somebody’s mum or dad. the vacation shift brushes against that idea beautifully, even if i’m not entirely convinced ivy reaches the emotional destination i wanted for her by the end. still, there’s something comforting about a book that lets its characters be immature before asking them to grow. it was light, chaotic, cute, occasionally made me want to grab ivy by the shoulders, and ultimately felt like a little coming-of-age romcom about discovering that sometimes the parts of life you’re desperately trying to stop from changing are making room for something good. 🌸🇯🇵
but i also think the book frustrated me precisely because i could see what it was trying to say about growing up, and i wanted it to push ivy just a little further. there were moments when her anger towards her mum felt less like hurt spilling over and more like the narrative allowing her to remain inside her own perspective for too long, especially when she afforded her dad a grace she rarely extended to her mother. i kept thinking about how growing up is partly the horrible discovery that your parents are not supporting characters in your life. they are people having a first attempt at living too, with wants and heartbreaks and dreams that continue existing outside of being somebody’s mum or dad. the vacation shift brushes against that idea beautifully, even if i’m not entirely convinced ivy reaches the emotional destination i wanted for her by the end. still, there’s something comforting about a book that lets its characters be immature before asking them to grow. it was light, chaotic, cute, occasionally made me want to grab ivy by the shoulders, and ultimately felt like a little coming-of-age romcom about discovering that sometimes the parts of life you’re desperately trying to stop from changing are making room for something good. 🌸🇯🇵
Want to Read
July 4, 2026✈️🌸 The Vacation Shift 🌸✈️
📖 Bookish Thoughts
Full ARC Review to come!
✨ What to Expect
• YA Romance
• Forced Proximity
• Travel Romance
• Japan Setting
• Opposites Attract
• Fake Team Up
_ _ _ _
🎧 Narration: Sarah Skaer
📅 Pub Date: June 23, 2026
Thank you to HarperAudio Children's, Quill Tree Books, and NetGalley for the advanced listening copy.
📖 Bookish Thoughts
Full ARC Review to come!
✨ What to Expect
• YA Romance
• Forced Proximity
• Travel Romance
• Japan Setting
• Opposites Attract
• Fake Team Up
_ _ _ _
🎧 Narration: Sarah Skaer
📅 Pub Date: June 23, 2026
Thank you to HarperAudio Children's, Quill Tree Books, and NetGalley for the advanced listening copy.
Did Not Finish
May 20, 2026DNF @10%
I love Chu’s adult romances, but from the very get-go, this story didn’t feel the same. The writing style was completely different. 1st person pov and so much telling instead of showing. YA doesn’t mean “dumbed down,” and that’s what I was getting from this. It saddens me, but I will stick with Chu’s adult stories.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an e-arc for review.
I love Chu’s adult romances, but from the very get-go, this story didn’t feel the same. The writing style was completely different. 1st person pov and so much telling instead of showing. YA doesn’t mean “dumbed down,” and that’s what I was getting from this. It saddens me, but I will stick with Chu’s adult stories.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an e-arc for review.
July 18, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Thank you Harper Audio for the #gifted copy in exchange for an honest review!
Ivy Yu is so cursed. She’s getting ready for a perfect summer with her situationship, Connor, when her mom impulsively books a bus tour of Japan to compensate for being recently separated from her dad. Japan is super cool, but a bus tour with a bunch of seniors? Not so much. The only person close to her age is Matteo, who’s there with his single dad. As Ivy’s mom and Matteo’s dad start getting a little too close for comfort, Ivy and Matteo hatch a plan to keep them apart. But what happens with all this planning to keep their parents apart unexpectedly sparks a flame?
Low-key, Lily Chu is one of the queens of the romance genre and is proving she can take over the YA space as well! I’ve enjoyed listening to many of her other books, but I have to say that this is one of my new favorites. I loved the reverse Parent Trap vibe, in addition to the forced proximity thousands of miles from home. Bonus points for including a tour guide that made me feel like I was exploring Japan alongside them! Sarah Skaer made me empathize with the teen situationship drama, loathe the tourist with her nose in the air, and love the lively spirit of the Japanese tour guide. If you’re a fan of YA romance, The Parent Trap movies, or even just want a written tour of Japan, this is a great book for you!
Reviewed as part of an #ARC from NetGalley.
Read this book if you:
✈️ hate the reclining seats on airplanes
💁🏼♀️ agree that Mean Girls is a Christmas film
🧸 have a love/hate relationship with the claw machines at arcades
Follow me on Instagram for more book reviews!
Thank you Harper Audio for the #gifted copy in exchange for an honest review!
Ivy Yu is so cursed. She’s getting ready for a perfect summer with her situationship, Connor, when her mom impulsively books a bus tour of Japan to compensate for being recently separated from her dad. Japan is super cool, but a bus tour with a bunch of seniors? Not so much. The only person close to her age is Matteo, who’s there with his single dad. As Ivy’s mom and Matteo’s dad start getting a little too close for comfort, Ivy and Matteo hatch a plan to keep them apart. But what happens with all this planning to keep their parents apart unexpectedly sparks a flame?
Low-key, Lily Chu is one of the queens of the romance genre and is proving she can take over the YA space as well! I’ve enjoyed listening to many of her other books, but I have to say that this is one of my new favorites. I loved the reverse Parent Trap vibe, in addition to the forced proximity thousands of miles from home. Bonus points for including a tour guide that made me feel like I was exploring Japan alongside them! Sarah Skaer made me empathize with the teen situationship drama, loathe the tourist with her nose in the air, and love the lively spirit of the Japanese tour guide. If you’re a fan of YA romance, The Parent Trap movies, or even just want a written tour of Japan, this is a great book for you!
Reviewed as part of an #ARC from NetGalley.
Read this book if you:
✈️ hate the reclining seats on airplanes
💁🏼♀️ agree that Mean Girls is a Christmas film
🧸 have a love/hate relationship with the claw machines at arcades
Follow me on Instagram for more book reviews!
June 27, 2026
4.5 stars
August 19, 2026
Thank you NetGalley + the publisher for this ARC!!
The Vacation Shift was such a cute, heartfelt YA romance!
The Japan setting was one of my favorite parts. Lily Chu does a wonderful job making the trip feel vivid and fun, while still giving the story plenty of emotional depth. I especially enjoyed watching Ivy and Matteo’s relationship slowly develop from an unlikely partnership into something more.
What I really liked was how much the book explored family relationships, expectations, and mental health alongside the romance. Ivy’s struggles felt like an important part of her character rather than something that simply disappeared because she found a love interest.
Overall, The Vacation Shift is a sweet, cozy summer read with travel, romance, family drama, and plenty of teenage feelings!!
The Vacation Shift was such a cute, heartfelt YA romance!
The Japan setting was one of my favorite parts. Lily Chu does a wonderful job making the trip feel vivid and fun, while still giving the story plenty of emotional depth. I especially enjoyed watching Ivy and Matteo’s relationship slowly develop from an unlikely partnership into something more.
What I really liked was how much the book explored family relationships, expectations, and mental health alongside the romance. Ivy’s struggles felt like an important part of her character rather than something that simply disappeared because she found a love interest.
Overall, The Vacation Shift is a sweet, cozy summer read with travel, romance, family drama, and plenty of teenage feelings!!
September 9, 2026
(3.5 stars) A very cute YA rom where our MC Ivy is going through a very difficult time in her life, learning about herself, and working on her relationships while juggling a trip abroad with her mom. On top of that she has to work to make sure her mom doesn't fall for the other single parent on the trip! I thought at times the mom was a bit much and should have been paying better attention to Ivy, but Lily Chu wrapped this up perfectly in the last two chapters showing us parents are people too and sometimes we just need to be fully upfront about what's going on.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.25 ⭐️
What a wholesome read full of fun traveling adventures, familial relationships, young love, and a bit of mental health representation!
The Vacation Shift follows Ivy and her mom as they go on a group tour in Japan together. Ivy is struggling with the separation of her parents as she starts noticing her mom becoming close with another member of the group, Keith. His son Matteo teams up with Ivy to stop their parents from getting together. In the process, they start to see each other in a new light.
I love the mix of Japanese culture, young romance, and coming of age. It’s a fun yet meaningful YA romance, perfect for when you’re traveling or just need a little escapism. It’s cozy, wholesome, and sweet!
Thank you NetGalley for an early listener’s copy!
What a wholesome read full of fun traveling adventures, familial relationships, young love, and a bit of mental health representation!
The Vacation Shift follows Ivy and her mom as they go on a group tour in Japan together. Ivy is struggling with the separation of her parents as she starts noticing her mom becoming close with another member of the group, Keith. His son Matteo teams up with Ivy to stop their parents from getting together. In the process, they start to see each other in a new light.
I love the mix of Japanese culture, young romance, and coming of age. It’s a fun yet meaningful YA romance, perfect for when you’re traveling or just need a little escapism. It’s cozy, wholesome, and sweet!
Thank you NetGalley for an early listener’s copy!
August 5, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ Loved the setting, felt a bit young for me (and that’s on me, not the book)
I’m a longtime Lily Chu fan, so I was excited for The Vacation Shift, her YA debut. Like her other books, it delivered that immersive, transportive feel; I genuinely felt like I was on vacation alongside Ivy, her mom, Keith, Mateo, Tom, and the rest of the fun cast. Chu has such a gift for making you feel like you’re right there in the culture and setting of her books.
Full disclosure: I went in without realizing this was a YA novel, and I’m closer in age to Ivy’s mom than to Ivy. 🤦♀️ Honestly, I saw Lily Chu has a new book! Must read! Didn’t even read the back cover.
Ivy’s struggles read very much like a high-school coming-of-age story, which makes total sense given the intended audience… it just wasn’t the read I was expecting going in as an adult reader of Chu’s other work. If you’re the target YA audience (or you know that’s what you’re picking up 😜), this is classic Lily Chu escapism. For me, the mismatch was more about my own expectations than anything the book did wrong.
I’m a longtime Lily Chu fan, so I was excited for The Vacation Shift, her YA debut. Like her other books, it delivered that immersive, transportive feel; I genuinely felt like I was on vacation alongside Ivy, her mom, Keith, Mateo, Tom, and the rest of the fun cast. Chu has such a gift for making you feel like you’re right there in the culture and setting of her books.
Full disclosure: I went in without realizing this was a YA novel, and I’m closer in age to Ivy’s mom than to Ivy. 🤦♀️ Honestly, I saw Lily Chu has a new book! Must read! Didn’t even read the back cover.
Ivy’s struggles read very much like a high-school coming-of-age story, which makes total sense given the intended audience… it just wasn’t the read I was expecting going in as an adult reader of Chu’s other work. If you’re the target YA audience (or you know that’s what you’re picking up 😜), this is classic Lily Chu escapism. For me, the mismatch was more about my own expectations than anything the book did wrong.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Teenage angst ✅
Parents divorcing ✅
Moodiness ✅
Unrequited love ✅
Found family vibes ✅
Japan adventure ✅
Ivy is having a really bad day. In fact, she has been having bad days ever since her parents separated several months ago. This YA coming-of-age novel explores the challenges of high school life while balancing lighter moments with deeper emotional stakes. Ivy's struggles feel relatable, authentic, and emotionally resonant.
One of the things I appreciated most about Ivy's character is how easy it is to see a little of yourself in her. Who does not remember being a teenager and feeling like fitting in, navigating friendships, and getting your crush to notice you were the most important things in the world? Ivy is dealing with all of that while also trying to cope with her parents' separation. When she thinks she has her summer planned out, everything changes when her mother announces they are taking a two-week trip to Japan, forcing Ivy to leave behind her summer job, her friends, and the chance to spend more time with her crush.
One of the strongest aspects of the novel is Ivy's relationship with her mother, Lillian. Their personalities constantly clash, creating much of the story's emotional tension. Ivy often feels unheard and overlooked, while Lillian struggles to understand the impact her actions have on her daughter. Their relationship is messy, frustrating, and painfully realistic, making Ivy's emotional journey all the more compelling.
As Ivy travels through Japan, she encounters a colorful cast of characters who challenge her assumptions, broaden her perspective, and help her grow in unexpected ways. Some interactions are frustrating, while others become meaningful sources of support and understanding.
What stood out to me most was how effectively the author captures the feeling of wanting to be heard. Ivy's frustration, disappointment, and loneliness come through on every page. The story does not shy away from the complicated emotions that accompany family conflict, and it thoughtfully explores how even well-meaning parents can sometimes fall short.
I also loved the Japan setting. Having taken a similar tour myself, I was impressed by how accurately the itinerary and overall experience were portrayed. The descriptions felt genuine and brought back many memories of my own trip, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the reading experience.
A special shout-out to Matteo and Tom, who provide Ivy with something she desperately needs throughout the novel: a safe space to be herself. Their kindness, patience, and willingness to truly listen made them some of my favorite characters in the book.
I am a huge fan of Lily Chu, and while she is best known for contemporary romance, this YA novel was a definite hit for me. Although it is marketed as a teen romance, it is so much more than that. At its heart, it is a story about family, self-discovery, friendship, and learning how to move forward when life does not go according to plan. The emotional depth, relatable characters, and heartfelt growth make this one of my favorite reads from Lily Chu so far.
Thank you to HarperCollins Children's Books for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Parents divorcing ✅
Moodiness ✅
Unrequited love ✅
Found family vibes ✅
Japan adventure ✅
Ivy is having a really bad day. In fact, she has been having bad days ever since her parents separated several months ago. This YA coming-of-age novel explores the challenges of high school life while balancing lighter moments with deeper emotional stakes. Ivy's struggles feel relatable, authentic, and emotionally resonant.
One of the things I appreciated most about Ivy's character is how easy it is to see a little of yourself in her. Who does not remember being a teenager and feeling like fitting in, navigating friendships, and getting your crush to notice you were the most important things in the world? Ivy is dealing with all of that while also trying to cope with her parents' separation. When she thinks she has her summer planned out, everything changes when her mother announces they are taking a two-week trip to Japan, forcing Ivy to leave behind her summer job, her friends, and the chance to spend more time with her crush.
One of the strongest aspects of the novel is Ivy's relationship with her mother, Lillian. Their personalities constantly clash, creating much of the story's emotional tension. Ivy often feels unheard and overlooked, while Lillian struggles to understand the impact her actions have on her daughter. Their relationship is messy, frustrating, and painfully realistic, making Ivy's emotional journey all the more compelling.
As Ivy travels through Japan, she encounters a colorful cast of characters who challenge her assumptions, broaden her perspective, and help her grow in unexpected ways. Some interactions are frustrating, while others become meaningful sources of support and understanding.
What stood out to me most was how effectively the author captures the feeling of wanting to be heard. Ivy's frustration, disappointment, and loneliness come through on every page. The story does not shy away from the complicated emotions that accompany family conflict, and it thoughtfully explores how even well-meaning parents can sometimes fall short.
I also loved the Japan setting. Having taken a similar tour myself, I was impressed by how accurately the itinerary and overall experience were portrayed. The descriptions felt genuine and brought back many memories of my own trip, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the reading experience.
A special shout-out to Matteo and Tom, who provide Ivy with something she desperately needs throughout the novel: a safe space to be herself. Their kindness, patience, and willingness to truly listen made them some of my favorite characters in the book.
I am a huge fan of Lily Chu, and while she is best known for contemporary romance, this YA novel was a definite hit for me. Although it is marketed as a teen romance, it is so much more than that. At its heart, it is a story about family, self-discovery, friendship, and learning how to move forward when life does not go according to plan. The emotional depth, relatable characters, and heartfelt growth make this one of my favorite reads from Lily Chu so far.
Thank you to HarperCollins Children's Books for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2026
“I usually love meander days, but it’s hard for me to get moving. I know I need to. I’m in Japan. I want to sightsee. I want to be normal. I want the Ivy I am for Mom and everyone else to be the same one right down to my bones, instead of only surface level. Why am I like this?”
A trip to Japan should be fun, right? Well, Ivy Yu has some mixed feelings. Since her parents’ separation, Ivy has felt a weight on her chest. All she wanted was to spend the summer at camp trying to win over her crush, Connor—not waste time on a bus tour with strangers far away from home. When Ivy and her mom arrive in Japan, Ivy realizes that the added weight she feels isn’t going anywhere, because her mom starts hitting it off with another single dad on the trip, Keith. Ivy wants her parents to get back together, and Keith’s presence will ruin Ivy’s dreams. Keith’s son, Matteo, also isn’t thrilled by this budding relationship, so he and Ivy form a plan to keep their parents apart. In an attempt to keep them separated, Ivy and Matteo grow closer, and Ivy starts to wonder if her romance will survive past the trip.
This book is Chu’s debut young adult (YA) novel, and she did such an incredible job. I thoroughly adored this story and Japan as the setting was honestly magical. At the beginning of some chapters, there were introductions into what the excursions would be for the day, and I felt like I was on the journey with the characters. Ivy was an incredible character; her battle with depression was a proper depiction of mental health struggles, and the guilt that she felt because she thought she should be happier was realistic. By the end of the story, Ivy isn’t fully healed, but is growing stronger every day as she manages her depression, and I think this is a great message to give to teens who may be struggling themselves. I also liked how her relationship with Matteo didn’t solve all of her problems but, at the same time, helped her grow into a more confident person. Matteo provided a great outlet for Ivy, and I was glad she had someone to talk to because her relationship with her mom was tense. Both Matteo and Ivy pushed each other into thinking about what they really wanted, and I was glad to see that Matteo kept working on his graphic novel and Ivy picked back up her crochet amigurumi hobby. Ivy even inspired me to crochet again, which made this a truly immersive read. I hope that Chu writes more novels in this genre, because The Vacation Shift is one of the best YA books I’ve ever read!
The Vacation Shift releases on June 23rd, 2026.
Pine Reads Review would like to thank SparkPoint Studio and Quill Tree Books for sending us an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change before final publication.
Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook @pinereadsreview, and check out our website at www.pinereadsreview.com for reviews, author interviews, blogs, podcast episodes, and more!
A trip to Japan should be fun, right? Well, Ivy Yu has some mixed feelings. Since her parents’ separation, Ivy has felt a weight on her chest. All she wanted was to spend the summer at camp trying to win over her crush, Connor—not waste time on a bus tour with strangers far away from home. When Ivy and her mom arrive in Japan, Ivy realizes that the added weight she feels isn’t going anywhere, because her mom starts hitting it off with another single dad on the trip, Keith. Ivy wants her parents to get back together, and Keith’s presence will ruin Ivy’s dreams. Keith’s son, Matteo, also isn’t thrilled by this budding relationship, so he and Ivy form a plan to keep their parents apart. In an attempt to keep them separated, Ivy and Matteo grow closer, and Ivy starts to wonder if her romance will survive past the trip.
This book is Chu’s debut young adult (YA) novel, and she did such an incredible job. I thoroughly adored this story and Japan as the setting was honestly magical. At the beginning of some chapters, there were introductions into what the excursions would be for the day, and I felt like I was on the journey with the characters. Ivy was an incredible character; her battle with depression was a proper depiction of mental health struggles, and the guilt that she felt because she thought she should be happier was realistic. By the end of the story, Ivy isn’t fully healed, but is growing stronger every day as she manages her depression, and I think this is a great message to give to teens who may be struggling themselves. I also liked how her relationship with Matteo didn’t solve all of her problems but, at the same time, helped her grow into a more confident person. Matteo provided a great outlet for Ivy, and I was glad she had someone to talk to because her relationship with her mom was tense. Both Matteo and Ivy pushed each other into thinking about what they really wanted, and I was glad to see that Matteo kept working on his graphic novel and Ivy picked back up her crochet amigurumi hobby. Ivy even inspired me to crochet again, which made this a truly immersive read. I hope that Chu writes more novels in this genre, because The Vacation Shift is one of the best YA books I’ve ever read!
The Vacation Shift releases on June 23rd, 2026.
Pine Reads Review would like to thank SparkPoint Studio and Quill Tree Books for sending us an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change before final publication.
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Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Lily Chu brings alllll the teenage angst in this adventurous tour through Japan. Sadly, her main character, Ivy Yu, is struggling. Amidst her parents' *separation*, Ivy ignores the good parts of life, falls into the immature trap of interpreting every issue as a personal attack, and is too selfish to understand that every human has their own life to live. While she may be the main character in this story, she is not the main character in the world and is responsible for her own thoughts and actions. From looking for her worth in a valueless boy, to whining about a once in a lifetime trip through Japan- the whole time, and constantly complaining about her mom while giving her dad waaaay too much grace, Ivy is relentlessly selfish and ungrateful.
There are fun aspects along the way: hijinks between her, Matteo, and their parents, delightful descriptions of multiple high-tourist areas of Japan and its culture, and even some emotional and mental growth in the denouement. Readers get stress relief when Ivy realizes maturity and emotional intelligence comes from communication and applying different techniques to find peace during uncertainty. Humans are not born with an innate understanding that their emotions do not have to rule their lives, but how thankful can we be that we live in a time of ample resources and unstigmatized therapy!
*SPOILER* I did not love the ending. How can Ivy think it's okay wander off in Japan without telling her mom and yet cry, pretending she's heartbroken, that her mom climbed Mount Fuji, achieving her own dream, when Ivy said she was fine climbing back down with the group? She vacillates between acting like a baby and demanding adult privileges even in the conclusion when I hoped more emotional growth would be present. Teenagers are capable of more intelligence and generosity than Ivy had at the end of the book, and mom should not have apologized to her.
Troupes: troubled anti-hero, meet not-so-cute, Japan vacation, parent trap-esque, slow burn, requisite miscommunication break-up, emotional growth, grand gesture apology
Spice: 1/5 🌶️ "f-boy"
Gore: 0/5 🩸
Language: 2/5 👀
Triggers: immature teenager
Ages: 15+
Thank you to HarperAudio Children's and NetGalley for this ARC!
There are fun aspects along the way: hijinks between her, Matteo, and their parents, delightful descriptions of multiple high-tourist areas of Japan and its culture, and even some emotional and mental growth in the denouement. Readers get stress relief when Ivy realizes maturity and emotional intelligence comes from communication and applying different techniques to find peace during uncertainty. Humans are not born with an innate understanding that their emotions do not have to rule their lives, but how thankful can we be that we live in a time of ample resources and unstigmatized therapy!
*SPOILER* I did not love the ending. How can Ivy think it's okay wander off in Japan without telling her mom and yet cry, pretending she's heartbroken, that her mom climbed Mount Fuji, achieving her own dream, when Ivy said she was fine climbing back down with the group? She vacillates between acting like a baby and demanding adult privileges even in the conclusion when I hoped more emotional growth would be present. Teenagers are capable of more intelligence and generosity than Ivy had at the end of the book, and mom should not have apologized to her.
Troupes: troubled anti-hero, meet not-so-cute, Japan vacation, parent trap-esque, slow burn, requisite miscommunication break-up, emotional growth, grand gesture apology
Spice: 1/5 🌶️ "f-boy"
Gore: 0/5 🩸
Language: 2/5 👀
Triggers: immature teenager
Ages: 15+
Thank you to HarperAudio Children's and NetGalley for this ARC!
June 24, 2026
Thank you to HarperAudio Children’s, Quill Tree Book, and NetGalley for providing this ARC for review.
Ivy Yu has big plans this summer-- somehow get her parents back together and work with her crush, Connor, as camp counselors to turn their situationship into something more. Her plans are ruined by a last minute group tour to Japan with her mom. On the tour, her mother is getting awfully close to another traveler, Keith. Determined to keep them apart, Ivy teams up with Keith's son, a handsome boy named Matteo. Perhaps this trip is just what she needed after all?
This book surprised me in so many ways! I thought it was just going to be your typical, cute YA rom-com, but it was that and much more. Ivy's struggles with her parents' impending divorce and wrestling with the new feelings that her mother doesn't understand is very relatable. She's learning about what she truly wants in a romantic relationship and how to communicate her needs, all while exploring some of the most famous sites that Japan has to offer. (Side note: If you're planning a trip to Japan soon, take notes! The tour group follows a great itinerary.)
Matteo is an amazing love interest. He complements Ivy so well with his calm demeanor, encouraging remarks, and support. His own struggles with his father's constant pressure allow the two to bond on a deeper level. Ivy's amigurumi making was a fun addition. I've enjoyed crocheting since I was young, so I had a blast hearing about her creative process.
I think Ivy and her mother's dynamic will be relatable for many teen girls. Communication is hard, and we often hear what we want instead of what the other person is saying. Since the book is told from Ivy's perspective, it's easy to see where the adults miss the mark, even though it could be hard to spot if you were just looking at things from the outside. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to YA readers young and young at heart!
Narration Review: Sarah Skaer did a wonderful job at portraying Ivy's youthful naivety, brightness, and her frustrations. There were quite a few characters, but Skaer's narration made sure you weren't confused by who was speaking. She certainly enhanced the experience for this audiobook!
Ivy Yu has big plans this summer-- somehow get her parents back together and work with her crush, Connor, as camp counselors to turn their situationship into something more. Her plans are ruined by a last minute group tour to Japan with her mom. On the tour, her mother is getting awfully close to another traveler, Keith. Determined to keep them apart, Ivy teams up with Keith's son, a handsome boy named Matteo. Perhaps this trip is just what she needed after all?
This book surprised me in so many ways! I thought it was just going to be your typical, cute YA rom-com, but it was that and much more. Ivy's struggles with her parents' impending divorce and wrestling with the new feelings that her mother doesn't understand is very relatable. She's learning about what she truly wants in a romantic relationship and how to communicate her needs, all while exploring some of the most famous sites that Japan has to offer. (Side note: If you're planning a trip to Japan soon, take notes! The tour group follows a great itinerary.)
Matteo is an amazing love interest. He complements Ivy so well with his calm demeanor, encouraging remarks, and support. His own struggles with his father's constant pressure allow the two to bond on a deeper level. Ivy's amigurumi making was a fun addition. I've enjoyed crocheting since I was young, so I had a blast hearing about her creative process.
I think Ivy and her mother's dynamic will be relatable for many teen girls. Communication is hard, and we often hear what we want instead of what the other person is saying. Since the book is told from Ivy's perspective, it's easy to see where the adults miss the mark, even though it could be hard to spot if you were just looking at things from the outside. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to YA readers young and young at heart!
Narration Review: Sarah Skaer did a wonderful job at portraying Ivy's youthful naivety, brightness, and her frustrations. There were quite a few characters, but Skaer's narration made sure you weren't confused by who was speaking. She certainly enhanced the experience for this audiobook!
August 27, 2026
Ivy’s summer plans are upended when her mom proposes/mandates a mother-daughter trip to Japan. The 16 year old biracial Chinese American, who describes herself as “short and thick,” had hoped to seal the deal with the boy she has a crush on, but that is not to be. It is this disappointment along with the lingering sadness about her parents’ separation that makes her less than excited about two weeks alone with her mom. When her mom starts to spend time with a widower on the tour, Ivy and the widower’s son, Matteo, collaborate on keeping their parents apart. After all, Ivy’s parents will surely get back together. Working with Matteo, who is white, brings a small ray of light into Ivy’s life, which has felt increasingly shadowed by a “terrible gray veil.” As the teens get closer, Ivy’s depression becomes harder to ignore. Will it overshadow the growing closeness with Matteo?
This novel is a realistic and believable look at a teen’s depression, with the scenic backdrop of a trip through Japan. Ivy’s mom’s sometimes oblivious parenting does not help. The hopeful aspect is a growing friendship with Matteo, who also must contend with a parent who is tone deaf to his son’s unique personality. The teens’ parents both lack empathy, but show that we are often good at disguising our true feelings and losing the ability to confide in those who care for us. Many of the chapter headings announce the day’s itinerary through Japan, and the wonderful sights the group encounters help to emphasize Ivy’s growing sadness with what should be happy discovery. Still, the author is able to depict Ivy’s moods with wry humor, and I think that teen readers will find the story compelling, and ultimately hopeful. Crafters will enjoy Ivy’s journey with crocheting amigurumi, as she ends up using the little yarn creatures to channel her emotions.
The only thing I had trouble with - that Matteo’s dad’s tone deaf comparisons with the teen’s brother strained belief at times.
This novel is a realistic and believable look at a teen’s depression, with the scenic backdrop of a trip through Japan. Ivy’s mom’s sometimes oblivious parenting does not help. The hopeful aspect is a growing friendship with Matteo, who also must contend with a parent who is tone deaf to his son’s unique personality. The teens’ parents both lack empathy, but show that we are often good at disguising our true feelings and losing the ability to confide in those who care for us. Many of the chapter headings announce the day’s itinerary through Japan, and the wonderful sights the group encounters help to emphasize Ivy’s growing sadness with what should be happy discovery. Still, the author is able to depict Ivy’s moods with wry humor, and I think that teen readers will find the story compelling, and ultimately hopeful. Crafters will enjoy Ivy’s journey with crocheting amigurumi, as she ends up using the little yarn creatures to channel her emotions.
The only thing I had trouble with - that Matteo’s dad’s tone deaf comparisons with the teen’s brother strained belief at times.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really enjoyed this one! It’s a sweet, clean YA romance that also tackles some heavier topics I think many teens will relate to. While I’m not really sure where the Gilmore Girls comparison comes from, the “reverse Parent Trap” description is definitely fitting. Honestly, “reverse Gilmore Girls” would have made more sense, so maybe there was a mix-up in the marketing copy.
I mention that because the mother-daughter relationship is one of the central focuses of the book alongside the romance, and it certainly doesn’t evoke Lorelai and Rory. In fact, it’s about as far from that dynamic as you can get. If anything, it almost deserves a content warning for its depiction of a toxic parent-child relationship.
That being said, I loved the journeys that both FMC Ivy and MMC Mateo go through, together and individually, as they travel through Japan. Alongside their budding romance, they’re juggling complicated family relationships from afar, bickering parents, trying to keep Ivy’s mom and Mateo’s dad from getting to know each other, and dealing with their own emotional struggles. I also enjoyed learning little bits about Japan through the characters’ experiences, which added a nice layer to the story.
I read this in audio after receiving a complimentary ALC from HarperAudio Children’s via NetGalley. It was narrated by Sarah Skaer, who did a wonderful job with the material and sounded genuinely age-appropriate for the characters. The production as a whole was polished and well engineered.
Overall, I think this is a perfect read for a younger teen audience. It packs a lot into its pages without ever feeling too heavy, balancing family drama, self-discovery, travel, and first love in a way that stays fun and accessible. No matter which format you choose, it’s an engaging and heartfelt story.
I mention that because the mother-daughter relationship is one of the central focuses of the book alongside the romance, and it certainly doesn’t evoke Lorelai and Rory. In fact, it’s about as far from that dynamic as you can get. If anything, it almost deserves a content warning for its depiction of a toxic parent-child relationship.
That being said, I loved the journeys that both FMC Ivy and MMC Mateo go through, together and individually, as they travel through Japan. Alongside their budding romance, they’re juggling complicated family relationships from afar, bickering parents, trying to keep Ivy’s mom and Mateo’s dad from getting to know each other, and dealing with their own emotional struggles. I also enjoyed learning little bits about Japan through the characters’ experiences, which added a nice layer to the story.
I read this in audio after receiving a complimentary ALC from HarperAudio Children’s via NetGalley. It was narrated by Sarah Skaer, who did a wonderful job with the material and sounded genuinely age-appropriate for the characters. The production as a whole was polished and well engineered.
Overall, I think this is a perfect read for a younger teen audience. It packs a lot into its pages without ever feeling too heavy, balancing family drama, self-discovery, travel, and first love in a way that stays fun and accessible. No matter which format you choose, it’s an engaging and heartfelt story.
August 12, 2026
My Rating: 4⭐️
Tropes 🌸
🏮 YA
🌸 Rom Com
🏮 Reverse Parent Trap
🌸 Forced Proximity
🏮 Mental Health Rep
🌸 Travel Romance
Ivy is all set to work at summer camp so she can finally convince her crush that she’s the one, when her mam drops the bombshell that she’s booked a spontaneous trip for them to go on a bus tour trip in Japan instead. Once there she’s devastated to find that she’s the youngest person there except for one boy Matteo and his dad. When their parents start getting a little too close for comfort, Ivy and Matteo hatch a plan to keep them as far apart as possible.
This was such a fun, lighthearted book. I really enjoyed it.
The bus tour full of elderly people really made me chuckle, it really reminded me of the National Holiday tours I used to go on with my nana and auntie when I was younger. The vibes were spot on.
I loved the Japan setting. I’ve always wanted to visit Japan and the tour guide was an amazing bonus as it described so well, I really felt like I was there.
I really enjoyed the reverse parent trap with Ivy and Matteo. Their scheming is brilliant and I love that it leads to their own relationship growing. They are a cute fun couple, but they also both have issues that they have been struggling with, and together they learn how to identify and vocalise them.
Ivy is a very relatable teenager. She is a little self centred but aren’t we all that age, especially when there are boys involved. Due to her parents relationship and then subsequent divorce though, you can really see the negative effect it has had on her and signs of depression developing. I thought that was really well written and great representation.
Overall, this was a fun YA summer romance, with realistic relatable characters and relationships and a gorgeous setting.
I rate this 4⭐️
Tropes 🌸
🏮 YA
🌸 Rom Com
🏮 Reverse Parent Trap
🌸 Forced Proximity
🏮 Mental Health Rep
🌸 Travel Romance
Ivy is all set to work at summer camp so she can finally convince her crush that she’s the one, when her mam drops the bombshell that she’s booked a spontaneous trip for them to go on a bus tour trip in Japan instead. Once there she’s devastated to find that she’s the youngest person there except for one boy Matteo and his dad. When their parents start getting a little too close for comfort, Ivy and Matteo hatch a plan to keep them as far apart as possible.
This was such a fun, lighthearted book. I really enjoyed it.
The bus tour full of elderly people really made me chuckle, it really reminded me of the National Holiday tours I used to go on with my nana and auntie when I was younger. The vibes were spot on.
I loved the Japan setting. I’ve always wanted to visit Japan and the tour guide was an amazing bonus as it described so well, I really felt like I was there.
I really enjoyed the reverse parent trap with Ivy and Matteo. Their scheming is brilliant and I love that it leads to their own relationship growing. They are a cute fun couple, but they also both have issues that they have been struggling with, and together they learn how to identify and vocalise them.
Ivy is a very relatable teenager. She is a little self centred but aren’t we all that age, especially when there are boys involved. Due to her parents relationship and then subsequent divorce though, you can really see the negative effect it has had on her and signs of depression developing. I thought that was really well written and great representation.
Overall, this was a fun YA summer romance, with realistic relatable characters and relationships and a gorgeous setting.
I rate this 4⭐️
August 17, 2026
Ivy is on a trip to Japan with her mother when they meet Matteo, and his father Keith. When the parents start to become close Ivy and Matteo have to work together to keep them separated.
This was such a cute and fun read that I read in one sitting. It definitely gave me The Parent Trap vibes. It’s a story about parents reconnecting with their children and children learning to communicate with their parents. I loved following Ivy’s travels around Japan and seeing all the places she visited. It felt like I was on the trip also.
Ivy is definitely a typical teenager. She's got this big crush on Connor who she's hoping to connect with during a summer job when her mother tells her that she’s organised a two-week holiday to Japan. But they won’t be alone because it’s part of a touring group. The people that they don't expect to be spending a lot of time with is Matteo and his father Keith.
It was interesting to see the friendship between Ivy and Matteo develop. They are the two youngest people in the touring group and seem to be thrown together at different opportunities. The one thing that they have in common is neither of them want to be on this trip. Ivy's mother has booked the trip without asking her daughter and Keith has pretty much done the same with Mateo. The issue is that Ivy’s mother and Matteo’s father also seem to be put together as other members of the group see a spark between them. But Ivy and Matteo want to separate them. Ivy’s parents are separated and Ivy doesn’t want her mother to find someone else as she hopes her parents will get back together. For Matteo he doesn’t want anyone to replace his late mother. So the two get their heads together. It was quite funny seeing the ideas they came up with once they’d discussed their parents likes and dislikes, like buying strong flavoured snacks (garlic, onion etc), heavy perfume and socks and sandals. They both know their parents likes and dislikes so they know what would be the best to keep them apart. The problem is it's harder than they think because other members of the group keep interfering. But the more time they spend together something more develops between them and Ivy starts to forget about Connor.
One of the themes in the book was communication and the parent child relationship. Both Ivy and Matteo are struggling with their relationship with their parent and as the trip continues that relationship becomes quite strained. It's only when they start talking to their parent that their relationship starts to heal.
This was such a cute and fun read that I read in one sitting. It definitely gave me The Parent Trap vibes. It’s a story about parents reconnecting with their children and children learning to communicate with their parents. I loved following Ivy’s travels around Japan and seeing all the places she visited. It felt like I was on the trip also.
Ivy is definitely a typical teenager. She's got this big crush on Connor who she's hoping to connect with during a summer job when her mother tells her that she’s organised a two-week holiday to Japan. But they won’t be alone because it’s part of a touring group. The people that they don't expect to be spending a lot of time with is Matteo and his father Keith.
It was interesting to see the friendship between Ivy and Matteo develop. They are the two youngest people in the touring group and seem to be thrown together at different opportunities. The one thing that they have in common is neither of them want to be on this trip. Ivy's mother has booked the trip without asking her daughter and Keith has pretty much done the same with Mateo. The issue is that Ivy’s mother and Matteo’s father also seem to be put together as other members of the group see a spark between them. But Ivy and Matteo want to separate them. Ivy’s parents are separated and Ivy doesn’t want her mother to find someone else as she hopes her parents will get back together. For Matteo he doesn’t want anyone to replace his late mother. So the two get their heads together. It was quite funny seeing the ideas they came up with once they’d discussed their parents likes and dislikes, like buying strong flavoured snacks (garlic, onion etc), heavy perfume and socks and sandals. They both know their parents likes and dislikes so they know what would be the best to keep them apart. The problem is it's harder than they think because other members of the group keep interfering. But the more time they spend together something more develops between them and Ivy starts to forget about Connor.
One of the themes in the book was communication and the parent child relationship. Both Ivy and Matteo are struggling with their relationship with their parent and as the trip continues that relationship becomes quite strained. It's only when they start talking to their parent that their relationship starts to heal.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a wonderful Young Adult novel about a 16 year old girl named Ivy who goes on a summer vacation trip to Japan with her mom. Her parents have been separated for a few months and sold their home, so Ivy has been adjusting to living in an apartment with her mom, seeing her dad less frequently and having a longer commute to high school. She also has a crush on a boy whom she will not spend time with over the summer because of the vacation trip. So Ivy has lots of things going on in her head. Ivy and her mom are seeing Japan with a tour group, and during this trip Ivy becomes worried that her mom might be interested in another vacationer who also has a teenage son along. So Ivy and this teenage boy named Matteo start scheming to make sure that her mom and his dad don’t get time together or look too attractive to each other. As the trip progresses, the two teenagers realize that they themselves are getting along very well.
At the beginning, when I realized this is a Young Adult book, I wasn’t sure I would enjoy this book because reading about teenage angst is not that entertaining to me. But I kept reading and two things became very clear: 1) I was learning about fun things to see and do in Japan and 2) Ivy was having some mood issues that went beyond typical teenage drama. I thought it was interesting that Ivy eventually reaches some conclusions about how she has been coping. This book deals a lot with relationships and also about how we think about ourselves. I enjoyed this book even though YA fiction is not my usual fun read.
At the beginning, when I realized this is a Young Adult book, I wasn’t sure I would enjoy this book because reading about teenage angst is not that entertaining to me. But I kept reading and two things became very clear: 1) I was learning about fun things to see and do in Japan and 2) Ivy was having some mood issues that went beyond typical teenage drama. I thought it was interesting that Ivy eventually reaches some conclusions about how she has been coping. This book deals a lot with relationships and also about how we think about ourselves. I enjoyed this book even though YA fiction is not my usual fun read.
August 11, 2026
Title: The Vacation Shift
Authors: Lily Chu
Pages: 352
UK publish date: Available now
Published by: Quill Tree Books
⚠️ Protect yourself. Check any trigger warnings before reading.
This was a heartwarming read that manages some difficult topics that some teenagers face. Particularly the after effects of divorce and big emotions like depression.
Ivy Yu and her mum take a much needed break to Japan. On a bus tour. We meet lots of different people on the coach. From nosey interfering "Karen's" to people that are empathetic and offer some wise words. The only people their age is Keith and his son Matteo. Matteo and Ivy do not want their parents to get together. With Ivy's crush getting together with someone else while she's away Matteo and Ivy's friendship start to develop. Could this lead onto something more.
The book was beautifully written with wonderful descriptions of Japan and the culture offered. I was fully invested in the characters but I couldn't help feel frustrated at Ivy's mum. She put so much pressure on Ivy to be "normal" and belittled any negative feelings. I found her incredibly childish and I couldn't understand why she was so useless, selfish and unsympathetic towards her own daughter. It was obvious that ivy was struggling.
Despite the frustration, the plot was consistent with moments of light relief. It was a book that offered hope, and helping and shows the dynamics of a parent and child relationship. (Keith wasn't much better) Teaching us that we're all learning and that we're all only human.
I thoroughly enjoyed this read and would love to read more from Lily Chu.
You'll like this if you enjoy books that include;
🌸 young adult romance
🏮 Topics of divorce, mental health
🌸 Creative outlets
🏮 Holiday trip set in Japan
🌸 The people you meet on holiday
🏮 Forced Proximity
🌸 Coming of age
🏮 Will they won't they?
Authors: Lily Chu
Pages: 352
UK publish date: Available now
Published by: Quill Tree Books
⚠️ Protect yourself. Check any trigger warnings before reading.
This was a heartwarming read that manages some difficult topics that some teenagers face. Particularly the after effects of divorce and big emotions like depression.
Ivy Yu and her mum take a much needed break to Japan. On a bus tour. We meet lots of different people on the coach. From nosey interfering "Karen's" to people that are empathetic and offer some wise words. The only people their age is Keith and his son Matteo. Matteo and Ivy do not want their parents to get together. With Ivy's crush getting together with someone else while she's away Matteo and Ivy's friendship start to develop. Could this lead onto something more.
The book was beautifully written with wonderful descriptions of Japan and the culture offered. I was fully invested in the characters but I couldn't help feel frustrated at Ivy's mum. She put so much pressure on Ivy to be "normal" and belittled any negative feelings. I found her incredibly childish and I couldn't understand why she was so useless, selfish and unsympathetic towards her own daughter. It was obvious that ivy was struggling.
Despite the frustration, the plot was consistent with moments of light relief. It was a book that offered hope, and helping and shows the dynamics of a parent and child relationship. (Keith wasn't much better) Teaching us that we're all learning and that we're all only human.
I thoroughly enjoyed this read and would love to read more from Lily Chu.
You'll like this if you enjoy books that include;
🌸 young adult romance
🏮 Topics of divorce, mental health
🌸 Creative outlets
🏮 Holiday trip set in Japan
🌸 The people you meet on holiday
🏮 Forced Proximity
🌸 Coming of age
🏮 Will they won't they?
August 4, 2026
3.75 ⭐️
This was a cute YA romance that’s perfect to read if you’re jetting off on your holidays soon!
I really enjoyed the travel aspect of this story and seeing what Ivy and the other tourists get up to. She meets a colourful cast of characters who challenge her in varying ways - some helping her to grow, some just being downright awful!
Matteo is a sweet character and I really enjoyed his and Ivy’s friendship and the way it developed over the course of the book. They both share their dreams and frustrations with each other, and push each other to grow.
It’s not all fun and games though, as Ivy is navigating some complex thoughts and feelings, particulary around her parent’s recent separation and the toll this has taken on her mental health. It places a strain on her relationship with her mother, in particular, and we see this come to light during their two weeks of travel around Japan.
Chu does a great job of capturing Ivy’s emotions, particularly the frustrations of not feeling seen or heard. It also shows that even well-meaning parents can sometimes fall short.
💫 What to expect 💫
🩷 YA contemporary romance
✈️ Holiday to Japan
🧠 Mental health struggles
💔 Complex family dynamics
🏡 Forced proximity
🤔 Self-discovery
💖 Thank you to Book Rambler PR, Harper 360 YA and Lily Chu for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ. ───
💌 Follow me on Instagram and TikTok at @jodierosereads
This was a cute YA romance that’s perfect to read if you’re jetting off on your holidays soon!
I really enjoyed the travel aspect of this story and seeing what Ivy and the other tourists get up to. She meets a colourful cast of characters who challenge her in varying ways - some helping her to grow, some just being downright awful!
Matteo is a sweet character and I really enjoyed his and Ivy’s friendship and the way it developed over the course of the book. They both share their dreams and frustrations with each other, and push each other to grow.
It’s not all fun and games though, as Ivy is navigating some complex thoughts and feelings, particulary around her parent’s recent separation and the toll this has taken on her mental health. It places a strain on her relationship with her mother, in particular, and we see this come to light during their two weeks of travel around Japan.
Chu does a great job of capturing Ivy’s emotions, particularly the frustrations of not feeling seen or heard. It also shows that even well-meaning parents can sometimes fall short.
💫 What to expect 💫
🩷 YA contemporary romance
✈️ Holiday to Japan
🧠 Mental health struggles
💔 Complex family dynamics
🏡 Forced proximity
🤔 Self-discovery
💖 Thank you to Book Rambler PR, Harper 360 YA and Lily Chu for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ. ───
💌 Follow me on Instagram and TikTok at @jodierosereads
August 13, 2026
This story delves into the world of a teenager that is dealing with the separation of her parents and honestly, its clear she is not coping well with it at all. The story definitely made me rethink how things can look to our children. Ivy's mum, while also going through so much, seemed oblivious to just how depressed Ivy was and it made me so angry each time she brushed her off when she even attempted to tell her how she may be feeling. Ivy is completely 'parentified' and feels responsible for her mum's feelings and schedule which was heartbreaking to read but at the same time so relatable. I particularly liked how the author wrote about Ivy and Conor and how almost obsessed she was with him even though he was giving her nothing. The unfolding of her relation with Matteo was wholesome and so natural (albeit plotting against their parents relationship), it was so nice to see her realise her worth. I enjoyed Ivy talking about her amigurumi and you could tell she was starting to enjoy herself and possibly seeing through the bad times. Overall, a beautiful story of a teen romance and dealing with all that comes with growing up and working through mental health issues around a parents separation.
August 13, 2026
Book Tour Review
Rating - 5⭐️
I was casually expecting a cute, chaotic, fun romcom but I was not expecting to be full on SOBBING😭(more than once) by the end of this book. It felt like those Studio Ghibli films that is lighthearted on the surface with a cozy feel but actually has a very deep ‘iceberg’ meaning.
I was not prepared for how deep and emotional this book was going to get. On the surface, it’s wholesome but there’s underlying serious themes that gradually rise to the forefront as the book gets more emotionally intense. This book deals with depression, complicated parent-child relationships, acceptance of parental divorce, grief, and self-discovery. Also, I think the depression rep was realistic and handled well.
Ivy and Matteo must be protected at all costs, they are literally my babies!!! The romance wasn’t forced at all. It was an organic progression starting off platonically that grew into romantic feelings (which I would love to see more in romcoms). I loved how they communicated and brought comfort and safety to one another.
If you’re intrigued by the concept of two teens who try to keep their single parents away from each other while on a tour around Japan but end up slowly falling for each other instead, then you should definitely try this book out!
Rating - 5⭐️
I was casually expecting a cute, chaotic, fun romcom but I was not expecting to be full on SOBBING😭(more than once) by the end of this book. It felt like those Studio Ghibli films that is lighthearted on the surface with a cozy feel but actually has a very deep ‘iceberg’ meaning.
I was not prepared for how deep and emotional this book was going to get. On the surface, it’s wholesome but there’s underlying serious themes that gradually rise to the forefront as the book gets more emotionally intense. This book deals with depression, complicated parent-child relationships, acceptance of parental divorce, grief, and self-discovery. Also, I think the depression rep was realistic and handled well.
Ivy and Matteo must be protected at all costs, they are literally my babies!!! The romance wasn’t forced at all. It was an organic progression starting off platonically that grew into romantic feelings (which I would love to see more in romcoms). I loved how they communicated and brought comfort and safety to one another.
If you’re intrigued by the concept of two teens who try to keep their single parents away from each other while on a tour around Japan but end up slowly falling for each other instead, then you should definitely try this book out!
August 14, 2026
The Vacation Shift was such a fun, heartfelt, and easy-to-love read! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really enjoyed this book and loved the way Lily Chu brought the setting in Japan to life. The descriptions made the trip feel so vivid that I could easily imagine traveling alongside Ivy and the rest of the group. There was such a fun mix of beautiful scenery, chaotic tour adventures, family dynamics, and romance.
I especially loved the relationship between Ivy and Matteo. Their banter was one of my favorite parts of the book, and I had so much fun watching their reluctant partnership develop. Their “reverse Parent Trap” plan to keep their parents apart led to plenty of funny moments, but I also really enjoyed seeing how their feelings for each other slowly began to change.
Beyond the romance and humor, I appreciated how the story touched on family changes and mental health in a thoughtful and tender way. It gave the story more emotional depth without taking away from the lighter, feel-good atmosphere.
Overall, The Vacation Shift was funny, sweet, swoony, and deeply relatable. It’s a lovely YA romance for anyone who enjoys travel, family chaos, witty banter, and unexpected feelings along the way. Definitely a solid four-star read for me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really enjoyed this book and loved the way Lily Chu brought the setting in Japan to life. The descriptions made the trip feel so vivid that I could easily imagine traveling alongside Ivy and the rest of the group. There was such a fun mix of beautiful scenery, chaotic tour adventures, family dynamics, and romance.
I especially loved the relationship between Ivy and Matteo. Their banter was one of my favorite parts of the book, and I had so much fun watching their reluctant partnership develop. Their “reverse Parent Trap” plan to keep their parents apart led to plenty of funny moments, but I also really enjoyed seeing how their feelings for each other slowly began to change.
Beyond the romance and humor, I appreciated how the story touched on family changes and mental health in a thoughtful and tender way. It gave the story more emotional depth without taking away from the lighter, feel-good atmosphere.
Overall, The Vacation Shift was funny, sweet, swoony, and deeply relatable. It’s a lovely YA romance for anyone who enjoys travel, family chaos, witty banter, and unexpected feelings along the way. Definitely a solid four-star read for me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Ivy’s parents have been separated for six months and Ivy has been down. She’s starting to she’s the light when she gets the summer job she’s been wanting alongside her crush, but when her mom springs a summer trip to Japan on her those plans go up in smoke. Instead of having the summer she planned she halfway across the country with a bunch of strangers and seniors to boot. There is one other teenager, Matteo, besides Ivy. When Ivy and Matteo’s parents start to get friendly they team up to try to stop a relationship from forming. Along the way they start to build a friendship and maybe something more.
I thought this was a fun, young adult summer read that had some good funny moments interspersed with family drama. I liked Matteo and Ivy as the leads and thought they were good together. The reverse Parent Trap angle was fun and creative and I liked following along to see what Ivy and Mateo would come up with next. I wasn’t a huge fan of either of the parents or the gaggle of old ladies, but some of the old guys were cool. The Japan setting was fun and I enjoyed hearing about the different spots on their trip. Overall this was a quick and easy read that I enjoyed.
I thought this was a fun, young adult summer read that had some good funny moments interspersed with family drama. I liked Matteo and Ivy as the leads and thought they were good together. The reverse Parent Trap angle was fun and creative and I liked following along to see what Ivy and Mateo would come up with next. I wasn’t a huge fan of either of the parents or the gaggle of old ladies, but some of the old guys were cool. The Japan setting was fun and I enjoyed hearing about the different spots on their trip. Overall this was a quick and easy read that I enjoyed.
June 26, 2026
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.
The Vacation Shift by Lily Chu had an interesting premise and plenty of potential, but it ultimately wasn’t the right pacing for me. The story has some enjoyable moments, relatable characters, and a cozy atmosphere that I think many readers will appreciate. Unfortunately, it took a long time for the plot to really gain momentum, and I found myself wanting things to move along much sooner.
While I stayed invested enough to finish and could definitely see what the author was aiming for, the slower pace made it difficult for me to fully connect with the story. I kept waiting for the stakes and character development to pick up, and by the time they did, it felt a little too late for my personal taste.
Overall, this was a solid read with a lot of promise. If you enjoy character-driven stories that take their time unfolding, this may be a great fit for you. For me, though, the pacing held it back, making this a 3-star read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.
The Vacation Shift by Lily Chu had an interesting premise and plenty of potential, but it ultimately wasn’t the right pacing for me. The story has some enjoyable moments, relatable characters, and a cozy atmosphere that I think many readers will appreciate. Unfortunately, it took a long time for the plot to really gain momentum, and I found myself wanting things to move along much sooner.
While I stayed invested enough to finish and could definitely see what the author was aiming for, the slower pace made it difficult for me to fully connect with the story. I kept waiting for the stakes and character development to pick up, and by the time they did, it felt a little too late for my personal taste.
Overall, this was a solid read with a lot of promise. If you enjoy character-driven stories that take their time unfolding, this may be a great fit for you. For me, though, the pacing held it back, making this a 3-star read.
August 10, 2026
Such a cute read!!
A good palate cleanser!! I need a book like this from time to time, a good YA book to get me out of heavier books.
A cute travel rom com where Ivy and her mother travel to Japan on a bus tour where they meet Matteo and his father Keith and they try to keep their parents away from each other.
Ivy was so cute and relatable, I really loved her. Her relationship with her mother is also very relatable, because a lot of us struggled with being understood by our mothers/parents when we were teens so it's really nice to see both of them trying to understand each other better and see what the other needs.
I loved how Matteo encouraged Ivy to be herself, he was always there to listen to her. He really helped her grow into herself and be more confident.
I really loved the setting in Japan and how well it was done. I dream of one day going there so it was really cute to see it like this.
Thank you Lily Chu, Harper360YA and Book Rambler PR for the gifted copy!
A good palate cleanser!! I need a book like this from time to time, a good YA book to get me out of heavier books.
A cute travel rom com where Ivy and her mother travel to Japan on a bus tour where they meet Matteo and his father Keith and they try to keep their parents away from each other.
Ivy was so cute and relatable, I really loved her. Her relationship with her mother is also very relatable, because a lot of us struggled with being understood by our mothers/parents when we were teens so it's really nice to see both of them trying to understand each other better and see what the other needs.
I loved how Matteo encouraged Ivy to be herself, he was always there to listen to her. He really helped her grow into herself and be more confident.
I really loved the setting in Japan and how well it was done. I dream of one day going there so it was really cute to see it like this.
Thank you Lily Chu, Harper360YA and Book Rambler PR for the gifted copy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
big thanks to netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review - all thoughts are my own
As a huge fan of The Parent Trap, reading a reverse version of it was hilarious. I love the concept so much, and the author executed it super well.
The parents are all jerks and need to get a lesson in how to actually parent their children. Hint: actually care about them instead of just yourselves. Whoa, crazy, I know! But at the same time, Ivy's mom was an icon. 😂 Terrible but iconic.
I'm afraid Matteo and Tom were the only sane people in this story, but Ivy's way of processing things was so relatable I can't even express it. Throughout the story, there were consistently moments that I related to and Ivy's emotions felt so realistic and the characters all felt like real people.
So all in all this was a cute travel romance with terrible parents and emotions and a way too amazing guy. I wouldn't recommend it to everyone but it was still super good!
As a huge fan of The Parent Trap, reading a reverse version of it was hilarious. I love the concept so much, and the author executed it super well.
The parents are all jerks and need to get a lesson in how to actually parent their children. Hint: actually care about them instead of just yourselves. Whoa, crazy, I know! But at the same time, Ivy's mom was an icon. 😂 Terrible but iconic.
I'm afraid Matteo and Tom were the only sane people in this story, but Ivy's way of processing things was so relatable I can't even express it. Throughout the story, there were consistently moments that I related to and Ivy's emotions felt so realistic and the characters all felt like real people.
So all in all this was a cute travel romance with terrible parents and emotions and a way too amazing guy. I wouldn't recommend it to everyone but it was still super good!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Ivy and her mom are spending two weeks touring Japan with a group. On the tour with them are Matteo and his dad Keith, who instantly hits it off with her mom. The two are them are determined to keep their parents apart, but what starts as scheming soon turns to friendship. And maybe something deeper.
Read if you like:
-YA Romance
-Reverse Parent Trip
-Summer Vacation
-Mental Health Rep
I loved The Vacation Shift for two big reasons. First, the mental health rep was amazing. It was so good to see Ivy speak up for herself and let her parents know she needed help and to finish the book knowing she'd found a therapist. Second, I loved that Ivy and Matteo had their own little vacation within a vacation. Yes, they were on the tour with their respective parents, and yes, they were the youngest of the group by far. But they had enough time to form a real bond and to make memories apart from the tour.
Read if you like:
-YA Romance
-Reverse Parent Trip
-Summer Vacation
-Mental Health Rep
I loved The Vacation Shift for two big reasons. First, the mental health rep was amazing. It was so good to see Ivy speak up for herself and let her parents know she needed help and to finish the book knowing she'd found a therapist. Second, I loved that Ivy and Matteo had their own little vacation within a vacation. Yes, they were on the tour with their respective parents, and yes, they were the youngest of the group by far. But they had enough time to form a real bond and to make memories apart from the tour.
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