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Summer Husband: A Novel
A compelling blend of sexy and nostalgic, this summer camp romance follows thirty-nine-year-old mom Lori Kramer as she finds out you’re never too old to learn the life lessons—or experience the romances—that sleepaway camp has to offer.
Is thirty-nine too old to get your first sleepaway camp kiss?
Lori Kramer, a stay-at-home mom, would go to any length to give her two daughters the summer experience of their lives—even getting a job at their camp and tagging along with them.
At Camp Woodlands, Lori finds herself overseeing the chaos of four bunks filled with rambunctious kids and their counselors, not to mention having to outwit her boss and outrun a bear—and that’s just during the first half of the summer! But those escapades are child’s play compared to her growing friendship and attraction to Teddy, the camp’s British soccer coach. Their clandestine meetings late at night behind the laundry shack, breaking the no-smoking rule, soon turn hot and steamy like a lazy August afternoon.
Camp may be for kids, but Lori’s the one having the most fun. She never imagined that stepping outside of her conventional, underappreciated, New York City existence would turn her world upside down and change her life forever.
Is thirty-nine too old to get your first sleepaway camp kiss?
Lori Kramer, a stay-at-home mom, would go to any length to give her two daughters the summer experience of their lives—even getting a job at their camp and tagging along with them.
At Camp Woodlands, Lori finds herself overseeing the chaos of four bunks filled with rambunctious kids and their counselors, not to mention having to outwit her boss and outrun a bear—and that’s just during the first half of the summer! But those escapades are child’s play compared to her growing friendship and attraction to Teddy, the camp’s British soccer coach. Their clandestine meetings late at night behind the laundry shack, breaking the no-smoking rule, soon turn hot and steamy like a lazy August afternoon.
Camp may be for kids, but Lori’s the one having the most fun. She never imagined that stepping outside of her conventional, underappreciated, New York City existence would turn her world upside down and change her life forever.
344 pages, Paperback
Published May 19, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
June 4, 2026
What a wholesome, warmhearted, and nostalgic read! To say simply that this story is 'set at a summer camp' is an understatement and an injustice to the importance of the location on the story. I have read stories featuring a summer camp before and yet, I have never felt it captured to this degree. For me, this location played such a pivotal role on the story that it could almost be considered its own character.
Looking beyond the setting (how could you really), this novel was also thought provoking, inspiring, humorous, and surprisingly dramatic. I had complicated thoughts and feelings towards the main character and some of her actions, but at the same time empathized with her. Although this is a fictional novel, I think many could unfortunately relate to the life she unexpectedly finds herself in.
This is one of those reads that gives you the ability to fully immerse yourself into the world and I loved that experience in itself. The writing was incredibly detailed to the extent that I felt like I was in Camp Woodlands surrounded by the lake and trees. This was the perfect cozy read that gave way to nostalgia and memories of simpler times.
***Thank you BookSparks for sending me a copy of this book to read and review***
Looking beyond the setting (how could you really), this novel was also thought provoking, inspiring, humorous, and surprisingly dramatic. I had complicated thoughts and feelings towards the main character and some of her actions, but at the same time empathized with her. Although this is a fictional novel, I think many could unfortunately relate to the life she unexpectedly finds herself in.
This is one of those reads that gives you the ability to fully immerse yourself into the world and I loved that experience in itself. The writing was incredibly detailed to the extent that I felt like I was in Camp Woodlands surrounded by the lake and trees. This was the perfect cozy read that gave way to nostalgia and memories of simpler times.
***Thank you BookSparks for sending me a copy of this book to read and review***
April 1, 2026
A nice change up from reading thrillers- summer husband follows Lori’s journey over a summer during time away from her husband.
While I didn’t necessarily agree with how fast paced the book was or how the cheating in the book is kind of normalized- I did still enjoy it and thought it was a fun read.
While I didn’t necessarily agree with how fast paced the book was or how the cheating in the book is kind of normalized- I did still enjoy it and thought it was a fun read.
May 24, 2026
*paperback
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨✨
“I wasn’t surprised by Ronnie’s demonstration of possession. His interest in me might have waned, but he still needed to piss around me.”
Thanks so much to @BookSparks + @AmyLorowitz.Author for including me on the #SummerHusbandReviewTour.
A middle of life romance!?! Umm, yes please. I can’t believe I’m midlife and a 9 week sleep-away camp for the summer sounds perfect! I thought it was cool that her kids got to go too but she still had time to herself.
Ronnie and Lori had a strained relationship before she went to the camp and the dissolution of their marriage became even more evidence while Lori was at the camp.
I liked the gradual progression of Teddy and Lori’s friendship and then how it moved into deeper territory.
I wish the confrontation with Lori and Ronnie would’ve been on page too though because he was such a jerk.
Overall this was a fun Summer romance story about finding yourself and pursing what truly makes you happy.
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨✨
“I wasn’t surprised by Ronnie’s demonstration of possession. His interest in me might have waned, but he still needed to piss around me.”
Thanks so much to @BookSparks + @AmyLorowitz.Author for including me on the #SummerHusbandReviewTour.
A middle of life romance!?! Umm, yes please. I can’t believe I’m midlife and a 9 week sleep-away camp for the summer sounds perfect! I thought it was cool that her kids got to go too but she still had time to herself.
Ronnie and Lori had a strained relationship before she went to the camp and the dissolution of their marriage became even more evidence while Lori was at the camp.
I liked the gradual progression of Teddy and Lori’s friendship and then how it moved into deeper territory.
I wish the confrontation with Lori and Ronnie would’ve been on page too though because he was such a jerk.
Overall this was a fun Summer romance story about finding yourself and pursing what truly makes you happy.
June 25, 2026
A fun summer adventure
I loved how the author made you feel like you could envision the layout of the camp. You could relate to the characters and want to. get to know some of them better. I want to know what happens when Teddy and Lori take over the camp.
I loved how the author made you feel like you could envision the layout of the camp. You could relate to the characters and want to. get to know some of them better. I want to know what happens when Teddy and Lori take over the camp.
July 9, 2026
Amy was my Division Leader in 2005. This book brought back the sweetest memories ❤️
June 19, 2026
As I helped my granddaughter pack her trunk for camp, I became nostalgic about my own childhood summers at sleep away. Summer Husband headed my list of books to read this season. I was taken right back to those camp experiences The detailed descriptions of the campgrounds, bunks and specialty buildings were just as I remembered. Relationships that instantly became close (and intimate) while living together for 8 weeks are what has stuck with me throughout my lifetime and were captured so familiarly in this book. Thank you Amy Lorowitz for bringing those recollections to the surface and giving me a sense of what it felt like to be that camper again.
June 10, 2026
Everyone should have a summer sleepaway camp experience. In “Summer Husband” by Amy Lorowitz, Lori Kramer, and her girls, Zelda and Hazel, have their first one together at Camp Woodland. Sleepaway camp lasts for two months. Lori is part of the senior staff, a Division Leader, in charge of 48 ten-year old girl campers, the Cubs, and their counselors. Campers participate in organized activities and achieve various accomplishments. Ted Mooney is a senior staff member on the boys side and coaches the camp’s soccer program. He and Lori run into each other behind the laundry hut while each sneaks smoking a forbidden cigarette after the campers go to bed. Ted helps Lori figure out camp life and supports her. Unfortunately the Camp Director, Jack, is a bully and Lori becomes his scapegoat. When she happens to be on the right place at the right time to save a child life, things start to go off the rails.
I really enjoyed this book. Ms. Lorowitz has done a good job of depicting the flavor and essence of camp life. I like the vivid description of Woodland Camp and the activities of the campers, without being bogged down in minutiae. The relationships that developed among the women were healthy and supportive, no backstabbing or cattiness. It was inspiring to see how Lori learned how to stand up for herself and her campers, that leads up to her standing up for herself in her marriage. I wanted the story to continue further than it did to see Lori’s next steps in her life. I hope Ms. Lorowitz writes these next steps in another book. I would recommend this book to readers who like romance and women being true to themselves.
I wish to thank She Writes Press for the complimentary eARC of this book and for selecting me to review it on NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
#SummerHusband
#SheWritesPress
#NetGalley
#Romance
#SummerCamp
#StrongWomen
I really enjoyed this book. Ms. Lorowitz has done a good job of depicting the flavor and essence of camp life. I like the vivid description of Woodland Camp and the activities of the campers, without being bogged down in minutiae. The relationships that developed among the women were healthy and supportive, no backstabbing or cattiness. It was inspiring to see how Lori learned how to stand up for herself and her campers, that leads up to her standing up for herself in her marriage. I wanted the story to continue further than it did to see Lori’s next steps in her life. I hope Ms. Lorowitz writes these next steps in another book. I would recommend this book to readers who like romance and women being true to themselves.
I wish to thank She Writes Press for the complimentary eARC of this book and for selecting me to review it on NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
#SummerHusband
#SheWritesPress
#NetGalley
#Romance
#SummerCamp
#StrongWomen
June 11, 2026
Summer Husband🏕️Review ✨ Thank you Partner @booksparks for the gifted copy. #SummerHusbandReviewTour
Summer Husband
by Amy Lorowitz
out now!
At thirty-nine, Lori Kramer never expected a summer at sleepaway camp to change her life. Taking a job at Camp Woodlands so her daughters can have the ultimate camp experience, Lori soon finds herself navigating mischievous campers, unexpected adventures, and a growing attraction to Teddy, the camp’s charming British soccer coach. As the summer unfolds, Lori discovers that camp isn’t just for kids—it might be exactly what she needs to rediscover herself.
My thoughts 💭:
Sometimes a book can be entertaining and not be the right fit and that’s exactly how I felt about this one. This was definitely an entertaining read, and I can absolutely see it finding the right audience. There were several moments that made me smile, and as a mom, I found parts of Lori’s journey relatable. The camp setting was fun, and I enjoyed watching her step outside of her comfort zone and rediscover parts of herself along the way. Where this book lost me was the romance. While I understood what the story was trying to do, I struggled with the timing of the relationship. For me, the unresolved separation and the gray area surrounding Lori’s marriage made it difficult to fully invest in it. I kept feeling like I wanted that chapter of her life to be more settled before moving forward with someone new. That said, this is very much a personal preference issue. I know many readers won’t be bothered by it and may even love the story because of its realistic approach to complicated relationships and second chances.
Happy reading 📖🏕️
Summer Husband
by Amy Lorowitz
out now!
At thirty-nine, Lori Kramer never expected a summer at sleepaway camp to change her life. Taking a job at Camp Woodlands so her daughters can have the ultimate camp experience, Lori soon finds herself navigating mischievous campers, unexpected adventures, and a growing attraction to Teddy, the camp’s charming British soccer coach. As the summer unfolds, Lori discovers that camp isn’t just for kids—it might be exactly what she needs to rediscover herself.
My thoughts 💭:
Sometimes a book can be entertaining and not be the right fit and that’s exactly how I felt about this one. This was definitely an entertaining read, and I can absolutely see it finding the right audience. There were several moments that made me smile, and as a mom, I found parts of Lori’s journey relatable. The camp setting was fun, and I enjoyed watching her step outside of her comfort zone and rediscover parts of herself along the way. Where this book lost me was the romance. While I understood what the story was trying to do, I struggled with the timing of the relationship. For me, the unresolved separation and the gray area surrounding Lori’s marriage made it difficult to fully invest in it. I kept feeling like I wanted that chapter of her life to be more settled before moving forward with someone new. That said, this is very much a personal preference issue. I know many readers won’t be bothered by it and may even love the story because of its realistic approach to complicated relationships and second chances.
Happy reading 📖🏕️
Did Not Finish
June 10, 2026Thank you Booksparks for sending me a copy of Summer Husband as apart of your review tour. When I agreed to this book I read the synopsis thinking this was going to be a fun, cute summer story perfect for the outdoors or beach. However, as I continued to read the first half of the book I realized that this was going toward the cheating romance trope and I had to stop. I can read a lot of tropes, cheating is not one that I choose to go after. I've seen and read some reviews and I understand the journey of growth, but I don't find it growth with any sort of cheating on your marriage. Whether it's emotional, sexual, or revenge, it's just not my cup of tea. I wish this information would've been included in synopsis. So while this book is for some, and that's great, it's not for me to continue. Thank you again to Booksparks for the copy in return for my honest opinion.
June 10, 2026
Summer Husband is the ultimate must-pack beach read!
Amy Lorowitz’s dazzling debut sweeps you in from the very first page with a story that’s captivating, irresistible, and impossible to put down. It’s equal parts entertaining and thought-provoking, delivering twists, intrigue, and emotion that will have you racing from chapter to chapter, always needing just one more.
And that ending? It lingers in the best way—leaving you hopeful, buzzing, and already wishing for more. Here’s hoping this isn’t goodbye… because we’re definitely ready for Summer Husband: Part 2!
Summer Husband: A NovelAmy Lorowitz
Amy Lorowitz’s dazzling debut sweeps you in from the very first page with a story that’s captivating, irresistible, and impossible to put down. It’s equal parts entertaining and thought-provoking, delivering twists, intrigue, and emotion that will have you racing from chapter to chapter, always needing just one more.
And that ending? It lingers in the best way—leaving you hopeful, buzzing, and already wishing for more. Here’s hoping this isn’t goodbye… because we’re definitely ready for Summer Husband: Part 2!
Summer Husband: A NovelAmy Lorowitz
June 10, 2026
Amy Lorowitz's book summer husband was such a delight to read. Each character had a very unique personality which made them very memorable. One of my favorite characters was Jack- who could imagine a camp director being so completely unhinged??? The dialogue was witty (who hasn't taken the wrong child to the health center?), the emotional moments were great and the story made me smile. Her descriptions of the environment were so vivid that I felt like I was experiencing everything alongside the characters. If you are looking for a charming heartwarming summer read filled with loveable characters and plenty of laughs, Summer Husband is definitely worth picking up!
July 13, 2026
Summer Husband was everything I wanted in a summer romance. It’s the story of one woman’s journey of self-discovery, bravery, and living life on her terms after a disappointing marriage. Filled with a cast of feisty characters, female camaraderie, and, not to mention, a hot soccer coach, it’ll have you packing your bags and heading to camp, even if you’ve never been. With laugh-out-loud banter, a slow-building romance, and just the right amount of spice to keep the pages turning, I couldn’t put it down. What happens next? Only the author knows, and I’m hoping for a sequel. Summer Husband Two has a nice ring to it!
July 13, 2026
As a former summer overnight camper, this was the perfect book to bring me right back to those summer nights at camp. Amy knew exactly how to make it feel like I was picked up and plopped right into the heart of camp, the horseshoe where all the bunks circled the flagpole. Every activity, event, and place she described, she did to the perfect detail that I felt like I knew where at my camp I would be and what I would be doing. I felt like I was back at my 2nd home, my summer home where the outside world didnt exist and the only thing we knew what inside the confines of camp.
June 1, 2026
Can’t recommend this book highly enough! It put me right back in to my sleep away camp glory days and I had so much fun being with the characters who felt like my friends. Was so sad when it was over as I missed hanging out with them! I hope there’s a sequel in the making.
If you love camp and the hilarious stories that come with that unique summer temporary existence this book is for you. If you don’t know anything about sleep away camp, give it a shot, the author will take you on an adventure!
If you love camp and the hilarious stories that come with that unique summer temporary existence this book is for you. If you don’t know anything about sleep away camp, give it a shot, the author will take you on an adventure!
May 31, 2026
• of course I love a good summer camp story like everyone else, especially a romance! I enjoyed this one a lot. I thought it was fun and chaotic, and a little spicy.
• Honesty, I just enjoy camp vibes so these books always do well with me.. and the FMC is a little older I believe late 30s early 40s (I can't quite remember) but it was a nice change up from romance I usually read I did like the older characters and switch up from college age!
• (on to some slight cons) I didn't vibe with the cheating trope.. no matter how it is trying to be justified.. it didn't ruin the story for me, but i could do without it, and the insta love.. I'm a firm believer in a nice slow burn, a good build up always feels more believable but I still enjoyed this regardless!
• Thank you so much to Book Sparks and Amy Lorowitz for sending me this copy!
• Honesty, I just enjoy camp vibes so these books always do well with me.. and the FMC is a little older I believe late 30s early 40s (I can't quite remember) but it was a nice change up from romance I usually read I did like the older characters and switch up from college age!
• (on to some slight cons) I didn't vibe with the cheating trope.. no matter how it is trying to be justified.. it didn't ruin the story for me, but i could do without it, and the insta love.. I'm a firm believer in a nice slow burn, a good build up always feels more believable but I still enjoyed this regardless!
• Thank you so much to Book Sparks and Amy Lorowitz for sending me this copy!
June 13, 2026
Summer Husband is a hoot-and-a-half. It’s a relatable tale about a caring mom who rediscovers her strong inner self and regains her life balance while working at a summer camp. Her adventures made me laugh out loud and warmed my heart. On second thought, Summer Husband gets 5 hoots!
June 10, 2026
Rounded up from 3.5. This was a delightful novel about finding yourself, female friendships, and love! My favorite parts were interactions between Lori and her campers and counselors!
June 22, 2026
This book took my straight back to my days at summer camp and instantly sparked some of my favorite childhood memories! It was so much fun and such a quick addictive read.
July 7, 2026
I loved reading this book. It was that kind of book you didn't want to put down!
May 23, 2026
From the moment I read the first scene, I was excited to follow Lori to see what adventures awaited her and I was not disappointed. I've never been to summer camp, but this novel brought me straight to Camp Woodlands and I didn't leave until I finished the book.
August 3, 2026
As a 26 year old who never went to sleepaway camp, I was immediately pulled in by the captivating and fun characters and storyline. ‘Summer Husband’ made me wish I had gone to camp as a kid and planted the idea that it might not be too late.
June 14, 2026
If you have ever been to sleepaway camp, you will love this book.
July 2, 2026
3.5 stars Fast paced, decent summer read.
June 17, 2026
Such a fun book! Summer camp is a great setting, and the writing brings my camp memories to life! It was fun to see where the summer went for Lori and her daughters! Definitely a great read to help escape.
Review of advance copy
What a great read! I felt like I was back at camp. I could almost smell the campfires and the forest. I also enjoyed Lori, the main character. She was so authentic and relatable, and I wanted to be friends with her. I loved her sense of humor, the way she discovered herself, and how she grew through her experiences. I also loved Lori’s adventures. They were so creatively plotted and vividly described. Finally, I found the romance sweet and believable. I also appreciated that the romance didn’t overwhelm the storytelling and the realness of the setting, which were the highlights of the book for me. All in all, it was a very fun and breezy read. Perfect for summertime or anytime.
May 13, 2026
What a lovely debut novel. I really enjoyed the summer camp theme and all of the characters and personalities. I felt a slight Alice Hoffman vibe from this author..
Highly recommend! Thank you Net Galley for the ARC.
Highly recommend! Thank you Net Galley for the ARC.
May 24, 2026
Thanks so much to She Writes Press for an advance copy of this book—it was lots of fun.
As I’ve mentioned (lots of times) before, I spent 10 years of my life at summer camp. I definitely have fantastic memories and still keep in touch with friends I made more than 40 years ago. I love reading books about camp, especially from the perspective of an adult.
Lori really wanted to send her two daughters to summer camp, in the hopes they’d become more independent and learn to take responsibility for things. Her husband thinks it’s unnecessary, and believes Lori is only doing this to have the summer “off.” When he isn’t interested in going on a romantic vacation with her, she decides to take a job at camp, too.
Having never been to camp, Lori has no idea what to expect. As a division leader, she oversees 48 campers and 12 counselors—the work is nonstop. There are so many rules and requirements, and she doesn’t know whom to trust, but she quickly befriends her coworkers.
She continually seems to run afoul of the camp’s owner, who becomes increasingly unhinged as the summer goes on. But luckily she met Teddy, the camp’s English soccer coach, and they become illicit smoking buddies at night. After a while, their friendship turns to attraction, and Lori can’t resist him. And that’s just one of the things that will surprise her this summer.
Amy Lorowitz did a terrific job capturing the feelings of being both a camper and a counselor. I definitely felt nostalgic for my camp days. This is a really good debut novel!!
Check out my best reads of 2025 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2026/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2025.html .
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/getbookedwithlarry/.
As I’ve mentioned (lots of times) before, I spent 10 years of my life at summer camp. I definitely have fantastic memories and still keep in touch with friends I made more than 40 years ago. I love reading books about camp, especially from the perspective of an adult.
Lori really wanted to send her two daughters to summer camp, in the hopes they’d become more independent and learn to take responsibility for things. Her husband thinks it’s unnecessary, and believes Lori is only doing this to have the summer “off.” When he isn’t interested in going on a romantic vacation with her, she decides to take a job at camp, too.
Having never been to camp, Lori has no idea what to expect. As a division leader, she oversees 48 campers and 12 counselors—the work is nonstop. There are so many rules and requirements, and she doesn’t know whom to trust, but she quickly befriends her coworkers.
She continually seems to run afoul of the camp’s owner, who becomes increasingly unhinged as the summer goes on. But luckily she met Teddy, the camp’s English soccer coach, and they become illicit smoking buddies at night. After a while, their friendship turns to attraction, and Lori can’t resist him. And that’s just one of the things that will surprise her this summer.
Amy Lorowitz did a terrific job capturing the feelings of being both a camper and a counselor. I definitely felt nostalgic for my camp days. This is a really good debut novel!!
Check out my best reads of 2025 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2026/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2025.html .
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/getbookedwithlarry/.
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Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley and She Writes Press for the ARC!!
First off, I did not enjoy Summer Husband at all. The writing was awful and everything moved way too fast. For context, it’s about a forty-some year old mom named Lori, and how she takes her kids to summer camp to get away from her husband. I’m going to level with you, this book messed with me. The whole time I was reading, it felt like a fever dream. Lori annoyed me to NO END. Everyone magically fell in love with her after like two minutes of hate, she had no character arc other than: damn I’m smart, and thin! as well as what the book was named after (her so-called summer husband) IS NOT THE MAN SHES MARRIED TO. We’re supposed to think her affair is okay and be on her side because Lori’s actual husband ignores her for his job, but that doesn’t condone ACTUAL CHEATING!! The only mildly valid reason she has to cheat is a SPECULATION that he’s having an affair with his secretary (note: this IS proved to be true, but only at the VERY END OF THE BOOK after she slept with another guy like five times). Another reason we’re supposed to sympathize with her is because her bosses suck. I’m pretty sure that’s the most original dilema anyone has ever written about ever in the history of the world…but I could be exaggerating. I guess my main problem is that everyone instantly likes her because “she’s so innovative” and “clever” and “who would have thought of that?” BUT SHES NOT. She’s a pick-me, and that’s all. Last but not least, is just a pet peeve of mine that I must write about, because it BUGGED me the whole book. The guy she’s into/cheating on her husband with is british and that’s his whole personality. Anyway, the only redeeming quality about Summer Husband is that it was never boring (albeit still not very well-written) I never felt like I was slogging through it, which I suppose is good, but I still would not recommend.
First off, I did not enjoy Summer Husband at all. The writing was awful and everything moved way too fast. For context, it’s about a forty-some year old mom named Lori, and how she takes her kids to summer camp to get away from her husband. I’m going to level with you, this book messed with me. The whole time I was reading, it felt like a fever dream. Lori annoyed me to NO END. Everyone magically fell in love with her after like two minutes of hate, she had no character arc other than: damn I’m smart, and thin! as well as what the book was named after (her so-called summer husband) IS NOT THE MAN SHES MARRIED TO. We’re supposed to think her affair is okay and be on her side because Lori’s actual husband ignores her for his job, but that doesn’t condone ACTUAL CHEATING!! The only mildly valid reason she has to cheat is a SPECULATION that he’s having an affair with his secretary (note: this IS proved to be true, but only at the VERY END OF THE BOOK after she slept with another guy like five times). Another reason we’re supposed to sympathize with her is because her bosses suck. I’m pretty sure that’s the most original dilema anyone has ever written about ever in the history of the world…but I could be exaggerating. I guess my main problem is that everyone instantly likes her because “she’s so innovative” and “clever” and “who would have thought of that?” BUT SHES NOT. She’s a pick-me, and that’s all. Last but not least, is just a pet peeve of mine that I must write about, because it BUGGED me the whole book. The guy she’s into/cheating on her husband with is british and that’s his whole personality. Anyway, the only redeeming quality about Summer Husband is that it was never boring (albeit still not very well-written) I never felt like I was slogging through it, which I suppose is good, but I still would not recommend.
June 9, 2026
This book was cute and there were parts I really enjoyed. There was just one main thing that kept it at 3 stars from me.
But first… what I liked! - This book does a good job of capturing that classic summer camp feeling 🛶 I also think that many will be able to relate to the themes of a mom trying to find herself outside of her role as a mom and a wife. I (unfortunately) think most mom’s have at some point experienced their value being questioned, whether that be by their family or society as a whole. And I liked watching Lori come to understand how much she is worth, and stand up for herself! I think Ted was a part of that realization for her and I liked them together
Now to the part that didn’t quite work for me: Ronnie. And this part is going to have a few spoilers.
Thank you to Book Sparks for sending me a review copy of this book.
But first… what I liked! - This book does a good job of capturing that classic summer camp feeling 🛶 I also think that many will be able to relate to the themes of a mom trying to find herself outside of her role as a mom and a wife. I (unfortunately) think most mom’s have at some point experienced their value being questioned, whether that be by their family or society as a whole. And I liked watching Lori come to understand how much she is worth, and stand up for herself! I think Ted was a part of that realization for her and I liked them together
Now to the part that didn’t quite work for me: Ronnie. And this part is going to have a few spoilers.
Thank you to Book Sparks for sending me a review copy of this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I don’t usually like romance novels but this one appealed to me, because it was about summer camp. I have many fond memories of camp, both as a camper, and then as a counselor. The descriptions of camp life reminded me of how wonderful camp life can be. In addition, some of the characters in the book reminded me of some of my fellow counselors at my own camp.
The story focuses on Lori, a mom who takes a job at a summer camp to keep an eye on her two daughters, Hazel and Zelda who are campers. Lori has never attended a sleep over camp and has a lot to learn. She makes some lifelong friends and falls in love with Teddy, a handsome English soccer coach. The problem is that she is married to Ronnie, but her marriage is not going well. There are several memorable incidents where Lori saves a camper’s life and where she breaks into a diner to steal their curtains! Lori is quite an adventurer.
There are moments in the book that I really liked. For example, Lori’s handling of her boss, Jack. Jack feels threatened by Lori and lashes out at her on several occasions, and she fights back and does not give in. In addition, the author’s description of Lori’s encounter with a bear was frightening and detailed.
The descriptions of the love scenes between Lori and Teddy were a bit much and the male counselors were all too handsome, for my liking. Lori was the protagonist, and while I recognized that she grew in confidence and poise during the summer, I found myself disliking her. It appears that she did some stupid things throughout the book; e. g. her bear encounter, breaking into the diner, etc…
I enjoyed the book overall, and would recommend it to people who enjoy romance novels.
Many thanks to NetGalley and She Writes Press for the opportunity to read this book and provide feedback.
The story focuses on Lori, a mom who takes a job at a summer camp to keep an eye on her two daughters, Hazel and Zelda who are campers. Lori has never attended a sleep over camp and has a lot to learn. She makes some lifelong friends and falls in love with Teddy, a handsome English soccer coach. The problem is that she is married to Ronnie, but her marriage is not going well. There are several memorable incidents where Lori saves a camper’s life and where she breaks into a diner to steal their curtains! Lori is quite an adventurer.
There are moments in the book that I really liked. For example, Lori’s handling of her boss, Jack. Jack feels threatened by Lori and lashes out at her on several occasions, and she fights back and does not give in. In addition, the author’s description of Lori’s encounter with a bear was frightening and detailed.
The descriptions of the love scenes between Lori and Teddy were a bit much and the male counselors were all too handsome, for my liking. Lori was the protagonist, and while I recognized that she grew in confidence and poise during the summer, I found myself disliking her. It appears that she did some stupid things throughout the book; e. g. her bear encounter, breaking into the diner, etc…
I enjoyed the book overall, and would recommend it to people who enjoy romance novels.
Many thanks to NetGalley and She Writes Press for the opportunity to read this book and provide feedback.
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