Only So Many Summers

by Evi James

There’s something magical about the lake. Things always feel the same here.
Comforting. Stable. But this summer, everything will change.

For years, Mia Miller’s family has been spending one week every summer at the Agate Harbors lake resort in northern Minnesota. The trip not only brings her a break from her overbearing parents who don’t have any patience for her sensitivities and her sister who only cares about finding the next party, it’s the one time a year she gets to see her favorite person: Bower Hanson.

Since they were young, Bower and Mia have felt connected by a bond neither knows how to define. They treasure their time together when Mia comes to visit his grandparents’ resort. But when a night gone wrong as teenagers lands Bower in significant trouble, he and Mia lose all contact for years.

As an adult, Mia knows what she wants: a quick engagement with Archer, a guy her parents love. So what if he constantly tries to change her, claiming it’s all to help with her sensory processing disorder diagnosis? She can ignore the voice in the back of her head questioning if her fiancé is right for her…until her bachelorette party in Agate Harbors, where she runs into the last person she expected to see again.

Guarded and recovering from past wounds she has no idea about, Bower reminds Mia that he’s never wanted her to change a single thing about herself. Their connection reignites as quickly as it did all those years ago, but will it last beyond this week at the lake?

Only So Many Summers is the first book in the Agate Harbors series, told in two timelines and featuring a Minnesota lake resort setting, mental health rep, and a second chance at love (no cheating). There is adult content; see author’s website for a full list of content warnings.

Genres: Romance, Summer

324 pages, Paperback

First published May 14, 2026

About the author

Evi lives with her husband, two daughters, and numerous cats in Minnesota.

Come say hi on Instagram and Tiktok!
@evijamesauthor

Reviews

[Cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only So Many Summers is the first book in the Agate Harbors series written by Evi James. Reading this book felt like a breath of fresh air that only you can feel on a beautiful summer lake day, it just brings a comforting sense of calm and peace. As I was reading this beautiful book, it brought back so many childhood memories for me, I remember getting so excited when school let out for the summer and spending the whole day on the lake with friends and family, whether that's boat days, just swimming and enjoying the sunshine, watching fireworks across the lake on the Fourth of July, or just building sandcastles on the beach, and just laying out on a towel getting that perfect golden summer tan. I have never read a book by Evi James before, but her beautiful writing captivated me from the very beginning, so now of course I need book two immediately. Only So Many Summer was nostalgic, beautiful, emotional, heart warming, comforting, and even heart breaking. One of my many favorite tropes is the mental health representation, and Evi James handled that aspect of the book with so much care, it was truly relatable. This book had NO CHEATING which I'm absolutely so thankful for because the cheating trope is so disgusting and gives me the biggest ick, but I will say the only thing that bothered me about this book was the intimate scene because the emotional buildup was so good, but the intimacy felt so sudden for me unfortunately. If you love summer days spent out in the sun or on the lake, y'all better have your calendars marked for May 14th, 2026 for the publication of Only So Many Summers because you won't want to miss this one. You best believe I'm going to be recommending this beautiful book all summer long.

THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND EVI JAMES FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!!

ᯓ‎𝄞ᴺᴼᵂ ᴾᴸᴬᵞᴵᴺᴳ : Huntin', Fishin', and Lovin' Every Day by Luke Bryanᯓ‎𝄞
0:51————|———4:37

"🌊🌤️🌴🐚There were only so many summers. We had to choose how we spent them wisely🌊🌤️🌴🐚".

"💗🌊You couldn't take the lake out of a city girl💗🌊".

"💖🔮Sometimes when you were younger, you remembered things more magically than they really were💖🔮".

"💟💐Young love was ignorant of the future, ignoring all the road blocks ahead💟💐".

Mia Miller and her family have spent one week every summer at the Agate Harbors lake resort in Northern Minnesota, the Miller family started going when Mia was just eight years old. Mia and her sister Ruby have so much freedom at the lake resort, they each go their separate ways and have their own friends to spend time with. Every Fourth of July they spend the lake weekend at Agate Harbors, it's an escape from reality for Mia where she just gets to be herself, no one is around to judge her weird and awkward quirks. Agate Harbors feels like home- it's just a breath of fresh air. Mia and Ruby had no cell phones until they had their drivers license. I felt so bad for Mia, in her childhood she had certain sensitivities that followed her into adulthood, but no one ever took the time to understand Mia except for one person- her childhood best friend Bower Hanson. Years later, Mia is now engaged to Archer Owns who I absolutely despise, the way he treated Mia just shattered my heart. Archer proposed to Mia after dating for a year and now Mia is having her bachelorette party at Agate Harbors at twenty-five years old before the annual vacation that her family takes every year. Mia is also now a first grade teacher. If you couldn't tell by now, Mia's favorite holiday is the Fourth of July and her favorite summertime snack is s'mores. A girl loves her s'mores- my favorite summer snack as well.

Bower Hanson was raised by his grandparents Betty and Gill who are his mom's parents. Betty and Gill took Bower in when he was a baby because his parents were more interested in drugs and later died from overdoses. I so appreciate Betty and Gill for taking Bower in, but his birth parents pissed me off, how do you choose drugs over your own child? Bower's grandparents are the proud owners of Agate Harbors. Eight years ago, during Mia's lake weekend- Bower got arrested for underage drinking at a lake party and after that night Bower enlisted in the Marine's, he left to become a better person and to get away from shenanigans. Nine years later, Bower has returned to Agate Harbors and hasn't been back since he was seventeen years old and hasn't drank in nine years since that night he was arrested. Since returning back to civilization, popping noises now trigger Bower from his time in the Marine's. Bower spent years overseas in Syria, since upon returning his precious loving grandma has dementia- she doesn't remember anyone, but she always recognizes Mia. Bower has always been Mia's safe spot and her comfortable place. Bower's character growth was truly inspirational, he was a rowdy child, but he decided to enlist in the service to better himself and change his life around.

Mia and Bower were always together for one week during her family's annual summer vacation, they always picked up right where they left off the year prior- there were never any awkward moments between them. Bower taught Mia how to fish, and Betty and Gill love Mia like she's their own. Agate Harbors has a crayfish catching contest, but don't tell anyone- Bower always let Mia win because he was just the sweetest person ever. During the year when Mia and Bower weren't together, Bower got into drugs and alcohol but he had never told her. Since the night Bower got arrested all those years ago, nine years later Bower and Mia meet again at Mia's bachelorette party where Bower confessed his love for Mia. After some catching up, Bower gives Mia two choices- choose a controlling rich man or give Bower a chance after everything they have been through during their childhood. Bower never once judged Mia for her quirks as kids- he was always there to give her whatever she needed, now as adults, Bower still remembers Mia's needs and tries to make her feel as safe and seen as possible. "You shouldn't feel bad about breaking up with someone who makes you feel like shit"- I absolutely love how supportive Bower was, he knew Mia like no one else. Despite the mistakes he made all those years ago, I think the Marine's changed Bower's life for the best, he was the best version of himself that Mia truly needed. I just wanted to reach into my kindle and give Bower and Mia the biggest hug.

[joni ౨ৎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

this reminded me our perfect storm storm in a way, childhood friends, she's getting married, she reconnects with her childhood best friend / sweetheart, and the whole summer thing!! i really liked the mental health rep and ptsd in this. <3




𐙚⋆°｡⋆♡ ── pre-read
i have quite a few arcs from april/may that need to be read and this one caught my eye! our main characters meet every summer for a week when she comes to visit his grandparents resort. the mental health rep is so beautiful and him + his family are kind of the only accepting and welcoming people in her life. i can tell this will be an emotional and tender story 🥹

[Afton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sweet, wholesome story with many great reps intertwined within the plot! I also loved the MN setting. There is just something so special about summers on a lake in Minnesota.

[Sam Sellner · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️

First off, thank you to Love PR and Evi James for the eARC!

This was such a wholesome childhood friends to lovers romance with the perfect cozy Minnesota cabin atmosphere. As someone from Minnesota, the setting felt especially comforting and nostalgic with the quiet lakes, small towns, and that feeling of home.

One of my favorite parts was the character growth. Every character felt changed by the end of the story (even the parents), but Mia and Bower’s journey stood out the most. No matter how much time passed or how far life pulled them apart, they always seemed to find their way back to each other, even after nine years, and that made their relationship feel incredibly heartfelt and real.

I also appreciated the care the author took when discussing SPD, PTSD, and dementia. The representation felt thoughtful, especially in showing the accommodations, patience, and support surrounding those experiences.

Mia and Bower’s romance was sweet and easy to become invested in. While parts of the relationship leaned a little insta love for me, I still loved watching them grow up together and eventually grow into the people they were meant to be for each other. Overall, this was a heartwarming story and I can’t wait to read the next one!

[Sandy (Sandy.Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5 Stars
*rounded up

I absolutely loved the way this story was structured. The flashbacks took us years into the past and gave us the full picture of how Mia and Bower became so close as children. It was exactly the kind of background this story needed, and it made their connection feel even more meaningful.

Bower completely stole my heart. The way he cared for Mia and always made sure she felt safe and comfortable because of her sensory processing disorder was incredibly thoughtful. He understood her needs better than anyone else, and honestly, there were moments when he was far more considerate than her own parents, which definitely frustrated me.

There was a point when these two were separated, and my heart broke for Mia because Bower had always been such a safe place for her. But when he returned, the dynamic shifted in the best way. Seeing Mia become the person Bower needed and watching her care for him as he had once cared for her was beautiful and incredibly satisfying.

This was an emotional, heartfelt read that I would highly recommend. It also seems like this is setting up a series, which has me so excited for book two, especially if it’s going to be her sister’s story.

[Lori Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only So Many Summers is one of those magical books that takes you out of your surroundings and puts you on vacation at the lake. Mia Miller's family has gone to Agate Harbors lake resort for their family vacation every year for as long as she can remember. It's in northern Minnesota and feels more like home to Mia than her actual home, even though she's only here for one week each summer. The reason for that is simple, it's Bower Hanson. Bower and Mia have always gotten along so well and he understands Mia better than anyone else. Mia has severe anxiety over things like her feet touching sand, gravel, or water and wearing shirts with tags. Bower knows this about her and helps her get around those things so that she can have a good time. Bower's grandparents own the resort and it's Mia's favorite place! If only the week would last longer!

Bower looks forward to Mia's arrival every summer. It's the one week a year that he is focused on only one thing and that's Mia. One summer Bower asks Mia to go to a party with him and things don't end well. Bower gets in trouble and taken away by the police. Mia doesn't see him again for years! She thinks about him every day and doesn't understand why he hasn't reached out to her. Fast forward to current time and Mia is engaged to Archer. Her parents love Archer, but her sister thinks Mia is unhappy with him. Archer has money and gave Mia a huge diamond engagement ring. It's very heavy and 2 sizes too big. Archer is always trying to get Mia to change by dying her hair a lighter blond, wearing her hair down instead of in a ponytail, etc. Mia now knows that she has sensory processing disorder and is getting help to improve her daily life little by little. Archer doesn't seem to understand and doesn't even try.

It's Mia's bachelorette weekend and she has chosen to celebrate at her favorite place, Agate Harbors. She never expected Bower to be there as she was told he'd enlisted in the Marines soon after she last saw him. Bower is there and looking grown up and filled out. He looks great. Mia doesn't go up to say hi as she's still mad that Bower never contacted her. When he approaches her, her body reacts immediately. There's always been something between them, always! When Bower finds out Mia is engaged, he can't believe it. She can't marry someone else because Bower loves her and always has! As they spend time together, the connection grows strong again, and Mia doesn't know what to do! Will Mia marry Archer or will she call it off and reconnect with Bower? This book will have you hoping and guessing until the end. You will fall in love with Agate Harbors and the characters you meet there. You'll feel like you've been on vacation there after reading this book! I thoroughly enjoyed Only So Many Summers and rate it 5 stars with my highest recommendation. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Evi James for an advanced copy of Only So Many Summers in exchange for a fair review.

[Taylor Field · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Love Notes PR and Evi James for the eARC!

I LOVED the vibes of this book. From the beginning I was feeling all the nostalgia and I didn’t even have a lake resort that I went to as a kid! The setting was my absolute favorite part and I could picture it perfectly! I loved the backstory we got for both of the main characters at the beginning. I really felt it helped set up their romance later on. I also really loved the friends in the story and how supportive everyone was of each other. I truly felt like part of the family and fully immersed in Agate Harbor.

There were some things I wasn’t as fond of as well. I thought Bower had too many big issues weighing on him. I think we could have picked one that affected him instead of all three and still gotten the same results in the end. As for Mia, I don’t think the fiancé sub plot was needed. Or if it was I think it could have been drawn out longer. It seemed like she kinda jumped ship too fast for a man she hadn’t seen in 9 years and I just didn’t believe that would be accurate. Lastly, I wish some of the scenes were more in depth. I felt the two main characters could have explored their connection a bit deeper with words/actions instead of just blatantly stating what was happening. I love good communication in real life but I like a little build up in my books.

Overall, I did really enjoy the read and am looking forward to book 2 (which I am hoping stars Ruby and Dean). If you are looking for a cute summer romance read that is nostalgic and wholesome this is your book!

[Kaellie Sanders · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s just something about the childhood friends to lovers trope that gets me every single time, and Only So Many Summers by Evi James delivered it so beautifully.

What I loved most about this story was the way he always accepted her exactly as she was, her quirks, her feelings, her way of trying to overcome the differences she faced in life. He never tried to change her, only understand her. Watching him consistently make sure she felt heard, accepted, and loved made their connection feel so genuine and comforting.

Then when they reunite as adults, I loved seeing the roles shift a little as she realizes it’s now her turn to show up for him in the same way he always did for her. Their relationship felt full of patience, understanding, and a love that never really went away no matter how much time had passed.

This book was emotional, tender, and such a beautiful reminder that sometimes the right person has been there all along.

[Sophia Timbario · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Read!! Let me tell you… this was a 13 hour BINGE read I am so grateful for the advanced copy of this book I absolutely loved the plot line

Our main character, Mia, has sensory processing disorder and the way Bower takes care of her and makes her feel seen and not weird was TOP TIER.

For all the girls who love a slow burn and time jumps… this one’s for you. They met at Bower’s family cabin retreat and for one week of summer every year they were inseparable. But when Bower disappears, what is Mia supposed to do? Was he really her everything or was it just romance by the lakeside? 💕💕

[Holly Paulson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only So Many Summers was the summer read I absolutely needed! This cozy romance had the perfect mix of heart, healing, and emotional depth while still delivering all the warm summer vibes.

One of my favorite parts was how vividly the setting came to life. The lake atmosphere instantly reminded me of Minnesota summers — peaceful mornings, cozy cabins, and that serene feeling you only get near the water. I could picture every scene so clearly.

The friends-to-lovers trope was executed so beautifully. Watching Bower accept and support Mia throughout their childhood friendship was incredibly heartwarming, and their connection felt so genuine from the very beginning.

When they reconnect as adults, it captures that feeling of seeing an old friend after years apart — the comfort, familiarity, and effortless bond are still there… except now there’s something deeper growing between them. I absolutely loved the journey they take together as adults, and I’m intentionally keeping this vague because it’s a story worth experiencing without spoilers.

I also really appreciated how thoughtfully the author handled occupational therapy and SPD representation. It felt accurate, compassionate, and genuinely meaningful — something that made this story stand out even more for me.

This book was comforting, emotional, and exactly the kind of cozy romance I wanted to kick off my summer reading season with. If you enjoy Carley Fortune’s books then this is the book for you.

✨ Friends to lovers
✨ PTSD representation
✨ SPD representation
✨ Dementia representation

[Chapter Chirp (Jessica) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only So Many Summers follows Mia Miller and her family as they travel up north every summer to spend one week at Agate Harbors on their family vacation. As a kid, Mia meets a boy named Bower Hanson, who is known to be a bit of a handful, but with Mia he’s a whole different person. As the years go on Mia feels a spark more than friendship growing between them that is until an unexpected incident occurs that alters their futures. Fast forward several years, Mia is now returning to the beloved Agate Harbors for her bachelorette trip on the cusp of being married to a man from the city. However, things are about to get shaken up when Bower is also back at the family resort. Will Mia and Bower be able to resolve issues of the past or will their spark reignite and change everything?

This was such a sweet contemporary romance packed with a childhood first love that never quite let go. I loved both the FMC Mia and MMC Bower and thought author Evi James depicted them in a thoughtful way. FMC Mia is lovable, quirky, and has a sensory processing disorder which the author did a wonderful job representing. Also wonderfully represented was MMC Bower, who was a military veteran working through PTSD acquired through his time in active duty. Not only was Bower was veteran but he was also swoon-worthy and a consent king which I always appreciate in romance settings. Alongside the main characters, I really loved Mia’s sister Ruby who was a rebel that liked to dance to the beat of her own drum but also wanted nothing but the best for her sister. Overall, a fantastic read that drew me in with its picturesque setting of the resort, endearing characters, and charming story of a love that lasted a lifetime.

[Jess (jessreads1985) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only So Many Summers is a poignant and atmospheric start to the Agate Harbors series. Evi James does a wonderful job of capturing the nostalgic, cozy essence of a Minnesota lake summer while tackling deeper themes of mental health and sensory processing disorder with care and authenticity.

The dual timeline effectively builds the connection between Mia and Bower, making their second-chance romance feel earned and deeply rooted in their shared past. Bower is a standout hero—patient, understanding, and supportive of Mia exactly as she is. While the pacing slowed slightly in the middle, the emotional payoff and the beautiful setting made it a truly moving read. A must-read for fans of small-town romances with real heart.

I received an ARC copy for review

[Kerie Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly, thank you to Evi James for providing me with an arc of Only So Many Summers!

I’ve read every book by Evi James and this is her first non paranormal romance. Set in MN, Mia and Bower connect over multiple summers at Bower’s family summer camp. After years apart, circumstance sees them thrown back together and we get to see their love story evolve.

This story deals with some very real and sensitive issues (dementia and SPD) and I thought they were written with a lot of consideration and respect.

This is definitely my favourite Evi James story so far, and I’m hoping we revisit Agate Harbours with sister Ruby!

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so grateful to be chosen to ARC for @evijamesauthor new book #onlysomanysummers . The story of Mia whose family goes to a northern MN resort 1 week a year. And Bower who lives at the resort with his grandparents. You follow the split POV through their summers as they struggle to find themselves and love beyond the shores. #bookstagram #bookreview #readersgonnaread #pagesandprimrose

[Amanda Kaiser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely fell in love with this book!

[Heather Gibson · Rating 3 out of 5]

All the summer feels and now I have a sudden yearning to be lakeside with a book and a bevvy 💛

[cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

“There were only so many summers.
We had to choose how we spent them wisely.”

This book felt like standing on a dock at sunset with your chest hurting for reasons you can’t fully explain. The writing pulled me in immediately to the point where I genuinely felt like I was there—walking the shoreline, fishing off the lake, watching fireworks reflect across the water, breathing in that nostalgic summer air that somehow feels both comforting and devastating at the same time. It had this soft, warm atmosphere wrapped around some really emotional topics, and the combination worked so well for me. 🙂‍↕️

What really made this story hit harder was getting to see Mia and Bower from such a young age. Watching their friendship begin when they were so young added SO much depth to everything later on because it never felt surface level. You could feel years sitting between them in every interaction, every look, every memory. And honestly??? The longing in this book was kind of insane in the quietest way possible. 🥹

“Funny how every time I drove up here, I thought of him. It was hard not to. So many of my summer memories had him in them.
I shook my head.
It was time to make new summer memories. Good ones that didn’t end with me brokenhearted.”

LIKE HELLO????? The ache in that alone already had me stressed. 😭😭😭

My heart absolutely went out to Mia throughout this entire story too. Watching her struggle with people constantly trying to make her feel like she needed to change herself to be “easier” or more acceptable genuinely made me so angry for her. The way her sensitivities were dismissed by the people closest to her hurt to read, especially seeing how it followed her into adulthood with her fiancé. (Archer you SUCK 😒) I spent so much of this book wanting to shake everyone around her and yell SHE IS FINE EXACTLY AS SHE IS. Which is exactly why Bower worked so well for me. He never treated her like she was too much. He never made her feel difficult to love. 🥹🫶🏼

“It wasn’t just how beautiful she’d gotten in the nine years I’d been gone; it was just Mia—the way she took up space in a room, the way she looked at me—like I was a prize. It was addicting to be around her.”

And THAT is the kind of romance that gets me every. single. time.

I also really appreciated how carefully the book handled the dementia storyline with Betty because wow…that part hurt. 😭 Deeply. Having experienced something similar with my own grandmother, some scenes genuinely hit too close to home in the most bittersweet way. There’s this underlying grief throughout the story about time passing and memories changing and people slipping away little by little, and it added such a heavy emotional layer underneath all the summer nostalgia and romance.

Also important to me personally: NO cheating. Thank you. I was definitely nervous once I realized where the story was heading emotionally, but I loved that the book handled it the way it did because it allowed me to fully root for Mia and Bower without that tension hanging over everything. 😌👏🏼

My only real complaints were that the intimate scene felt a little sudden compared to the emotional buildup we’d gotten beforehand, and I do wish the ending had slowed down more. Things wrapped up pretty quickly once time started passing, and I wanted more of the messy in-between moments of Mia and Bower actually working through everything together instead of mostly jumping to the resolution.

But regardless, this book wrapped around my heart like the warmest, saddest little summer hug. Sweet, nostalgic, comforting, quietly heartbreaking. The kind of story that makes you miss places you’ve never been and people you haven’t even met.

And you best believe I'm already ready for some Ruby and Dean content in the next book 😼 eat em up girl

things to know about the book ↓

🛶 second chance
🛶 childhood friends → lovers
🛶 summer lake setting
🛶 NO cheating
🛶 virgin FMC
🛶 SPD rep
🛶 PTSD rep
🛶 dementia (side character)
🛶 soft yearning romance
🛶 dual POV

spice rating: 🌶️🌶️
swearing: yes

Thank you NetGalley, Luna Literary, Love Notes PR, & author for this arc in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Book Lover IRL · Rating 4 out of 5]

SUMMARY: Growing up, each summer Mia Miller spent one week at the same family lake resort, where she reconnected annually with her bestie Bower Hanson (whose grandparents owned the resort.) Unfortunately the summer they were seventeen years old, one night went awry leading to years of separation. Years later, at age 25, Mia hosts her bachelorette party at Agate Harbor resort and inadvertantly reconnects with Bower. Will Mia see through her fiance's bad behavior? How will she react when Bower confesses his love for her and asks her to take a chance on him? Will Mia and Bower be able to trust each other and reconnect after years of no contact?

REVIEW: Only So Many Summers is book one of the Agate Harbor series by Evi James. It is a nostalgic, contemporary, small town, summer romance. This sweet story is like a cozy, comforting hug from an amazing friend you haven't seen in a long time with whom you can immediately fall back into a groove. The nostalgia and desire to harken back to childhood or teen experiences before technology and day-to-day demands took over our adult lives created a powerful desire to travel back to my younger years.

The dual time lines and dual POV gave us great insights into the MCs thoughts, feelings, and life experiences. The MCs personalities felt authentic, vulnerable, and imperfect in the most refreshing ways. I really appreciated the author's attention to detail when exploring the emotional nuances of the MC's experiences with Sensory Processing Disorder and PTSD, as well as dealing with a loved one's experiences with dementia. Ms. James handled the topics with care, love, and great intention. I loved tagging along on the MCs journey to find themselves, explore their burgeoning relationship, and learn to love beyond their original comfort zones.

Truly this story was a beautiful experience that made me love my phenomenal home state (Minnesota) even more than I previously did. I love discovering new home-grown authors and cannot wait to explore more books in the Agate Harbor series as they're published.

A huge thank you to Evi James and Luna Literary for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

TROPES: Small Town Romance, Sensory Processing Disorder Rep, PTSD Rep, Dementia Rep, Childhood Friends to Lovers,

QUOTES:
"There were only so many summers. We had to choose how we spent them wisely."

"You couldn't take the lake out of a city girl."

"Sometimes when you were younger, you remembered things more magically than they really were."

"Young love was ignorant of the future, ignoring all the road blocks ahead."

Star Rating: 4 (out of 5)
Spice Scale: 2.5 (out of 5)
Cliffhanger: No
HEA: Yes
POV: 1st person, alternating
Series / Standalone: Standalone in interconnected series

INSTAGRAM: @Book.Lover.IRL
STORYGRAPH: @Book_Lover_IRL
GOODREADS: Book Lover IRL
FABLE: Book Lover IRL

[greenapplemojito · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please read content warnings before reading the book.

Honestly, this was a good read. There were a lot of hard topics (and a third-act breakup, which I dislike), but given my skepticism with summer romance books for the most part, this was a good read.

I could relate slightly to the FMC when it came to some of her sensitivities. One of the things I am skeptical about with summer romances is that the MCs often meet for a summer every year or for like a month, and then boom, insta love, they suddenly see the other person as a grown-up and notice them for the first time, and then something happens, no more summers, and then a second chance due to forced proximity again. With this one, the journey is almost the same, but I was a bit more hesitant because the FMC visits only for a single week every year.

Seeing the struggles of the MCs broke my heart, but then taking care of one another pieced it together in a heartwarming way. My only few reluctances towards the book were the lack of depth we went into some aspects, and the uneven flow of different aspects of the storyline. I still faced the issue of the insta-love aspect, given they spent a week together every year, but I felt the flow of how they developed a liking towards one another, or how she opened up to him, or how he learnt about her struggles and took care of her, could have been explored a bit more in depth. Also, given how the FMC's parents were, and how they ended up being around the MMC towards the end, I would have loved to see proper development and understanding from their end, both on the part of their acceptance towards the MMC as well as understanding the FMC. But one thing I do want to appreciate is that at least in the recollection of the past storyline, it is mentioned that the FMC could have just not known the MMC for who he actually is because they hang out only one week every year - so it felt realistic but I wish it was put into use strongly even later on to understand and build a stronger relationship. I still felt like she didn't know him at all.

I also felt that the calling off the engagement part could have been handled differently, and I would have loved to delve a bit deeper into the MMC and the reasons/past behind his recklessness that caused a lot of the issues.

Overall, it was a heartwarming read where the MCs who had their own struggles took care of one another, but from a romance-y perspective, I wouldn't really say it was the strong suit here.

I must also mention that the FMC's sister kind of irked my curiousity and so did the MMC's friend and I am curious to see where their journies goes.

[Dimitra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only So Many Summers 🌅
Firstly,I want to thank LoveNotes PR & Evi James for trusting me with this ARC!🫶🏻
Agathe Harbor is where all Mia's childhood summer's live.Just for this one summer week,she was able to break free from the overbearing family that she was born in,and spend time with her favorite person,Bower.
Bower and Mia were not childhood lovers nor friends nor anything,but they had a bond no one could define or break,until that day on the boat came,which ruined everything they could have ever been.

Starting this one,I did not really know what to expect.Small town,childhood lovers and something that ruined everything,sound amazing right? THANK GOD,IT DELIVERED PERFECTLY.🤏🏻
Personally,I fell in love with the summer aura and nostalgic vibes that this book has,and in an other life,I live somewhere in Slovenia and I read it in the evening after a swim at the lake.Going back into the story and the way it was unfolded,I loved that we manage to saw all the past scenes together and not scattered in the story.This made us not only love them more,but understand the depth of their connection and the dynamic of their relationship,something crucial for the story that was yet to come.
Getting into the characters,I will say that Bower has a special place in my heart.That boy overcome so many,got through as much,but in the end found the inner strength and courage to face them,in order to be with the woman he loves.Literally,the kind of men that we want to see.Continuing,through his story we had representation of what Veterans go through,after the war and how,wars and experiences like that can ruin them and the people that they have around him.
Mia,on the other side,who by the way has my name💅🏻 ,so it was AN EXPERIENCE for me reading a steamy romance book in which the main girl had my name but ANYWAY✨!,was such a sweet girl as kid and a beautiful woman that literally pushed everything away,in order to have the life SHE wants with the man SHE wants and not her family craved about her, (GO GIRL).

If I could describe their romance with one phrase,I would say that they were WORSE than lovers.We have years long of yearning , a full on slow burn love story,and even after that they had to defeat more things in order for them to be together in a healthy way.Did they achieved it?HELL YES🌝.
Long story short,if you love summers,romance,and heartbreaking stories Only So Many Summer is perfect for you.
Out On May,14th 🏞️
4⭐

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars | 2 Spice

"Young love didn't have to end - it could grow into something beautiful and real"

Only So Many Summers is a story about growing up in Minnesota and experiencing young summer love, only to have it torn away due to a series of mistakes. It is also a story about reconnecting later in life and realizing that the person who brings you happiness and who makes you want to be a better person could be the love of your life.

As someone who grew up in Minnesota, the land of 10,000+ lakes, I felt like I was at my favorite lake the entire time I was reading. It really was the one time my family could get away from the chaos of work and school...so I 100% agree with Mia's statement that it's an "escape for everyone". I really enjoyed how when they were kids, Bower was always there for Mia when she needed it. He understood her condition even if it wasn't diagnosed until later in life and he loved her despite it. It seemed that each summer both Bower and Mia had something to look forward to as both made each other happy. I do wish that there was more to Bower's background while they were separated, but for what's given, I understood the ramifications of what he went through. All I know is that considering what Bower is experiencing, it's Mia's turn to be there for him now.

When it comes to the other characters in this book, I definitely did not care for Archer or Mia's supposed friends. Ruby was amazing and I hope to see her more in the second book. The dementia part with Bower's grandmother definitely hit home for me because I have a grandparent who is experiencing it and I breaks my heart.

Overall, this was great book and I look forward to the next book in the Agate Harbors series. Highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy reading about second chance summer romance. The romance in this book is very slow burn but when it happens, it is so worth the wait :) I also recommend this book to readers who are looking for more mental health representation in their books. The PTSD and dementia representation was detailed well, but I do wish there was more mention of treatment/lack of treatment for it.

Thank you Evi for the review copy. All opinions are my own.

[Merriann Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Advance Copy Received from the Author

This is an emotional wrecking ball in the best way possible.  As the first book in the Agate Harbors series, Only So Many Summers, sets an incredibly high bar for a contemporary romance.  Set against the nostalgic backdrop of a family-owned lakeside resort in Minnesota. This childhood-friends-to-lovers journey is raw, tender, and deeply moving.

The Story & Pacing:

The dual POV spans 14yrs, beginning in the past and transitioning seamlessly into the present.  This timeline allows us to actually watch Mia and Bower growing up together, one week out of the summer, which makes their bond feel earned and incredibly deep.  The author weaves a heavy emotional layer of grief throughout the book, exploring how time passes and memories slip away, which adds a beautiful grounded weight of the summer romance.

Characters & Representation:

What truly sets this book a part for me is its compassionate handling of sensitive topics:

Mia has spent her life feeling misunderstood by her parents and Archer, her fiancé. Diagnosed in her adult years with SPD, Bower was the only one who truly saw her, accepted her and made her feel heard during their summers together

Bower is navigating how to deal with his PTSD from his years as a Marine, while caring for his grandmother, who is slowly losing herself to dementia.

The role reversal in their adulthood is breathtaking.  Seeing Mia step up to be his rock as he navigates his trauma and his grandmother’s illness is a testament to their unconditional love.  Whether the author drew from personal experience or deep research, the representation of PTSD, SPD and dementia are handled with immense love and compassion.

The Vibe:
This is a “wholesome” but heavy read.  It’s a second-chance romance that proves love can stand the test of time and the hardest trials life throws your way.

Things To Know

Tropes: Childhood Friends to Lovers; Second Chance; Found Family;

Steam:  Mild Spice (Virgin FMC)

POV:  Dual POV (Past to Present)

Content:  PTSD & SPD representation, side character with dementia, swearing

If you want a story that will make you cry, cheer, and believe in love that never fades put this on your TBR list now.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review
Antecdotal thoughts while reading
I like the map of the area. How cool to have a Tiki Bar in the center of a lake. I can see that making things interesting.
What a fun family memory.
Vacation friends... or vacation boyfriend???
13 year old with no cell phone... the horror!! 😆
SPD?
Custom weighted blanket, inventive girl
Why in the world are you in the mud with leeches?
Ducking under an arbor of trees sounds magical.
Ruby, those would have been quite the surprise. Then to have a week of togetherness to deal with the fallout. 🫤
How sad that her parents don't take the time to understand her sensory processing quirks.
"It's a date."
Awakening happening with new experiences
On your 3rd already, I see a drunk/tipsy boat captain later in the evening.
Bower so gets her! ❤️
Well, I guess HE wasn't boating while intoxicated. 🤷‍♀️
Bower knows the repercussions and he still chose to protect the others.
What a choice to make
You did mean something Mia. Bower just needed your support more than the 1 week a year you were on vacation. He got you and all your uniqueness.
Present day Mia??
Nice house!!
Good to see Ruby and Mia getting along.
How did you meet this well to do person??
Seeing red flag if HE is insisting on every 6 weeks color touch ups.
Are you a trophy girlfriend/wife?? Why so quick??
He doesn't truly understand you. Why are you minimizing yourself?
Oh boy...back to the Lake...wonder what Bower's up to...
Weighted blankets are awesome!! Agreed!
Your parents dreams, but what about yours?? He doesn't understand you!
Go Ruby...Go Ruby!! 🙌
Good for you.
Ok, so you have made necessary accommodations to your life.
You cut them out after all they did for you for like 16 years of your life? I get you were mad, but during that growing up, why still no communication?
Dementia? Alzheimer's?
💍
Will Ruby get together with Dean??
Feather boas = sensory overload
Is Archer isolating you Mia? Changing you?
"The chance"..."I'll take it." and end scene 🎬
🎣 💦
It just dawned on me, what day of the week is it? Is it Friday? The sun is going down. Are there going to be 🎆 ? Will Bower be able to follow his protocol??
Sneaky Gill. Planned or just a coincidence?
🔥
💥 = 😵‍💫
🏫 = 😭

[Breanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 stars but honestly I'm almost still debating 5 😂

Every Summer since they were young kids, Mia and Bower meet reconnect at Agate Harbors lake resort for one week only. And that one week? It's the best one of their entire year. Bower accommodates Mia's sensory issues without second thought, something no one else in her life does, and together they do everything they can in that one week. Fishing, going out on the lake, doing all the resort activities, and talking about anything. Their special bond grows every year, but everything changes one summer. At 16 and 17, the air feels charged, filled with stolen glances and the barest of skin occasionally brushing.... and then everything goes wrong. Bower lands in serious trouble, and just like that, he disappears and they lose all contact.

Nearly a decade later, Mia heads to Agate Harbor for her Bachelorette party, and unexpectedly runs into the man that's been in her mind for the last 9 years. It's then that she realizes her fiance will never stop trying to change her, where Bower never wanted her to cha get a thing. Their connection reignites effortlessly, but Bower is guarded, hiding his wounds that Mia has no idea about. Will they be able to last beyond one week at the lake, or will their time apart prove too much to overcome?

I'm such a sucker for a dual timeline. We get to watch these two connect summer after summer until that fateful night, which was HEARTBREAKING. The despair I felt for both of them 😭 When they come crashing back together, they both have obstacles to overcome if they want to make it work. The author definitely put in the work to accurately represent Sensory Processing Disorder, PTSD, Military history, and Dementia, and it really showed 🥹 I cannot understate how appreciative I am to all that. I loved how Ruby went from a sister doing her own thing as kids to being Mia's biggest advocate ("what are you going yo do about it?" Iykyk) I was so glad that she at least had Ruby all those years when no one else tried to understand her sensitivities. And her and Dean? Yeah I shipped that from the beginning, I can't WAIT for their book!

Thank you so much to Luna Literary and the author for allowing me to read and review! Filled with gratitude to have experienced Mia and Bowers story.

[Brianne C · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌊Lake Resort Setting
🫶Childhood Friends to Lovers
🌊Vacation Shenanigans
🫶SPD Rep
🌊No One Understands Her But Him
🫶Marine MMC
🌊Teacher FMC
🫶"Don't Marry Him"

"Only So Many Summers" is the first installment of the Agate Harbor series by Evi James and it releases May 18th. OSMS takes us on an emotional rollercoaster of summer love story that turns into a happy ever after story of childhood friends finding one another on a second chance encounter. When I say, if your looking for a summer read sitting on the beach, by the lake or pool; this is for you.

Mia Miller and Bower Hanson's story starts thirteen years prior and brought up to their adult years at Agate Harbor. Mia suffers from sensory processing disorder(SPD) and when her family makes her think she seeks for attention, Bower makes her feel like a powerful queen. Evi writes her story so beautifully and you can tell the research and conversations that were had to make sure she represented SPD very well. The first act is very much a young adult genre but grows into a contemporary romance throughout the rest.

The character developement from the beginning thrpugh the end stand out. Mia's sister, Ruby; I can't wait for her book. She is a firecracker and I am here for it! The only reason I gave off half a star is because I didn’t really see the point of Archer's story line but thats just my opinion which could be different from someone else; completely fine!

Reading this story and understanding Mia and Bower always finding one another; having something to look forward to when coming back to Agate Harbor every summer rrwlly was telling of how it was always meant for them to end up together in their happy ever after; but prior life decisions would create the roadblocks any story needs for the plot and this was written well with Bower's one decision on one night. Their chemistry is bittersweet and intwined so well into "Only So Many Summers".

"There’d always been something I felt was missing. I could never put my finger on it, never give it a name…but now I knew what it was. I’d been waiting for Bower. He was my safe spot, my comfortable place."

[ErikaWasReading · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the risk of offending some of my dearest friends from Wisconsin, there is absolutely no place more magical than being on a lake in Minnesota in the summer.

When I saw that this was the setting for Only So Many Summers, I immediately put in a request for an arc. Evi James completely captured the special magic of lakeside summer holidays with this trip to Agate Harbor.

I absolutely loved that the story was told in linear time, and we had the opportunity to witness the bond between Bauer and Mia grow. Those early chapters were filled with the wonders of friendship and the slow moments of starting to see a friend as something more.

I also think it worked well for us to see how Mia’s family manages (or doesn’t manage?) the symptoms of her sensory processing disorder, and instead continues to push her to act “normal.” Between the reaction to the rain boots and Ruby‘s (Mia’s older sister) tattoos, it was really easy to see why, as Mia got older, there was still a need to fit what her parents called normal and meet their expectations, cough Archer cough.

I *loved* the tension between Mia and Bower when they are reunited. There is an instant spark the moment their eyes met across the bar, and the early butterflies of teen love are now the full-on chemistry between two adults. And I loved that they both realized that if they wanted this to be something beyond one week each summer, they would need to be open and honest and work on things, even if it took time.

Only So Many Summers addresses really hard topics. I appreciate that part of Mia and Bower’s journey is shaped by not only what has happened to them over the last seven years (Mia finally getting diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder, Bower’s PTSD, etc.) but also familial responsibilities (Bower taking over the resort and Betty’s dementia). The story also addresses parental neglect, police/arrests, and military service, so I do recommend taking a moment to review the content warnings.

My reading experience was a combination of tearing up, cheering on Ruby for being an amazing big sister, squeeing when Bower and Mia finally kissed (y’all, the yearning and the tension were so real), and wishing I were sitting out in an Adirondack chair with my feet in the lake and the sun shining down.

---

I received an advance copy of this book at no charge. This is my honest, voluntary review.

[Sara-Catalina · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 ⭐️

Firstly, I would like to thank Love Notes Pr and Evi James for the eARC, as usual I'm trying my best to get the reviews by their deadlines, and I'm cutting it close. 😅

The first feeling that hit me when I started reading was, straight up, nostalgia. Is that weird? I've been to a lake house once in my life as a child, and that was for a couple days max. Was I around 5? I don't remember, but reading this book sure as hell gave me major feelings.

I love everything that was going on in this story and that made it simply one of the best summer reads of this year. The insta-love, childhood friends trope was heartwarming, even though to me, as a dark romance reader that loves enemies to lovers, was just a tad too rushed. But by the end I didn't really mind it! It was enjoyable and it did really take my mind off things.

One thing I loved the most is definitely the bond between Mia and Bower. Their bond, their friendship really showed that soulmates do exist. Bower was there for her since the very beginning and accepted her exactly as she was. And that is exactly what we need in today's age. For people to love us unconditionally, regardless of who we are, how we act, or what special needs we have.

Bower comforted me in ways I can't explain, just by being attentive and loving toward Mia through thick and thin. Their connection was simply magic, steeped into trust, comfort and pure love. Because love is supposed to give warmth and safety, not adrenaline or anxiety.

And their relationship developed as they grew. Bower was there for Mia when they were kids, but now as adults, Bower needed someone there for him, and Mia returned everything she got tenfold. She turned up for him just like Bower did for her, their old flame shining brighter and warmer than when they were children.

This book was tender and beautifully emotional. It really sends you the message that everyone has their own soulmate out there. Simply, in a world of so many wrongs, there has to be our right person that will love us unconditionally.

PS: The fiance subplot wasn't needed, honestly. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Vania · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you Evi James and Luna Literary for the early copy.

This is a cute story of summers spent by the lake and two people who understand each other since they were kids. I wanted to love it, and I almost did. While it's an interesting story - especially with Mia's sensory issues - the romance itself didn't convince me. We are told that Mia and Bower have a special connection since they were kids, that they understand each other like no one else, but we never get to actually see it. They don't have a meaningful conversation on page, one that talks about who they are, what moves them, and what they hope for the future. They don't communicate well, and while that's an interesting plot device, it didn't really hold up for me. In the beginning, Bower makes a wonderful declaration after finding out Mia is engaged to another man, but by the end of the book, he's the one who pushes her away. Sure, the reasons why he did it are understandable, but again, there was no communication. He was spineless, and so was Mia. I kept waiting the whole time for a conflict resolution for her disagreements with her parents, but that never came, unless you count one line about them being happy for her. That was very unsatisfactory.

There were things I liked about this book and this story. Ruby was a bright spark in Mia's life, and in the story. She's fun, she's funny, and she's bold. Her support of Mia and her troubles was steadfast, and everyone needs a Ruby in their lives. The lake setting was really well done, and I could feel as if I were in the resort. Mia's sensory issues were also well explored, and what I loved the most was seeing how, once she knew what she was dealing with, she looked for help and started seeing herself as just needing little accommodations instead of seeing herself as someone who was wrong or broken.

All in all, it was a fun book to spend some time with, a good and true slow burn, and the kind of book I'd have no problem enjoying at the beach or at the lake, but the lack of emotional intimacy prevented me from enjoying it more.

[♡Angelique♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

"There were only so many summers.
We had to choose how we spent them wisely."

Bower and Mia had me going through all the emotions.

Starting from when they were children, running wild on the lake resort for a week. Understanding and loving each other in only a way children could. No understanding of rules and social norms, just what felt right to them.

Then we get teenage Mia and Bower. Who now understand the opposite gender and how peer pressure changed their relationship. How their week together was a different time for Bower since Mia was there for him to focus on. Without her, we saw Bower spiral and the unraveling of their relationship happen. What once was an easy friendship strained and turned empty.

Present day Mia changed even more. She succumbed to her parents' pressure and qas now with someone she didn't fully love or who didn't fully appreciate her. Bower hadn't reached out to her in 9 years, disappearing after that fateful summer. Now we get to see how adult responsibilities changed how Mia and Bower interacted. It was both heartbreaking and sweet to see them reconnect and fumble all over again.

Watch Betty change throughout the story was the hardest. To see a woman who welcomed Mia each summer and felt like the female support she always longed for change over the years to the point where she couldn't recognize anyone was heartbreaking. Im glad we got the small glimpse and see Betty do her last task before slipping deeper into her dementia: bring Mia and Bower back together after being part of the reason they were torn apart.

I loved how this story flowed. I both laughed, cried and rejoiced along with each character. Seeing Bower get help so he could be the partner he wanted to be for Mia was everything. Before she had to bend for everyone else. It was nice to see someone adapt for her instead. I hope Dean and Ruby are next. There is a story there that can't be left behind at the lake.

[megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Review of advanced copy received from LoveNotes PR*

I’ll split this review into two parts: What I liked and what I didn’t.

What I liked: I adored all of the disability rep in this story, and the way the main characters held such care and respect for each other.

The setting was stunning. Doesn’t get much better than a summer at the lake!! Ruby and Dean also piqued my interest a lot, I’m excited to see where their relationship goes <333

Also really enjoyed the letters aspect at the very end, it gave the MMC a big redemption in my eyes after thinking he’d intentionally not contacted her during all those years apart.

Now, what I didn’t like:

This story was said to be a second-chance romance, and it just didn’t hit that mark for me. There was no “first chance” in my opinion, as the only hint of romance or a relationship between the characters was a single loaded glance/touch that made them wonder for a minute, and then that was it. Maybe if we got to see more flashback scenes of them as teenagers, it would’ve carried some more weight as a second-chance trope.

I also didn’t like the Archer storyline. He didn’t serve any major purpose, they were engaged for literally two chapters and then they’re over. Just seemed to cause more miscommunication between the main couple, and they’ve already had a lot of that so it didn’t really advance the plot in my opinion.

Lastly, it just felt like the main characters were lusting over eachother versus in love. They don’t see each other for almost a decade, and the sexual tension is strong, but the emotions just aren’t there. It takes them forever to just have a simple conversation and clear the air.

Overall, this was a decent read, maybe just not for me as I was unable to overlook a few plot lines I didn’t love. The writing was great and the characters had depth, so if you want an easy summer romance with a lot of miscommunication, you’d probably enjoy this!