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The Second Chance Summer
253 pages, ebook
First published August 13, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley.
Very cute second chance romance book. Recommend it to someone who wants something light and bingeable with some tension and spice. I wish there was more past history shown of the main characters. I feel like I read more interactions between her and Seth than her and Luca.
Aside from the romance part, this book was so inspirational career wise. That you don’t need to climb the corporate ladder to be happy and fulfilled and this is definitely not the end goal for so many people but is presented as the one definite goal that everyone should have in life. This or like to become a millionaire. I honestly want to drop out and run a hostel or a bookstore after reading this book and be left in peace hahaha.
Very cute second chance romance book. Recommend it to someone who wants something light and bingeable with some tension and spice. I wish there was more past history shown of the main characters. I feel like I read more interactions between her and Seth than her and Luca.
Aside from the romance part, this book was so inspirational career wise. That you don’t need to climb the corporate ladder to be happy and fulfilled and this is definitely not the end goal for so many people but is presented as the one definite goal that everyone should have in life. This or like to become a millionaire. I honestly want to drop out and run a hostel or a bookstore after reading this book and be left in peace hahaha.
July 10, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a gorgeous summer read that had me dreaming of backpacking adventures, hostel life, and those unforgettable holiday friendships that stay with you long after you’ve returned home.
I was hooked from the very beginning. Anabel/Ana is an incredibly relatable main character, and I immediately connected with her. After a disastrous email to her boss results in some HR-mandated leave to recover from burnout, she returns to the Italian hostel where she spent a life-changing summer ten years earlier. As she throws herself into helping revive the hostel and restore its charm in the face of modern competition, old memories, and old feelings, begin to resurface.
Ana’s journey really resonated with me. Her struggles with career burnout, feeling stuck in the grey routine of life, and trying to rediscover the colour and joy she’d lost felt authentic and heartfelt. Watching her slowly reconnect with herself was one of my favourite parts of the story.
The romance kept me completely invested. Running into Luca, the man who broke her heart a decade ago, was filled with tension, especially when he doesn’t even recognise her. At the same time, Ana’s flirty encounters with a charming American she meets in a bakery queue add another layer to the story. His charisma had me smiling, but there were enough red flags to keep me questioning where things were heading. I loved that this wasn’t a straightforward second-chance romance, but instead explored both the possibility of rekindling an old love and the excitement of something new.
The dual timeline worked beautifully, gradually revealing what happened during that unforgettable summer ten years ago while moving Ana’s present-day story forward. It added depth without slowing the pace and made the emotional moments even more impactful.
Overall, this is a warm, nostalgic, and heartfelt romance that perfectly captures the magic of travel, the people we meet along the way, and the idea that sometimes finding yourself means revisiting where you lost your way.
If you’re looking for an escapist summer romance full of Italian sunshine, nostalgia, humour, and heart, this is definitely worth picking up.
This was such a gorgeous summer read that had me dreaming of backpacking adventures, hostel life, and those unforgettable holiday friendships that stay with you long after you’ve returned home.
I was hooked from the very beginning. Anabel/Ana is an incredibly relatable main character, and I immediately connected with her. After a disastrous email to her boss results in some HR-mandated leave to recover from burnout, she returns to the Italian hostel where she spent a life-changing summer ten years earlier. As she throws herself into helping revive the hostel and restore its charm in the face of modern competition, old memories, and old feelings, begin to resurface.
Ana’s journey really resonated with me. Her struggles with career burnout, feeling stuck in the grey routine of life, and trying to rediscover the colour and joy she’d lost felt authentic and heartfelt. Watching her slowly reconnect with herself was one of my favourite parts of the story.
The romance kept me completely invested. Running into Luca, the man who broke her heart a decade ago, was filled with tension, especially when he doesn’t even recognise her. At the same time, Ana’s flirty encounters with a charming American she meets in a bakery queue add another layer to the story. His charisma had me smiling, but there were enough red flags to keep me questioning where things were heading. I loved that this wasn’t a straightforward second-chance romance, but instead explored both the possibility of rekindling an old love and the excitement of something new.
The dual timeline worked beautifully, gradually revealing what happened during that unforgettable summer ten years ago while moving Ana’s present-day story forward. It added depth without slowing the pace and made the emotional moments even more impactful.
Overall, this is a warm, nostalgic, and heartfelt romance that perfectly captures the magic of travel, the people we meet along the way, and the idea that sometimes finding yourself means revisiting where you lost your way.
If you’re looking for an escapist summer romance full of Italian sunshine, nostalgia, humour, and heart, this is definitely worth picking up.
July 13, 2026
There were parts of this that I really enjoyed, especially the “bringing color back to your life” theme ✨ That idea of figuring out what you actually want versus what you think you should be doing really worked for me.
I really loved the Italian setting 🇮🇹 The hostel scenes and flashbacks to her 20s had such a real, nostalgic travel vibe that felt authentic and immersive.
That said, I struggled to fully connect with the characters. Anabella felt a bit surface-level at times, and I wanted more depth overall, especially in the relationships. I also found the writing a little uneven, with some awkward phrasing and dialogue that pulled me out of the story.
Overall, there’s a nice heart to this, and the setting really shines, but it didn’t quite come together in the way I was hoping.
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really loved the Italian setting 🇮🇹 The hostel scenes and flashbacks to her 20s had such a real, nostalgic travel vibe that felt authentic and immersive.
That said, I struggled to fully connect with the characters. Anabella felt a bit surface-level at times, and I wanted more depth overall, especially in the relationships. I also found the writing a little uneven, with some awkward phrasing and dialogue that pulled me out of the story.
Overall, there’s a nice heart to this, and the setting really shines, but it didn’t quite come together in the way I was hoping.
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 14, 2026
Quick Summary: A before-the-after women's fiction romance
My Review: The Second Chance Summer by Rose Graceling-Moore is a contemporary novel. It is categorized as "New Adult | Romance | Women's Fiction." It was released TODAY (8/13/26).
About the Book: "The only man who can help her is the last man she wants to see."
In My Own Words: Yesterdays + misunderstandings = heartbreak, while altered plans + reunions = reconciliation, growth, and needed revelations
About the Characters: I quite enjoyed meeting the characters in this novel. In terms of the leads...
"Anabel Newsome spent ten years on her dream career. It took one email to destroy..."
✨ My Take on Anabel - > burned out, drained, untethered, redefining herself, walking into new spaces from old places, looking to "recreate the best holiday of [her] life"
"Luca, the grumpy-but-gorgeous painter who broke her heart ten years ago.
✨ My Take on Luca - > handsome, heartbreaker, surly, moody, abrupt, judgmental (Darcy-esque, initially), hurt and surviving past to present, more than what others believed him to be
Supporting Cast - >
💙 - I loved the colorful characters and how they played into Ana and Luca's story.
🖤 - The antagonist got what he deserved, in my opinion. (I won't say anymore than that.)
💜 - The other guy drama as part of the triangle served its purpose in the story and was a necessary element needed to represent a shiny, new, attractive flingy-thing.
About the Conflict & Challenges: Several threads were written into the story. Burnout, facing an unresolved past after ten years, relationships and change, losing and finding self, cherishing the time, and embracing new beginnings are some of the main arc points and challenges addressed in the story.
Questions That Caused a Pause:
❓ - Is the hostel symbolic for what's going on in the lives of the characters?
❔ - What is the significance of the challenges in each relationship where a reunion took place?
❓ - In what ways are Ana and Luca "brought back to life" in the newness of now?
❔ - Did experiencing the separation and the back and forth post spending time with each other while working on the hostel prove to bring about valuable insight and in what way?
What I Liked/Loved:
⏳ - I loved the temporal shifts. Revisiting the past and contrasting it to the present proved to be telling and quite revealing.
🌀 - I loved how Ana's oops was presented. It came across as very real and totally understandable.
🩹 - I actually liked the messy and flawed imperfections of the leads. In second chance romances, it affords a greater view of the layers and textures that make up a character's life.
🧩 - I really liked the idea of Anabel solving the puzzle of who she wanted to be.
My Final Say: I think this story has hidden gem qualities. There is a story within a story that points to dreams and changes, checking in, searching, and landing in the place of new normal. It's a story that dares to believe that good things can be found even when uncertainty exists. It is a life story that took broken parts and made something beautiful from the pieces.
My Takeaway: Finding the happy-happy-joy in life comes by way of basking, breathing, forgiving, and facing truth.
Other: Readers who enjoy second chances, personal growth journeys, and the wonder of an Italian seaside town with all its scenic beauty and yummy goodness will like this story. Give it a chance. I think you might find a few treasures if you look close enough.
Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: NA
Status: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Level: 💔🔺🌶️❤️🩹
Cover: +
Title: +
Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op), and to NetGalley. Thank you for granting access to a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. It was a pleasure to review.
My Review: The Second Chance Summer by Rose Graceling-Moore is a contemporary novel. It is categorized as "New Adult | Romance | Women's Fiction." It was released TODAY (8/13/26).
About the Book: "The only man who can help her is the last man she wants to see."
In My Own Words: Yesterdays + misunderstandings = heartbreak, while altered plans + reunions = reconciliation, growth, and needed revelations
About the Characters: I quite enjoyed meeting the characters in this novel. In terms of the leads...
"Anabel Newsome spent ten years on her dream career. It took one email to destroy..."
✨ My Take on Anabel - > burned out, drained, untethered, redefining herself, walking into new spaces from old places, looking to "recreate the best holiday of [her] life"
"Luca, the grumpy-but-gorgeous painter who broke her heart ten years ago.
✨ My Take on Luca - > handsome, heartbreaker, surly, moody, abrupt, judgmental (Darcy-esque, initially), hurt and surviving past to present, more than what others believed him to be
Supporting Cast - >
💙 - I loved the colorful characters and how they played into Ana and Luca's story.
🖤 - The antagonist got what he deserved, in my opinion. (I won't say anymore than that.)
💜 - The other guy drama as part of the triangle served its purpose in the story and was a necessary element needed to represent a shiny, new, attractive flingy-thing.
About the Conflict & Challenges: Several threads were written into the story. Burnout, facing an unresolved past after ten years, relationships and change, losing and finding self, cherishing the time, and embracing new beginnings are some of the main arc points and challenges addressed in the story.
Questions That Caused a Pause:
❓ - Is the hostel symbolic for what's going on in the lives of the characters?
❔ - What is the significance of the challenges in each relationship where a reunion took place?
❓ - In what ways are Ana and Luca "brought back to life" in the newness of now?
❔ - Did experiencing the separation and the back and forth post spending time with each other while working on the hostel prove to bring about valuable insight and in what way?
What I Liked/Loved:
⏳ - I loved the temporal shifts. Revisiting the past and contrasting it to the present proved to be telling and quite revealing.
🌀 - I loved how Ana's oops was presented. It came across as very real and totally understandable.
🩹 - I actually liked the messy and flawed imperfections of the leads. In second chance romances, it affords a greater view of the layers and textures that make up a character's life.
🧩 - I really liked the idea of Anabel solving the puzzle of who she wanted to be.
My Final Say: I think this story has hidden gem qualities. There is a story within a story that points to dreams and changes, checking in, searching, and landing in the place of new normal. It's a story that dares to believe that good things can be found even when uncertainty exists. It is a life story that took broken parts and made something beautiful from the pieces.
My Takeaway: Finding the happy-happy-joy in life comes by way of basking, breathing, forgiving, and facing truth.
Other: Readers who enjoy second chances, personal growth journeys, and the wonder of an Italian seaside town with all its scenic beauty and yummy goodness will like this story. Give it a chance. I think you might find a few treasures if you look close enough.
Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: NA
Status: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Level: 💔🔺🌶️❤️🩹
Cover: +
Title: +
Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op), and to NetGalley. Thank you for granting access to a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. It was a pleasure to review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Victoria Editing NetGalley Co-op for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
*CAUTION: Spoilers Ahead!*
There were parts of this story that I really enjoyed but overall as a whole it didn’t quite come together for me. I really loved the setting and feel that the author did a great job making the hostel and the town come alive on the page. I want to go and stay with Sofia, especially after those renovations! The themes in this story of burnout, healing, and second chances for both rediscovering yourself as well as romance were relatable and made the story feel that much more endearing and warm! I also really liked reading through the flashbacks and felt like the balance between those and the present story was done well.
I did struggle to connect with the characters fully. I think Luca was presented as a bit too grumpy (given that we didn’t really get his side of context until the end) that it came off more as him being a jerk/rude and Ana came off as surface level at times which made her seem a bit childish and hard to root for.
I think the biggest thing I was disappointed about is that we really didn’t get a whole lot of time with Ana and Luca together! Even if they weren’t a couple for most the book there really wasn’t much room for yearning or tension because they were seemingly so offset by each other. I feel like Ana spent most of the book with Seth and avoiding Luca and thinking poorly of him. It really wasn’t until the last 85-90% of the book that they even talk and we get to clear their past conflict up. Because of this and because I really didn’t get to see a good side to their relationship or Luca in the present timeline until the end, I wasn’t necessarily rooting for them. Don’t get me wrong, I certainly wasn’t rooting for Seth! But, it was a bit of a head scratcher and as I continued to read I was more invested in figuring out what the catch was rather than be pulled in by the characters and their connection.
Overall this was a fun beach read with many funny and sweet moments, I just think the execution could’ve come together cleaner and the character/relationship development could’ve used some more depth!
*CAUTION: Spoilers Ahead!*
There were parts of this story that I really enjoyed but overall as a whole it didn’t quite come together for me. I really loved the setting and feel that the author did a great job making the hostel and the town come alive on the page. I want to go and stay with Sofia, especially after those renovations! The themes in this story of burnout, healing, and second chances for both rediscovering yourself as well as romance were relatable and made the story feel that much more endearing and warm! I also really liked reading through the flashbacks and felt like the balance between those and the present story was done well.
I did struggle to connect with the characters fully. I think Luca was presented as a bit too grumpy (given that we didn’t really get his side of context until the end) that it came off more as him being a jerk/rude and Ana came off as surface level at times which made her seem a bit childish and hard to root for.
I think the biggest thing I was disappointed about is that we really didn’t get a whole lot of time with Ana and Luca together! Even if they weren’t a couple for most the book there really wasn’t much room for yearning or tension because they were seemingly so offset by each other. I feel like Ana spent most of the book with Seth and avoiding Luca and thinking poorly of him. It really wasn’t until the last 85-90% of the book that they even talk and we get to clear their past conflict up. Because of this and because I really didn’t get to see a good side to their relationship or Luca in the present timeline until the end, I wasn’t necessarily rooting for them. Don’t get me wrong, I certainly wasn’t rooting for Seth! But, it was a bit of a head scratcher and as I continued to read I was more invested in figuring out what the catch was rather than be pulled in by the characters and their connection.
Overall this was a fun beach read with many funny and sweet moments, I just think the execution could’ve come together cleaner and the character/relationship development could’ve used some more depth!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
🚨 SPOILER ALERT: READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!
I am giving The Second Chance Summer by Rose-Graceling Moore a honest, sunny 3-star review! ⭐⭐⭐
A lovely, sweet summer read that brings Hallmark movie energy straight to your Kindle screen, even if the pacing of the romance felt a little too fast to fully sink my teeth into!
ARC Disclosure: Thank you so much to NetGalley and the author for providing an early digital review copy (eARC) of this book! All thoughts, feelings, and honest reflections shared in this review are entirely my own.
The Review
The Second Chance Summer is a lovely, cozy story that I totally recommend to fans of classic Hallmark romance movies! Rose-Graceling Moore crafts a sun-drenched, feel-good atmosphere that makes for a very pleasant, breezy escape. While I still enjoyed my time reading it, something about the overall story just wasn't quite enough for me to fully connect on a deeper level.
My main issue came down to the execution of the central relationship between Luca and Ana. They shared a brief summer fling ten years ago, but when they meet again in the present day, they seem to instantly fall right back into deep love. It felt like a case of "too much, too soon" without enough on-page development to bridge that decade-long gap and make their sudden intense connection feel completely grounded. That said, it remains a sweet, lighthearted summer read that serves up plenty of comforting vacation vibes!
The Good
I really loved Luca! He is such a charming hero, and in stark contrast, I absolutely hated Seth (which only made rooting against him even more fun!). The overall Hallmark-esque charm is undeniably sweet, making it an easy, low-stress book to flip through on a sunny afternoon.
The Not So Good
The emotional pacing of the romance felt a bit rushed. Jumping straight from a ten-year-old summer fling into full-blown love made it tough for me to truly feel the spark between Luca and Ana, leaving me wanting more depth to their reunion
I am giving The Second Chance Summer by Rose-Graceling Moore a honest, sunny 3-star review! ⭐⭐⭐
A lovely, sweet summer read that brings Hallmark movie energy straight to your Kindle screen, even if the pacing of the romance felt a little too fast to fully sink my teeth into!
ARC Disclosure: Thank you so much to NetGalley and the author for providing an early digital review copy (eARC) of this book! All thoughts, feelings, and honest reflections shared in this review are entirely my own.
The Review
The Second Chance Summer is a lovely, cozy story that I totally recommend to fans of classic Hallmark romance movies! Rose-Graceling Moore crafts a sun-drenched, feel-good atmosphere that makes for a very pleasant, breezy escape. While I still enjoyed my time reading it, something about the overall story just wasn't quite enough for me to fully connect on a deeper level.
My main issue came down to the execution of the central relationship between Luca and Ana. They shared a brief summer fling ten years ago, but when they meet again in the present day, they seem to instantly fall right back into deep love. It felt like a case of "too much, too soon" without enough on-page development to bridge that decade-long gap and make their sudden intense connection feel completely grounded. That said, it remains a sweet, lighthearted summer read that serves up plenty of comforting vacation vibes!
The Good
I really loved Luca! He is such a charming hero, and in stark contrast, I absolutely hated Seth (which only made rooting against him even more fun!). The overall Hallmark-esque charm is undeniably sweet, making it an easy, low-stress book to flip through on a sunny afternoon.
The Not So Good
The emotional pacing of the romance felt a bit rushed. Jumping straight from a ten-year-old summer fling into full-blown love made it tough for me to truly feel the spark between Luca and Ana, leaving me wanting more depth to their reunion
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Who knew designer Aqua socks would be a deal breaker?
Overview
After an incident at work, Anabel finds herself in the midst of a work-mandated holiday. To try and find her spark of joy again, she decides to revisit the small town in Italy where the love and passion for her job began.
Will she find happiness, or find the pieces (and person) she ran away from in the first place?
The Verdict
The Second Chance Summer was everything I want in an easy-to-read contemporary romance.
It was beautifully paced. I loved the flashbacks and love love LOVED all the romance and the overall relationship progressions. There wasn’t too much spice, but the book was also on the shorter end, at around 255 pages.
I don’t want to delve into the romance much more, because I don’t want to ruin it for you. All I can say is proceed with caution, because the attraction and yearning are next level 🔥 But who needs a second chance when there might be something new on the horizon? 🤔
The Second Chance Summer only lost one star because it needed just one more round of editing. There were a few typos, and I honestly couldn’t tell if the name used to describe the corner shop owners was something that was meant to be replaced and forgotten, or a joke.
The rekindling of friendship was lovely to see, and how she ended up spending her summer helping her friend was so heartwarming ❤️
If you’re looking to escape for the summer and visit a small town in Italy, this is the book for you.
This was read and reviewed as an Advanced Reader Copy for Pen Pinery.
Tropes to Expect
- Second chance romance
- Holiday romance
- Found family
⭐ Rating: 4/5
🌶️ Spice: 2/5
Consumed via: Ebook
POV: Single FMC
Series: Standalone
Overview
After an incident at work, Anabel finds herself in the midst of a work-mandated holiday. To try and find her spark of joy again, she decides to revisit the small town in Italy where the love and passion for her job began.
Will she find happiness, or find the pieces (and person) she ran away from in the first place?
The Verdict
The Second Chance Summer was everything I want in an easy-to-read contemporary romance.
It was beautifully paced. I loved the flashbacks and love love LOVED all the romance and the overall relationship progressions. There wasn’t too much spice, but the book was also on the shorter end, at around 255 pages.
I don’t want to delve into the romance much more, because I don’t want to ruin it for you. All I can say is proceed with caution, because the attraction and yearning are next level 🔥 But who needs a second chance when there might be something new on the horizon? 🤔
The Second Chance Summer only lost one star because it needed just one more round of editing. There were a few typos, and I honestly couldn’t tell if the name used to describe the corner shop owners was something that was meant to be replaced and forgotten, or a joke.
The rekindling of friendship was lovely to see, and how she ended up spending her summer helping her friend was so heartwarming ❤️
If you’re looking to escape for the summer and visit a small town in Italy, this is the book for you.
This was read and reviewed as an Advanced Reader Copy for Pen Pinery.
Tropes to Expect
- Second chance romance
- Holiday romance
- Found family
⭐ Rating: 4/5
🌶️ Spice: 2/5
Consumed via: Ebook
POV: Single FMC
Series: Standalone
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
***Received an ARC from NetGalley***
The Second Chance Summer is a warm, nostalgic, and heartfelt romance that beautifully blends second chances, self discovery, and the magic of travel.
Set against the backdrop of a charming Italian seaside town, this story captures the feeling of returning to a place that once changed your life and finding yourself along the way.
After experiencing severe burnout, Ana returns to the hostel where she spent a life changing summer ten years earlier. What begins as a chance to recharge quickly becomes a journey of reflection as she helps revive the struggling hostel alongside Luca, the man who once broke her heart. As old memories resurface, so do unresolved feelings and long buried truths.
I loved how much this story focused on personal growth as well as romance. Watching her reconnect with the adventurous, hopeful person she used to be was just as rewarding as the romantic storyline.
The dual timeline worked particularly well, gradually revealing what happened during Ana and Luca's unforgettable summer together.
While the pacing felt a little slow at the beginning, I became increasingly invested as the story progressed, especially in the second half. Some character decisions frustrated me at times, but overall the emotional journey was heartfelt and satisfying.
A charming and uplifting summer romance about second chances, finding your way back to yourself, and having the courage to seek the truth instead of letting others define your path. Perfect for readers who enjoy second chance romances, travel inspired settings, and stories of personal growth.
**Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
The Second Chance Summer is a warm, nostalgic, and heartfelt romance that beautifully blends second chances, self discovery, and the magic of travel.
Set against the backdrop of a charming Italian seaside town, this story captures the feeling of returning to a place that once changed your life and finding yourself along the way.
After experiencing severe burnout, Ana returns to the hostel where she spent a life changing summer ten years earlier. What begins as a chance to recharge quickly becomes a journey of reflection as she helps revive the struggling hostel alongside Luca, the man who once broke her heart. As old memories resurface, so do unresolved feelings and long buried truths.
I loved how much this story focused on personal growth as well as romance. Watching her reconnect with the adventurous, hopeful person she used to be was just as rewarding as the romantic storyline.
The dual timeline worked particularly well, gradually revealing what happened during Ana and Luca's unforgettable summer together.
While the pacing felt a little slow at the beginning, I became increasingly invested as the story progressed, especially in the second half. Some character decisions frustrated me at times, but overall the emotional journey was heartfelt and satisfying.
A charming and uplifting summer romance about second chances, finding your way back to yourself, and having the courage to seek the truth instead of letting others define your path. Perfect for readers who enjoy second chance romances, travel inspired settings, and stories of personal growth.
**Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
August 22, 2026
Anabel Newsome works for a big hotel chain. She finds herself often frustrated at work and today she has sent out an inappropriate email with foul language. Her supervisor likes her but is seeing that she is unhappy so rather than firing her, she puts Anabel on medical leave for three months for burnout.
Anabel doesn’t want to stay in her apartment so she opts to go to Traele, Italy and stay free at one of the hotels she works for. She had gone to this place when she was 20 and stayed at a hotel and worked part time there to help pay her way. She remembers a man named Luca that she met there and hasn’t fully forgotten.
In Italy, she is delighted and loving being back there. When she drops by the hostel, the same woman is running it. As they talk, the woman admits that with new hotels and AirBnBs they don’t get the traffic she would like. So, Anabel offers to help her set up websites to get more visitors. It’s when she sees Luca again that she is offended that he acts like he doesn’t remember her. But she is determined to help with the hostel. As the summer progresses, Anabel meets Seth who seems to be a lovely man with whom she might have a future. But her time at the hostel and seeing Luca again is what makes her happy. Can she go back to her job again?
This is a story of growing and maturing and doing what makes you happy. That phrase “what makes you happy” is very important and I think we don’t strive enough for that in life. I do hope you will enjoy Anabel’s journey.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Anabel doesn’t want to stay in her apartment so she opts to go to Traele, Italy and stay free at one of the hotels she works for. She had gone to this place when she was 20 and stayed at a hotel and worked part time there to help pay her way. She remembers a man named Luca that she met there and hasn’t fully forgotten.
In Italy, she is delighted and loving being back there. When she drops by the hostel, the same woman is running it. As they talk, the woman admits that with new hotels and AirBnBs they don’t get the traffic she would like. So, Anabel offers to help her set up websites to get more visitors. It’s when she sees Luca again that she is offended that he acts like he doesn’t remember her. But she is determined to help with the hostel. As the summer progresses, Anabel meets Seth who seems to be a lovely man with whom she might have a future. But her time at the hostel and seeing Luca again is what makes her happy. Can she go back to her job again?
This is a story of growing and maturing and doing what makes you happy. That phrase “what makes you happy” is very important and I think we don’t strive enough for that in life. I do hope you will enjoy Anabel’s journey.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
After a disastrous work email, Ana is forced to take a leave of absence to recover from burnout and reconnect with herself. She decides to spend her time off returning to the Italian beach town where she spent a memorable summer a decade earlier.
Once there, she reconnects with Sofia, the owner of the hostel where she stayed during her first visit. After an inspiring conversation, Ana offers to help Sofia breathe new life into the rundown hostel—a place filled with both cherished memories and lingering heartbreak. On her way back to the hostel, she unexpectedly runs into Luca, the Italian man she once fell in love with. At the same time, she has a series of flirtatious encounters with a charming American she first meets while waiting in line at a bakery, raising the possibility of an entirely new romance.
Rather than being a straightforward second-chance love story, the novel explores both the pull of a past relationship and the excitement of opening your heart to someone new. Told through dual timelines—following Ana's first summer in Italy ten years ago alongside her present-day return—the story gradually reveals how her past continues to shape her future.
Overall, this is a warm, nostalgic romance that beautifully captures the magic of travel, the people who leave lasting impressions on our lives, and the idea that sometimes the only way to move forward is to revisit the place where you lost your way.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.
Once there, she reconnects with Sofia, the owner of the hostel where she stayed during her first visit. After an inspiring conversation, Ana offers to help Sofia breathe new life into the rundown hostel—a place filled with both cherished memories and lingering heartbreak. On her way back to the hostel, she unexpectedly runs into Luca, the Italian man she once fell in love with. At the same time, she has a series of flirtatious encounters with a charming American she first meets while waiting in line at a bakery, raising the possibility of an entirely new romance.
Rather than being a straightforward second-chance love story, the novel explores both the pull of a past relationship and the excitement of opening your heart to someone new. Told through dual timelines—following Ana's first summer in Italy ten years ago alongside her present-day return—the story gradually reveals how her past continues to shape her future.
Overall, this is a warm, nostalgic romance that beautifully captures the magic of travel, the people who leave lasting impressions on our lives, and the idea that sometimes the only way to move forward is to revisit the place where you lost your way.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.
September 8, 2026
3.75/5
A second chance at love that give classic rom com vibes all the way through, Thanks to NetGalley for the ebook copy
Ana and Luca had a brief summer fling a few years back that lead to Anna's biggest break up, Now she is back in the same place, the hosterl, and finds Luca as the handyman of a broken down building. 10 years since they met, their lives have taken a few hits just like the hostel. She is a workaholic tryng to rest . and rebuild herself. Meeting Luca there seems a bit serendipitous as they truly share a deep connection that has survived the time and space. As she sets to help restore the building a new love interest shows up creatinga delicious triangle that will tighten the bonds they have already forged in the past. I love how being close to each other helps each other remember the past and that time when life was simple and enjoyable.
This book reads like a Hallmark feature, bringing that sense of adventure and small town dynamics amd a redemption story!
A second chance at love that give classic rom com vibes all the way through, Thanks to NetGalley for the ebook copy
Ana and Luca had a brief summer fling a few years back that lead to Anna's biggest break up, Now she is back in the same place, the hosterl, and finds Luca as the handyman of a broken down building. 10 years since they met, their lives have taken a few hits just like the hostel. She is a workaholic tryng to rest . and rebuild herself. Meeting Luca there seems a bit serendipitous as they truly share a deep connection that has survived the time and space. As she sets to help restore the building a new love interest shows up creatinga delicious triangle that will tighten the bonds they have already forged in the past. I love how being close to each other helps each other remember the past and that time when life was simple and enjoyable.
This book reads like a Hallmark feature, bringing that sense of adventure and small town dynamics amd a redemption story!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It was a cute story about finding your joy and doing what makes you happy. Anabel is on a three-month leave from her job because she’s experiencing work burn-out. She goes to the last place she was truly happy, an Italian beach town. A place she hasn’t been back to in ten years. There she runs into people from her past. She helps the owner of an old hostel where she used to work all those years ago. There’s also history and tension with the handyman that helps there as well, Luca. The tension and the lead up to what really happened between Luca and Anabel was good. The flashback chapters worked great building up the tension and the mystery to what happened between Luca and Anabel.
However, the relationship between Luca and Anabel was something I wasn’t really sold on. There definitely was a physical attraction between them, but it didn’t feel that deep for me. Their relationship felt more like a summer fling than forever. Also, the communication between the two hadn’t really changed much over ten years. They seemed to be the same people they were ten years ago. It was still a good read though. I loved Anabel’s journey of finding her passion, in terms of work.
Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
However, the relationship between Luca and Anabel was something I wasn’t really sold on. There definitely was a physical attraction between them, but it didn’t feel that deep for me. Their relationship felt more like a summer fling than forever. Also, the communication between the two hadn’t really changed much over ten years. They seemed to be the same people they were ten years ago. It was still a good read though. I loved Anabel’s journey of finding her passion, in terms of work.
Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
July 30, 2026
3⭐️
I really wanted to love this one because the premise is so charming. The Italy setting was easily my favorite part- the little beach town, the hostel, the food, and the nostalgia of returning to a place that changed your life all felt vivid and immersive. I also appreciated the themes of burnout, rediscovering your passions, and figuring out who you are outside of work.
Unfortunately, the execution didn’t quite work for me. The writing often felt clunky, the dialogue was awkward at times (especially the lack of contractions from the American characters), and the pacing was uneven- some parts dragged while others felt rushed. I also struggled to connect with Ana and Luca’s relationship. Going from a summer romance ten years ago to such intense feelings so quickly left me wanting more development and emotional depth.
The second half lost me a bit as the characters’ decisions felt frustratingly immature, and I found myself wishing everyone would simply communicate instead of letting misunderstandings drag on.
Overall, this is an easy beach read with gorgeous Italian vibes and a meaningful message, but I never fully connected with the characters or the romance, which kept it from reaching its full potential for me.
I really wanted to love this one because the premise is so charming. The Italy setting was easily my favorite part- the little beach town, the hostel, the food, and the nostalgia of returning to a place that changed your life all felt vivid and immersive. I also appreciated the themes of burnout, rediscovering your passions, and figuring out who you are outside of work.
Unfortunately, the execution didn’t quite work for me. The writing often felt clunky, the dialogue was awkward at times (especially the lack of contractions from the American characters), and the pacing was uneven- some parts dragged while others felt rushed. I also struggled to connect with Ana and Luca’s relationship. Going from a summer romance ten years ago to such intense feelings so quickly left me wanting more development and emotional depth.
The second half lost me a bit as the characters’ decisions felt frustratingly immature, and I found myself wishing everyone would simply communicate instead of letting misunderstandings drag on.
Overall, this is an easy beach read with gorgeous Italian vibes and a meaningful message, but I never fully connected with the characters or the romance, which kept it from reaching its full potential for me.
August 13, 2026
This was such a cute second-chance romance! 💕 It was light, easy to binge, and had just the right amount of tension and spice to keep me turning the pages.
I did wish we got a little more of the characters' history together. Since this is a second-chance romance, I wanted to really feel that history and understand what made them so important to each other in the past. I also felt like there were more meaningful interactions between her and Seth than there were between her and Luca at times, which made it a little harder for me to fully connect with their romance.
One thing I absolutely loved, though, was the career aspect of this story. It really made me think about how we're constantly told that climbing the corporate ladder, making more money, and becoming "successful" is the ultimate goal. But what if that's not what actually makes you happy?
Honestly, this book had me ready to quit my job, open a little bookstore or hostel somewhere, and live my best peaceful life. 😂📚
Overall, this was a fun, easy read with a sweet second-chance romance and a message I really appreciated. Definitely recommend if you're looking for something light, bingeable, and a little spicy! 🌶️💕
I did wish we got a little more of the characters' history together. Since this is a second-chance romance, I wanted to really feel that history and understand what made them so important to each other in the past. I also felt like there were more meaningful interactions between her and Seth than there were between her and Luca at times, which made it a little harder for me to fully connect with their romance.
One thing I absolutely loved, though, was the career aspect of this story. It really made me think about how we're constantly told that climbing the corporate ladder, making more money, and becoming "successful" is the ultimate goal. But what if that's not what actually makes you happy?
Honestly, this book had me ready to quit my job, open a little bookstore or hostel somewhere, and live my best peaceful life. 😂📚
Overall, this was a fun, easy read with a sweet second-chance romance and a message I really appreciated. Definitely recommend if you're looking for something light, bingeable, and a little spicy! 🌶️💕
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’ve always wanted to backpack around Europe and stay at hostels and meet new people and have amazing experiences. But what’s that expression. Youth is wasted on the young. Oh well maybe in my next life.
This book is exactly what I thought those summers would be. Having fun, making new life experiences and deciding what is really important. To some people the job of their dreams isn’t all that great once they are in it and like Ana sometimes you want to curse out your coworkers via email. After being forced into a mental health leave Ana decides to go back to the place where she was truly happy. After arriving and seeing that her favorite hostel is falling into disarray she decides to help spruce it up and bring back some of the charm that she fell in love with. Speaking of love in walk Luca the man who broke her heart 10 years ago. She refuses to let him and the past affect her future anymore. Setting out to reclaim her life and find her joy Ana helps turn the hostel around and maybe make her experience from the past affect those who stay in the future.
This book is exactly what I thought those summers would be. Having fun, making new life experiences and deciding what is really important. To some people the job of their dreams isn’t all that great once they are in it and like Ana sometimes you want to curse out your coworkers via email. After being forced into a mental health leave Ana decides to go back to the place where she was truly happy. After arriving and seeing that her favorite hostel is falling into disarray she decides to help spruce it up and bring back some of the charm that she fell in love with. Speaking of love in walk Luca the man who broke her heart 10 years ago. She refuses to let him and the past affect her future anymore. Setting out to reclaim her life and find her joy Ana helps turn the hostel around and maybe make her experience from the past affect those who stay in the future.
Review of advance copy
The Second Chance Summer by Rose Graceling-Moore is a sweet and emotional second-chance romance with a gorgeous Italian coastal setting. I really enjoyed the mix of romance, self-discovery, and the feeling of getting a fresh start when life doesn't go quite as planned. The FMC Anabel and MMC Luca have plenty of history between them, which made their interactions both frustrating and fun to read. I especially enjoyed Luca’s grumpy, artistic personality and watching the two of them work together while dealing with their unresolved feelings. The setting added such a warm, summery atmosphere that made this an easy book to escape into. I also appreciated that the story wasn't only about finding love again, but about figuring out what you truly want from life and having the courage to make a change. Overall, The Second Chance Summer was a charming and heartfelt summer read with romance, beautiful scenery, and plenty of second-chance feelings.
I received an ARC copy from Pen Pinery. Thank you for giving me the chance to read this novel and share my honest review of the novel!
I received an ARC copy from Pen Pinery. Thank you for giving me the chance to read this novel and share my honest review of the novel!
Review of advance copy
Genre/Tropes : second chance, mid-life
Age appropriate : 18+ for sex and sexual talk
Setting: small town Italy
POV : Single
Perfect for readers who like second chance enemies to lovers. Foreign men and found family. It is a feel good romance that is worth the time to read.
Overall Story **** World **
Main Characters *** Side Characters ***
Emotions ***
Slow build **** Steam ****
Frustration **
Pros
[ ] Besides the romance there is a real story about finding yourself at any stage
[ ] The current romance that made you wonder if she would leave the past in the past
[ ] The hostel owner was a perfect character
[ ] The hostel was such a part I wanted to go stay there
Cons
[ ] The ending into the epilogue was abrupt
[ ] There was no component missing but it felt like it didn't go deep somehow
[ ] The best friend was not abpart of the story even at the end
Received this ARC through Pen Pinery.
Age appropriate : 18+ for sex and sexual talk
Setting: small town Italy
POV : Single
Perfect for readers who like second chance enemies to lovers. Foreign men and found family. It is a feel good romance that is worth the time to read.
Overall Story **** World **
Main Characters *** Side Characters ***
Emotions ***
Slow build **** Steam ****
Frustration **
Pros
[ ] Besides the romance there is a real story about finding yourself at any stage
[ ] The current romance that made you wonder if she would leave the past in the past
[ ] The hostel owner was a perfect character
[ ] The hostel was such a part I wanted to go stay there
Cons
[ ] The ending into the epilogue was abrupt
[ ] There was no component missing but it felt like it didn't go deep somehow
[ ] The best friend was not abpart of the story even at the end
Received this ARC through Pen Pinery.
Did Not Finish
August 18, 2026
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
DNF
I NEED to talk about this.
I’ve decided to give up on this reading, and I’m sorry. Should I apologize, though? I don’t think so, but nevermind.
I don’t know how this is done. We have so much description and somehow not even a description of her, or him (even though the cover speaks for itself).
She returns to Italy for a few weeks, obligated to pause work. She ends up working at the renovation of an hotel, with her ex. 60% of the book and still nothing. She’s literally complaining about everything, then flirt with another guy, but in the flashbacks she yells at him then sleep with him… the betrayal (because it’s a second chance book) is told through the present and not the past which I think is super weird…
ANYWAY I needed to express this because I can’t stand this book anymore.
Maybe somehow you’ll want to read it after that, who knows?
Thanks again NetGalley for this ARC✨
DNF
I NEED to talk about this.
I’ve decided to give up on this reading, and I’m sorry. Should I apologize, though? I don’t think so, but nevermind.
I don’t know how this is done. We have so much description and somehow not even a description of her, or him (even though the cover speaks for itself).
She returns to Italy for a few weeks, obligated to pause work. She ends up working at the renovation of an hotel, with her ex. 60% of the book and still nothing. She’s literally complaining about everything, then flirt with another guy, but in the flashbacks she yells at him then sleep with him… the betrayal (because it’s a second chance book) is told through the present and not the past which I think is super weird…
ANYWAY I needed to express this because I can’t stand this book anymore.
Maybe somehow you’ll want to read it after that, who knows?
Thanks again NetGalley for this ARC✨
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a novel about self reflection and growth and a second chance romance after finally deciding to seek the truth and stop letting others make decisions for you. A decade ago, Anabel and Luca had a summer of love, adventure, and heartbreak due to miscommunication. Now, they are working together to resurrect the hostile that had once brought them together and help Sofia, the owner and their friend save her home.
Ana is taking a break from work burnout, and she goes back to the coastal town she once loved. It is also the home of Luca, the boy she once loved. As they work together, feelings creep back up and so do unresolved issues that broke them apart.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an ARC of The Second Chance Summer in exchange for an honest review. This is a quick read that takes you along on a journey that is perfect for a summer escape.
Ana is taking a break from work burnout, and she goes back to the coastal town she once loved. It is also the home of Luca, the boy she once loved. As they work together, feelings creep back up and so do unresolved issues that broke them apart.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an ARC of The Second Chance Summer in exchange for an honest review. This is a quick read that takes you along on a journey that is perfect for a summer escape.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a fun second chance romance with themes of self discovery, and finding your way back to yourself. I loved the Italian seaside setting, the hostel renovation, and the emotional history between Ana and Luca. The charming coastal town, food, and summer vibes made the story feel warm and enjoyable.
The beginning was a little slow for me, but I became more invested after the halfway point. I loved that the story was not only about a second chance at love but also a second chance at life, though some character choices felt a little immature.
Overall, I would recommend this if you enjoy second chance romance, emotional growth, and stories about finding yourself.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The beginning was a little slow for me, but I became more invested after the halfway point. I loved that the story was not only about a second chance at love but also a second chance at life, though some character choices felt a little immature.
Overall, I would recommend this if you enjoy second chance romance, emotional growth, and stories about finding yourself.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
🌊⭐ 2.5 stars ⭐🌊
I really wanted to love this one because it had so many things I usually enjoy: an Italian seaside setting, a second-chance romance, and lots of summer vibes. Unfortunately, the setting ended up being my favorite part.
I never fully connected with Ana and Luca. After being apart for ten years, I expected a lot more growth, yet they still felt pretty immature, especially Ana. I also wasn't a fan of how the romance was handled, and the relationship drama made it hard for me to root for them.
I did like the themes of starting over and finding yourself, but overall the story lacked the emotional impact I was hoping for.
Not a bad read, but definitely one I'll forget pretty quickly.
Thanks to Netgalley for giving me a copy f this book in exchange for an honest opinion 💕
I really wanted to love this one because it had so many things I usually enjoy: an Italian seaside setting, a second-chance romance, and lots of summer vibes. Unfortunately, the setting ended up being my favorite part.
I never fully connected with Ana and Luca. After being apart for ten years, I expected a lot more growth, yet they still felt pretty immature, especially Ana. I also wasn't a fan of how the romance was handled, and the relationship drama made it hard for me to root for them.
I did like the themes of starting over and finding yourself, but overall the story lacked the emotional impact I was hoping for.
Not a bad read, but definitely one I'll forget pretty quickly.
Thanks to Netgalley for giving me a copy f this book in exchange for an honest opinion 💕
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Suffering from burnout at her corporate job and forced to take a mental health break, Ana returns to the small Italian beach town where she once spent an unforgettable summer. While there, she reconnects not only with an old love, but also herself and her nearly-forgotten passion for life.
This was a really great story. The author did a wonderful job of making this Italian town come to life. The descriptions of the town, the people, and the food, both in the past and present day, made me want to book a trip to Italy.
The romance between Ana and Luca was so sweet (and fairly spicy!). The flashbacks to Ana’s first time in Traele added depth and nuance to how they first fell in love and how it went so very wrong.
Thank you so much to Pen Pinery and the author for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book. I am voluntarily providing a honest review.
This was a really great story. The author did a wonderful job of making this Italian town come to life. The descriptions of the town, the people, and the food, both in the past and present day, made me want to book a trip to Italy.
The romance between Ana and Luca was so sweet (and fairly spicy!). The flashbacks to Ana’s first time in Traele added depth and nuance to how they first fell in love and how it went so very wrong.
Thank you so much to Pen Pinery and the author for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book. I am voluntarily providing a honest review.
Read
July 8, 20262
No me gusto. Siento que esos diez años de malos entendidos y separación no les sirvieron de nada, porque siguen siendo igual de inmaduros, sobre todo Ana.
Hay infidelidad que quizá muchos no consideren como tal, pero para mí sí lo es: Ana está saliendo con alguien y nunca dicen que puedan salir con otros, tienen una pelea y ese mismo día por fin habla con Luca sobre lo que salió mal entre ellos. Ella descubre que todo fue un malentendido y que Luca nunca hizo nada malo, así que terminan acostándose. Al día siguiente, su novio le manda un mensaje para verse y es ahí cuando ella se da cuenta de que en realidad nunca habían terminado. Para ella, el simple hecho de haberse peleado significaba podía hacer lo que fuera.
No me gusto. Siento que esos diez años de malos entendidos y separación no les sirvieron de nada, porque siguen siendo igual de inmaduros, sobre todo Ana.
Hay infidelidad que quizá muchos no consideren como tal, pero para mí sí lo es: Ana está saliendo con alguien y nunca dicen que puedan salir con otros, tienen una pelea y ese mismo día por fin habla con Luca sobre lo que salió mal entre ellos. Ella descubre que todo fue un malentendido y que Luca nunca hizo nada malo, así que terminan acostándose. Al día siguiente, su novio le manda un mensaje para verse y es ahí cuando ella se da cuenta de que en realidad nunca habían terminado. Para ella, el simple hecho de haberse peleado significaba podía hacer lo que fuera.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Anabel is forced to take a leave from work after accidentally sending an email that included everything she really wanted to say to a coworker(relatable). She decided to go to Italy during this time, where she reconnects with Luca, the ex who broke her heart ten years ago. As the story jumps between past and present, we slowly learn what happened while they work together to save a rundown hostel.
This is a cute, breezy romance that's perfect if you're looking for Italian summer vibes. I loved the setting, but I never fully connected with the romance as it felt a little surface level for me. I also found the timeline a little hard to follow at times. Overall, it's an easy beach read with a beautiful setting, even if I wanted a bit more depth from the characters and their relationship.
This is a cute, breezy romance that's perfect if you're looking for Italian summer vibes. I loved the setting, but I never fully connected with the romance as it felt a little surface level for me. I also found the timeline a little hard to follow at times. Overall, it's an easy beach read with a beautiful setting, even if I wanted a bit more depth from the characters and their relationship.
July 12, 2026
ARC REVIEW
First off I want to thank net galley for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review. I was so excited for this ARC because I love a second chance romance! I honestly loved how the topic of burnout was addressed and the importance of finding yourself. There were a few grammatical and formatting errors, but those did not take away from the book itself. The ending did feel a bit rushed, but that may just be personal preference.
This book is perfect for anyone who loves a second chance romance or a book about finding yourself! If you’re a fan of books like People We Meet On Vacation by Emily Henry, this book is for you!
First off I want to thank net galley for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review. I was so excited for this ARC because I love a second chance romance! I honestly loved how the topic of burnout was addressed and the importance of finding yourself. There were a few grammatical and formatting errors, but those did not take away from the book itself. The ending did feel a bit rushed, but that may just be personal preference.
This book is perfect for anyone who loves a second chance romance or a book about finding yourself! If you’re a fan of books like People We Meet On Vacation by Emily Henry, this book is for you!
August 14, 2026
This started out so promising but there was one thing that kept happening over and over and over again and it was bothering me so much that it took me out of the story completely. Not to keep you in suspense, but it's the exclamation marks. Let me explain. I love an exclamation mark. I even admit to overusing them in emails and I will own that. What I don't want is to see every other spoken sentence end in one in an entire novel, romance or otherwise.
It was so unbelievably distracting that I couldn't focus on the story at hand at all. And it's a real shame because I love a story about going to Italy to find yourself again. To be fair, it has been slightly overdone in romance novels, especially in the past few years, but I love reading different authors takes on it. But unfortunately I just couldn't get over the writing style and it totally spoiled this one for me.
It was so unbelievably distracting that I couldn't focus on the story at hand at all. And it's a real shame because I love a story about going to Italy to find yourself again. To be fair, it has been slightly overdone in romance novels, especially in the past few years, but I love reading different authors takes on it. But unfortunately I just couldn't get over the writing style and it totally spoiled this one for me.
August 16, 2026
Thank you NetGalley, Rose Graceling-Moore, and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op rob this advanced read.
Solid three star read that was light, heart felt, and very charming! My only dislike was the ending felt incomplete. It felt unresolved even though we did get an epilogue. I found myself wanting to see their reconciliation after where the books but before the epilogue. I did love the epilogue though and seeing them further down the road. Still recommend it and thought it was very cute and easy read!
Solid three star read that was light, heart felt, and very charming! My only dislike was the ending felt incomplete. It felt unresolved even though we did get an epilogue. I found myself wanting to see their reconciliation after where the books but before the epilogue. I did love the epilogue though and seeing them further down the road. Still recommend it and thought it was very cute and easy read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2026
I really nice second chance holiday romance.
I loved the beginning, who hasn’t at least wanted to do what Ana did and then the town became so real I felt like I had visited.
I liked the building tension between her and Luca and the helpful/pushy owner of the hostel. I really enjoyed the looking back, what future do we really want themes and finding the pleasure again in our life.
Overall a nice read that would be perfect for a beach read.
ARC provided via Pen Pinery
https://penpinery.com
I loved the beginning, who hasn’t at least wanted to do what Ana did and then the town became so real I felt like I had visited.
I liked the building tension between her and Luca and the helpful/pushy owner of the hostel. I really enjoyed the looking back, what future do we really want themes and finding the pleasure again in our life.
Overall a nice read that would be perfect for a beach read.
ARC provided via Pen Pinery
https://penpinery.com
September 8, 2026
This was a pretty cute romance with Ana and Luca. Her “not burnout “ took her to Italy so she could go back and tell her boss she was rejuvenated and ready to go back to work. And she was taking Luca with her. Second chance romance, set in Italy, and restoring an old hostel that she’d loved in her younger years. The setting was beautiful. Fixing up the hostel was fun. But her and Luca, I just didn’t feel the depth with these two. Not the kind of connection I was hoping for anyway. But overall, this was a pretty good story.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley for sending me an ARC of this book.
This is an okay second chance romance that deals with relatable themes like burnout and finding yourself.
However, Ana and Luca were hard to connect with, and the story’s pacing felt off some parts felt rushed, while others felt super slow.
It’s a decent story with a beautiful setting and a good message, but the slow spots and distant characters made it hard to fully get into their journey.
This is an okay second chance romance that deals with relatable themes like burnout and finding yourself.
However, Ana and Luca were hard to connect with, and the story’s pacing felt off some parts felt rushed, while others felt super slow.
It’s a decent story with a beautiful setting and a good message, but the slow spots and distant characters made it hard to fully get into their journey.
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