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My Summer of You
It’s January, the height of a New Zealand summer and the Gilbert family have gathered at the campground they’ve been coming to since the seventies to scatter the ashes of youngest son Jeffrey into the sea.
For Jess, the campground holds bittersweet memories. It’s where she passed a childhood of carefree summers, but it’s also the scene of her first heartbreak at the hands of Hunter Aarden. The summer she turned seventeen he promised her he’d love her for always, then he drove out of camp never to be heard from again.
Until now.
After almost two decades, Jess is finally about to find out why.
Both romantic and humorous, Pohutukawa Highway is a story that reminds us about the importance of family, and the magic of second chances.
For Jess, the campground holds bittersweet memories. It’s where she passed a childhood of carefree summers, but it’s also the scene of her first heartbreak at the hands of Hunter Aarden. The summer she turned seventeen he promised her he’d love her for always, then he drove out of camp never to be heard from again.
Until now.
After almost two decades, Jess is finally about to find out why.
Both romantic and humorous, Pohutukawa Highway is a story that reminds us about the importance of family, and the magic of second chances.
- GenresFiction
231 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 31, 2015
10 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
About the author
Tammy Robinson
22 books194 followersTammy Robinson is a contemporary author from the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. After years spent working her way around the world, Tammy settled back in New Zealand, where she met her husband. They now have three children and live on a farm. She published her first six novels through Amazon before she was signed to Hachette, who published DIFFERENTLY NORMAL and PHOTOS OF YOU, with several worldwide translations. PHOTOS OF YOU has been optioned for film by LA Production company MRC Film, to be produced by Elizabeth Cantillon. Tammy's ninth book, BACK TO YOU, will be published April 27th 2021 by Hachette.
Find her on Facebook - Tammy Robinson - Author
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
January 9, 2016
Firstly, if you also have no idea how to pronounce the first word of the book title, I have it on good authority that it is pronounced as follows:
“Po (like Edgar Allan Poe) hu (like who) tu (like tutu) ka (like car) wa (like a baby going waaaaaa!)”
The funny thing, is that I still can’t say it as one word, but rather 5 very short words, with significant pauses in-between. I dare say this title will entertain me for many years to come, especially as I have a somewhat bizarre image in my mind of Edgar Allan Poe wearing a tutu and crying like a baby.
Secondly, if you have no idea what 'pohutukawa' means, it is a tree in New Zealand, and a somewhat beautiful one it seems:
This is the second book I’ve read by Tammy Robinson. The first book being Lessons from Ducks, which actually made it into my Top Ten Books read in 2015. One thing I am noticing is how good this author is at creating developed and believable characters. Some of the characters reminded me of myself and loved ones, which made me smile at times.
Although Pohutukawa Highway does have a sad theme running throughout the story, which did bring tears to my eyes at one point, I did find it to be an uplifting and sometimes funny story overall. It covers loss, grief, love, memories of the past, and family dynamics, within the scenic surroundings of a campsite in New Zealand.
If you went camping in a tent or caravan with your family, or do so even now, I think this book will entertain you. I went camping with my parents, younger sisters and our dog when I was young, and absolutely loved it. We had a big family tent with lots of poles, so I had a giggle at the memories of trying to get all the poles together, often in wind and rain, as that was our luck when we went camping. I also remember my dad telling us not to touch the sides of the tent otherwise rain would come through the fabric.
I recommend this to fans of contemporary fiction and romance. I will definitely be reading more books by this author in the future.
“Po (like Edgar Allan Poe) hu (like who) tu (like tutu) ka (like car) wa (like a baby going waaaaaa!)”
The funny thing, is that I still can’t say it as one word, but rather 5 very short words, with significant pauses in-between. I dare say this title will entertain me for many years to come, especially as I have a somewhat bizarre image in my mind of Edgar Allan Poe wearing a tutu and crying like a baby.
Secondly, if you have no idea what 'pohutukawa' means, it is a tree in New Zealand, and a somewhat beautiful one it seems:
This is the second book I’ve read by Tammy Robinson. The first book being Lessons from Ducks, which actually made it into my Top Ten Books read in 2015. One thing I am noticing is how good this author is at creating developed and believable characters. Some of the characters reminded me of myself and loved ones, which made me smile at times.
Although Pohutukawa Highway does have a sad theme running throughout the story, which did bring tears to my eyes at one point, I did find it to be an uplifting and sometimes funny story overall. It covers loss, grief, love, memories of the past, and family dynamics, within the scenic surroundings of a campsite in New Zealand.
If you went camping in a tent or caravan with your family, or do so even now, I think this book will entertain you. I went camping with my parents, younger sisters and our dog when I was young, and absolutely loved it. We had a big family tent with lots of poles, so I had a giggle at the memories of trying to get all the poles together, often in wind and rain, as that was our luck when we went camping. I also remember my dad telling us not to touch the sides of the tent otherwise rain would come through the fabric.
I recommend this to fans of contemporary fiction and romance. I will definitely be reading more books by this author in the future.
April 6, 2023
This is a raw, say it as you see it, insight into family life.
Tammy always writes such lovely books, the words flow really well and they are very readable, I haven't found a bad one yet.
All her books are based in New Zealand and her descriptions just have me longing to visit!
Tammy always writes such lovely books, the words flow really well and they are very readable, I haven't found a bad one yet.
All her books are based in New Zealand and her descriptions just have me longing to visit!
June 24, 2015
I have read all of Tammy Robinson's books now and I have enjoyed them all.
Pohutukawa Highway is her latest book.
Tammy has created yet another wonderful story which was really lovely to read.
After the death of her brother, Jess returns to her childhood camping ground where she and her family spent lots of memorable holidays.
The story is very much one of growing up and memories. I have found in Tammy's books they can be tainted with sadness which this one is as well but overall it is a sweet lovely read with a touch of humour.
Jess is a great character and I enjoyed reading and imagining what her life was like when she was growing up in her family. I loved the banter between the siblings and even with the parents, it was so very true to life.
For anyone who has ever gone camping or caravanning for their holidays, Pohutukawa Highway will hopefully bring you back some great memories.
I really would urge anyone who hasn't read any of Tammy's books to give them a go. She is a master of creating a wonderfully written story with great characters that will have you engrossed from start to finish.
Pohutukawa Highway is her latest book.
Tammy has created yet another wonderful story which was really lovely to read.
After the death of her brother, Jess returns to her childhood camping ground where she and her family spent lots of memorable holidays.
The story is very much one of growing up and memories. I have found in Tammy's books they can be tainted with sadness which this one is as well but overall it is a sweet lovely read with a touch of humour.
Jess is a great character and I enjoyed reading and imagining what her life was like when she was growing up in her family. I loved the banter between the siblings and even with the parents, it was so very true to life.
For anyone who has ever gone camping or caravanning for their holidays, Pohutukawa Highway will hopefully bring you back some great memories.
I really would urge anyone who hasn't read any of Tammy's books to give them a go. She is a master of creating a wonderfully written story with great characters that will have you engrossed from start to finish.
January 4, 2017
I read a lot of crime and thrillers and every now and I then I need to take a break and read something warm and lovely and My Summer of You is perfect. Tammy Robinson brings the wonderful Gilbert family to life in this book (previously called Pohutukawa Highway) which is full of love and amusing observations about family life, dynamics, first love and grief. If you are looking for a book to make you smile and feel fuzzy inside – this book should certainly help.
December 1, 2015
I received this as an arc from the book club (tbc) in exchange for an honest review.
It's January, the height of a new Zealand summer and the Gilbert family have gathered at the campground they've been coming to since the seventies to scatter the ashes of youngest son Jeffrey into the sea.
Wow. Absolutely fantastic read.
This is a lovely feel good and funny read.
I loved the story and the characters.
This made me laugh in places.
It's a lovely pick me up read.
I love Jess and her family.
This is a must read and I would highly recommend this book. 5 *
It's January, the height of a new Zealand summer and the Gilbert family have gathered at the campground they've been coming to since the seventies to scatter the ashes of youngest son Jeffrey into the sea.
Wow. Absolutely fantastic read.
This is a lovely feel good and funny read.
I loved the story and the characters.
This made me laugh in places.
It's a lovely pick me up read.
I love Jess and her family.
This is a must read and I would highly recommend this book. 5 *
July 18, 2017
This is the second Tammy Robinson book I've read and I enjoyed it for many reasons; the realistic portrayal of the family, a trip down memory lane and realising there's more to life and going for it. I laughed, cried and smiled a lot whilst reading this story.
November 13, 2015
What a lovely, sweet, funny (at times) and heart-warming love story, set in a caravan park in New Zealand. This story had me hooked right from the start until the lovely ending.
I really loved Jess and Hunter’s characters and found them to be very believable. Although the entire Gilbert family bantering was pretty light-hearted, I did find it to be bordering on argumentative at times and I think if my own mother had to talk to me in that manner I would have burst into tears.
Pohutukawa Highway brought back wonderful memories of caravanning with my family and holiday romances in my youth, which made this such a realistic story and one I can highly recommend.
Thanks so much to Tammy Robinson and THE Book Club (TBC) for allowing me to review this wonderful book.
I really loved Jess and Hunter’s characters and found them to be very believable. Although the entire Gilbert family bantering was pretty light-hearted, I did find it to be bordering on argumentative at times and I think if my own mother had to talk to me in that manner I would have burst into tears.
Pohutukawa Highway brought back wonderful memories of caravanning with my family and holiday romances in my youth, which made this such a realistic story and one I can highly recommend.
Thanks so much to Tammy Robinson and THE Book Club (TBC) for allowing me to review this wonderful book.
December 2, 2015
Thanks to Tammy and THE Book Club on Facebook for the complementary copy. Having loved Charlie & Pearl I was looking forward to reading another of Tammy's books.
The Gilbert family have gathered at the NZ campsite where many long, hot and happy summers were spent in the 70s. They are there to scatter youngest son and brother, Jeffrey's ashes.
It takes Jess right back to that summer she fell head over heels with Hunter a boy who hung out with her brothers. So coming back has bittersweet memories. Two decades on unhappy with her current boyfriend and job she meets up with Hunter and finds out why he ran out on her all those years ago.
Romantic and funny with some laugh out loud moments (toilet) I simply loved this tale of family and second chances.
The Gilbert family have gathered at the NZ campsite where many long, hot and happy summers were spent in the 70s. They are there to scatter youngest son and brother, Jeffrey's ashes.
It takes Jess right back to that summer she fell head over heels with Hunter a boy who hung out with her brothers. So coming back has bittersweet memories. Two decades on unhappy with her current boyfriend and job she meets up with Hunter and finds out why he ran out on her all those years ago.
Romantic and funny with some laugh out loud moments (toilet) I simply loved this tale of family and second chances.
November 2, 2016
First of all I'd like to thank my friend Lorraine for introducing me to this wonderful author.
Since reading her first book I fell in love with the way Tammy writes. You go through the whole gamut of emotions. Tammy can make you laugh on one page and cry on the next.
Her dialogues are flawless. It's as if the characters are in the room with you and you're eavesdropping on their conversations.
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book from Tammy. I didn't just read it I devoured it.
I felt as if I was on holiday with them. This is the perfect book to read anywhere at anytime.
Since reading her first book I fell in love with the way Tammy writes. You go through the whole gamut of emotions. Tammy can make you laugh on one page and cry on the next.
Her dialogues are flawless. It's as if the characters are in the room with you and you're eavesdropping on their conversations.
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book from Tammy. I didn't just read it I devoured it.
I felt as if I was on holiday with them. This is the perfect book to read anywhere at anytime.
February 6, 2017
I have never read anything by this author, even though I've always wanted to read her books. So when thinking about challenge books, I needed a book that had Summer on it (this book is published under a different name on Amazon).
Well I can tell you this author's book written under a new title suited it well. When I started the book I was automatically hooked and transported back to a holiday romance when I was a teenager (heart broken) all those years ago. This book made me laugh, smile and even a few tears was shed over the story (so close to what happened to me in a sense). I will definitely be reading more of her books over the coming months.
Well I can tell you this author's book written under a new title suited it well. When I started the book I was automatically hooked and transported back to a holiday romance when I was a teenager (heart broken) all those years ago. This book made me laugh, smile and even a few tears was shed over the story (so close to what happened to me in a sense). I will definitely be reading more of her books over the coming months.
January 7, 2016
I'd like to thank Tammy and TBC on FB for giving me the chance to read this book.
I have to be honest and say this is the first book I've read by Tammy and what a cracker it is.
Pohutukawa Highway is a lovely feel good story, full of childhood memories, romance and a touch of sadness.
It's one of those books you don't want to put down or for it to end. It's full of warmth and some real laugh out loud moments.
I'm really looking forward to reading more from Tammy.
I have to be honest and say this is the first book I've read by Tammy and what a cracker it is.
Pohutukawa Highway is a lovely feel good story, full of childhood memories, romance and a touch of sadness.
It's one of those books you don't want to put down or for it to end. It's full of warmth and some real laugh out loud moments.
I'm really looking forward to reading more from Tammy.
June 3, 2015
Pohutukawa Highway by Tammy Robinson
A sweet love story set in New Zealand where Jessie’s family has spent their summer since they were children. I totally escape when I read one of Tammy’s book. A light and easy read under 200 pages. 4.00 stars $1.87 India
A sweet love story set in New Zealand where Jessie’s family has spent their summer since they were children. I totally escape when I read one of Tammy’s book. A light and easy read under 200 pages. 4.00 stars $1.87 India
November 6, 2021
I adored this book. This could have so easily have been 'me' that it made it even more special. Although set in New Zealand it seemed to be very 'British' and I loved that about it. Took me back to some magical times :)
October 7, 2015
Another fabulous book by Tammy Robinson. Just love her books. They are so well written, and the plots are cleverly thought out, and all with a feel good factor. Can't wait for the next one.
July 24, 2017
Another wonderful read from this author. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
April 5, 2017
A bitter-sweet love story with a first class, feel good theme, depicting family life with all its ups and downs. A perfect holiday read for me.
June 27, 2017
What a family!
I loved the book and the wonderfully drawn characters. A joyful read. Can't wait for the next story and more great people.
I loved the book and the wonderfully drawn characters. A joyful read. Can't wait for the next story and more great people.
November 20, 2015
Pohutukawa Highway is a lovely story that takes you along with a family facing one of life's hardest challenges, having to say good-bye to a loved one. I would like to thank Tammy Robinson and TBC for the ARC of this book. Buckle up for this roller coaster ride of emotions because one minute you'll be ready to grab a tissue and the next you'll be grabbing your side in laughter. The characters are well developed and very likeable. I enjoyed spending a bit of summer with them and recommend everyone pick up this book and do the same as it is well worth the read. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
August 31, 2016
Not my usual genre of book, but having already read and enjoyed Charlie and Pearl by this author and having just finished reading a book that traumatised and scared the living bejesus out of me, I needed a 'nice' book that was easy to read, and so I picked up this one. Well, it certainly didn't disappoint. Yes, there was heartbreaking moments but humourous moments too. A little predictable perhaps, but overall a lovely, uplifting read. Oh, and I now know what a Pohutukawa tree looks like!
November 16, 2015
This is the second book of Tammy's I have read and it was really good. Absolutely loved this book it was a lovely pleasant read. I just wanted to continue reading it in one sitting and I just wanted to find out how it would end. Would def recommend this book and can't wait to read the rest of Tammy's books
November 13, 2015
I enjoyed this book. It was a good easy relaxing holiday read. The description of the area in New Zealand was excellent and set the scene for the story which was of family life spanning three generations.It is basically the love story between Jess and Hunter that ended abruptly but on meeting years later there still seems to be a spark that could be rekindled.Thank you for the ARC.
July 30, 2016
Nice, easy reading, all the characters are colourful without being forced or overbearing. There were a couple of sad pieces that brought tears to my eyes almost without me realising it. A large family who love each other deeply but don’t always show their emotions, lots of teasing of siblings whether they are grown up or not.
A good book.
A good book.
February 6, 2017
This was a lovely heart and skin warming read while in the depths of European wintertime! I enjoyed Charlie and Pearl by Tammy Robinson and this one didn't disappoint. The Gilbert family were so well written it felt like I was right there in the middle of them all. Perfect feel good romance with aspects of life and loss, a lovely uplifting read.
November 15, 2015
Another great read from Ms Robinson. Full of humour, warmth and love. This was a lovely easy read with a nice story, perfect for losing yourself in and would recommend this for a lovely summer/beach read
December 16, 2015
This was an ok read. I maybe had higher expectations due to the fantastic ratings. It moved pretty slow. I kept waiting for something to happen that never really came until the last chapter or two of the book.
November 2, 2016
This is the latest of Tammys books and I can't wait until more come out! Once again I loved this book, It's a nice easy read and set in New Zealand and I sometimes wonder if Tammy is telling her own story because they are described so real! I think everyone should read her books!
December 18, 2015
Really nice easy read, a real holiday book. I loved the dynamics of the family in this book, it was really heart warming, with lots of really humerous bits in it too....
I thoroughly recommend this book, it was a lovely smooth read.
I thoroughly recommend this book, it was a lovely smooth read.
August 20, 2017
Wonderful read
Well thought out characters, and storyline. The siblings banter was absolutely perfect! Love, love ,love this writer! Now.....on to find more to read from Tammy Robinson.
Well thought out characters, and storyline. The siblings banter was absolutely perfect! Love, love ,love this writer! Now.....on to find more to read from Tammy Robinson.
December 11, 2017
Oh wow, I really loved this book, brought back so many memories of my childhood in NZ with 4 brothers and sisters and the long hot summers staying at the batch in Whangamata. Memories, oh memories for such a great, innocent time. A lovely lovely read.
November 17, 2015
A great story about family, loss, and young love. A quick easy read that makes you laugh and cry. Lovely look into a family that in many ways reminds you of "real" families.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews