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Summers With Juliette
Almost twenty years ago, on a beautiful coastal cliff, Juliette Cole, Anne Kendall and Sera Di Maggio linked pinkies and made a vow to be there for each other no matter what might happen in their lives.
Now Juliette is calling in the promise -- terminally ill, she wants her two friends to come back to Ellesmere to help her through her last summer. The trouble is Anna and Sera haven't spoken in years, and Anna hasn't returned home since she and her mother were run out of town in disgrace.
But Anna and Sera do have one thing in common: they want Juliette to fight her cancer by any means possible. When they realise the only way may be to find a man called Noah, they reluctantly agree to put aside their differences and search for him.
But, as Anna and Sera discover, sometimes facing the past is the best way to face the future, and perhaps the only way they will find the strength for their last summer with Juliette
Now Juliette is calling in the promise -- terminally ill, she wants her two friends to come back to Ellesmere to help her through her last summer. The trouble is Anna and Sera haven't spoken in years, and Anna hasn't returned home since she and her mother were run out of town in disgrace.
But Anna and Sera do have one thing in common: they want Juliette to fight her cancer by any means possible. When they realise the only way may be to find a man called Noah, they reluctantly agree to put aside their differences and search for him.
But, as Anna and Sera discover, sometimes facing the past is the best way to face the future, and perhaps the only way they will find the strength for their last summer with Juliette
362 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2016
8 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
Emily Madden
4 books113 followersI am a book nerd, coffee lover and love anything 80’s (except the fashion, okay, I admit – I like some of it).
My love of books started at a young age when I would often go shopping with my mum just so I could score yet another novel. Nothing has changed – I rarely leave a bookstore without a book.
I read anything and everything, but stories that touch the heart and uplift the soul are what I love the most.
I have an unnatural obsession with needing to be close to the ocean, but am terrified of deep water.
My love of books started at a young age when I would often go shopping with my mum just so I could score yet another novel. Nothing has changed – I rarely leave a bookstore without a book.
I read anything and everything, but stories that touch the heart and uplift the soul are what I love the most.
I have an unnatural obsession with needing to be close to the ocean, but am terrified of deep water.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
December 21, 2019
I found the premise intriguing - Juliette is a young woman dying from cancer who calls her two best friends home, on the basis of a childhood promise, to support her.
I loved the story of Juliette and Noah as it gradually unfolded and I was totally engaged by the two of them. Herein lay my problem with the book. I could not raise enough interest in the rest of the characters and their affairs. I even found myself skimming silly Sera's issues to get back to what was, for me, the real substance to the book.
Maybe three separate love affairs, with all their dramas and ups and downs, is just too much to be contained in one book. I still cried at the end for Juliette and Noah.
I loved the story of Juliette and Noah as it gradually unfolded and I was totally engaged by the two of them. Herein lay my problem with the book. I could not raise enough interest in the rest of the characters and their affairs. I even found myself skimming silly Sera's issues to get back to what was, for me, the real substance to the book.
Maybe three separate love affairs, with all their dramas and ups and downs, is just too much to be contained in one book. I still cried at the end for Juliette and Noah.
January 10, 2019
When Juliette Cole, Anna Kendall and Sera Di Maggio were thirteen years old and best friends in the small town of Ellesmere on the NSW north coast, they swore to always be there for one another, no matter what. Now, twenty years later Juliette was the only one still living in Ellesmere while Anna and Sera were estranged. But when Juliette called them both, asking them to return home as she needed them, they both took leave and went back to their best friend, vowing to be civil to one another for Juliette’s sake.
Dying of a cancer she’d beaten three years prior, it had returned with a vengeance, and she only had a matter of weeks. She needed her friends around her, and while the community rallied, Sera and Anna realized there was someone else missing. A man called Noah who had been in Juliette’s life before. Could they find him before it was too late?
Summers with Juliette is Aussie author Emily Madden’s debut novel and a powerful, gut wrenching story of friends and standing by one another; of heartbreak and love; and of overwhelming sadness blended with happiness. Disappointingly, it needs editing to correct the many little errors throughout the story. That said, I enjoyed Summers with Juliette and recommend it to fans of the genre.
Dying of a cancer she’d beaten three years prior, it had returned with a vengeance, and she only had a matter of weeks. She needed her friends around her, and while the community rallied, Sera and Anna realized there was someone else missing. A man called Noah who had been in Juliette’s life before. Could they find him before it was too late?
Summers with Juliette is Aussie author Emily Madden’s debut novel and a powerful, gut wrenching story of friends and standing by one another; of heartbreak and love; and of overwhelming sadness blended with happiness. Disappointingly, it needs editing to correct the many little errors throughout the story. That said, I enjoyed Summers with Juliette and recommend it to fans of the genre.
December 14, 2015
Started and finished the book on the same day. Absolutely could not put it down and was sitting at school pickup crying reading it. A wonderful story with characters that just draw you in. Highly recommended, I loved it.
March 10, 2019
This reads like a soap opera so, is this what Chick Lit is all about? Do people really talk and feel like this? I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it. I can see other people swooning over it though.
December 15, 2015
Juliette's character shined in this story :) Anna and Sera had their own plus moments but didn't so much move this reader like Juliette's character easily did. Anna's character was complex in her emotions and the lack of confidence her character displayed throughout the story was confounding. Seraphina, aka Sera initially was the most jaded/irritating individual of the group and oftentimes grated on this reader for the attitude portrayed.
I think the premise/synopsis of the story was a drawcard for me but the book didn't retain my attention and I felt the story often drifted. Rather than actually being there for Juliette the characters were more for themselves, getting their lives sorted and mending fences between each other and having Juliette really as a secondary focus in many moments within the story.
That said, the story had both entertaining and heartfelt moments that pulled at this readers emotions at one point or another throughout the read. I liked the story more on what it could have been, rather than what the story actually came across as.
3 Stars
Review copy kindly received from the Publisher for an honest review
I think the premise/synopsis of the story was a drawcard for me but the book didn't retain my attention and I felt the story often drifted. Rather than actually being there for Juliette the characters were more for themselves, getting their lives sorted and mending fences between each other and having Juliette really as a secondary focus in many moments within the story.
That said, the story had both entertaining and heartfelt moments that pulled at this readers emotions at one point or another throughout the read. I liked the story more on what it could have been, rather than what the story actually came across as.
3 Stars
Review copy kindly received from the Publisher for an honest review
January 4, 2019
Five stars if only because I couldn't put this down. Originally I found some of the characters annoying, but they very quickly grew on me, and while I sighed at the completely overused tropes, the story grabbed my attention and did not let go. I would preferred to see more resolution (or indeed, any!) to some of the minor story lines, and the climax was also full of tropes, but the resolution to the final story line did make me grin.
September 3, 2024
A story of love, forgiveness and learning to accept what is. This story will break your heart and put it back together.
Best read with tissues and chocolate.
Best read with tissues and chocolate.
December 17, 2015
No matter where,
No matter when,
No matter what.
It's a rare occurrence for me to read a book all about females and female friendship. My natural instincts are to shy away from books like these because females, ugh! but when Harlequin sent me a brief description of Summers with Juliette by Emily Madden I couldn't help but give it a go.
Juliette is a wonderful holiday read that dips, effortlessly, between light and heavy. Happiness and sadness. Love and death.
Juliette is terminally ill and calling in on a pinky promise she and her friends Anna and Sera had made almost twenty years ago. The two friends return to the beautiful coastal town that holds memories of a haunted past to help Juliette.
Summers with Juliette isn't a standard Australian read. It flows between beautiful sentences and stereotypical Aussie words like "barbie" {for barbeqcue} that usually make me shudder. In Juliette they fit seamlessly as does the cast of characters Madden introduces us to. We're invited into the coastal town of Ellesmere. We can smell the beachy air, feel the heavy down pour of rain and sweat in the heat.
Madden is effortless in telling Juliette, Anna and Sera's stories. Of hospitals, failed families, terrible tragedy and confusing curses.
In Juliette I did not expect to cry and, yet, I found myself shedding tears and swallowing back despair as the story neared its end. Motherhood has made me more emotional, yes, but I wasn't sure this story could take me to the depths of sadness that bring about burning tears. For some time, I was forced to place the book down, remove my glasses and swallow the lump in my throat. I let the silent tears fall, cleaned myself up, slipped my glasses back on and continued.
Summers with Juliette is a quick read but don't mistake this as a negative. It's not fluffy and light. It has meaning and truly makes you pause for breath multiple times throughout. It makes you think and ponder and, ultimately, gives wonderful life advice in a wonderful story of female friendship.
*
Summers with Juliette by Emily Madden is published by Harlequin Books and is due for release in January.
No matter when,
No matter what.
It's a rare occurrence for me to read a book all about females and female friendship. My natural instincts are to shy away from books like these because females, ugh! but when Harlequin sent me a brief description of Summers with Juliette by Emily Madden I couldn't help but give it a go.
Juliette is a wonderful holiday read that dips, effortlessly, between light and heavy. Happiness and sadness. Love and death.
Juliette is terminally ill and calling in on a pinky promise she and her friends Anna and Sera had made almost twenty years ago. The two friends return to the beautiful coastal town that holds memories of a haunted past to help Juliette.
Summers with Juliette isn't a standard Australian read. It flows between beautiful sentences and stereotypical Aussie words like "barbie" {for barbeqcue} that usually make me shudder. In Juliette they fit seamlessly as does the cast of characters Madden introduces us to. We're invited into the coastal town of Ellesmere. We can smell the beachy air, feel the heavy down pour of rain and sweat in the heat.
Madden is effortless in telling Juliette, Anna and Sera's stories. Of hospitals, failed families, terrible tragedy and confusing curses.
In Juliette I did not expect to cry and, yet, I found myself shedding tears and swallowing back despair as the story neared its end. Motherhood has made me more emotional, yes, but I wasn't sure this story could take me to the depths of sadness that bring about burning tears. For some time, I was forced to place the book down, remove my glasses and swallow the lump in my throat. I let the silent tears fall, cleaned myself up, slipped my glasses back on and continued.
Summers with Juliette is a quick read but don't mistake this as a negative. It's not fluffy and light. It has meaning and truly makes you pause for breath multiple times throughout. It makes you think and ponder and, ultimately, gives wonderful life advice in a wonderful story of female friendship.
*
Summers with Juliette by Emily Madden is published by Harlequin Books and is due for release in January.
January 7, 2016
Need to write the review, but these pictures should do the trick for now!
January 17, 2016
I think everyone knows that I’m a sucker for a good cover and Summers With Juliette is no exception. Who could resist a gorgeous coastal scene with three women who all have perfect beachy wave hair? Plus, as you can’t see the women’s faces, there’s a certain sense of mystery about it… I also love a good friendship story and this book doesn’t disappoint. Remember those pinkie swears you made with your friends as a teenager? Summers With Juliette takes that one step further – calling in that promise “no matter where, no matter when, no matter what”. It’s a delightful story, full of warmth, delicious muffins and scones but also a bit of a heartbreaker. (Fortunately, there’s more than a couple of hot men in the narrative to help the reader recover). It’s a wonderful summer read that won’t disappoint (but wear your sunglasses for the sad parts).
The story centres around three women, all friends as teenagers but after a scandal rocked the small coastal town of Ellesmere, Anna and Sera no longer speak. Their only connection is through Juliette, who is now terminally ill. Juliette calls in the pinkie swear for help and Anna and Sera are reluctantly reunited. They both want to help their friend, but it turns out that Ellesmere has more on offer for them than just a good friend. There’s ‘city slicker’ lawyer Jack and the new mayor Patrick. When Juliette alludes to a man called Noah, Anna and Sera decide that they need to find him to ensure Juliette doesn’t leave without love in her life. Can they work through their differences to help their ever kind and generous friend?
Emily Madden is a debut author, which I found a little hard to believe at first! Her writing is so assured and confident, plus she has the knack of great dialogue that sounds realistic and juggling a multilayered plot with ease. The story flows effortlessly and although you know ultimately what is going to happen, it’s an emotional and engaging journey. I enjoyed how the story focused on the friendship between the women rather than focusing on Juliette’s physical decline due to cancer. It lets the reader see the person Juliette is rather than turning her into a bunch of symptoms and a disease. Juliette herself is also a tower of strength – getting about her daily business, doing all the things she normally does and ignoring her disease. She’s someone to admire (although I wish she had documented her grandmother’s recipe for vanilla and almond scones so I could recreate it)!
I’d also categorise this book if forced as ‘life lit’ or the dreaded ‘contemporary women’s fiction’. Sure, there is romance but it’s just one of the many plot threads. The strongest element is friendship and support during hard times. It’s a touching story, one that will remain with the reader long after the book is finished. You’ll laugh, cry and also be tempted to make some of Juliette’s delicious-sounding muffins. But most of all, you’ll be reaching out to your friends and family to tell them how much you love them.
Thank you to Harlequin Australia for the ARC. My review is honest.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
The story centres around three women, all friends as teenagers but after a scandal rocked the small coastal town of Ellesmere, Anna and Sera no longer speak. Their only connection is through Juliette, who is now terminally ill. Juliette calls in the pinkie swear for help and Anna and Sera are reluctantly reunited. They both want to help their friend, but it turns out that Ellesmere has more on offer for them than just a good friend. There’s ‘city slicker’ lawyer Jack and the new mayor Patrick. When Juliette alludes to a man called Noah, Anna and Sera decide that they need to find him to ensure Juliette doesn’t leave without love in her life. Can they work through their differences to help their ever kind and generous friend?
Emily Madden is a debut author, which I found a little hard to believe at first! Her writing is so assured and confident, plus she has the knack of great dialogue that sounds realistic and juggling a multilayered plot with ease. The story flows effortlessly and although you know ultimately what is going to happen, it’s an emotional and engaging journey. I enjoyed how the story focused on the friendship between the women rather than focusing on Juliette’s physical decline due to cancer. It lets the reader see the person Juliette is rather than turning her into a bunch of symptoms and a disease. Juliette herself is also a tower of strength – getting about her daily business, doing all the things she normally does and ignoring her disease. She’s someone to admire (although I wish she had documented her grandmother’s recipe for vanilla and almond scones so I could recreate it)!
I’d also categorise this book if forced as ‘life lit’ or the dreaded ‘contemporary women’s fiction’. Sure, there is romance but it’s just one of the many plot threads. The strongest element is friendship and support during hard times. It’s a touching story, one that will remain with the reader long after the book is finished. You’ll laugh, cry and also be tempted to make some of Juliette’s delicious-sounding muffins. But most of all, you’ll be reaching out to your friends and family to tell them how much you love them.
Thank you to Harlequin Australia for the ARC. My review is honest.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
December 20, 2015
ARC received from Harlequin Australia for an honest review
I knew from reading the synopsis that Summers With Juliette was going to be an emotional read, so I was prepared for it.
What I wasn’t prepared for was the for the punch that this book packed.
It is a gut wrenching, heart breaking but also heartwarming of friendship, and what lengths friends go to for each other. It is about mending broken friendships, forging new relationships.
Juliette calls on the pinky swear she, Sera and Anna made when they were teenagers. She is dying and wants to spend one last summer with her best friends.
I loved Juliette from the minute the book started. So strong, she has had so many horrible things happen in her life, but she lives her life every day with a smile. I want to be as strong as her when I grow up!
Anna and Sera, each with their own problems but they come together for Juliette, and while they are repairing their friendship, they are forging life changing relationships with men they meet while in town.
From the blurb you know that there are going to be heartbreaking moments. But boy the one that I knew was going to happen still took a strong grip on my heart and felt like it was squeezing the life out of me.
It is hard to believe that this is Ms Madden's debut novel. The story, the writing, the emotion leapt off the pages, and I could not put Summers With Juliet down once I started.
This is a wonderful read, so grab a cuppa and a box of tissues and dive in. You will not be disappointed.
I cannot wait to see what Ms Madden has for us next.
I knew from reading the synopsis that Summers With Juliette was going to be an emotional read, so I was prepared for it.
What I wasn’t prepared for was the for the punch that this book packed.
It is a gut wrenching, heart breaking but also heartwarming of friendship, and what lengths friends go to for each other. It is about mending broken friendships, forging new relationships.
Juliette calls on the pinky swear she, Sera and Anna made when they were teenagers. She is dying and wants to spend one last summer with her best friends.
I loved Juliette from the minute the book started. So strong, she has had so many horrible things happen in her life, but she lives her life every day with a smile. I want to be as strong as her when I grow up!
Anna and Sera, each with their own problems but they come together for Juliette, and while they are repairing their friendship, they are forging life changing relationships with men they meet while in town.
From the blurb you know that there are going to be heartbreaking moments. But boy the one that I knew was going to happen still took a strong grip on my heart and felt like it was squeezing the life out of me.
It is hard to believe that this is Ms Madden's debut novel. The story, the writing, the emotion leapt off the pages, and I could not put Summers With Juliet down once I started.
This is a wonderful read, so grab a cuppa and a box of tissues and dive in. You will not be disappointed.
I cannot wait to see what Ms Madden has for us next.
February 28, 2016
*4.5 stars
Summers with Juliette is the type of book that makes you stop and appreciate the important things in life that we often take for granted - our health, love for our family, stability and good friends. It centers on the remarkable story of a courageous young woman named Juliette who is battling terminal illness. With cancer ravaging her body, Juliette knows she has only one summer left and she is going to make it count. She calls on her two very best friends, Anna and Sera, who made a pinkie swear as teens to be there for one another no matter what. Problem is Anna and Sera have not spoken to each other for many years, their only link is Juliette. Having both moved away from the small town in which they grew up, the picturesque coastal town Ellesmere, making the return will be a painful one in more than one way. Anna and Sera must summon all the strength they can to support their friend Juliette as she says her final goodbye.
It was quite astonishing to discover that Summers with Juliette was written by a debut author. I was impressed by the quality and poise that came from reading Emily Madden’s words. The dialogue in Summers with Juliette was a highlight and a pure joy to read, it was so very realistic. Characterisation was equally impressive, I really did feel like I got to know each of the characters well by the conclusion of the novel. Juliette was an immediate standout character for me, I connected with her straight away, feeling like I could easily be friends with her. I greatly admired her strength and determination to continue to life her life as she did. I was easy to understand why she was so loved and embraced by the Ellesmere community. Madden's choice of setting in Summers with Juliette was simply stunning. I knew I was in for a treat setting wise when I saw the cover of this novel, it is absolutely beautiful. Madden’s depiction of small town coastal life was top notch. I also loved that this book was about so much more than Juliette’s disease, rather it is about the emotions and friendships shared by Juliette, Anna and Sera. Although I knew that sad end was eventual, when I reached that point it did pull at the heartstrings but the overarching theme of the power of friendship won me over completely.
Summers with Juliette is a powerful debut by an author I am looking forward to hearing much more from in the future. Make time in your reading schedule to experience some time with a powerful and admirable protagonist Juliette and her long standing friends - you will not be disappointed.
Summers with Juliette is the type of book that makes you stop and appreciate the important things in life that we often take for granted - our health, love for our family, stability and good friends. It centers on the remarkable story of a courageous young woman named Juliette who is battling terminal illness. With cancer ravaging her body, Juliette knows she has only one summer left and she is going to make it count. She calls on her two very best friends, Anna and Sera, who made a pinkie swear as teens to be there for one another no matter what. Problem is Anna and Sera have not spoken to each other for many years, their only link is Juliette. Having both moved away from the small town in which they grew up, the picturesque coastal town Ellesmere, making the return will be a painful one in more than one way. Anna and Sera must summon all the strength they can to support their friend Juliette as she says her final goodbye.
It was quite astonishing to discover that Summers with Juliette was written by a debut author. I was impressed by the quality and poise that came from reading Emily Madden’s words. The dialogue in Summers with Juliette was a highlight and a pure joy to read, it was so very realistic. Characterisation was equally impressive, I really did feel like I got to know each of the characters well by the conclusion of the novel. Juliette was an immediate standout character for me, I connected with her straight away, feeling like I could easily be friends with her. I greatly admired her strength and determination to continue to life her life as she did. I was easy to understand why she was so loved and embraced by the Ellesmere community. Madden's choice of setting in Summers with Juliette was simply stunning. I knew I was in for a treat setting wise when I saw the cover of this novel, it is absolutely beautiful. Madden’s depiction of small town coastal life was top notch. I also loved that this book was about so much more than Juliette’s disease, rather it is about the emotions and friendships shared by Juliette, Anna and Sera. Although I knew that sad end was eventual, when I reached that point it did pull at the heartstrings but the overarching theme of the power of friendship won me over completely.
Summers with Juliette is a powerful debut by an author I am looking forward to hearing much more from in the future. Make time in your reading schedule to experience some time with a powerful and admirable protagonist Juliette and her long standing friends - you will not be disappointed.
January 9, 2016
This is a story about Juliette, Anna and Sera.
The girls are childhood friends that know each others secrets and are the best of friends. Two of the girls lived in the small country town that Juliette still lives in an one was a summer visitor every summer.
One summer they make a pinkie promise to always be there for each other when needed. No questions asked but they must get together.
The time has come and Juliette had called on her pinkie promise, she is dying of cancer and wants to spend her remaining life with her two best friends by her side.
I love the way each of the girls have a background story that is told throughout the book.
Wow this book is such a beautiful read. The words just flow and it is so easy to get caught up and swept along on this wonderful journey.
I do like the way it is told in three parts by Juliette, Anna and Sera and it weaves the stories together so well that you know exactly who you are reading about.
Emily has taken on a huge risk writing about cancer but she has done it in such a kind, gentle way that shows how devastating cancer is but she has done it with respect.
I laughed, I cried, I even sang a little Bon Jovi - (you'll know why when you read it).
The girls are childhood friends that know each others secrets and are the best of friends. Two of the girls lived in the small country town that Juliette still lives in an one was a summer visitor every summer.
One summer they make a pinkie promise to always be there for each other when needed. No questions asked but they must get together.
The time has come and Juliette had called on her pinkie promise, she is dying of cancer and wants to spend her remaining life with her two best friends by her side.
I love the way each of the girls have a background story that is told throughout the book.
Wow this book is such a beautiful read. The words just flow and it is so easy to get caught up and swept along on this wonderful journey.
I do like the way it is told in three parts by Juliette, Anna and Sera and it weaves the stories together so well that you know exactly who you are reading about.
Emily has taken on a huge risk writing about cancer but she has done it in such a kind, gentle way that shows how devastating cancer is but she has done it with respect.
I laughed, I cried, I even sang a little Bon Jovi - (you'll know why when you read it).
December 29, 2015
Wow, what an amazing book. I was given this book to review and am so grateful that I received it. This tells the story of three friends who made a pact when they were just girls that if any of them needed each other, they only had to make the call and they would be there.
Juliette is dying, she has cancer, and calls on the "pinky swear" to Anna and Sera to come and help her. Anna & Sera have hardly spoken to each other since they were young girls because of something that split their families apart, but they reunite to help Juliette.
The author weaves a brilliant story about the three girls and what transpires when they are all together again. The other characters in the book are well developed and fit into the story so well. Of course there is romance and scandal and happiness and sadness. I don't want to give too much away without spoilers, all I can say is read this book.
This is a debut novel by Emily Madden and I believe we are so lucky to have such a new exciting voice in Australian fiction, I can't wait to see what her future holds - I think big things!!
Juliette is dying, she has cancer, and calls on the "pinky swear" to Anna and Sera to come and help her. Anna & Sera have hardly spoken to each other since they were young girls because of something that split their families apart, but they reunite to help Juliette.
The author weaves a brilliant story about the three girls and what transpires when they are all together again. The other characters in the book are well developed and fit into the story so well. Of course there is romance and scandal and happiness and sadness. I don't want to give too much away without spoilers, all I can say is read this book.
This is a debut novel by Emily Madden and I believe we are so lucky to have such a new exciting voice in Australian fiction, I can't wait to see what her future holds - I think big things!!
January 27, 2016
A wonderful book to read. I received an Advanced Copy from Beauty & Lace Book Club to read and review. Glad I did.
This book made me laugh and also made me cry in places.
The small town in this book shows the extremes of strangers moving from a city to a small town, being accepted but still being an outsider and highlights the grudges some small town people hold onto and it takes a tragedy for them to loosen up.
The impact that Cancer has on loved ones, acquaintance's and strangers is portrayed brilliantly and shows how times runs away so quickly.
Romance for the main character, Juliette is bittersweet. She makes a decision that she thinks is the right one but ultimately is wrong but her friends help her re-connect and she has her 'happy ever after'. The friends also have their trials for their romances and I loved the way all three panned out.
Heartbreaking and positive.
I have already recommended Summers with Juliette as a must read for 2016.
This book made me laugh and also made me cry in places.
The small town in this book shows the extremes of strangers moving from a city to a small town, being accepted but still being an outsider and highlights the grudges some small town people hold onto and it takes a tragedy for them to loosen up.
The impact that Cancer has on loved ones, acquaintance's and strangers is portrayed brilliantly and shows how times runs away so quickly.
Romance for the main character, Juliette is bittersweet. She makes a decision that she thinks is the right one but ultimately is wrong but her friends help her re-connect and she has her 'happy ever after'. The friends also have their trials for their romances and I loved the way all three panned out.
Heartbreaking and positive.
I have already recommended Summers with Juliette as a must read for 2016.
December 13, 2016
I absolutely loved this story of Juliette, Anna and Sera. The devastation of knowing that a friend has terminal cancer should make this story sad, but it wasn't, it was uplifting. The relationship between the women, the stages they were all at in their lives and the other relationships they learned how to form gave us an emotional story from beginning to end. It's hard to pick a favourite character. I loved Sera the soap opera star, Anna the lawyer and Juliette with her coffee and bookshop. The small town coastal setting was the one of the biggest stars in this book. I could picture everything in my head perfectly. This book was a great read from a debut author and thoroughly recommended.
January 10, 2016
A book about friendship that was heartbreaking and heartwarming in equal measures. I loved the interactions between the three women and the author has written the challenges and issues between them in a very believable way.
February 16, 2016
For Emily's first book, i have to say i was sucked in i felt for those girls and Noah. When Juliette finally died i honestly felt my heart break. I loved it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2016
Amazing!! Loved it!! Looking forward to more books by Emily Madden
July 13, 2024
If one of your friends has cancer, you may be wondering the best way to support them. Even though you want to help, it may be hard to know what to say or do.It is important to remember that there are no set rules, and every friendship is different. Be sure to think about your unique dynamic and let that guide you as you try to support your friend. Keep it simple. Remember that it is often the little things that mean the most.Before talking to a friend who has received a cancer diagnosis, consider taking these steps:Process your own feelings beforehand. Learning that a friend has cancer can be difficult news to hear. You may feel a lot of emotions, such as grief, sadness, anger, despair, or fear. Take time to acknowledge and cope with your own emotions about the diagnosis before you see or talk to them. This way, you can keep the focus on your friend, and you will not unintentionally burden them with your emotions.Learn what you can and accept what is shared. Your friend may not want to talk about the details of their diagnosis for many reasons. It can be physically and emotionally tiring to repeat the same information to many different people. If possible, a person's spouse or a mutual friend may be able to give you the basics. Write it down and repeat it back to them to be sure you have the correct information. If there is information that is unknown or not shared, do not push for more. Do a little research online at credible websites to learn more about the specific treatment, side effects, and recovery to have a better idea of what your friend will be going through.Prepare yourself for changes to your friend's appearance. Fatigue, weight loss, and hair loss are common side effects of cancer and many cancer treatments. Start your visit by saying "It's good to see you" instead of commenting on any physical changes.Although each person with cancer is different, here are some general suggestions for showing support:Ask permission,Make plans,Be flexible,Laugh together,Allow for sadness,Check in,Offer to help,Follow through,Treat them the same, and Talk about topics other than cancer.
August 9, 2019
The first book I’ve read by this author and I loved it. I enjoyed reading about the small coastal town and the ups and downs of Juliette, Sera, and Anna’s friendship. Would definitely recommend this author.
January 9, 2023
This is the first of Emily Madden's books I've read - enjoyed the story, likeable characters (except a couple) and a strong storyline which did make me shed a few tears.
I found the proofreading/typo errors throughout the book annoying - I read on an electronic Library copy so maybe this is why?
I found the proofreading/typo errors throughout the book annoying - I read on an electronic Library copy so maybe this is why?
May 16, 2017
If it wasn't for the terrible line editing, this book would have been perfect. I haven't seen that many mistakes in a while.
October 30, 2017
Sweet but predictable
July 15, 2018
Really lovely story. Lots of characters and all intertwined nicely. 💗
December 30, 2018
Enjoyed this easy to read story
September 16, 2019
Didn't even finish it.
October 24, 2019
A truly moving story of friendship, courage love and forgiveness
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