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Denim Days #1
The Summer We Believed
One summer, one choice, and a friendship that will never be the same.
For Melody and Duncan, this summer in the Northwoods of Minnesota was supposed to be one last adventure before college—a season of late-night bonfires, hidden lakes, and promises they thought nothing could break. Best friends since childhood, they believed the next chapter of their lives would begin side by side.
But both Melody and Duncan are hiding something: feelings that run deeper than friendship. Afraid of ruining the bond that has always defined them, they’ve kept their hearts guarded—until now. When the unexpected shatters their carefully imagined future, everything they’ve left unsaid rises to the surface. With every day in sun and every choice they make, the weight of adulthood presses closer.
As the wild beauty of the Northwoods mirrors their tangled emotions, Melody and Duncan must decide: will they risk their friendship to find something more, or hold back and lose their chance forever?
The Summer We Believed, a heartfelt coming-of-age story about friendship, first love, and the summer that defines everything, is the first book in the popular Denim Days series.
For Melody and Duncan, this summer in the Northwoods of Minnesota was supposed to be one last adventure before college—a season of late-night bonfires, hidden lakes, and promises they thought nothing could break. Best friends since childhood, they believed the next chapter of their lives would begin side by side.
But both Melody and Duncan are hiding something: feelings that run deeper than friendship. Afraid of ruining the bond that has always defined them, they’ve kept their hearts guarded—until now. When the unexpected shatters their carefully imagined future, everything they’ve left unsaid rises to the surface. With every day in sun and every choice they make, the weight of adulthood presses closer.
As the wild beauty of the Northwoods mirrors their tangled emotions, Melody and Duncan must decide: will they risk their friendship to find something more, or hold back and lose their chance forever?
The Summer We Believed, a heartfelt coming-of-age story about friendship, first love, and the summer that defines everything, is the first book in the popular Denim Days series.
193 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 18, 2016
168 people are currently reading
940 people want to read
About the author
Shel Delisle
22 books128 followersWant to know about new releases? Sign up for the newsletter! http://eepurl.com/j29Vv
Shel Delisle lives in the land of Florida Man stories. She loves spending time in the Keys with her family and friends, including the imaginary ones from her novels.
You can also visit her at http://sheldelisle.com.
Shel Delisle lives in the land of Florida Man stories. She loves spending time in the Keys with her family and friends, including the imaginary ones from her novels.
You can also visit her at http://sheldelisle.com.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 14, 2018
*Thank you Voraciosu Readers and Shel Delisle for the free copy of this book in exchange with an honest review*
I am going to be honest with everyone, I didn't like this book. It was way to fast paced for me to even try and form a connection with the characters. Everything happened so rapidly and what I felt was like reading the middle chapters of a bigger book. It seemed like it was required for me to already know Duncan and Mel, because there was none character building!
Regarding character building, it's the thing that annoyed me the most. How am I supposed to connect with the main characters of a story when I know nothing about them apart from the fact that they are the world's absolute best friends and that they secretly have feelings for each other? On that note, I can't really tell you whether I liked Duncan and Mel, because me myself I have no idea what to make of them.
There is one thing that I had a big issue with though. One and Duncan are out on a "date" and they start making out, like it's the most natural thing in the world. They didn't even confess their feelings beforehand, nothing... I mean, how do you do that to your best friend? And then Duncan said that he didn't think Mel was a hook-up, well it sure looked like one!
Closing, I believe the book could have been at least 200 pages long. It would help the reader enjoyed it ten times more, because we would get more insight to the character's lives and personalities and we could easily love them and sympathize with them. Also, it would help build the story better and add more to the book in general.
I am going to be honest with everyone, I didn't like this book. It was way to fast paced for me to even try and form a connection with the characters. Everything happened so rapidly and what I felt was like reading the middle chapters of a bigger book. It seemed like it was required for me to already know Duncan and Mel, because there was none character building!
Regarding character building, it's the thing that annoyed me the most. How am I supposed to connect with the main characters of a story when I know nothing about them apart from the fact that they are the world's absolute best friends and that they secretly have feelings for each other? On that note, I can't really tell you whether I liked Duncan and Mel, because me myself I have no idea what to make of them.
There is one thing that I had a big issue with though. One and Duncan are out on a "date" and they start making out, like it's the most natural thing in the world. They didn't even confess their feelings beforehand, nothing... I mean, how do you do that to your best friend? And then Duncan said that he didn't think Mel was a hook-up, well it sure looked like one!
Closing, I believe the book could have been at least 200 pages long. It would help the reader enjoyed it ten times more, because we would get more insight to the character's lives and personalities and we could easily love them and sympathize with them. Also, it would help build the story better and add more to the book in general.
July 26, 2016
This book is an easy read with a setting that pulls you in right from the start. I felt like I was tagging along with Mel and Duncan as they went jet skiing, hiked, and actually acted on their feelings for the first time after being life-long friends. That kiss! With Duncan's unexpected move to Florida after all this, I can only hope that next summer (book #2) will find Mel and Duncan back in each others' arms again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2017
Series reviewed as a whole @ http://tenilleberezay.com/#!/review-t...
July 3, 2024
A cute short story! Great to read in between the thrillers or other intense books.
July 31, 2016
Melody and Duncan have been friends all their lives. They spend every summer vacationing with their parents at their lake houses which are side by side. While they thought this summer was going to be filled with carefree fun before they start their first year of college together, Duncan's father announces that he has been promoted and the whole family will soon be moving to Florida. Melody and Duncan won't be going to college together after all. And on top of all that, they secretly like each other. There's only one week until their lives will change drastically.
It's a cute story about lifelong friends who develop feelings for each other and are starting to act on those feelings. It's a quick and easy read. It'll be interesting to read what happens next in the series!
It's a cute story about lifelong friends who develop feelings for each other and are starting to act on those feelings. It's a quick and easy read. It'll be interesting to read what happens next in the series!
August 4, 2017
This was a cute, little read that reminded me of some of my better summers, not that I was a big camper or lake houser, but still summer nights and mosquitos. Good laughs. That sort of thing. And I like that even though this read only took me an hour or two it was a fun little trip that also took me down my own path of memory lane. I definitely recommend this for readers (younger) who want a series of relateable or potential daydreams and also recommend for more nostalgic readers as well. I'm really glad I stumbled across this.
August 17, 2016
***Kindle Copy provided in exchange for honest review***
The Summer We Believed is the story of just about everyone's first crush on their next door neighbor. It's light and refreshing. Nostalgic and at times, heartbreaking. A quick read. In the manner of keeping this spoiler-free, I wish Duncan would grow a set of balls and say how he feels, instead of just waiting for others in his life to step forward. The book ends in a semi-cliff hanger so I look forward to the next story in the series.
The Summer We Believed is the story of just about everyone's first crush on their next door neighbor. It's light and refreshing. Nostalgic and at times, heartbreaking. A quick read. In the manner of keeping this spoiler-free, I wish Duncan would grow a set of balls and say how he feels, instead of just waiting for others in his life to step forward. The book ends in a semi-cliff hanger so I look forward to the next story in the series.
February 21, 2018
I needed something cute, simple, easy to read and this was the perfect book.
It's two friends who have who have known each other since they were little babies and spend every summer together at their families' houses but now everything is about to change when one is moving to a different state.
This is s easy to read book. Each Day is told in each of the character's POV which adds a twist to the book. One I really liked.
I really liked Melody and Duncan. At times they would get on my nerves but also at times I really liked them.
Now off to find the second book in the series.
It's two friends who have who have known each other since they were little babies and spend every summer together at their families' houses but now everything is about to change when one is moving to a different state.
This is s easy to read book. Each Day is told in each of the character's POV which adds a twist to the book. One I really liked.
I really liked Melody and Duncan. At times they would get on my nerves but also at times I really liked them.
Now off to find the second book in the series.
October 11, 2019
Mel and Duncan are on their annual holiday together with their families but this year is different and possibly the last one together. Duncan is moving and Mel isn't sure how to cope without her best friend or is he more than that.
This was a cute little summer story. It was short and sweet. A good beginning to the series and promises good stories to follow. The plot was simple but for me there wasnt enough happening in the story. I loved the friendship between them though.
This was a cute little summer story. It was short and sweet. A good beginning to the series and promises good stories to follow. The plot was simple but for me there wasnt enough happening in the story. I loved the friendship between them though.
December 15, 2016
Cute short story about two teens who's relationship was changing. Mel was relatable and Duncan seemed sweet. Whether it was from missing words or just poor choice of wording, but some of the sentences were really off and didn't make much sense. And beware of the cliffhanger.
November 10, 2019
The Summer We Believed
I received this book as a free copy and am voluntarily leaving a review. I really enjoyed starting the journey with Mel and Duncan, and I can't wait to see what happens next!
I received this book as a free copy and am voluntarily leaving a review. I really enjoyed starting the journey with Mel and Duncan, and I can't wait to see what happens next!
April 26, 2020
I really liked the flow of the book even though it escalated really fast. I would have liked a longer more drawn out time for the main characters. It's a really nice book to read when you have read a complicated book and just want something to give your Minda break and make your heart happy.
December 29, 2023
It's such a cute story! It was a pretty quick read for me but I LOVED it. I loved the switching perspectives and how much you could feel along with the characters thanks to the descriptions. I can't wait to read the rest of the series!
November 27, 2017
Good book for my 11 year old i always read her books so i know what she is reading
Cause I wish it was longer than it was. But over all a great book for my kid thank you
Cause I wish it was longer than it was. But over all a great book for my kid thank you
Read
May 26, 2024DNF
Clunky writing
Clunky writing
July 4, 2024
This book was adorable, but sad. I'm a little invested in these characters and I'm really rooting for them!
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July 23, 2017
This was a cute and quick read. My only issue was the alternating perspectives. It disrupts the flow of the book and makes it difficult for me to read.
March 23, 2019
**OBTAINED: Goodreads Giveaway**
The Summer We Believed (Denim Days, #1)
"Melody and Duncan are best friends who spend every summer vacationing at their families’ lake houses in the Northwoods of Minnesota. Their plan for this summer is to have as much fun in the sun as they can before they head off for their first year of college at the U in the fall. Everything changes when Duncan’s father announces he’s been promoted and the family will be moving to Florida. Secretly, both Mel and Duncan are harboring feelings for each other, but both are holding back. With only one week before the life-long friends are separated by two thousand miles, can the budding romance find a way to blossom?
The Summer We Believed is the first installment of Denim Days, a friends-to-lovers series by Shel Delisle." -Book Blurb
The Summer We Believed (Denim Days #1) was a cute story, but fairly predictable. As the blurb above describes, it concerns two older teens, and lifelong friends, whose world is changing due to circumstance and they begin to realize their feelings for one another. They have one week to decide what they will do...
It was decently written, fairly quick and aimed at a young adult/new adult audience. The characters were likable but as I said, somewhat predictable. It was a light, breezy read. And the cover art was pretty nice, as well. However, it was just not really my cuppa tea. I would recommend for fans of light romance and simplistic coming-of-age stories.
[OFFICIAL RATING: 3 STARS]
The Summer We Believed (Denim Days, #1)
"Melody and Duncan are best friends who spend every summer vacationing at their families’ lake houses in the Northwoods of Minnesota. Their plan for this summer is to have as much fun in the sun as they can before they head off for their first year of college at the U in the fall. Everything changes when Duncan’s father announces he’s been promoted and the family will be moving to Florida. Secretly, both Mel and Duncan are harboring feelings for each other, but both are holding back. With only one week before the life-long friends are separated by two thousand miles, can the budding romance find a way to blossom?
The Summer We Believed is the first installment of Denim Days, a friends-to-lovers series by Shel Delisle." -Book Blurb
The Summer We Believed (Denim Days #1) was a cute story, but fairly predictable. As the blurb above describes, it concerns two older teens, and lifelong friends, whose world is changing due to circumstance and they begin to realize their feelings for one another. They have one week to decide what they will do...
It was decently written, fairly quick and aimed at a young adult/new adult audience. The characters were likable but as I said, somewhat predictable. It was a light, breezy read. And the cover art was pretty nice, as well. However, it was just not really my cuppa tea. I would recommend for fans of light romance and simplistic coming-of-age stories.
[OFFICIAL RATING: 3 STARS]
December 8, 2016
Goodreads Win Copy
They been best friends since they were young as their parents would take them on vacation in the lake houses in Minnesota. But the summer before they were headed off to University things changed between them.
They had planned to go to the same university but his father’s promotion has the whole family moving to Florida instead. His father is not willing to pay extra since his company is willing to pay part of the schooling. As they spend their limit time together, they start to feel more than friendship between them.
What will happen to them after their week is up? Will they see each other again or go their separate ways? A nice coming of age story.
They been best friends since they were young as their parents would take them on vacation in the lake houses in Minnesota. But the summer before they were headed off to University things changed between them.
They had planned to go to the same university but his father’s promotion has the whole family moving to Florida instead. His father is not willing to pay extra since his company is willing to pay part of the schooling. As they spend their limit time together, they start to feel more than friendship between them.
What will happen to them after their week is up? Will they see each other again or go their separate ways? A nice coming of age story.
July 27, 2016
I was asked to review by Librarything.com
The cover really pulled me in almost magical as well as the title.
Nothing is ever as planned and that was the case for Melody and Duncan who just want to have fun in the summer before the autumn. But as predicted nothing is never as planned and Duncan's move to Florida. A lovely tale of young love.
What is in store for next summer - wait and see.
The cover really pulled me in almost magical as well as the title.
Nothing is ever as planned and that was the case for Melody and Duncan who just want to have fun in the summer before the autumn. But as predicted nothing is never as planned and Duncan's move to Florida. A lovely tale of young love.
What is in store for next summer - wait and see.
December 14, 2016
*I received this book through a goodreads giveaway*
This was a very cute and easy read. At times I felt that the characters were unrealistic and flat, and the plot was pretty average, but I had a nice time reading it. It was quick and enjoyable, just not my kind of book.
This was a very cute and easy read. At times I felt that the characters were unrealistic and flat, and the plot was pretty average, but I had a nice time reading it. It was quick and enjoyable, just not my kind of book.
August 23, 2019
Denim Days Book 1
This book is a breath of fresh air. I shows girls and boys can be friends without the pressure of intimacy. What might happen in the future is left to your imagination, but friendship, understanding and genuine respect are key to any relationship.
This book is a breath of fresh air. I shows girls and boys can be friends without the pressure of intimacy. What might happen in the future is left to your imagination, but friendship, understanding and genuine respect are key to any relationship.
September 13, 2016
A sweet coming of age novel. I liked the characters, caught in their misunderstandings. Nice to see, that Shel Delisle also wrote a sequel.
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March 23, 2018Good series for young teen to adult.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews