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Summerhouse by the Sea
Ava Young has the whole summer stretching out ahead of her – living in her Grandmother’s apartment above the Sunbeam Café. Yes, she’s there to work, but life is so laid back compared to her frenetic London schedule, leaving her plenty of time for lazy afternoons soaking up the beauty of Spain from underneath her favourite Orange Blossom tree.
But no summer is complete without a splash of romance, and that’s exactly what her months in the sunshine bring Ava. As the sun starts to set on her time in Seville, is she just chasing rainbows, or could this really be the summer that changes her life…
But no summer is complete without a splash of romance, and that’s exactly what her months in the sunshine bring Ava. As the sun starts to set on her time in Seville, is she just chasing rainbows, or could this really be the summer that changes her life…
384 pages, Paperback
First published May 18, 2017
285 people are currently reading
867 people want to read
About the author
Jenny Oliver
24 books253 followersJenny Oliver is the bestselling author of The Summerhouse by the Sea - the PERFECT book for your summer reading! Out May 18th.
Her book The Sunshine and Biscotti Club, set in sunny Tuscany, was nominated for the Best Contemporary Romantic Novel at the RONA awards.
Jenny wrote her first book on holiday when she was ten years old. Illustrated with cut-out supermodels from her sister's Vogue, it was an epic, sweeping love story not so loosely based Dynasty.
Since then Jenny has gone on to get an English degree and a job in publishing that's taught her what it takes to write a novel (without the help of the supermodels). She wrote her first book The Parisian Christmas Bake Off on the beach in a notebook that would end up covered in sand each afternoon and damp from the sea. Nowadays her inspiration comes from her love of all things vintage, a fascination with other people’s relationships and an unwavering belief in happy ever after!
If you are looking for some bite-size reads why not try her Cherry Pie Island novella series. The first five books - The Grand Reopening of Dandelion Cafe, The Vintage Ice Cream Van Road Trip, The Great Allotment Proposal, One Summer Night at the Ritz and Four Weddings and a White Christmas are out NOW! Mouthwatering, feel-good and the ultimate escapism!
Follow her on Twitter @JenOliverBooks, Instagram jenoliverbooks or go to the website jennyoliverbooks.com to find out more about Jenny, her books and read her blog!
Her book The Sunshine and Biscotti Club, set in sunny Tuscany, was nominated for the Best Contemporary Romantic Novel at the RONA awards.
Jenny wrote her first book on holiday when she was ten years old. Illustrated with cut-out supermodels from her sister's Vogue, it was an epic, sweeping love story not so loosely based Dynasty.
Since then Jenny has gone on to get an English degree and a job in publishing that's taught her what it takes to write a novel (without the help of the supermodels). She wrote her first book The Parisian Christmas Bake Off on the beach in a notebook that would end up covered in sand each afternoon and damp from the sea. Nowadays her inspiration comes from her love of all things vintage, a fascination with other people’s relationships and an unwavering belief in happy ever after!
If you are looking for some bite-size reads why not try her Cherry Pie Island novella series. The first five books - The Grand Reopening of Dandelion Cafe, The Vintage Ice Cream Van Road Trip, The Great Allotment Proposal, One Summer Night at the Ritz and Four Weddings and a White Christmas are out NOW! Mouthwatering, feel-good and the ultimate escapism!
Follow her on Twitter @JenOliverBooks, Instagram jenoliverbooks or go to the website jennyoliverbooks.com to find out more about Jenny, her books and read her blog!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
August 7, 2018
EXCERPT: Ava was standing at the crossing when her phone beeped. She took it from her pocket at the same time as glancing left for traffic.
Instead of looking right, Ava opened the WatsApp message from her brother, Rory: Gran in hospital, it read. She frowned down at her phone and wondered how Rory could ever think that was enough information. But then the horn of the 281 bus stopped all other conscious thought.
The shriek of the brakes filled the air as she saw the huge windscreen, the wipers. The face of the driver in slow motion, mouth open. Her whole body tensed. She felt her hand drop the phone. Time paused.
There was a fleeting thought that this was actually really embarrassing.
And then - smack - she didn't think anything else. Just felt the hard pain in her hip, then the thwack of her head as she was thrown down on to the tarmac, and an overriding sense of unfairness as she wasn't yet ready to die.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: A brand new summery story about returning to your past and finding a new beginning from bestselling author Jenny Oliver!
Nestled on the Spanish coast, bustling café Estrella features in every one of Ava Brown’s happiest memories. It’s where she tasted her first delectably-chocolatey churros, fell head-over-heels for her first crush – where she has been her happiest. So the chance to spend one last summer in her grandmother’s house, is one Ava can’t refuse.
Once the heart of the sleepy seaside village, the café now feels more ramshackle than rustic. It’s time to bring back the lethally strong sangria and mouth-wateringly delicious tapas – and before Ava knows it, she’s thrown herself into bringing the café back to life – a summer project her grandmother would be proud of!
But once summer is over, can Ava really say goodbye to Spanish seaside life? Or could this be the new beginning Ava didn’t realise she needed…
MY THOUGHTS: Okay, so it's predictable. . . but it's fun and beautifully written. And it's not a straight out romance, there is a little drama surrounding Ava and Rory's mother, there is a café that needs rescuing, and lots of summery atmosphere. I almost felt like I got a good dose of vitamin D just listening to The Summerhouse.
This is light and amusing, a great beach read.
😍😍😍.5
THE AUTHOR: Jenny Oliver is the bestselling author of The Summerhouse by the Sea - the PERFECT book for your summer reading! Out May 18th.
Her book The Sunshine and Biscotti Club, set in sunny Tuscany, was nominated for the Best Contemporary Romantic Novel at the RONA awards.
Jenny wrote her first book on holiday when she was ten years old. Illustrated with cut-out supermodels from her sister's Vogue, it was an epic, sweeping love story not so loosely based Dynasty.
Since then Jenny has gone on to get an English degree and a job in publishing that's taught her what it takes to write a novel (without the help of the supermodels). She wrote her first book The Parisian Christmas Bake Off on the beach in a notebook that would end up covered in sand each afternoon and damp from the sea. Nowadays her inspiration comes from her love of all things vintage, a fascination with other people’s relationships and an unwavering belief in happy ever after!
DISCLOSURE: I listened to The Summerhouse by Jenny Oliver, beautifully narrated by Camilla Rockley and published by HarperCollins, via OverDrive. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the 'about' page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system.
This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
Instead of looking right, Ava opened the WatsApp message from her brother, Rory: Gran in hospital, it read. She frowned down at her phone and wondered how Rory could ever think that was enough information. But then the horn of the 281 bus stopped all other conscious thought.
The shriek of the brakes filled the air as she saw the huge windscreen, the wipers. The face of the driver in slow motion, mouth open. Her whole body tensed. She felt her hand drop the phone. Time paused.
There was a fleeting thought that this was actually really embarrassing.
And then - smack - she didn't think anything else. Just felt the hard pain in her hip, then the thwack of her head as she was thrown down on to the tarmac, and an overriding sense of unfairness as she wasn't yet ready to die.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: A brand new summery story about returning to your past and finding a new beginning from bestselling author Jenny Oliver!
Nestled on the Spanish coast, bustling café Estrella features in every one of Ava Brown’s happiest memories. It’s where she tasted her first delectably-chocolatey churros, fell head-over-heels for her first crush – where she has been her happiest. So the chance to spend one last summer in her grandmother’s house, is one Ava can’t refuse.
Once the heart of the sleepy seaside village, the café now feels more ramshackle than rustic. It’s time to bring back the lethally strong sangria and mouth-wateringly delicious tapas – and before Ava knows it, she’s thrown herself into bringing the café back to life – a summer project her grandmother would be proud of!
But once summer is over, can Ava really say goodbye to Spanish seaside life? Or could this be the new beginning Ava didn’t realise she needed…
MY THOUGHTS: Okay, so it's predictable. . . but it's fun and beautifully written. And it's not a straight out romance, there is a little drama surrounding Ava and Rory's mother, there is a café that needs rescuing, and lots of summery atmosphere. I almost felt like I got a good dose of vitamin D just listening to The Summerhouse.
This is light and amusing, a great beach read.
😍😍😍.5
THE AUTHOR: Jenny Oliver is the bestselling author of The Summerhouse by the Sea - the PERFECT book for your summer reading! Out May 18th.
Her book The Sunshine and Biscotti Club, set in sunny Tuscany, was nominated for the Best Contemporary Romantic Novel at the RONA awards.
Jenny wrote her first book on holiday when she was ten years old. Illustrated with cut-out supermodels from her sister's Vogue, it was an epic, sweeping love story not so loosely based Dynasty.
Since then Jenny has gone on to get an English degree and a job in publishing that's taught her what it takes to write a novel (without the help of the supermodels). She wrote her first book The Parisian Christmas Bake Off on the beach in a notebook that would end up covered in sand each afternoon and damp from the sea. Nowadays her inspiration comes from her love of all things vintage, a fascination with other people’s relationships and an unwavering belief in happy ever after!
DISCLOSURE: I listened to The Summerhouse by Jenny Oliver, beautifully narrated by Camilla Rockley and published by HarperCollins, via OverDrive. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the 'about' page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system.
This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
April 9, 2017
This is a really lovely holiday read. I really enjoyed this.
The main character's are a brother and sister, and from the very start they go through a lot and there is so much going on for them. Its really nice to see them bond throughout the book.
The summer house sounds like a fabulous wee place and it definitely makes you want to go on holiday there.
The main character's are a brother and sister, and from the very start they go through a lot and there is so much going on for them. Its really nice to see them bond throughout the book.
The summer house sounds like a fabulous wee place and it definitely makes you want to go on holiday there.
March 22, 2017
“The Summerhouse by the Sea” is a very gentle and relaxed read ideal for when you’re on holiday or dreaming of being on holiday somewhere warm.
It’s a book which is all about new beginnings and on moving away from the past. Ava travels to Mariposa in Spain when her grandmother dies and decides to spend the summer in the house there while she clears it out.
Her brother Rory and his son Max soon join her after Rory suffers a breakdown after a scandal at work and needs an escape.
Flora has let her Spanish Cafe Estrella go to rack and ruin and she has lost all confidence in her cooking ability.
The Spanish food descriptions were mouth-wateringly good and I often found myself getting hungry as I progressed through the book.
The best part of the book for me was reading about the transformation of the Cafe from a rundown shack with barely any customers to a thriving eatery with lots of delicious local foods on offer: tapas, sangria, churros dipped in melted chocolate, paella and more. The descriptions were absolutely delicious and made me want to get off to Spain as soon as possible.
I wish I had identified more with the main character Ava but, for some reason, she did not grab me as much as her brother Rory did and Flora. I think perhaps it is because I saw much more of a transformation with Rory and Flora which made them more appealing. I still did not feel like I knew Ava very well by the end of the book. She felt quite remote.
This is an extremely well written book and it really did transport me while reading it to a sunny seaside village.
The slow and gentle pace and wonderful descriptions in this book make it ideal for an unhurried read. If you enjoy books that transport you to a wonderful location and let you linger there, this could well be the ideal choice.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book and have given my honest opinion of it.
It’s a book which is all about new beginnings and on moving away from the past. Ava travels to Mariposa in Spain when her grandmother dies and decides to spend the summer in the house there while she clears it out.
Her brother Rory and his son Max soon join her after Rory suffers a breakdown after a scandal at work and needs an escape.
Flora has let her Spanish Cafe Estrella go to rack and ruin and she has lost all confidence in her cooking ability.
The Spanish food descriptions were mouth-wateringly good and I often found myself getting hungry as I progressed through the book.
The best part of the book for me was reading about the transformation of the Cafe from a rundown shack with barely any customers to a thriving eatery with lots of delicious local foods on offer: tapas, sangria, churros dipped in melted chocolate, paella and more. The descriptions were absolutely delicious and made me want to get off to Spain as soon as possible.
I wish I had identified more with the main character Ava but, for some reason, she did not grab me as much as her brother Rory did and Flora. I think perhaps it is because I saw much more of a transformation with Rory and Flora which made them more appealing. I still did not feel like I knew Ava very well by the end of the book. She felt quite remote.
This is an extremely well written book and it really did transport me while reading it to a sunny seaside village.
The slow and gentle pace and wonderful descriptions in this book make it ideal for an unhurried read. If you enjoy books that transport you to a wonderful location and let you linger there, this could well be the ideal choice.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book and have given my honest opinion of it.
June 6, 2017
So. I've requested "The Summerhouse by the Sea" because of few factors. First, I've already read several books by Jenny Oliver, and I know she's the perfect author to turn to when you are a need of a cute story filled with feelings and emotions. Second, I liked the synopsis - it sounds great and intriguing and I was desperately in need of a sunny setting. Third - the cover. It's gorgeous, so eye - catching, I love those brilliant, pastel colours. I couldn't wait to eventually start reading it.
But. Boy, am I happy that I've finished it - and probably only out of stubbornness and because I've skim - read the second half. I am so, so sorry but this novel just didn't work for me. At first I was surprised that it focuses not only on Ava but also on her brother Rory, but of course it doesn't mean that it was wrong, well, in fact it turned out that Rory's story was much more interesting than Ava's. Sorry. The plot was very, like in very, predictable. I couldn't connect with the characters, there was no depth to them, everything felt so superficial, and there were so many of them. It was as if Ava was just staying on one place, while Rory and Flora were moving and doing something with their lives. The beginning of this story was brilliant - Ava has a near death experience with the number 281 bus and I thought, wow, this is a promising start, but then it just went downhill.
Altogether, it was probably a warm, cosy story about new beginnings but not for me. I wanted so much more. It felt flat, there was no sparkle and it just couldn't keep my attention. Of course I incredibly appreciate the descriptions of the beautiful setting and the delicious food, all those churros, paella and sangrias, which the author vividly brought to life. However, no matter what, please do try this book for yourself, probably it just didn't work for me and you can find yourself falling in love with the little village in Spain and all the characters.
Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.
July 19, 2022
Celkem příjemné oddechové čtení s lehkou dávkou romance. Hlavní hrdinka Ava - jede po smrti babičky vyklidit její dům a tím odjíždí "hlledat samu sebe". Kniha se četla lehce, jen já jsem na ni neměla tolik času, abych ji "sfoukla za pár dní". Asi bych si knihu více vychutnala někde u pod tím španělským sluncem a ne v "pražském" pracovním stresu.
May 21, 2017
A wonderful feel good summer read. Perfect for the holidays. Jenny had been one of my favourite authors for a while now and her books never fail to put a smile on my face. I have been waiting for this book to come out for a while now and it was absolutely fabulous.
Ava and Rory's grandmother has passed away and they have been left her house by the sea in the stunning Mariposa. Rory is adamant that they need to sell the house quickly. But Ava wants one last holiday where all her happy memories were made. Deciding not to listen to her brother and deciding that her life need to be lived instead of being utterly predictable. Ava decides to go out and clear out their grandmothers house by herself. However as Ava is embarking on her adventure. Rory's documentary business takes a turn for the worst suddenly his job, his family and his home life are thrown into the air. Rory decides that he also needs a break in the sunshine to bring back his lust for his job and for life. While there Ava meets the heartthrob from her childhood Tom and together with Rory and his 10 year old son Max they set out to save one of their grandmothers oldest friends cafe Estrella. Can some sun, sea, sand relaxation, friendship, and love heal all? This book is packed full of warmth, humour and is beautifully written. It will whisk you away and you will be longing for your own holiday in the sun. Jenny's books are always a real treat to read, always with an uplifting story and full of happily ever afters that make you grin from ear to ear. I loved this book. Perfect for chicklit and romance fans. @jenoliverbooks #thesummerhousebythesea
Ava and Rory's grandmother has passed away and they have been left her house by the sea in the stunning Mariposa. Rory is adamant that they need to sell the house quickly. But Ava wants one last holiday where all her happy memories were made. Deciding not to listen to her brother and deciding that her life need to be lived instead of being utterly predictable. Ava decides to go out and clear out their grandmothers house by herself. However as Ava is embarking on her adventure. Rory's documentary business takes a turn for the worst suddenly his job, his family and his home life are thrown into the air. Rory decides that he also needs a break in the sunshine to bring back his lust for his job and for life. While there Ava meets the heartthrob from her childhood Tom and together with Rory and his 10 year old son Max they set out to save one of their grandmothers oldest friends cafe Estrella. Can some sun, sea, sand relaxation, friendship, and love heal all? This book is packed full of warmth, humour and is beautifully written. It will whisk you away and you will be longing for your own holiday in the sun. Jenny's books are always a real treat to read, always with an uplifting story and full of happily ever afters that make you grin from ear to ear. I loved this book. Perfect for chicklit and romance fans. @jenoliverbooks #thesummerhousebythesea
April 13, 2017
Just to say quickly that this is my first Jenny Oliver novel and it certainly won't be my last! The way in which the book is written is brilliant and so descriptive, in some parts I felt like I was really there!
This is a happy and feel good book and I enjoyed every minute of it. I would definitely recommend that it is a must-read for the Summer. It'll definitely make you want to go and visit Spain and maybe even not want to come back! This book is beautifully written and explores not only love relationships but family relationships.
The book follows Ava and her brother Rory and his son Max as they both fall on hard times and, after their grandmother Val passes away, decide to pack up and spend the summer in their grandmothers Summerhouse in Spain. The characters are delightful and I found it really enjoyable to read. As the book went on the more you got attached to each separate character and fell in love with their charms and humour.
Not wanting to go into too much detail in regards to the storyline itself, this book has plenty of twists and turns which will leave you wanting to read more! (Take it from me - I couldn't put the book down it was so fascinating!)
Overall, I think this book is full of warmth and will leave you feeling all fuzzy inside when you finish reading. It's a delightful and lighthearted novel and exactly what I look for when choosing what to read next.
Thank you to NetGalley and HQ for allowing me to read The Summerhouse by the Sea in return of an honest review.
This is a happy and feel good book and I enjoyed every minute of it. I would definitely recommend that it is a must-read for the Summer. It'll definitely make you want to go and visit Spain and maybe even not want to come back! This book is beautifully written and explores not only love relationships but family relationships.
The book follows Ava and her brother Rory and his son Max as they both fall on hard times and, after their grandmother Val passes away, decide to pack up and spend the summer in their grandmothers Summerhouse in Spain. The characters are delightful and I found it really enjoyable to read. As the book went on the more you got attached to each separate character and fell in love with their charms and humour.
Not wanting to go into too much detail in regards to the storyline itself, this book has plenty of twists and turns which will leave you wanting to read more! (Take it from me - I couldn't put the book down it was so fascinating!)
Overall, I think this book is full of warmth and will leave you feeling all fuzzy inside when you finish reading. It's a delightful and lighthearted novel and exactly what I look for when choosing what to read next.
Thank you to NetGalley and HQ for allowing me to read The Summerhouse by the Sea in return of an honest review.
May 27, 2017
When Ava attends her grandmothers funeral- she decides to spend the summer at her house in Mariposa. She hopes that the town will have retained the charm of her childhood memories - but is dismayed to find it tired and jaded. She decides to help Cafe Estrella turn itself around and find new customers to keep the tills busy.
When her brother faces a blip in his career , he also decides to find a new path forward by chilling in the sun. He brings his little boy, who is a delightful character who throws himself into everything on offer by the sea.
This book has everything- healing family relationships, romance, a village full of fantastic characters who build a vivid backdrop to the story , and churros which sound absolutely delicious. Throw in a movie star- who may or may not have been on Ava's bedroom wall as a teen and we have the ingredients for the most fantastic summer read.
I have read and enjoyed several of Jenny Olivers previous books and this one was a really lovely read. You are guaranteed to fall in love with it's charms and be reluctant to draw yourself back into the real world rather than read 'just one more chapter'. This really would make the ideal book to pack in your suitcase.
When her brother faces a blip in his career , he also decides to find a new path forward by chilling in the sun. He brings his little boy, who is a delightful character who throws himself into everything on offer by the sea.
This book has everything- healing family relationships, romance, a village full of fantastic characters who build a vivid backdrop to the story , and churros which sound absolutely delicious. Throw in a movie star- who may or may not have been on Ava's bedroom wall as a teen and we have the ingredients for the most fantastic summer read.
I have read and enjoyed several of Jenny Olivers previous books and this one was a really lovely read. You are guaranteed to fall in love with it's charms and be reluctant to draw yourself back into the real world rather than read 'just one more chapter'. This really would make the ideal book to pack in your suitcase.
May 23, 2017
Whilst i enjoyed the story, i wanted so much more. More vivid descriptions, deeper characterisations and more realistic dialogue. I did love the descriptions of the cupboard full of Ava's mother's clothes and the letters...
Having read one of Jenny Oliver's books before, I was looking forward to reading this book. Sadly, this didn't have as much sparkle as The Grand Reopening of the Dandelion Cafe, although the Cafe Estrella did sound marvellous. A nice summer read but I wanted so much more. 3* from me.
Having read one of Jenny Oliver's books before, I was looking forward to reading this book. Sadly, this didn't have as much sparkle as The Grand Reopening of the Dandelion Cafe, although the Cafe Estrella did sound marvellous. A nice summer read but I wanted so much more. 3* from me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2017
This was the perfect read on a day you feel like your body is battling to not get ill and you resign yourself to an afternoon of laying in the sofa to rest with just a book.
The story is pretty much without too much surprises and isn't my normal kind of book, but one of those that I now and then pick up and completely enjoy.
They search for your emotions and that is the only thing which will make you read on and on, and enjoy it completely.
It even helps you forget for an afternoon, the battle inside your body!
The story is pretty much without too much surprises and isn't my normal kind of book, but one of those that I now and then pick up and completely enjoy.
They search for your emotions and that is the only thing which will make you read on and on, and enjoy it completely.
It even helps you forget for an afternoon, the battle inside your body!
June 29, 2017
What a fun summer read! The first chapter really kicks this book off with a bang, and it was easy to stay engaged throughout the entire book. I loved the setting and the writing makes it easy to transport yourself right alongside Ava. The best word I could use to describe this novel would be charming and I think chick lit lovers would really enjoy this story. A great summertime read!
I received a review copy
I received a review copy
June 1, 2021
This book is okay I guess. It's about Ava and Rory getting an escapism at their late grandmother's summer house in Spain. Both Ava and her brother Rory, were escaping from their city life and their personal issues in order to start fresh. I felt that this book is only okay because of the lack of excitement I got. I was hoping for more adventures and sightseeing but it was more on Ava and Rory's past (maybe to explain on why they're having those issues). It had quite a slow start. However, I like the people they both met at Cafe Estrella. Maybe that's when this book starting to get better though. But I wish I can get more instead of only events circulating around Cafe Estrella.
October 11, 2024
I almost stopped listening to this book in the first few chapters because Rory was just so annoying and unsympathetic. I did get better thankfully, but the book felt very 'made to be relatable' or something? Like Ava had friends at home that basically didn't really care about her and in Spain life was good? It was fine but it just didn't really do it for me
October 11, 2022
Das Cover ist sehr ansprechend. Man bekommt sofort Lust auf Urlaub. Ich finde es stimmt richtig gut in die Geschichte ein. Der Schreibstil ist flüssig. Man konnte sich alles sehr gut vorstellen. Die Autorin hat alles wunderbar beschrieben. Die Charaktere fand ich auch klasse. Geschwisterliebe hoch zehn. Man hat sich total wohl gefühlt. Und das ist es auch. Ein Wohlfühlroman indem man einige Stunden entfliehen kann. Klasse Buch!
August 11, 2022
I loved everything about this book so much. It was such a cute cottage beachy vibe. I loved it, even though it was written in 3rd person I didn’t even care. So cute
January 26, 2018
What a cute story! Eva and Rory return to the only functional home they had known as young kids - their grandmother's home in the seaside resort of Mariposa, Spain. This is a cute story of starting over both personally and professionally. I loved the narrator Camilla Rockley whose British accent was soft and easy to follow. Overall, a good read for the car and all the little side trips I've had to make recently.
Go Cards! L1C4!!
Go Cards! L1C4!!
April 24, 2023
This cute romantic book with all the descriptions of Spain and accompanying hot weather and delicious food was the perfect antidote to a rainy English half term!
July 1, 2017
The idea of the story is a good one, but for some reason this book didn't gel for me. It was good in parts, but I found it quite superficial in terms of characterisation, plot and dialogue. The story starts with Ava being knocked down by a bus on the same day her grandmother dies in Spain, leading to her going to the Spanish village of Mariposa (does it exist? I couldn't find it when I looked it up) to clear out her house and decide what to do with it. Her brother Rory, in the film making industry, is going through a family crisis all to do with social media and seems to think he can dictate to Ava what she can do with the house. I really didn't like that arrogant approach.
The themes are good - those of new beginnings for a number of the characters, family secrets and coming to terms with a dysfunctional childhood, over-reliance on technology and learning to live without it, finding one's purpose and starting new relationships - with new people and with those already in your life. But how realistic is the storyline, really? I didn't think it was very realistic at all and as is often the case in "chick lit" the romance angle was far too rushed. I would have liked to have a more in-depth portrait of Val, and Isabel was simply horrible as a person, wife and parent. But were there any redeeming facets to her character? We didn't get to know.
I really did like the family history angle, looking at all the old outfits, jewellery, bags and concert programmes and putting these into the context of the story, along with Ava and Rory "revisiting" their younger selves. This appealed to me as I do that all the time, as well as haunt vintage fairs. I would have loved to be in Isabel's wardrobe room and to have got hold of her zebra dress! I also liked the realisation that yes, you are good enough for those that matter to you, and those that think you aren't, shouldn't matter to you because they aren't worth it.
It was also a lovely setting, but I did find myself skimming over the romantic elements and the vineyard scenes that I found a little tedious. It just "lacked something" for me and the way everything comes together perfectly - life isn't like that! - did irritate me somewhat.
I note 3 means "really liked it" and 2 "it was ok" - the star rating system is different from Amazon and therefore looks a little mean to give it two stars. But whilst it was good in parts, I didn't "really like it".
The themes are good - those of new beginnings for a number of the characters, family secrets and coming to terms with a dysfunctional childhood, over-reliance on technology and learning to live without it, finding one's purpose and starting new relationships - with new people and with those already in your life. But how realistic is the storyline, really? I didn't think it was very realistic at all and as is often the case in "chick lit" the romance angle was far too rushed. I would have liked to have a more in-depth portrait of Val, and Isabel was simply horrible as a person, wife and parent. But were there any redeeming facets to her character? We didn't get to know.
I really did like the family history angle, looking at all the old outfits, jewellery, bags and concert programmes and putting these into the context of the story, along with Ava and Rory "revisiting" their younger selves. This appealed to me as I do that all the time, as well as haunt vintage fairs. I would have loved to be in Isabel's wardrobe room and to have got hold of her zebra dress! I also liked the realisation that yes, you are good enough for those that matter to you, and those that think you aren't, shouldn't matter to you because they aren't worth it.
It was also a lovely setting, but I did find myself skimming over the romantic elements and the vineyard scenes that I found a little tedious. It just "lacked something" for me and the way everything comes together perfectly - life isn't like that! - did irritate me somewhat.
I note 3 means "really liked it" and 2 "it was ok" - the star rating system is different from Amazon and therefore looks a little mean to give it two stars. But whilst it was good in parts, I didn't "really like it".
January 22, 2019
Two awful things happened to Ava on the same day. First, she was hit by a bus. Then, she learns her beloved grandmother has passed away. Luckily she walks away from the near-death incident unharmed, but Ava feels that she now should live her life more fully. Her grandmother left her and her brother, Rory, her summerhouse on the Spanish coast, in the town of Mariposa, where Ava and Rory spent their summers as kids.
So Ava decides to take a hiatus from work and spend some time at her grandmother’s home. She’ll go through her grandmother’s belongings and reevaluate where she wants to take her life. It just so happens that Rory’s marriage isn’t going so great at the moment. He devotes all his time to his job and his wife feels second best. But when a scandal happens in his career, he needs to hideout for a while, far away from social media.
Rory and his son, Max, join Ava at the summerhouse, hoping to stay under the radar. Rory and Ava are both addicted to their phones, so they take a technology hiatus and try to focus on the present. They pour their blood, sweat and tears into bringing back to life a dilapidated Cafe Estella—a place their grandmother frequently visited. They felt a connection to their grandmother there and they felt it their duty to give it some love and attention.
The more time they spend in Mariposa, the more Ava and Rory learn about their grandmother, and in turn, the mother that they never truly got to know. Rory realizes the importance of family. Ava learns to devote herself to less things fully instead of giving small parts of herself to everything. Some time in Mariposa did more good for Rory and Ava than they ever could’ve imagined.
The Summerhouse by the Sea by Jenny Oliver is a light-hearted, summer read. By reading the synopsis, I figured this story would focus solely on Ava and be mostly a love story. To my surprise, it was equally about Rory as it was Ava. Unfortunately, I didn’t care about the storyline or the characters. I found it to be boring and ended up skimming half the book. I felt there were so many components jumbled up together. Not enough time was devoted to Ava’s romance, not enough time was devoted to Rory’s family reconciliation. I wish the author focused on one story and gave more attention to it. I hope my next Jenny Oliver read is better—2/5 stars.
So Ava decides to take a hiatus from work and spend some time at her grandmother’s home. She’ll go through her grandmother’s belongings and reevaluate where she wants to take her life. It just so happens that Rory’s marriage isn’t going so great at the moment. He devotes all his time to his job and his wife feels second best. But when a scandal happens in his career, he needs to hideout for a while, far away from social media.
Rory and his son, Max, join Ava at the summerhouse, hoping to stay under the radar. Rory and Ava are both addicted to their phones, so they take a technology hiatus and try to focus on the present. They pour their blood, sweat and tears into bringing back to life a dilapidated Cafe Estella—a place their grandmother frequently visited. They felt a connection to their grandmother there and they felt it their duty to give it some love and attention.
The more time they spend in Mariposa, the more Ava and Rory learn about their grandmother, and in turn, the mother that they never truly got to know. Rory realizes the importance of family. Ava learns to devote herself to less things fully instead of giving small parts of herself to everything. Some time in Mariposa did more good for Rory and Ava than they ever could’ve imagined.
The Summerhouse by the Sea by Jenny Oliver is a light-hearted, summer read. By reading the synopsis, I figured this story would focus solely on Ava and be mostly a love story. To my surprise, it was equally about Rory as it was Ava. Unfortunately, I didn’t care about the storyline or the characters. I found it to be boring and ended up skimming half the book. I felt there were so many components jumbled up together. Not enough time was devoted to Ava’s romance, not enough time was devoted to Rory’s family reconciliation. I wish the author focused on one story and gave more attention to it. I hope my next Jenny Oliver read is better—2/5 stars.
June 27, 2017
The Summer House By The See tells the story of Ava and her brother Rory. They grew up in a dysfunctional yet very loving family and have both walked away with scars and their own ways of dealing with the difficulties of life. So when they are thrown together at their late grandmother's summerhouse (they can't decide whether it should be one word and neither can I), they re-discover each other and themselves in altogether new ways. In an attempt to distract themselves from life's problems, they throw all their energy into re-building café Estrella that once was the place of drunken summer nights, spent dancing and laughing. What they don't know is that by restoring the café to its old glory, they are also restoring themselves and finding their way back to who they really are.
I wrote that little summary about three times and I still don't think that it does the book any justice. There is so much goodness going on in these 300 something pages and I'm finding it really hard to bring it all across without giving away the entire story line. So maybe you'll just have to read the book for yourself and settle for all the things that I love about this book for now. I hope that's okay with you. :)
1. The Opening Scene
Don't you all just love a book that doesn't make a big fuss out of things and starts right in the middle of it all? Well, I do. And The Summer House By The Sea certainly delivered. Who doesn't want to read a book that starts with the main character getting hit by a bus?! :)
2. The Main Characters
Oh how I love these two people. Ava and Rory are real, relatable, honest, flawed, witty, stubborn, opinionated and so many more things. After reading the book, I feel like I've known them all my life and like they are my long lost siblings and/or best friends.
To see the full list plus some picture of my lovely summerhouse in the mountains, head on over to my blog. http://wp.me/p8hJab-gf
I wrote that little summary about three times and I still don't think that it does the book any justice. There is so much goodness going on in these 300 something pages and I'm finding it really hard to bring it all across without giving away the entire story line. So maybe you'll just have to read the book for yourself and settle for all the things that I love about this book for now. I hope that's okay with you. :)
1. The Opening Scene
Don't you all just love a book that doesn't make a big fuss out of things and starts right in the middle of it all? Well, I do. And The Summer House By The Sea certainly delivered. Who doesn't want to read a book that starts with the main character getting hit by a bus?! :)
2. The Main Characters
Oh how I love these two people. Ava and Rory are real, relatable, honest, flawed, witty, stubborn, opinionated and so many more things. After reading the book, I feel like I've known them all my life and like they are my long lost siblings and/or best friends.
To see the full list plus some picture of my lovely summerhouse in the mountains, head on over to my blog. http://wp.me/p8hJab-gf
July 18, 2019
Ava und ihr Bruder Rory erben von ihrer Großmutter ein Haus an der spanischen Küste. Anfangs drängt Rory auf einen schnellen Verkauf der Immobilie, doch Ava ist davon nicht überzeugt.
Im Gegenteil. Kurz entschlossen nimmt sie sich eine Auszeit um den Sommer in Mariposa zu verbringen.
Als auch Rory nach einem beruflichen Fiasko einem Shitstorm zu entfliehen versucht, verdonnert ihn seine Frau zu einer "digitalen Nulldiät" und schickt Rory samt gemeinsamem Sohn Max nach Spanien.
Dort treffen die Geschwister auf alte Bekannte ihrer Großmutter, entdecken Schätze, lüften verborgenes aus der Vergangenheit und durchleben eine Vielzahl an Gefühlen.
"Das kleine Sommerhaus am Meer" verzaubert mit seinem mediterranen Flair. Jenny Oliver schafft es den Schauplatz Mariposa ausgesprochen bildlich zu beschreiben. Man kann den Sommer Spaniens förmlich spüren.
Der Schreibstil ist angenehm und leicht zu lesen. Erzählt wird die Geschichte in der dritten Person.
Überraschender Weise ist der Roman sehr tiefgründig und setzt sich intensiv mit den Gefühlen und Empfindung der Protagonisten auseinander.
Die Entwicklung von Ava und Rory ist nachvollziehbar, inspirierend und regt dazu an die eigenen Gedanken fließen zu lassen bzw. Handlungen zu hinterfragen.
Da ich mit einer oberflächlichen Sommerschmonzette gerechnet habe, war ich sehr überrascht wie tiefgehend dieses Buch geschrieben ist. Fast schon einen Tick mehr als ich bei einem Sommerroman mag. Trotzdem hat mich das sommerliche Setting sofort eingefangen und mitgenommen.
Die Geschichte war stellenweise witzig, ließ mich aber auch über eine Reduzierung der digitalen Medien nachdenken.... so rein theoretisch. 😉
Wer ein bisschen mehr als nur "Oberflächlichkeiten" lesen möchte, wird hier fündig.
Im Gegenteil. Kurz entschlossen nimmt sie sich eine Auszeit um den Sommer in Mariposa zu verbringen.
Als auch Rory nach einem beruflichen Fiasko einem Shitstorm zu entfliehen versucht, verdonnert ihn seine Frau zu einer "digitalen Nulldiät" und schickt Rory samt gemeinsamem Sohn Max nach Spanien.
Dort treffen die Geschwister auf alte Bekannte ihrer Großmutter, entdecken Schätze, lüften verborgenes aus der Vergangenheit und durchleben eine Vielzahl an Gefühlen.
"Das kleine Sommerhaus am Meer" verzaubert mit seinem mediterranen Flair. Jenny Oliver schafft es den Schauplatz Mariposa ausgesprochen bildlich zu beschreiben. Man kann den Sommer Spaniens förmlich spüren.
Der Schreibstil ist angenehm und leicht zu lesen. Erzählt wird die Geschichte in der dritten Person.
Überraschender Weise ist der Roman sehr tiefgründig und setzt sich intensiv mit den Gefühlen und Empfindung der Protagonisten auseinander.
Die Entwicklung von Ava und Rory ist nachvollziehbar, inspirierend und regt dazu an die eigenen Gedanken fließen zu lassen bzw. Handlungen zu hinterfragen.
Da ich mit einer oberflächlichen Sommerschmonzette gerechnet habe, war ich sehr überrascht wie tiefgehend dieses Buch geschrieben ist. Fast schon einen Tick mehr als ich bei einem Sommerroman mag. Trotzdem hat mich das sommerliche Setting sofort eingefangen und mitgenommen.
Die Geschichte war stellenweise witzig, ließ mich aber auch über eine Reduzierung der digitalen Medien nachdenken.... so rein theoretisch. 😉
Wer ein bisschen mehr als nur "Oberflächlichkeiten" lesen möchte, wird hier fündig.
September 6, 2017
Before I start rambling about all the bits and pieces that I adore in this book, let me give you a quick summary so you know what all the fuzz is about. The Summer House By The See tells the story of Ava and her brother Rory. They grew up in a dysfunctional yet very loving family and have both walked away with scars and their own ways of dealing with the difficulties of life. So when they are thrown together at their late grandmother’s summerhouse (they can’t decide whether it should be one word and neither can I), they re-discover each other and themselves in altogether new ways. In an attempt to distract themselves from life’s problems, they throw all their energy into re-building café Estrella that once was the place of drunken summer nights, spent dancing and laughing. What they don’t know is that by restoring the café to its old glory, they are also restoring themselves and finding their way back to who they really are.
I wrote that little summary about three times and I still don’t think that it does the book any justice. There is so much goodness going on in these 300 something pages and I’m finding it really hard to bring it all across without giving away the entire story line. So maybe you’ll just have to read the book for yourself and settle for all the things that I love about this book for now. I hope that’s okay with you. 🙂
To read the list, head on over to my blog at https://unwrappeddreams.com/the-summe....
I wrote that little summary about three times and I still don’t think that it does the book any justice. There is so much goodness going on in these 300 something pages and I’m finding it really hard to bring it all across without giving away the entire story line. So maybe you’ll just have to read the book for yourself and settle for all the things that I love about this book for now. I hope that’s okay with you. 🙂
To read the list, head on over to my blog at https://unwrappeddreams.com/the-summe....
May 23, 2017
What a first chapter, I finished the page thinking "OMG what just happened"! Don't you just love a striking start to a book, I know I do.
The writing was fun and fast-paced with characters who were easy to visualise. The descriptions of Ava's Spanish retreat were wonderful, I could almost smell the orange trees and feel the warmth of the sunshine on my skin.
Ava and her brother Rory were very different characters indeed. Rory, a workaholic who was so engrossed in his own little world that he forgot about those nearest to him. Ava seemed unsettled, she wasn't sure which direction her life should take. When their lives became too complicated, a spot of role-reversal took place - an entertaining twist I must say.
The summer house itself held secrets that inevitably would be uncovered but I felt like the house and its secrets were the key to the siblings being able to find their path in life. The house contained what they needed to heal.
I had a few favourite amusing moments: a conversation about FOMO, a flying iPhone, a digital detox and hip wiggling in the kitchen!
Memories of days gone by mingled beautifully with the possibilities of a new future in this sparkly, summery read.
The writing was fun and fast-paced with characters who were easy to visualise. The descriptions of Ava's Spanish retreat were wonderful, I could almost smell the orange trees and feel the warmth of the sunshine on my skin.
Ava and her brother Rory were very different characters indeed. Rory, a workaholic who was so engrossed in his own little world that he forgot about those nearest to him. Ava seemed unsettled, she wasn't sure which direction her life should take. When their lives became too complicated, a spot of role-reversal took place - an entertaining twist I must say.
The summer house itself held secrets that inevitably would be uncovered but I felt like the house and its secrets were the key to the siblings being able to find their path in life. The house contained what they needed to heal.
I had a few favourite amusing moments: a conversation about FOMO, a flying iPhone, a digital detox and hip wiggling in the kitchen!
Memories of days gone by mingled beautifully with the possibilities of a new future in this sparkly, summery read.
August 8, 2017
Ava ends up in hospital after reading a text then being hit by a car, a dramatic introduction to her indeed! Her brother Rory sends her ex boyfriend Jonathon to her aid. Claire her sister in law meets her at home when she's discharged.
After admitting to Rory she may have a touch of FOMO, she decides to go to Mariposa in Spain and soak up the sun while having a nice time like how she remembers it being when she was younger. Whilst sorting through stuff in the old family home, she finds her mum's fancy gowns and discovers Flora and Tom, the actor her teenage self had a crush on now owns the house on the hill with a vineyard!
Her brother and his son join her there after #vileRory starts on Twitter after he says some things that are heavily judged online...
She and Tom get close as she opens up her old family home as an Air BnB, making a business and life for herself there as she thinks of staying in Spain!
A thrilling joyful read despite the books premise and starting chapters. Overall I found this a great summer read with characters holding their own with enough back story and life issues to keep you rooting for the couples involved.
After admitting to Rory she may have a touch of FOMO, she decides to go to Mariposa in Spain and soak up the sun while having a nice time like how she remembers it being when she was younger. Whilst sorting through stuff in the old family home, she finds her mum's fancy gowns and discovers Flora and Tom, the actor her teenage self had a crush on now owns the house on the hill with a vineyard!
Her brother and his son join her there after #vileRory starts on Twitter after he says some things that are heavily judged online...
She and Tom get close as she opens up her old family home as an Air BnB, making a business and life for herself there as she thinks of staying in Spain!
A thrilling joyful read despite the books premise and starting chapters. Overall I found this a great summer read with characters holding their own with enough back story and life issues to keep you rooting for the couples involved.
May 18, 2017
A lovely summer read. Sun, sea and romance.
After Ava Brown’s grandmother dies at her home in Spain, Ava and her brother Rory find themselves on a holiday of discovery, not just the beautiful village of childhood memories but of themselves, their mother and new beginnings.
A beautiful story, well written, atmospheric, charming and a joy in which to immerse yourself away from the real world.
I would not usually wax lyrical about a ‘Chick Lit’ type of story but it really was good. The characters were all lovable and multi -dimensional, brought to life along with the descriptions of hot sunny day, aroma of Tapas and sun cream, sounds of happy times on holiday. I felt I was there and living life with Ava and her friends.
I am going to look out for more of Jenny’s books as it was a great and enjoyable change from my usual book genres.
Helen
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
After Ava Brown’s grandmother dies at her home in Spain, Ava and her brother Rory find themselves on a holiday of discovery, not just the beautiful village of childhood memories but of themselves, their mother and new beginnings.
A beautiful story, well written, atmospheric, charming and a joy in which to immerse yourself away from the real world.
I would not usually wax lyrical about a ‘Chick Lit’ type of story but it really was good. The characters were all lovable and multi -dimensional, brought to life along with the descriptions of hot sunny day, aroma of Tapas and sun cream, sounds of happy times on holiday. I felt I was there and living life with Ava and her friends.
I am going to look out for more of Jenny’s books as it was a great and enjoyable change from my usual book genres.
Helen
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
May 14, 2017
The Sunmerhouse by the Sea transports you to beautiful Spain to follow the story of Ava. Her grandmother has recently died and not wanting to sell her house, she decides to move out to Spain for the summer.
Spain holds many memories for her, especially Cafe Estrella, though once the beating heart of the village, it now seems tired and run down. Ava decides to throw herself into helping to turn the cafe back into what it once was. However once summer is over, will Ava be able to return to England?
This book is well written with very likeable characters. You can easily read this book in a couple of days and I really enjoyed it. The descriptions of the food will definitely make your mouth water and a potential love interest all adds to the story.
Thank you to NetGalley, HQ and Jenny Oliver for the chance to review.
Spain holds many memories for her, especially Cafe Estrella, though once the beating heart of the village, it now seems tired and run down. Ava decides to throw herself into helping to turn the cafe back into what it once was. However once summer is over, will Ava be able to return to England?
This book is well written with very likeable characters. You can easily read this book in a couple of days and I really enjoyed it. The descriptions of the food will definitely make your mouth water and a potential love interest all adds to the story.
Thank you to NetGalley, HQ and Jenny Oliver for the chance to review.
May 21, 2017
I have read a few of the author's books before and have always come away from her books with a smile on my face. This one was no different. This was a lovely, easy to read book with plenty to keep me reading until I had finished it in one sitting.
The main female character, Ava, finds herself somewhere which brings back wonderful memories of long forgotten times with her grandmother. Revisiting places she visited many years before brings Ava some heartache, but also provides her with the ability to find something she didn't know was missing. Add into the mix her brother and nephew and the story takes a whole new turn. The imagery throughout is very well written, taking the reader to distant shores as you can almost see the scenes inside your head while reading.
Another great summer read from the author. Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy.
The main female character, Ava, finds herself somewhere which brings back wonderful memories of long forgotten times with her grandmother. Revisiting places she visited many years before brings Ava some heartache, but also provides her with the ability to find something she didn't know was missing. Add into the mix her brother and nephew and the story takes a whole new turn. The imagery throughout is very well written, taking the reader to distant shores as you can almost see the scenes inside your head while reading.
Another great summer read from the author. Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy.
January 3, 2018
The Summerhouse By The Sea written by Jenny Oliver for me was one very entertaining read and one I am very happy to recommend. The main story is based on a brother and sister names Rory and Ava. Both of them have moved to Spain to their Grandmother's home, first of all, to sell the house after their Grandmother's death but then the town of Mariposa weaves it's magic and the brother and sister who both have problems that they are trying to hide from but first of all the past must be met and this is what happens in this very entertaining book.
This is the first book I have read by Jenny Oliver, I can honestly say it won't be the last as I loved how the characters developed, and their relationships which changed as they got to know the locals.
The Summerhouse by the Sea is an excellent read and one I am happy to recommend.
This is the first book I have read by Jenny Oliver, I can honestly say it won't be the last as I loved how the characters developed, and their relationships which changed as they got to know the locals.
The Summerhouse by the Sea is an excellent read and one I am happy to recommend.
May 21, 2021
Very quick start (almost too quick), very slow middle and a rushed ending.
Good storyline.
Good storyline.
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