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Summer in the Elevator
Summer Fridley is comfortable. She has a steady job, a bearable apartment, and a longtime boyfriend. Her only plan for the hot months ahead is to stay afloat and continue the course. She’ll also avoid her mother as much as possible. She doesn’t believe in ghosts or magic. Every moment is known, every hour is predictable, every day is the same.
Until June 11th, 2018.
Her cell phone chimes with a text message from an unknown number. A simple message from someone named Isaac Fishburne. Summer doesn't know that he died in the elevator and has remained there ever since. For years, Isaac watched the tenants of the apartment building. Something about Summer intrigues him. For the first time, he reaches out to someone living.
It may be a summer that changes them both... forever.
Until June 11th, 2018.
Her cell phone chimes with a text message from an unknown number. A simple message from someone named Isaac Fishburne. Summer doesn't know that he died in the elevator and has remained there ever since. For years, Isaac watched the tenants of the apartment building. Something about Summer intrigues him. For the first time, he reaches out to someone living.
It may be a summer that changes them both... forever.
105 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 19, 2019
3 people are currently reading
337 people want to read
About the author
K.J. Sutton
14 books1,822 followersK.J. Sutton is the Amazon bestselling author of the Fortuna Sworn Saga. Her writing has reached readers around the world and earned recognition from Kirkus Reviews.
She grew up in Minnesota and earned her master’s degree in Creative Writing from Hamline University. She now makes her home there in a plant-filled house with floor-to-ceiling windows, a piano in the corner, and a collection of bird feeders on the porch. When she isn’t writing in her favorite coffee shop, she’s likely walking her dogs with an audiobook in her ears or hunting for thrifted treasures.
She also writes young adult novels as Kelsey Sutton.
She grew up in Minnesota and earned her master’s degree in Creative Writing from Hamline University. She now makes her home there in a plant-filled house with floor-to-ceiling windows, a piano in the corner, and a collection of bird feeders on the porch. When she isn’t writing in her favorite coffee shop, she’s likely walking her dogs with an audiobook in her ears or hunting for thrifted treasures.
She also writes young adult novels as Kelsey Sutton.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 7, 2020
I honestly don't know how to rate this one. I loved the writing style. It was flawless and to the point. Each page, each sentence, each word mattered and had a purpose.
Still I hated the ending. I would have accepted almost everything from time travelling to two ghosts managing to find each other and loving each other eternally.
Instead it felt like a case of objectophilia
Still I hated the ending. I would have accepted almost everything from time travelling to two ghosts managing to find each other and loving each other eternally.
Instead it felt like a case of objectophilia
September 13, 2017
This is a beautiful story.
It's almost entirely set in an elevator and is more about mood, feelings and communication than that there's lots of action.
The chapters are set up as elevator rides in which Summer interacts with Isaac or others, or thinks about things that happen in her life. Discovering that Isaac is part of the elevator makes her connect with him and makes her think about her choices in life.
I loved getting to know Summer through these elevator glimpses, and rooted for her to figure out what she wants from life and if it's possible to reach her goals. I also loved reading how she and Isaac connect and are a comfort to each other.
All in all this is beautiful and haunting story, and I will definitely read more by Blakely.
It's almost entirely set in an elevator and is more about mood, feelings and communication than that there's lots of action.
The chapters are set up as elevator rides in which Summer interacts with Isaac or others, or thinks about things that happen in her life. Discovering that Isaac is part of the elevator makes her connect with him and makes her think about her choices in life.
I loved getting to know Summer through these elevator glimpses, and rooted for her to figure out what she wants from life and if it's possible to reach her goals. I also loved reading how she and Isaac connect and are a comfort to each other.
All in all this is beautiful and haunting story, and I will definitely read more by Blakely.
September 21, 2017
"Promises are fragile things."
Okay, this was a cute, perfect, quick little read. It was heartwarming and full of emotion for such a little story. <3
"Strength is just an act. We all want to be saved."
True that, honey. Isaac and Summer's little relationship was heartfelt and beautiful. It's something that I think we all secretly want. Isaac was a complete gentleman and aware of Summer's feeling and emotions. Summer showed herself and let her emotions come alive when she was in the elevator with Isaac.
"I see you."
I see you too.
4/5 stars 😍
Okay, this was a cute, perfect, quick little read. It was heartwarming and full of emotion for such a little story. <3
"Strength is just an act. We all want to be saved."
True that, honey. Isaac and Summer's little relationship was heartfelt and beautiful. It's something that I think we all secretly want. Isaac was a complete gentleman and aware of Summer's feeling and emotions. Summer showed herself and let her emotions come alive when she was in the elevator with Isaac.
"I see you."
I see you too.
4/5 stars 😍
July 20, 2017
5 stars.
Elegantly constructed and hauntingly bittersweet.
For my creative writing degree, I’m assigned a lot of literary excerpts for readings. The subject matter is often as dull as shopping centres or carparks or hotel rooms. From there I’m taught to pick apart the writing, yank, tug and prod it until it’s nothing but shredded sentences. The day I started this novella, I had just spent five hours in my fiction class, during which I had described the uncomfortable lecture hall in three different pieces from three different perspectives.
And I was unhappy. I felt creatively constrained by these techniques, which seemed to limit the fantastical risks fiction can take.
When I started Summer in the Elevator, I instantly began identifying these techniques: using detail to define character, opening scenes with setting, building character through what they notice about the setting, etc. I was “reading like a writer”, noting what worked, what didn’t, and how it did so. But, surprisingly, I was enjoying the story too. Summer’s cheerful name but melancholy attitude captivated me. The imagery of the antique elevator painted itself across my mind like an artsy film. The bittersweet magic of the elevator made my heart ache.
But how? This whole year I had associated this literary style of writing with boring settings and uninteresting plots, where once you tear apart the writing, it’s impossible to become immersed in the story.
Somehow, Abigail Blakely has created a piece of writing that appeals to me both as a creative writing student and a reader. This self-published novella is a detail-oriented story heavily grounded in mundane reality. The details create iconic images and personalities of all the characters that pass through the elevator, without being overwhelming. It’s the perfect example of the fiction techniques I’m currently studying.
Yet it’s still magical, integrating the sense of fantastical possibility I cherish in fiction. It reminds me of a grown-up A Year Without Autumn, a middle-grade book also featuring a mystical elevator and a protagonist named after a season. The innocence of Isaac and Summer’s relationship and the slow pace at which it built was heartwarming. The writing evoked in me such gorgeous images and colour palettes, it made me wish I was an artist, so I could immortalise them in visual form. The construction was so sophisticated, I was constantly aware I have so much more to learn, yet the weather-worn but hopeful tone kept me immersed and emotionally invested.
To find a piece of writing you can analyse and still enjoy is rare, and I will treasure Summer in the Elevator for opening me up to more reality-focused literary fiction. This was my first Abigail Blakely read and I’m definitely looking forward to more from her.
Elegantly constructed and hauntingly bittersweet.
For my creative writing degree, I’m assigned a lot of literary excerpts for readings. The subject matter is often as dull as shopping centres or carparks or hotel rooms. From there I’m taught to pick apart the writing, yank, tug and prod it until it’s nothing but shredded sentences. The day I started this novella, I had just spent five hours in my fiction class, during which I had described the uncomfortable lecture hall in three different pieces from three different perspectives.
And I was unhappy. I felt creatively constrained by these techniques, which seemed to limit the fantastical risks fiction can take.
When I started Summer in the Elevator, I instantly began identifying these techniques: using detail to define character, opening scenes with setting, building character through what they notice about the setting, etc. I was “reading like a writer”, noting what worked, what didn’t, and how it did so. But, surprisingly, I was enjoying the story too. Summer’s cheerful name but melancholy attitude captivated me. The imagery of the antique elevator painted itself across my mind like an artsy film. The bittersweet magic of the elevator made my heart ache.
But how? This whole year I had associated this literary style of writing with boring settings and uninteresting plots, where once you tear apart the writing, it’s impossible to become immersed in the story.
Somehow, Abigail Blakely has created a piece of writing that appeals to me both as a creative writing student and a reader. This self-published novella is a detail-oriented story heavily grounded in mundane reality. The details create iconic images and personalities of all the characters that pass through the elevator, without being overwhelming. It’s the perfect example of the fiction techniques I’m currently studying.
Yet it’s still magical, integrating the sense of fantastical possibility I cherish in fiction. It reminds me of a grown-up A Year Without Autumn, a middle-grade book also featuring a mystical elevator and a protagonist named after a season. The innocence of Isaac and Summer’s relationship and the slow pace at which it built was heartwarming. The writing evoked in me such gorgeous images and colour palettes, it made me wish I was an artist, so I could immortalise them in visual form. The construction was so sophisticated, I was constantly aware I have so much more to learn, yet the weather-worn but hopeful tone kept me immersed and emotionally invested.
To find a piece of writing you can analyse and still enjoy is rare, and I will treasure Summer in the Elevator for opening me up to more reality-focused literary fiction. This was my first Abigail Blakely read and I’m definitely looking forward to more from her.
October 7, 2024
✨ Read for the 2019 KU Shitathon™ challenge - [Halfsies Vol.2: July-December] - over at Maraya's Cave Of Freaking Wonders ✨
◼ Plan A - Book: #10 of 13 ◼
◼ Plan A - Book: #10 of 13 ◼
March 9, 2020
”If I had been there in 1939, or if you’d been here in 2018,” she whispered, her breath leaving clouds on the glass, “I would have waited in that café all night.”
I loved the writing, and the story was beautiful. We see glimpses of Summer's life, especially her struggles, which is bittersweet at times. But the story is about her friendship with Isaac, and how he helps her overcome those difficulties. It was super cute and heartwarming.
February 22, 2026
When I rate a story 3.5 stars it means I know the flaws are there, maybe I admit I had to push through moments of boredom, but I like this book and can’t deny its quality.
August 25, 2019
Title Summer in the Elevator
Author K.J. Sutton
Description from Amazon
Summer Fridley is comfortable. She has a steady job, a bearable apartment, and a longtime boyfriend. Her only plan for the hot months ahead is to stay afloat and continue the course. She’ll also avoid her mother as much as possible. She doesn’t believe in ghosts or magic. Every moment is known, every hour is predictable, every day is the same.
Until June 11th, 2018.
Her cell phone chimes with a text message from an unknown number. A simple message from someone named Isaac Fishburne. Summer doesn’t know that he died in the elevator and has remained there ever since. For years, Isaac watched the tenants of the apartment building. Something about Summer intrigues him. For the first time, he reaches out to someone living.
It may be a summer that changes them both… forever.
Initial Thoughts
I loved K.J. Sutton’s writing style and when I saw she was looking for reviewers for a re-release of her novella, Summer in the Elevator, I jumped at the chance. I have been in a bit of a slump myself lately and Summer’s story felt so familiar.
Some Things I Liked
The supernatural element was anything but. This was not a ghost story or anything spooky. It was, at its core, a coming of age story. Summer finds herself in that elevator and while she is technically communicating with a man who died in 1939, this story does not focus on the non-realistic elements.
The length. I loved that this was a novella. It’s hard to find good recommendations for novellas because the best ones often accompany a series. I loved that this was a standalone story.
One Thing I Wasn’t Crazy About
I really loved this story. But, if I had to change one thing, I wanted a bit more of an ending. No spoilers, but there’s a good amount left to the reader’s imagination about Summer’s future. My inner happily-ever-after-chaser wanted a smidge more (but I totally understand why it was left out).
Series Value
I could easily see myself diving back into this world. I’d love to read more about Summer and how her life is turning out and I could also easily see this becoming a series about Isaac and the people he meets in the elevator. While this was a masterfully written short work, I would love to see it evolve into more.
Final Thoughts
Summer’s struggle hit home for me in so many ways. I definitely know what it’s like to kinda be mad at the world and to feel like your life is just not moving in the way you want it to. This novella was just what I needed. K.J. Sutton has once again completely captivated my attention and brought me to a world rich with characters I loved and long to learn more about. It also gave me a chance to really think about my own life. It’s a truly magical feeling when you connect with a story this much. I’d recommend that everyone read this novella.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommendations for Further Reading
Smoke and Key and Fortuna Sworn by K.J. Sutton – these books are VERY different from Summer in the Elevator and from each other, but I strongly recommend checking out K.J.’s other works. She is an incredibly versatile writer and as a reader, I have really enjoyed exploring the different types of worlds and characters she creates.
Flawed by Becky Bird – this title isn’t out yet, but I had the complete joy of reading an ARC of it. The main characters are a bit younger but I loved that this was also a shorter work and it’s a true coming of age story about learning to love yourself as you are. Look out for it on September 30, 2019.
Author K.J. Sutton
Description from Amazon
Summer Fridley is comfortable. She has a steady job, a bearable apartment, and a longtime boyfriend. Her only plan for the hot months ahead is to stay afloat and continue the course. She’ll also avoid her mother as much as possible. She doesn’t believe in ghosts or magic. Every moment is known, every hour is predictable, every day is the same.
Until June 11th, 2018.
Her cell phone chimes with a text message from an unknown number. A simple message from someone named Isaac Fishburne. Summer doesn’t know that he died in the elevator and has remained there ever since. For years, Isaac watched the tenants of the apartment building. Something about Summer intrigues him. For the first time, he reaches out to someone living.
It may be a summer that changes them both… forever.
Initial Thoughts
I loved K.J. Sutton’s writing style and when I saw she was looking for reviewers for a re-release of her novella, Summer in the Elevator, I jumped at the chance. I have been in a bit of a slump myself lately and Summer’s story felt so familiar.
Some Things I Liked
The supernatural element was anything but. This was not a ghost story or anything spooky. It was, at its core, a coming of age story. Summer finds herself in that elevator and while she is technically communicating with a man who died in 1939, this story does not focus on the non-realistic elements.
The length. I loved that this was a novella. It’s hard to find good recommendations for novellas because the best ones often accompany a series. I loved that this was a standalone story.
One Thing I Wasn’t Crazy About
I really loved this story. But, if I had to change one thing, I wanted a bit more of an ending. No spoilers, but there’s a good amount left to the reader’s imagination about Summer’s future. My inner happily-ever-after-chaser wanted a smidge more (but I totally understand why it was left out).
Series Value
I could easily see myself diving back into this world. I’d love to read more about Summer and how her life is turning out and I could also easily see this becoming a series about Isaac and the people he meets in the elevator. While this was a masterfully written short work, I would love to see it evolve into more.
Final Thoughts
Summer’s struggle hit home for me in so many ways. I definitely know what it’s like to kinda be mad at the world and to feel like your life is just not moving in the way you want it to. This novella was just what I needed. K.J. Sutton has once again completely captivated my attention and brought me to a world rich with characters I loved and long to learn more about. It also gave me a chance to really think about my own life. It’s a truly magical feeling when you connect with a story this much. I’d recommend that everyone read this novella.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommendations for Further Reading
Smoke and Key and Fortuna Sworn by K.J. Sutton – these books are VERY different from Summer in the Elevator and from each other, but I strongly recommend checking out K.J.’s other works. She is an incredibly versatile writer and as a reader, I have really enjoyed exploring the different types of worlds and characters she creates.
Flawed by Becky Bird – this title isn’t out yet, but I had the complete joy of reading an ARC of it. The main characters are a bit younger but I loved that this was also a shorter work and it’s a true coming of age story about learning to love yourself as you are. Look out for it on September 30, 2019.
![Profile Image for Alissa Buhoveckey [morrigans_books].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1762406707i%2F52208780._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
August 23, 2019
Well the few hours it took me to read this we’re amazing! The concept of the novella was really creative and a great summer read! Not exactly light hearted but short and emotional. Our main character Summer has been having a rough time finding who she is and what sparks joy in her life. One day while riding in the elevator to her apartment she gets a text message from an unknown number telling her “it’s okay” and from there sparks a very unlikely relationship. Later on you find out this unknown number is actually Isaac Fishburne, the man who died is that elevator in 1939. He sees everything and the only way to communicate is through text message and moving the elevator up and down. He helps Summer realize what’s best for and what she really wants. It’s bittersweet and sad but the ending left me with a smile on my face. I would love to see these characters again in another novella😉
April 25, 2020
I am all the feels. This story was so sad and so heartwarming and just.. so much. It reminds me (the way it's made me feel mostly, though they do both involve a ghost) a lot of The Apple-Tree Throne by Premee Mohamed (another story that I *adore*). I am left with a sad smile on my face. My feelings are a jumble. K.J. Sutton is a master of emotion in everything she writes.
September 22, 2019
"There was nothing beautiful about pain, but there was undeniable allure in authenticity."
"Summer thought that maybe, everyone lived in their own version of a shell. But they couldn't stay there forever, not if they wanted to grow and see. Eventually, they would have to emerge and face the world in all its frightening vastness."
Summer in the Elevator is a story that will make you feel warm and fuzzy and, despite the supernatural aspects, feels utterly real.
I went into this novella barely knowing anything about it and was pleasantly surprised. The writing is beautiful and lyrical and pulls you right into the story. The majority of the story is set in an elevator. It isn't easy to keep a reader engages when there is no change in the setting, but Sutton did it. In this elevator, we follow Summer as she befriends Isaac, the elevator ghost, who helps her grow and changes her life. (I also love how the date they met is June 11, which is also my birthday!) Despite this being a short story, Summer underwent significant character development, and I loved following her along that journey. She ends up going for what she wants rather than settling for what she has.
Overall I really loved this story. Despite the sad undertone, it still made me feel happy and warm inside. It was a super quick and easy read. I definitely recommend this if you're looking for a quick, light and lovely read.
"Summer thought that maybe, everyone lived in their own version of a shell. But they couldn't stay there forever, not if they wanted to grow and see. Eventually, they would have to emerge and face the world in all its frightening vastness."
Summer in the Elevator is a story that will make you feel warm and fuzzy and, despite the supernatural aspects, feels utterly real.
I went into this novella barely knowing anything about it and was pleasantly surprised. The writing is beautiful and lyrical and pulls you right into the story. The majority of the story is set in an elevator. It isn't easy to keep a reader engages when there is no change in the setting, but Sutton did it. In this elevator, we follow Summer as she befriends Isaac, the elevator ghost, who helps her grow and changes her life. (I also love how the date they met is June 11, which is also my birthday!) Despite this being a short story, Summer underwent significant character development, and I loved following her along that journey. She ends up going for what she wants rather than settling for what she has.
Overall I really loved this story. Despite the sad undertone, it still made me feel happy and warm inside. It was a super quick and easy read. I definitely recommend this if you're looking for a quick, light and lovely read.
April 28, 2020
Creative & Charming & So Much More
I knew early on this book would break my heart. How could it not?
And yet... it somehow managed to leave me with a warm feeling inside. Not an ending, but a beginning. Whispers of lives of characters that I didn't know much about, that suddenly felt much MORE, filled the pages. It was amazing and beautiful ans tragic.
Everyone should read it, even once.
I knew early on this book would break my heart. How could it not?
And yet... it somehow managed to leave me with a warm feeling inside. Not an ending, but a beginning. Whispers of lives of characters that I didn't know much about, that suddenly felt much MORE, filled the pages. It was amazing and beautiful ans tragic.
Everyone should read it, even once.
July 23, 2017
I really enjoyed this novella.
Summer is a young woman who's life seems to have stalled. She's in a stale relationship, has family issues, and as a waitress, has little hope of having a fulfilling and prosperous career.
Then she meets a ghost... and Summer starts to look closer at her life and how she can improve it.
Well worth a read.
Summer is a young woman who's life seems to have stalled. She's in a stale relationship, has family issues, and as a waitress, has little hope of having a fulfilling and prosperous career.
Then she meets a ghost... and Summer starts to look closer at her life and how she can improve it.
Well worth a read.
Want to read
July 13, 2017Hehehe this sounds so cute! (Hoping for some mystery too!)
*Secrets!* K.S.
*Secrets!* K.S.
August 28, 2019
July 11th
Dnf
Dnf
dnf
March 7, 2022The synopsis of this creeped me out. My name is Summer and my birthday is June 11th. I swear if a dead guy named Isaac texts me I’m outta here.
July 17, 2017
"In a firm, soundless answer, Summer pushed the doors open. A warm breeze toyed with tendrils of her hair. It blew them across her face as she faced the city. She was terrified. She was eager.
And the day was so, so bright."
Beautifully written, it was such a thoughtful and introspective read-- even though it's only a "novella", all the characters -including the motley crew living at Hudson Avenue- are well crafted and the message regarding Summer's journey deeply developed. I ached for her, but I really appreciated how the author kept clear of empty antagonists.
I won't say anything more, since it's quite a short story and I would spoil everything, but I would highly recommended it to those who want a quick but moving read!
And the day was so, so bright."
Beautifully written, it was such a thoughtful and introspective read-- even though it's only a "novella", all the characters -including the motley crew living at Hudson Avenue- are well crafted and the message regarding Summer's journey deeply developed. I ached for her, but I really appreciated how the author kept clear of empty antagonists.
I won't say anything more, since it's quite a short story and I would spoil everything, but I would highly recommended it to those who want a quick but moving read!
April 13, 2022
I 70% read, 30% skimmed through this story.
My greatest pain point is that Isaac doesn't move on/evolve/get out of the elevator by the end. I loved that he was a caring ghost (mainly friend) to Summer, but he just sticks within the lift.
I wasn't such a fan of Summer. And yes, like her real life friend, her choices were her own and she was basically dying to prove a point, which made sense but was also cumbersome.
My greatest pain point is that Isaac doesn't move on/evolve/get out of the elevator by the end. I loved that he was a caring ghost (mainly friend) to Summer, but he just sticks within the lift.
I wasn't such a fan of Summer. And yes, like her real life friend, her choices were her own and she was basically dying to prove a point, which made sense but was also cumbersome.
March 23, 2022
A strange concept but beautifully written. This is about a woman who is coming into her own through an unexpected and unusual friendship. Summers story of overcoming setbacks and hardships and opening her eyes to a bigger world around her was heartwarming. I would’ve liked a little more from Isaac’s side of the story but overall was a cute, short read.
March 29, 2022
This read more like a proposed idea for a movie or a play than anything else but was still an interesting short story.
July 25, 2020
No. Nope. Sorry but I just couldn't like it. I was actually disgusted by Summer one time and overall felt no connection to her whatsoever.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews