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Three Summers
"Hi. My name is Sadie and I was the victim of an attempted robbery at gunpoint three weeks ago." Those were the first words I spoke to my therapist last year and now I can say after my freshman year of college, I've finally broken free of my therapy sessions.
The wound on my face has healed and the scar is fading a little more every day. Now if I can just get the scars on my heart to heal that quickly, I'll be golden.
But that's looking pretty tricky since the boy who put those scars there is standing just feet away from me under the blistering North Carolina sun. Apparently, we'll be spending the entire summer lifeguarding together at the country club pool.
A year ago, I was carefree—I was in love and I didn’t have a worry in the world, except for Rowen.
But now, I'm a little older and a lot smarter. I know how to guard my heart. I know how to keep Rowen out.
Except. . .he never really left. And I am quickly learning that my mind and heart are at a crossroads. Maybe I don't know how to guard my heart after all.
And maybe I don't quite know everything I thought I did. . .
***Recommended for ages 17+ due to language and sexual situations.***
The wound on my face has healed and the scar is fading a little more every day. Now if I can just get the scars on my heart to heal that quickly, I'll be golden.
But that's looking pretty tricky since the boy who put those scars there is standing just feet away from me under the blistering North Carolina sun. Apparently, we'll be spending the entire summer lifeguarding together at the country club pool.
A year ago, I was carefree—I was in love and I didn’t have a worry in the world, except for Rowen.
But now, I'm a little older and a lot smarter. I know how to guard my heart. I know how to keep Rowen out.
Except. . .he never really left. And I am quickly learning that my mind and heart are at a crossroads. Maybe I don't know how to guard my heart after all.
And maybe I don't quite know everything I thought I did. . .
***Recommended for ages 17+ due to language and sexual situations.***
ebook
First published April 28, 2018
57 people are currently reading
334 people want to read
About the author
S.J. Sylvis
30 books2,716 followersS.J. Sylvis is an Amazon top 50 and USA Today bestselling author who is best known for her angsty new adult romances and romantic comedies. She currently resides in North Carolina with her husband, two small kiddos, and dog. She is obsessed with coffee, becomes easily attached to fictional characters, and spends most of her evenings buried in a book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
June 18, 2018
OMG. I think I just found my new favorite author of all time!!!
This book is sooooo good!
Review to come. :)
This book is sooooo good!
Review to come. :)
November 17, 2018
A second chance romance that follows Sadie and Rowen after they encounter a terrifying ordeal.
They are childhood sweethearts, but they are broken apart by a horrific robbery and a whole lot of misunderstandings.
A cute read that left me feeling warm and fuzzy and routing for this couple the whole way through.
They are childhood sweethearts, but they are broken apart by a horrific robbery and a whole lot of misunderstandings.
A cute read that left me feeling warm and fuzzy and routing for this couple the whole way through.
August 2, 2018
A pull at your heartstrings kind of read.
S J Sylvis is a new author to me and her first book is definitely a must read. It's a second chances at love but it's also a heart wrenching pull that you'll feel the emotions between Sadie and Rowen and the connection of feelings. It's well written with some minor errors not too much. I loved how she also included Rowen with his POV nearing the end and giving the 4 stars (reason) with that ending/Epilogue kind of left me a little disappointed.
S J Sylvis is a new author to me and her first book is definitely a must read. It's a second chances at love but it's also a heart wrenching pull that you'll feel the emotions between Sadie and Rowen and the connection of feelings. It's well written with some minor errors not too much. I loved how she also included Rowen with his POV nearing the end and giving the 4 stars (reason) with that ending/Epilogue kind of left me a little disappointed.
January 17, 2022
🌟🌟🌟🌟
This book is a bit more on the sweet side of romance then I usually go for, that does not mean no steam, just a bit lighter then my norm.
First off, I love the concept of this book. Sadie & Rowen were high school sweethearts, that was until a single event that changed both of them. Afterwards, Sadie is ghosted by Rowen & tries to work on her mental wellbeing to help bring herself back to pre-Sadie. One year later, she returns to her hometown for the first time since the incident to begin working as a lifeguard at the local country club. Her first day there she discovers that one of her coworkers is non other then her ex Rowen. What follows is 3 summers of these two trying to work past their history together to determine if they can move on.
This book might not be really long, but since it is broken up in 3 parts for each summer that Sadie & Rowen have together, it really helps to covey the passage of time and the growth that both characters go through in this book.
This book is a bit more on the sweet side of romance then I usually go for, that does not mean no steam, just a bit lighter then my norm.
First off, I love the concept of this book. Sadie & Rowen were high school sweethearts, that was until a single event that changed both of them. Afterwards, Sadie is ghosted by Rowen & tries to work on her mental wellbeing to help bring herself back to pre-Sadie. One year later, she returns to her hometown for the first time since the incident to begin working as a lifeguard at the local country club. Her first day there she discovers that one of her coworkers is non other then her ex Rowen. What follows is 3 summers of these two trying to work past their history together to determine if they can move on.
This book might not be really long, but since it is broken up in 3 parts for each summer that Sadie & Rowen have together, it really helps to covey the passage of time and the growth that both characters go through in this book.
June 18, 2018
This was a lovely debut novel! First, it has a beautiful cover with a title that explains exactly what the plot is going to be about. You know going in that this story is taking place over three summers. And it does, but it starts with such a startling bang that by the time you catch your breath and realize that its the following summer, you are dying to know what happens. The author successfully took a sweet first love into a new adult romance packed with a rawness that made you root for Sadie and Rowen when you weren't sure you were going too. The biggest surprise to me in this book was just how much Rowen grew on me and just how much I wanted to see him happy.
April 27, 2018
I Love this book, I couldn't put it down until I finished. I can't wait until the AUTHOR SJ SYLVIS comes out with her next book. It puts life back in you when you read it. It gives you something to think about. I love this book. READ IT!
April 29, 2018
Okay... if you have read any of my reviews, you know I try my best to be honest with my reviews so don't hate me... Please!
This novel started strong. The prologue caught my attention in a big way. It started out strong, action packed and had just enough mystery to intrigue me. In fact, it had my mind spinning with possibilities. I had a lot of fun thinking of ideas tbh.
Now, as for the rest of the story. It was nice. It wasn't one that would resonate with me for years to come and it obviously wasn't one that I hated. It was just nice. I think my biggest issue is the overall concept of the story. I didn't really enjoy the way it was told. Because of the concept there were time jumps that left me feeling underwhelmed. The time jumps left a lot to be desired and I felt like the author missed many opportunities to grow her characters. The time jumps were too long of a period to just say "Welp that year went by fast!" I feel like a year is a long time and should allow characters time to grow as people.
As I previously stated, the story was nice. However, time jumps are something that I am not fond of in stories. They have to be written in a way that they don't stand out as time jumps. I have to feel the story more than I notice the time jumps... and, unfortunately, the story didn't contain any special quality to make me overlook them.
Now, if time jumps aren't something that bothers you, the story IS a sweet, light read. If you want to read a story about young love overcoming obstacles and finding a HEA, this is for you. The main characters in the novel are in love and willing to overcome a past filled with anger and guilt and heartache, so be prepared to love and hate the situation and/or characters. You will hate a certain someone for doing something only to fall head over heels for them once you dig deeper into the backstory. This is a cute story for when you need to read about love overcoming the obstacles life will inevitably through at you. So, pick it up, take your time, and enjoy the roller coaster.
This novel started strong. The prologue caught my attention in a big way. It started out strong, action packed and had just enough mystery to intrigue me. In fact, it had my mind spinning with possibilities. I had a lot of fun thinking of ideas tbh.
Now, as for the rest of the story. It was nice. It wasn't one that would resonate with me for years to come and it obviously wasn't one that I hated. It was just nice. I think my biggest issue is the overall concept of the story. I didn't really enjoy the way it was told. Because of the concept there were time jumps that left me feeling underwhelmed. The time jumps left a lot to be desired and I felt like the author missed many opportunities to grow her characters. The time jumps were too long of a period to just say "Welp that year went by fast!" I feel like a year is a long time and should allow characters time to grow as people.
As I previously stated, the story was nice. However, time jumps are something that I am not fond of in stories. They have to be written in a way that they don't stand out as time jumps. I have to feel the story more than I notice the time jumps... and, unfortunately, the story didn't contain any special quality to make me overlook them.
Now, if time jumps aren't something that bothers you, the story IS a sweet, light read. If you want to read a story about young love overcoming obstacles and finding a HEA, this is for you. The main characters in the novel are in love and willing to overcome a past filled with anger and guilt and heartache, so be prepared to love and hate the situation and/or characters. You will hate a certain someone for doing something only to fall head over heels for them once you dig deeper into the backstory. This is a cute story for when you need to read about love overcoming the obstacles life will inevitably through at you. So, pick it up, take your time, and enjoy the roller coaster.
April 16, 2018
I think this is S.J. Sylvis' debut book???.... The cover is gorgeous. Let me tell you, I was deep in this book. I didn't know if Sadie and Rowen were going to make it through the end. In the beginning, they had the sweet, young love you experience at a young age. Where that relationship takes over everything, he or she is their whole world, wrapped up in the Sadie and Rowen world. Until a horrible evening at work goes wrong. Sadie has to overcome so much without the one love by her side. Reading about her triumph's and her emotions during her recovery time was pretty heartbreaking. I just wanted to hug her, and tell her 'everything is ok'. Rowen dug himself his own grave, when he didn't do what he shoulda done. Their life apart sounded miserable. 3 summers of them seeing each other before they go separate ways to college. Are they meant to be? hmmm....But enough, I don't want to give away too much. I loved this book. Ms. Sylvis did a great job at wrapping up questions I had in my mind toward the end. I actually loved it. I highly recommend.
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bookstagrammer--tweezyreads
May 1, 2018
Okay so I’ve seen a few people post about this book on release day and the cover is gorgeous so I thought I would pick it up! However, I was extremely disappointed. This book had so much promise, and then all of a sudden it didn’t. The story started out strong and grabbed my attention, but then the flash backs happened and they were poorly done and so confusing! I felt the author rushed certain parts during the flashbacks then dragged out non important parts and skipped some parts all together that I personally thought were needed and would’ve made the story better. I can definitely tell this is a debut novel, but I would give this author another chance just because I think she has great potential and and takes an interesting approach to story telling.
Side note: Editing is a big part of any novel written and this book had several mistakes. Missing words, misspelled words, wrong words, wrong tenses. It seems like the deeper I got in the book the more mistakes I found. Like an editor maybe got lazy the further they got in the book. I can look over a few mistakes but several mistakes really takes the magic out of a book, and makes it hard to concentrate.
Side note: Editing is a big part of any novel written and this book had several mistakes. Missing words, misspelled words, wrong words, wrong tenses. It seems like the deeper I got in the book the more mistakes I found. Like an editor maybe got lazy the further they got in the book. I can look over a few mistakes but several mistakes really takes the magic out of a book, and makes it hard to concentrate.
April 25, 2018
This debut novel by SJ Sylvis blew me away. She has an incredible knack for telling a story and having it play out like a movie in your mind. I could see this as a TV series where each summer is a season. This coming of age tale beautifully captures a love that begins out small and innocent and blooms into a soul-altering love. It transcends all logic as a bond is formed so tight that nothing will rattle or break it. I was hooked and in love with this story from the very first chapter. I didn't even see my parents wave as they drove by one afternoon because I was that engrossed in the story. It consumed me that much.
Sadie is a high school senior about to set out on this adventure of life. All that comes crashing down in one night, crumbling into ruins. She then has to pick up the tattered shards and sew them back together. The growth Sadie journeys through is moving hard, and excellently told. She overcomes a lot, stays true to herself, and refuses to give in without a fight. Even if that fight is following her heart and not her heads advice. She has risen to be one of my favorite young adult characters.
One thing that was refreshing, was her parents, their relationship, and their relationship with her. Her family supported her and loved her. It's not every day I read a story where the parents are still together. I loved that they were. I loved their part in this story and how much they showed unconditional love and acceptance. Best feeling ever.
Rowen is the first love of Sadie. He is young and has as much growning up to do as Sadie did. At first, I wanted to throttle him. He was not my favorite character at all. I was like 'Sadie, you can do SO much better.' About halfway through, I was hit with how well this author made him grow. It was like watching a boy make mistakes, own them, learn from them, and turn into an amazing man. Once he got to that point, he really stepped up and crushed his past to fight for his future. I loved how he knew Sadie better than she knew herself.
The supporting characters were well written. Some survived just a summer in Sadie's life, but others were around for the whole story. It is very much like real life. Their support and belief in Sadie made me smile. They were true friends that stood by her. I did have a shocker moment near the end with a 'friend' of hers. Took me by surprise. This story showed how big Sadie's heart is, and why forgiving and being happy take over any negativity you might find.
James was a neat character. I loved how he provided her with guidance that had no motive than to help her grow. He just wanted her to be the best Sadie ever. That man reminded me of my PopPopl <3
I haven't had a young adult story like this in a while. It was wonderfully written and took me on a complete journey. The plot was followed through and I wasn't left with any questions. Given the age of the characters, I thought the ending fit. It was a happy for now ending. Now don't get me wrong, I'd love another novella to be about the following summer LOL.
If young college age stories are your favorite, then you need to add this to your list. I give it 5 pointe shoes. It was well written, intriguing, engaging, and fun to read. I could see myself reading it again and again. Definitely, recommend this story!
Sadie is a high school senior about to set out on this adventure of life. All that comes crashing down in one night, crumbling into ruins. She then has to pick up the tattered shards and sew them back together. The growth Sadie journeys through is moving hard, and excellently told. She overcomes a lot, stays true to herself, and refuses to give in without a fight. Even if that fight is following her heart and not her heads advice. She has risen to be one of my favorite young adult characters.
One thing that was refreshing, was her parents, their relationship, and their relationship with her. Her family supported her and loved her. It's not every day I read a story where the parents are still together. I loved that they were. I loved their part in this story and how much they showed unconditional love and acceptance. Best feeling ever.
Rowen is the first love of Sadie. He is young and has as much growning up to do as Sadie did. At first, I wanted to throttle him. He was not my favorite character at all. I was like 'Sadie, you can do SO much better.' About halfway through, I was hit with how well this author made him grow. It was like watching a boy make mistakes, own them, learn from them, and turn into an amazing man. Once he got to that point, he really stepped up and crushed his past to fight for his future. I loved how he knew Sadie better than she knew herself.
The supporting characters were well written. Some survived just a summer in Sadie's life, but others were around for the whole story. It is very much like real life. Their support and belief in Sadie made me smile. They were true friends that stood by her. I did have a shocker moment near the end with a 'friend' of hers. Took me by surprise. This story showed how big Sadie's heart is, and why forgiving and being happy take over any negativity you might find.
James was a neat character. I loved how he provided her with guidance that had no motive than to help her grow. He just wanted her to be the best Sadie ever. That man reminded me of my PopPopl <3
I haven't had a young adult story like this in a while. It was wonderfully written and took me on a complete journey. The plot was followed through and I wasn't left with any questions. Given the age of the characters, I thought the ending fit. It was a happy for now ending. Now don't get me wrong, I'd love another novella to be about the following summer LOL.
If young college age stories are your favorite, then you need to add this to your list. I give it 5 pointe shoes. It was well written, intriguing, engaging, and fun to read. I could see myself reading it again and again. Definitely, recommend this story!
April 16, 2018
Oh this book just makes me want to rewind about 25 years to when I was a lifeguard at our small town country club during my college Summers...young love - flirting and finding trouble with coworkers - hoping for thunderstorms to close the pool early - and of course, the Country Club and small town gossip.
First off - just look at this cover! It is gorgeous - the colors are perfect for telling the story of "Three Summers". It is bright, sweet, and promising. I went into this book thinking that was exactly how it was going to be - but the author surprises you in the Prologue, and she had me hooked from there.
This book tells the story of a second-chance romance between Sadie - the sweet, innocent, beautiful, and broken girl; and Rowen - her first love who she fell for in high school, and who continues to weave his way in and out of her life for several years following. Their story is surprising, sexy, passionate, and will have you laughing while holding your breath for the outcome. Rowen will make you swoon; and their friends who you meet along the way make you feel like you are back in the dorms, at house parties, and living college life to the fullest! I was hooked from the beginning and could not put it down until the last page. The only thing I would have wished for was an Epilogue! Well done SJ Sylvis...I am a fan!
First off - just look at this cover! It is gorgeous - the colors are perfect for telling the story of "Three Summers". It is bright, sweet, and promising. I went into this book thinking that was exactly how it was going to be - but the author surprises you in the Prologue, and she had me hooked from there.
This book tells the story of a second-chance romance between Sadie - the sweet, innocent, beautiful, and broken girl; and Rowen - her first love who she fell for in high school, and who continues to weave his way in and out of her life for several years following. Their story is surprising, sexy, passionate, and will have you laughing while holding your breath for the outcome. Rowen will make you swoon; and their friends who you meet along the way make you feel like you are back in the dorms, at house parties, and living college life to the fullest! I was hooked from the beginning and could not put it down until the last page. The only thing I would have wished for was an Epilogue! Well done SJ Sylvis...I am a fan!
April 23, 2018
Oh my gosh! This book is amazing! I can't believe that it's her first book.
This was an emotional roller coaster ride. It has laugh out loud moments and moments when I wanted to cry. It even had moments when I wanted to throw it across the room.
"I shake my head and shift my attention out the window, focusing on the red bricks that hold up my house They look so fresh and unsoiled, and I fleetingly wonder what it would feel like to be refreshed and have a clean slate in front of me. The memories of Rowen, Samantha, and the last year weigh me down like all of those bricks are laying on my chest. If I were made of bricks, they'd all be scratchy, decaying, and full of cracks. I want to feel whole again. I want to erase every memory of Rowen and the attack. I want to erase it all. I never want to remember how he made me feel, and I especially don't want to remember the after effects of that night. I've done so good at accepting what happened but coming face to face with Rowen again... that is making it really freaking hard to keep my sanity."
I absolutely fell in love with Sadie and Rowen. I love their story and how they had to get over the events in their past. I only wish we could have more of their story! I totally want to get to know them way more!
"'When I said to forgive but never forget, I didn't mean for the never forgetting part to ruin your present. Never forgetting don't mean you need to be held back from what your heart wants; it just means you gotta be stronger. Willing to fight so that thing you're never forgetting, don't happen again.'"
I totally recommend this beautiful second chance romance to anyone who loves romance!
This was an emotional roller coaster ride. It has laugh out loud moments and moments when I wanted to cry. It even had moments when I wanted to throw it across the room.
"I shake my head and shift my attention out the window, focusing on the red bricks that hold up my house They look so fresh and unsoiled, and I fleetingly wonder what it would feel like to be refreshed and have a clean slate in front of me. The memories of Rowen, Samantha, and the last year weigh me down like all of those bricks are laying on my chest. If I were made of bricks, they'd all be scratchy, decaying, and full of cracks. I want to feel whole again. I want to erase every memory of Rowen and the attack. I want to erase it all. I never want to remember how he made me feel, and I especially don't want to remember the after effects of that night. I've done so good at accepting what happened but coming face to face with Rowen again... that is making it really freaking hard to keep my sanity."
I absolutely fell in love with Sadie and Rowen. I love their story and how they had to get over the events in their past. I only wish we could have more of their story! I totally want to get to know them way more!
"'When I said to forgive but never forget, I didn't mean for the never forgetting part to ruin your present. Never forgetting don't mean you need to be held back from what your heart wants; it just means you gotta be stronger. Willing to fight so that thing you're never forgetting, don't happen again.'"
I totally recommend this beautiful second chance romance to anyone who loves romance!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2018
Let me start by saying that i've had a copy (or three?) of THREE SUMMERS in my recycle bin folder for weeks now. And i've resisted the urge to restore those files every single day up until I recieved my ARC of the book. I wanted to wait to read it on my Kindle rather than as a word document on my laptop.
It was hard.
It was so freaking hard.
You know that feeling when you're at work and a CoHO book is burning a hole in your kindle? That was me. I was dying to read it and forcing myself not to.
BUT THE WAIT WAS WORTH IT!
I fell in love with Sadie and Rowan's love story from the very first page.
I rooted for them from that very first page.
And I fell in love with S. J Sylvis' writing style from that very first page.
This book was so heartwarming and full of so much love; from the main characters to the secondary characters and everything in between.
I found myself crying and laughing for Sadie and Rowan through out this entire book!
One of my favorite things about it was that we don't see in-between the summers.
So you never really know what the next summer is going to hold because every summer
brings new challenges. And at times you just want to punch Rowan in the face. But then he does something and you just want to pull him to you and love him.
Perfection.
This is a PERFECT debut novel.
You nailed it girl!
It was hard.
It was so freaking hard.
You know that feeling when you're at work and a CoHO book is burning a hole in your kindle? That was me. I was dying to read it and forcing myself not to.
BUT THE WAIT WAS WORTH IT!
I fell in love with Sadie and Rowan's love story from the very first page.
I rooted for them from that very first page.
And I fell in love with S. J Sylvis' writing style from that very first page.
This book was so heartwarming and full of so much love; from the main characters to the secondary characters and everything in between.
I found myself crying and laughing for Sadie and Rowan through out this entire book!
One of my favorite things about it was that we don't see in-between the summers.
So you never really know what the next summer is going to hold because every summer
brings new challenges. And at times you just want to punch Rowan in the face. But then he does something and you just want to pull him to you and love him.
Perfection.
This is a PERFECT debut novel.
You nailed it girl!
April 30, 2020
A heartfelt second chance romance about losing love, overcoming some of life’s most difficult obstacles, and finding love once again. A painful and redemptive story of forgiveness.
Blurb: Rowen and Sadie are one of the cutest couples in their small North Carolina town, but when tragedy strikes, Sadie is left beaten and broken on the floor of her workplace. Now without a boy friend and a best friend, Sadie tries to pick up the pieces of her shattered life.
So when Rowen tries to enter the picture again and apologize for everything that went down, Sadie doesn’t make it easy for him. Can these two make love bloom again and will Sadie ever move past her fear of Rowen abandoning her?
There is a lot of push and pull in this story. Basically it takes three summers for Sadie to decide if she still wants Rowen back in her life. I love Sylvis because her steam scenes are so beautiful, but I initially had a hard time being drawn into this story! The beginning and end are amazing, but the middle, with Sadie’s indecisiveness, drove me a little bonkers. This was a sweet second chance romance and a quick read for sure!
Blurb: Rowen and Sadie are one of the cutest couples in their small North Carolina town, but when tragedy strikes, Sadie is left beaten and broken on the floor of her workplace. Now without a boy friend and a best friend, Sadie tries to pick up the pieces of her shattered life.
So when Rowen tries to enter the picture again and apologize for everything that went down, Sadie doesn’t make it easy for him. Can these two make love bloom again and will Sadie ever move past her fear of Rowen abandoning her?
There is a lot of push and pull in this story. Basically it takes three summers for Sadie to decide if she still wants Rowen back in her life. I love Sylvis because her steam scenes are so beautiful, but I initially had a hard time being drawn into this story! The beginning and end are amazing, but the middle, with Sadie’s indecisiveness, drove me a little bonkers. This was a sweet second chance romance and a quick read for sure!
May 20, 2018
Oh my goodness. This book. This book!! What a beautiful, feed your soul and make you believe in true love sort of story.
It gave me all the feels. What a rollercoaster. My heart was so full, then broken, then full again, repeat.
I normally love my books loud and full of action and drama, and while the beginning and ending had that in spades, the middle turned out to be a quiet little story, that was so full of heart it didn’t need anything more. The characters drove every inch of this book, and I loved it.
The opening scene is one of the hookiest I’ve ever read, and this author’s writing style is the perfect blend of descriptive without being overly wordy. Guarantee, if you give this book a chance, you’ll be hooked before you finish the sample.
If you love slow burn, you’ll love this. It’s a super slow burn, which I normally hate, but I LOVED it here. It never got boring.
I don’t know what else to say. Other than, I demand Ms Sylvis turn this into a series. Pronto.
It gave me all the feels. What a rollercoaster. My heart was so full, then broken, then full again, repeat.
I normally love my books loud and full of action and drama, and while the beginning and ending had that in spades, the middle turned out to be a quiet little story, that was so full of heart it didn’t need anything more. The characters drove every inch of this book, and I loved it.
The opening scene is one of the hookiest I’ve ever read, and this author’s writing style is the perfect blend of descriptive without being overly wordy. Guarantee, if you give this book a chance, you’ll be hooked before you finish the sample.
If you love slow burn, you’ll love this. It’s a super slow burn, which I normally hate, but I LOVED it here. It never got boring.
I don’t know what else to say. Other than, I demand Ms Sylvis turn this into a series. Pronto.
April 29, 2018
This was such a good book. I couldn’t put it down. While a lot of romance books aren't very unique, I have to say that this one was. We start off with Sadie working when someone comes in and wants to rob the place. Sadie was badly injured and her boyfriend Rowen kind of just disappeared. This hurt her even more. Then we flash forward to the summer after everything happened. Sadie is slowly starting to heal and running in to Rowen at her summer job isn't easy. Feelings start to rise to the surface and while she is angry, she still cares. We read about three summers and each summer the question rises if Saide can forgive Rowen and if they can ever be together again? The author really got me to feel emotions for these characters. While I normally have a hard time with romances when I don't get both POVs that didn't bother me one bit during this book. It really was Sadie's story, so I think it was a good thing it was told this way. I love Sadie's family and friends and it's amazing to see how much confidence she gets back after finally letting her friends back in. Rowen annoyed me so much in the beginning. How dare he leave his girlfriend like that? Slowly he started melting my walls and became the bookboyfriend that I can appreciate. I would love to see more books about some of her friends we read about in this book. This is definitely an author I will be keeping an eye on.
Full review to come soon on: thebookdutchesses.com
Full review to come soon on: thebookdutchesses.com
June 18, 2019
What a cute and fun surprise addition to my summer reading!!! This was super cute!! I loved the Sarah Dessen vibes. This was also an absolutely perfect summer read. There's a good atmosphere of youth and summer fun written throughout this book. It made me very nostalgic for my youth. It's a great light-hearted, casual summer romance read and I am excited to read more from S.J. Sylvis in the future!
May 1, 2018
WOW !! Such a great first book from SJ Sylvis. I loved it. I could see this book being a movie someday. I can’t wait to read more books by this author. Especially because she will be growing as an author & her best is yet to come !! Kuddos on an awesome first book. You should be a proud young author 👍
April 19, 2018
This is SJS’s novel and it’s amazing!
Was such an easy read full of cuteness and gooey feels.
I really enjoyed the main characters, and the story!
Such a good book for a first timer! I can’t wait for more.
3 - 4 stars for this baby!
I couldn’t recommend it more for you to read 😘
Was such an easy read full of cuteness and gooey feels.
I really enjoyed the main characters, and the story!
Such a good book for a first timer! I can’t wait for more.
3 - 4 stars for this baby!
I couldn’t recommend it more for you to read 😘
May 1, 2018
Such a sweet story. I love Sadie and Rowan's story. In the end everyone was where they needed to be.
May 16, 2018
Where do I even start? My heart is just so happy right now. Sadie and Rowen are absolute sweethearts and the authors ability to write about such innocent love is out of this world! I felt everything the characters felt and emotionally invested in every action they took. At times, I wanted to jump in the book and tell them both off (but hey, that’s just me getting bossy). The slow build was perfect and I found myself enjoying EVERY SECOND of it. Good job Sammi, I’m forever a fan now!
July 18, 2018
This book is definitely not what I usually pick up. I tend to stay away from romances not because I don’t enjoy a good love story, but they all seem the same. That wasn’t the case with Three Summers. It has a really unique and interesting plot, following the main character, Sadie, over the course of three summers. Her story is one of perseverance, strength, heartache, and overcoming trauma. I enjoyed how the characters weren’t stagnant and the author gave them each a chance to develop from the beginning to the end. I can’t wait to read more books by this awesome author!
March 19, 2023
I thought this was a cute, endearing story of second chances between two characters who struggled with bad things happening to each other, the aftermath, and learning to love each other again. I wished there was more from Rowen's POV but I did enjoy their undying love. I enjoyed seeing Sadie working through her struggles and overcoming her fears. Overall, I enjoyed this sweet story.
February 9, 2023
I loved reading SJs first novel! This is very different from her English Prep and St Mary’s series, however it’s so adorable and had me rooting for the main couple from page 1!
July 17, 2018
I adored this book! It made me so nostalgic for my younger years. If you're looking for a fun, sweet, summer read, THREE SUMMERS is perfect!
August 20, 2018
How do you cope after an attack with a gun pointing at your face while the love of your life just looks on?
Traumatic doesn't even begin to describe what Sadie feels everytime she thinks about what happened at that time.
Forgiveness won't even be enough as she spends the next three summers with the one who broke her heart.
And love? Will there still be love after all that has transpired?
If it were me, I couldn't, for the love of all things godly, wouldn't be able to forget that attack, that nerve-wracking feeling of having to look behind your back, praying that you'd be safe, and that someone out there would be willing to risk his life for you. I could feel Sadie's pain, hurt, confusion and disbelief at the same time. It was a harrowing experience neither Sadie nor I would ever want anyone else to encounter.
Three Summers by S. J. Sylvis greatly tugs at your heartstrings threefold. I am telling you, it's been not one but three waves of emotions and helluva roller coaster ride with Sadie and Rowen in this captivating story of love, struggles, trauma and forgiveness. Miss Sylvis first book already has a place in my heart, and I know this isn't the only book that I am going to read from her.
4.5 stars
Traumatic doesn't even begin to describe what Sadie feels everytime she thinks about what happened at that time.
Forgiveness won't even be enough as she spends the next three summers with the one who broke her heart.
And love? Will there still be love after all that has transpired?
If it were me, I couldn't, for the love of all things godly, wouldn't be able to forget that attack, that nerve-wracking feeling of having to look behind your back, praying that you'd be safe, and that someone out there would be willing to risk his life for you. I could feel Sadie's pain, hurt, confusion and disbelief at the same time. It was a harrowing experience neither Sadie nor I would ever want anyone else to encounter.
Three Summers by S. J. Sylvis greatly tugs at your heartstrings threefold. I am telling you, it's been not one but three waves of emotions and helluva roller coaster ride with Sadie and Rowen in this captivating story of love, struggles, trauma and forgiveness. Miss Sylvis first book already has a place in my heart, and I know this isn't the only book that I am going to read from her.
4.5 stars
February 6, 2023
This is a lovely, sweet story about first love and second chances.
Rowan and Sadie are high school sweethearts until an unexpected, violent event happens to them and tears them apart. Three Summers is the telling of the three summer holiday periods that follow, as Rowan and Sadie head home from college for the summer holidays, to art time jobs, home town friends, and a path back to each other.
I loved the way the book is formatted, focusing primarily on the summer months and heading back to school with either a step forward in their relationship or a final end to it, to contemplate in the coming school year.
It's written almost exclusively from Sadie’s perspective, but there’s no doubt about Rowan’s feelings as the story moves forward, we get those necessary insights when we need them.
It's very light on heat, and light on angst and a sweet, enjoyable read.
Rowan and Sadie are high school sweethearts until an unexpected, violent event happens to them and tears them apart. Three Summers is the telling of the three summer holiday periods that follow, as Rowan and Sadie head home from college for the summer holidays, to art time jobs, home town friends, and a path back to each other.
I loved the way the book is formatted, focusing primarily on the summer months and heading back to school with either a step forward in their relationship or a final end to it, to contemplate in the coming school year.
It's written almost exclusively from Sadie’s perspective, but there’s no doubt about Rowan’s feelings as the story moves forward, we get those necessary insights when we need them.
It's very light on heat, and light on angst and a sweet, enjoyable read.
June 12, 2025
Three Summers by S.J. Sylvis....
This is the second book I have read by S.J. Sylvis, and it was a vast difference from Rush the Edge...
Three Summers is a slow-moving story about Sadie and Rowan, who were high school sweethearts and had a tragic encounter in their senior year, after which they drifted apart. S.J. Sylvis takes you on their second chance journey for the next three summers after their first year in separate colleges.
You find out who your friends are and how much a misunderstanding can send you down a different path than what you always knew you were meant to be on. It's about finding the courage to let your heart decide on forgiveness and moving on to happily ever after.
I enjoyed this story, but I gave it four stars because I didn't feel like we got a lot of information in the epilogue about the future.
This is the second book I have read by S.J. Sylvis, and it was a vast difference from Rush the Edge...
Three Summers is a slow-moving story about Sadie and Rowan, who were high school sweethearts and had a tragic encounter in their senior year, after which they drifted apart. S.J. Sylvis takes you on their second chance journey for the next three summers after their first year in separate colleges.
You find out who your friends are and how much a misunderstanding can send you down a different path than what you always knew you were meant to be on. It's about finding the courage to let your heart decide on forgiveness and moving on to happily ever after.
I enjoyed this story, but I gave it four stars because I didn't feel like we got a lot of information in the epilogue about the future.
May 1, 2018
I'm honestly at a loss here. I had high hopes and expectations but due to all the grammar errors and missing words in sentences I have been struggling with reading it. The errors take away from the story and what the author is trying to portray. I've found myself stopping mutiple times to figure out with the sentence was SUPPOSED to say.
Overall the plot has the potential to be great. The twists of a first true love and all that comes with it like heart break. The trials that the main characters go through make the story very interesting. I really could have seen this book go some place great.
Overall the plot has the potential to be great. The twists of a first true love and all that comes with it like heart break. The trials that the main characters go through make the story very interesting. I really could have seen this book go some place great.
January 31, 2023
This was such a good read!
Sammi is one of my all time favorite authors, but I have never read a contemporary romance by her! And I adored it!
Rowen and Sadie had a chemistry that was unbelievable strong! And even if this book was a slowburn you could see from the first moment they meet that they had that kind of special love!
Loved to follow their story and see them grow both separately and together! The storyline was really well developed and even tho it was big time jumps it never felt too fast paced!
Loved the writing as always when it was Sammi💓
I would really recommend this book if you want a cute read! Also if you love second chance romance this is the book to read😉
Sammi is one of my all time favorite authors, but I have never read a contemporary romance by her! And I adored it!
Rowen and Sadie had a chemistry that was unbelievable strong! And even if this book was a slowburn you could see from the first moment they meet that they had that kind of special love!
Loved to follow their story and see them grow both separately and together! The storyline was really well developed and even tho it was big time jumps it never felt too fast paced!
Loved the writing as always when it was Sammi💓
I would really recommend this book if you want a cute read! Also if you love second chance romance this is the book to read😉
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