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That Long Lost Summer
A gorgeous and bittersweet romance set in the South of France, about an old passion rekindled and the choice between family loyalty and a great love.
Flora and Hugo are devoted to their children, but when their girls leave home for university, their lives seem empty. Hugo is cold and distant, leaving Flora unsure what their future holds. When they are invited to a friend's villa in the South of France, Flora hopes the summer sun and gorgeous setting may bring them closer together. In a crumbling, picturesque villa in the luscious French countryside, they are introduced to Susie, Matt and their friends. Flora is surprised to meet Xavier, her old flame, who she fell in love with one long lost summer when she was eighteen. They parted suddenly all those years ago, leaving Flora wondering, what if...
Handsome, passionate, sensitive, Xavier is so different from her reliable, predictable Hugo. Both Flora and Xavier have moved on with their lives, but is there something that still lingers between them? Or will Flora's devotion to her children, and her loyalty to Hugo, show her where her true heart lies...
- GenresFiction
199 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 18, 2019
15 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 25, 2019
This was a beautiful gentle read of lost moments and lost love. Hugo and Flora didn't know how to be with each other when their daughters left home. So to find their lost passion, they went on a holiday to French countryside where they met with Susie, Matt and their friends. Entered Xavier, Flora's long lost love when she was 18. And passion and memories rekindled. But Flora was married. She had to decide.
My first book by Minna Howard, this story saw me holding back my tears as I read about their lost summer. Flora and Xavier knew they were made for each other. But somehow they were not free to be with each other. Minna has brought out the angst between them powerfully. I kept hoping that they would get together even though I don't like the idea of a marriage breaking up.
The depth of the feelings described by the author had me reflecting on my lost love and the memories. I was hit by a bittersweet emotion as I read the story. Interspersed between the love, there were laughter and fun with the friends. The writing flowed smoothly, and I was struck by the lovable characters who made their decisions which were apt for them.
A beautiful heart touching read, no doubt.
My first book by Minna Howard, this story saw me holding back my tears as I read about their lost summer. Flora and Xavier knew they were made for each other. But somehow they were not free to be with each other. Minna has brought out the angst between them powerfully. I kept hoping that they would get together even though I don't like the idea of a marriage breaking up.
The depth of the feelings described by the author had me reflecting on my lost love and the memories. I was hit by a bittersweet emotion as I read the story. Interspersed between the love, there were laughter and fun with the friends. The writing flowed smoothly, and I was struck by the lovable characters who made their decisions which were apt for them.
A beautiful heart touching read, no doubt.
July 23, 2019
Interested in a story about the rekindling of an old romance set in the South of France? Absolutely, and please sign me up for that! I loved this lovely read about a couple, Flora and Hugo, whose daughters have left home for college. When you start a family and all your attention and love seem to get passed on to your children, and the relationship you are left with end up being more like stale bread than that hot in the oven fresh baked cookies - well, that is what happened here with Flora and Hugo. So, what better place to light up that stagnant love but in the beautiful setting of a French countryside in a picturesque villa. Everything seems to go as planned until your first love, the handsome and ever so passionate Xavier shows up.
Read this amazing book and you will find out where Flora's heart lands in this beautiful story. The writing is superb with good flow, and kept my interest until the very end. The characters are lovable and realistic, and you will fall in love with them. I highly recommend this book for a nice read about first loves and the choices we make for our commitments and family.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Aria Fiction and the author for the opportunity to read this wonderful book as an ecopy.
Read this amazing book and you will find out where Flora's heart lands in this beautiful story. The writing is superb with good flow, and kept my interest until the very end. The characters are lovable and realistic, and you will fall in love with them. I highly recommend this book for a nice read about first loves and the choices we make for our commitments and family.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Aria Fiction and the author for the opportunity to read this wonderful book as an ecopy.
July 30, 2019
This is a novel I fell into, heart and soul .. it's a gorgeous read, and especially enjoyable in summertime.
We join Flora and Hugo as they arrive at the villa to find that others have also been invited to share the family's new inheritance which in an idyllic location. Whilst Flora is keen to embark on their new relationship, Hugo seems to be rather aloof and distracted. When owners Suzie and Matt introduce them to the others in the group, Flora is surprised to find her teenage boyfriend amongst them - a relationship which never did run it's course. How will Flora cope with being in close proximity to the very attractive Xavier whilst being on the receiving end of Hugo's chilly demeanour?
I loved everything about this book; the fabulous array of characters, the superb location and the relationships between all the guests. I read this at my leisure during the recent hot spell, and it's a novel to sink into and relish. The author displays a real understanding of friendships, lovers and so much more - it's a story with hidden undertones, beautifully written and quite sumptuous to read and the ending is just sublime! It definitely shows Minna Howard's skill and flair and has put this author onto my radar, without a doubt. Absolutely worth a full five stars!
We join Flora and Hugo as they arrive at the villa to find that others have also been invited to share the family's new inheritance which in an idyllic location. Whilst Flora is keen to embark on their new relationship, Hugo seems to be rather aloof and distracted. When owners Suzie and Matt introduce them to the others in the group, Flora is surprised to find her teenage boyfriend amongst them - a relationship which never did run it's course. How will Flora cope with being in close proximity to the very attractive Xavier whilst being on the receiving end of Hugo's chilly demeanour?
I loved everything about this book; the fabulous array of characters, the superb location and the relationships between all the guests. I read this at my leisure during the recent hot spell, and it's a novel to sink into and relish. The author displays a real understanding of friendships, lovers and so much more - it's a story with hidden undertones, beautifully written and quite sumptuous to read and the ending is just sublime! It definitely shows Minna Howard's skill and flair and has put this author onto my radar, without a doubt. Absolutely worth a full five stars!
February 19, 2020
Thank you to Netgalley for a pre publication copy. In return for an honest review! #thatlonglostsummer #netgalley
Flora and her husband Hugo are invited to their friends french villa. Their children have both flown the nest and are at university in the USA. Flora and Hugo have not seen their friends for many years since their move. This is the perfect combination for a South of France holiday to find themselves as a couple. They've never had to spend time togetheras soon as they were married they had their first child quickly becoming a family. However on their first day Floras old flame Xavier who shes not seen in 20 years is their. Is this holiday going to be what it seems? Can Flora and Hugo rectify their relationship.
The title attracted me to this book. It gave a summer romance vibe, from those few words!
This book makes you laugh, cry and hold your breath as you go through Floras journey of resurrecting her marriage.
This book is a great summer romance read. Although their are some emotional subjects included in this book such as adoption/family fostering, adultery and death. I do not feel this takes away from the summer feel of the book.
I felt an emotional connection with all the characters. All the characters were strong individuals who merged fantastically together to create a fab novel.
The book was beautifully paced between new experiences and it not being rushed or too slow. Whilst still getting everything i wanted and needed from ir.
I would love a sequel of them all reuniting at the villa maybe in another 10 years or so to see how things have changed or maybe not.
Flora and her husband Hugo are invited to their friends french villa. Their children have both flown the nest and are at university in the USA. Flora and Hugo have not seen their friends for many years since their move. This is the perfect combination for a South of France holiday to find themselves as a couple. They've never had to spend time togetheras soon as they were married they had their first child quickly becoming a family. However on their first day Floras old flame Xavier who shes not seen in 20 years is their. Is this holiday going to be what it seems? Can Flora and Hugo rectify their relationship.
The title attracted me to this book. It gave a summer romance vibe, from those few words!
This book makes you laugh, cry and hold your breath as you go through Floras journey of resurrecting her marriage.
This book is a great summer romance read. Although their are some emotional subjects included in this book such as adoption/family fostering, adultery and death. I do not feel this takes away from the summer feel of the book.
I felt an emotional connection with all the characters. All the characters were strong individuals who merged fantastically together to create a fab novel.
The book was beautifully paced between new experiences and it not being rushed or too slow. Whilst still getting everything i wanted and needed from ir.
I would love a sequel of them all reuniting at the villa maybe in another 10 years or so to see how things have changed or maybe not.
July 25, 2020
Flora and Hugo have been invited to stay in their friends villa in the South of France and Flora thinks that it is just what they need, their daughters have both just left home for uni in the States and Hugo is struggling with their absence. When they arrive Flora is amazed to find one of the other guests is Xavier, an old flame from a summer in Norfolk 20 years ago, and there was definitely unfinished business there! So with the sparks flying between Flora and Xavier and Hugo deserting her to go sailing with an acquaintance that he bumped into it, and going totally off radar it is going to be an interesting holiday!
A great book to get you ready for your summer holidays, plenty of descriptions of the sunshine and the great area in the South of France and plenty of fun and angst to keep you interested. Perfect beach read
A great book to get you ready for your summer holidays, plenty of descriptions of the sunshine and the great area in the South of France and plenty of fun and angst to keep you interested. Perfect beach read
December 30, 2020
French Romance
Flora's daughters have gone to uni overseas and her husband is sulking. Her friend has invited them to her villa along with some other friends for a summer break. It's there that Flora runs into her first love and the sparks are still flying. Her husband is ignoring her and she wishes she wasn't married just then. Lovely entertaining read. Thoroughly enjoyable.
Flora's daughters have gone to uni overseas and her husband is sulking. Her friend has invited them to her villa along with some other friends for a summer break. It's there that Flora runs into her first love and the sparks are still flying. Her husband is ignoring her and she wishes she wasn't married just then. Lovely entertaining read. Thoroughly enjoyable.
January 22, 2026
Its a cute summer romance novel, that can actually stir a lot of new emotions and questions even in the readers life.
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July 29, 2019The Blurb :
A gorgeous and bittersweet romance set in the South of France, about an old passion rekindled and the choice between family loyalty and a great love.
Flora and Hugo are devoted to their children, but when their girls leave home for university, their lives seem empty. Hugo is cold and distant, leaving Flora unsure what their future holds. When they are invited to a friend's villa in the South of France, Flora hopes the summer sun and gorgeous setting may bring them closer together. In a crumbling, picturesque villa in the luscious French countryside, they are introduced to Susie, Matt and their friends. Flora is surprised to meet Xavier, her old flame, who she fell in love with one long lost summer when she was eighteen. They parted suddenly all those years ago, leaving Flora wondering, what if...
Handsome, passionate, sensitive, Xavier is so different from her reliable, predictable Hugo. Both Flora and Xavier have moved on with their lives, but is there something that still lingers between them? Or will Flora's devotion to her children, and her loyalty to Hugo, show her where her true heart lies...
My Thoughts :
Flora and Hugo no longer think they want to be with each other, their children have flown the nest and gone to Uni. And they really dont know how to be anymore.
When they get invited to France to spend some time in a villa with friends they decide to go as they feel this is what they need to ignite the spark again.
Once there Flora is shocked to come face to face with her past and first love in the form of Xavier, an ex boyfriend she met all those years ago when she was just 18.
Do old feeling resurface and do they both still feel the same or has time moved on and both Flora and Xavier keep the past in the past?!.
We get to meet an array of supporting characters in the villa and it was great learning more about them and their place in the story.
Minna Howard delivers a beautiful story with plenty of what ifs, reminiscing, memories and secrets that will leave you wanting more, she has the perfect descriptions and attention to detail, the story really drags you in on to the core of the action.
Looking forward to more from this Author.
A gorgeous and bittersweet romance set in the South of France, about an old passion rekindled and the choice between family loyalty and a great love.
Flora and Hugo are devoted to their children, but when their girls leave home for university, their lives seem empty. Hugo is cold and distant, leaving Flora unsure what their future holds. When they are invited to a friend's villa in the South of France, Flora hopes the summer sun and gorgeous setting may bring them closer together. In a crumbling, picturesque villa in the luscious French countryside, they are introduced to Susie, Matt and their friends. Flora is surprised to meet Xavier, her old flame, who she fell in love with one long lost summer when she was eighteen. They parted suddenly all those years ago, leaving Flora wondering, what if...
Handsome, passionate, sensitive, Xavier is so different from her reliable, predictable Hugo. Both Flora and Xavier have moved on with their lives, but is there something that still lingers between them? Or will Flora's devotion to her children, and her loyalty to Hugo, show her where her true heart lies...
My Thoughts :
Flora and Hugo no longer think they want to be with each other, their children have flown the nest and gone to Uni. And they really dont know how to be anymore.
When they get invited to France to spend some time in a villa with friends they decide to go as they feel this is what they need to ignite the spark again.
Once there Flora is shocked to come face to face with her past and first love in the form of Xavier, an ex boyfriend she met all those years ago when she was just 18.
Do old feeling resurface and do they both still feel the same or has time moved on and both Flora and Xavier keep the past in the past?!.
We get to meet an array of supporting characters in the villa and it was great learning more about them and their place in the story.
Minna Howard delivers a beautiful story with plenty of what ifs, reminiscing, memories and secrets that will leave you wanting more, she has the perfect descriptions and attention to detail, the story really drags you in on to the core of the action.
Looking forward to more from this Author.
September 13, 2019
Flora is invited to spend some time in her friend Susie's villa in the south of France. She hopes it will rekindle her relationship with her husband Hugo. Hugo is suffering from "empty nest syndrome," because their two daughters have left home to attend university in the United States. Despite the beautiful and romantic setting, Hugo seems uninterested in rebuilding his relationship with Flora, and instead chooses to leave the villa and go yachting with a acquaintance he ran into at the harbor near the villa where they are staying. Of course, Flora is hurt that he doesn't seem to want to work on their relationship.
Flora is surprised to learn that one of the other guests staying at Susie's villa is Xavier, an old flame whom she fell in love while on summer vacation when she was 18 years old. Their love was instantaneous and deep, but for some unknown reason Xavier had left the beachside resort where their families were staying without even saying goodbye.
Throughout the book, Flora struggles with her conflicting feelings for Hugo and Xavier. She admits that perhaps her relationship with Hugo has grown a bit platonic, and yearns for the hot youthful romance she had with Xavier. Will she stay in her marriage, or seek out the relationship she's always dreamed about?
I'll be honest--her indecision frustrated me at times. One minute it seems like she's going to leave Hugo and fall back into a relationship with Xavier. The next minute she's thinking that she can't leave Hugo, despite the fact that he is basically ignoring her.
I like the fact that the story takes you away to the beauty and sites of southern France. But Flora's continuing indecision -- almost a lack of strength and confidence -- wears on me. Even at the end of the book, I don't feel like she's really resolved some of her deeper feelings about the two men. (She does make a decision, but it seems like its a decision based on habit versus what she might really need in a relationship at that point in her life.) But maybe that's what life is really like -- we sometimes make half-hearted decisions based on a fear of moving into unknown territory? We prefer to stay with the predictable rather than seek out what could make our life better?
Flora is surprised to learn that one of the other guests staying at Susie's villa is Xavier, an old flame whom she fell in love while on summer vacation when she was 18 years old. Their love was instantaneous and deep, but for some unknown reason Xavier had left the beachside resort where their families were staying without even saying goodbye.
Throughout the book, Flora struggles with her conflicting feelings for Hugo and Xavier. She admits that perhaps her relationship with Hugo has grown a bit platonic, and yearns for the hot youthful romance she had with Xavier. Will she stay in her marriage, or seek out the relationship she's always dreamed about?
I'll be honest--her indecision frustrated me at times. One minute it seems like she's going to leave Hugo and fall back into a relationship with Xavier. The next minute she's thinking that she can't leave Hugo, despite the fact that he is basically ignoring her.
I like the fact that the story takes you away to the beauty and sites of southern France. But Flora's continuing indecision -- almost a lack of strength and confidence -- wears on me. Even at the end of the book, I don't feel like she's really resolved some of her deeper feelings about the two men. (She does make a decision, but it seems like its a decision based on habit versus what she might really need in a relationship at that point in her life.) But maybe that's what life is really like -- we sometimes make half-hearted decisions based on a fear of moving into unknown territory? We prefer to stay with the predictable rather than seek out what could make our life better?
July 26, 2019
What a wonderful book! I flew through this and loved the setting. I've never been to the south of France and it's on my bucket list of places to go.
Flora and Hugo are a couple who have two daughters who are at university in the USA. They miss them and Flora is really happy when friends invite them to their villa. Hugo is a misery guts right from the start and I didn't like him at all. He's rude immature and self-centred. The couple traveled a lot as he works for a travel company.
The friends and acquaintances have not seen each other in a while as life has taken them all in different directions. Flora feels like it's a breath of fresh air when Xavier, her old flame is there, He's now remarried and has a young son but her feelings for Xavier have never dwindled. She and they wonder about the what ifs and remember their good times.
Minna Howard creates a wonderful atmosphere in both the house and surrounding area and really delves into people's feelings and relationships. I felt sorry for Flora and wished Hugo wasn't there but any couple would sometimes think that a break away might fix things as Flora hoped. I admired her for her courage and determination to not let Hugh ruin her holiday but at times was thinking why does she put up with his attitude?
That Long Lost Summer is feelgood, detailed and atmospheric and Xavier is a real gentleman. I loved every page of the book.
Thanks to Minna Howard and Aria for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review. 5 stars.
Flora and Hugo are a couple who have two daughters who are at university in the USA. They miss them and Flora is really happy when friends invite them to their villa. Hugo is a misery guts right from the start and I didn't like him at all. He's rude immature and self-centred. The couple traveled a lot as he works for a travel company.
The friends and acquaintances have not seen each other in a while as life has taken them all in different directions. Flora feels like it's a breath of fresh air when Xavier, her old flame is there, He's now remarried and has a young son but her feelings for Xavier have never dwindled. She and they wonder about the what ifs and remember their good times.
Minna Howard creates a wonderful atmosphere in both the house and surrounding area and really delves into people's feelings and relationships. I felt sorry for Flora and wished Hugo wasn't there but any couple would sometimes think that a break away might fix things as Flora hoped. I admired her for her courage and determination to not let Hugh ruin her holiday but at times was thinking why does she put up with his attitude?
That Long Lost Summer is feelgood, detailed and atmospheric and Xavier is a real gentleman. I loved every page of the book.
Thanks to Minna Howard and Aria for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review. 5 stars.
July 18, 2019
A thoughtful story of first love, mature love after children have flown the nest and friendship all in a vividly described South of France setting.
Flora and Hugo are trying to find what life means for them, now their daughters have left the family home. Flora is determined to power through her sense of loss, but Hugo is uncommunicative, distant and lost. When they are invited to stay in France by old friends, Flora sees it as a new opportunity for them as a couple but Hugo it seems has other plans.
I like Flora and the cast of friends and new acquaintances, that gather at the villa. Hugo is harder to like, his attitude towards Flora grates, and his actions are selfish. However, like all the characters he realistic, and his behaviour is the necessary excuse for Flora to question her long marriage’s future validity when she meets her first love unexpectedly.
The story flows well and keeps its secrets until the end. Although the ending is not unexpected and may disappoint some, it is realistic and fitting. A gentle story that contrasts first and mature love.
I received a copy of this book from Aria in return for an honest review.
Flora and Hugo are trying to find what life means for them, now their daughters have left the family home. Flora is determined to power through her sense of loss, but Hugo is uncommunicative, distant and lost. When they are invited to stay in France by old friends, Flora sees it as a new opportunity for them as a couple but Hugo it seems has other plans.
I like Flora and the cast of friends and new acquaintances, that gather at the villa. Hugo is harder to like, his attitude towards Flora grates, and his actions are selfish. However, like all the characters he realistic, and his behaviour is the necessary excuse for Flora to question her long marriage’s future validity when she meets her first love unexpectedly.
The story flows well and keeps its secrets until the end. Although the ending is not unexpected and may disappoint some, it is realistic and fitting. A gentle story that contrasts first and mature love.
I received a copy of this book from Aria in return for an honest review.
September 8, 2020
Flora and Hugo are devoted to their children, but when their girls leave home for university, their lives seem empty. Hugo is cold and distant, leaving Flora unsure what their future holds. When they are invited to a friend's villa in the South of France, Flora hopes the summer sun and gorgeous setting may bring them closer together. In a crumbling, picturesque villa in the luscious French countryside, they are introduced to Susie, Matt and their friends. Flora is surprised to meet Xavier, her old flame, who she fell in love with one long lost summer when she was eighteen. They parted suddenly all those years ago, leaving Flora wondering, what if...
Handsome, passionate, sensitive, Xavier is so different from her reliable, predictable Hugo. Both Flora and Xavier have moved on with their lives, but is there something that still lingers between them? Or will Flora's devotion to her children, and her loyalty to Hugo, show her where her true heart lies...
This was a sweet story about finding yourself again as an adult.
*Book received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Handsome, passionate, sensitive, Xavier is so different from her reliable, predictable Hugo. Both Flora and Xavier have moved on with their lives, but is there something that still lingers between them? Or will Flora's devotion to her children, and her loyalty to Hugo, show her where her true heart lies...
This was a sweet story about finding yourself again as an adult.
*Book received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
August 9, 2019
I really enjoyed this book - a story of new beginnings, second chances, lost love, memories, romance and relationships. Well written this is a charming story with characters I could easily identify with. I enjoyed the setting of the story in the south of France and this made me long to go on holiday there. I love how insightful the author is into relationships and feelings.
Charming and bittersweet, I recommend this book. Perfect for an afternoon on the sofa or in the garden, or a perfect summer holiday read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Charming and bittersweet, I recommend this book. Perfect for an afternoon on the sofa or in the garden, or a perfect summer holiday read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 21, 2019
Great read. The author wrote a story that was interesting and moved at a pace that kept me engaged. The characters were easy to invest in.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews