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One Day In Summer
One day in summer, three lives are about to change forever.
After two decades of looking after others, this is the day that Agnetha McMaster is reclaiming her life. It’s her turn, her time but will she have the courage to start again?
Ten years ago, Mitchell McMaster divorced Agnetha and married her best friend, Celeste. Now he suspects his second wife is having an affair. This is the day he’ll discover if karma has come back to bite him.
Thanks to a DNA test, this is the day that Hope McTeer will finally meet her biological father. But will the reunion bring Hope the answers that she’s looking for?
Three people. Twenty-four hours. A lifetime of secrets to unravel.
After two decades of looking after others, this is the day that Agnetha McMaster is reclaiming her life. It’s her turn, her time but will she have the courage to start again?
Ten years ago, Mitchell McMaster divorced Agnetha and married her best friend, Celeste. Now he suspects his second wife is having an affair. This is the day he’ll discover if karma has come back to bite him.
Thanks to a DNA test, this is the day that Hope McTeer will finally meet her biological father. But will the reunion bring Hope the answers that she’s looking for?
Three people. Twenty-four hours. A lifetime of secrets to unravel.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 11, 2020
5433 people are currently reading
5360 people want to read
About the author
Shari Low
76 books1,454 followers*No1 Best Selling Author*
In January 2001, Shari Low's Low's first novel, What If? was published. Since then, Shari has published over 35 books, and sold three million copies around the globe, hitting the best seller charts in many countries including UK, USA, Canada, Germany and Australia. In 2023, she had three consecutive #1 best sellers - One Day With You, One Moment in Time and One Christmas Eve. Her first release of 2024, One Year After You, also hit the #1 spot.
In late 2020, her first novel, What If?, was updated and re-published, followed by the sequels What Now? and What Next?. All three novels became international best sellers.
Shari has also co-written three Hollywood thrillers, The Rise, The Catch and The Fall, with LA-based TV presenter and actor Ross King.
In real life, once upon a time she met a guy, got engaged after a week, and thirty-something years later she lives near Glasgow with the one they said would never last. Their children have now grown and scattered across the world, so she spends an inordinate amount of time on video calls and aeroplanes.
For all the latest news, visit her on Facebook, twitter, instagram or at www.sharilow.com
In January 2001, Shari Low's Low's first novel, What If? was published. Since then, Shari has published over 35 books, and sold three million copies around the globe, hitting the best seller charts in many countries including UK, USA, Canada, Germany and Australia. In 2023, she had three consecutive #1 best sellers - One Day With You, One Moment in Time and One Christmas Eve. Her first release of 2024, One Year After You, also hit the #1 spot.
In late 2020, her first novel, What If?, was updated and re-published, followed by the sequels What Now? and What Next?. All three novels became international best sellers.
Shari has also co-written three Hollywood thrillers, The Rise, The Catch and The Fall, with LA-based TV presenter and actor Ross King.
In real life, once upon a time she met a guy, got engaged after a week, and thirty-something years later she lives near Glasgow with the one they said would never last. Their children have now grown and scattered across the world, so she spends an inordinate amount of time on video calls and aeroplanes.
For all the latest news, visit her on Facebook, twitter, instagram or at www.sharilow.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 430 reviews
January 20, 2025
This is not for me there is nothing bad against this author it’s just not my type of book 3.5 stars
June 18, 2020
Such an enjoyable and uplifting read! One Day in Summer is my first book written by Shari Low, but definitely won't be the last. I loved the concept of following the main characters of Agnetha, Mitchell, Hope and Aaron for one day and seeing how much can change within this short period of time.
Agnetha is such a wonderful protagonist. we meet her on her 45th birthday when she is trying to reevaluate her life. For many years she dedicated herself to her children and taking care of her elderly parents. Now that her twin girls Isla and Skye have grown up, her parents sadly passed away . Agnetha is free to live her life she's been putting on hold for such long time. Mitchell, Agnetha's ex-husband may be a great father to Isla and Skye, but what about his second marriage, is it still going strong? Hope has great adoptive parents and a fantastic sister, but recently she got her DNA results and found an incredible match. Now she is about to meet her father for the first time.
Shari Low created a great cast of superb characters, both main and secondary and you will experience a whole rollercoaster of emotions following their stories: love, grief, hurt after betrayal, hope and joy. You will understand the reasons for their behaviour and see how they have changed over life and what they learnt from their mistakes.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
Agnetha is such a wonderful protagonist. we meet her on her 45th birthday when she is trying to reevaluate her life. For many years she dedicated herself to her children and taking care of her elderly parents. Now that her twin girls Isla and Skye have grown up, her parents sadly passed away . Agnetha is free to live her life she's been putting on hold for such long time. Mitchell, Agnetha's ex-husband may be a great father to Isla and Skye, but what about his second marriage, is it still going strong? Hope has great adoptive parents and a fantastic sister, but recently she got her DNA results and found an incredible match. Now she is about to meet her father for the first time.
Shari Low created a great cast of superb characters, both main and secondary and you will experience a whole rollercoaster of emotions following their stories: love, grief, hurt after betrayal, hope and joy. You will understand the reasons for their behaviour and see how they have changed over life and what they learnt from their mistakes.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
August 21, 2020
3 stars
This one was okay. I feel for Agnetha - she had a very damaged, backstabbing friend (Celeste) who altered the course of her life. The thing about this book is that I think I know someone like Celeste - you know, the person who will make moves on their friends boyfriends or husbands. The "friend" who looks like they have it all but inside is such a hot mess that they must take what the want and if they can take it from someone else, then it means they are lovable and they win.
The author demonstrates the behavior and impacts with Agnetha's first love (Aaron) and Agnetha's husband (Mitchell). Celeste is an unlikeable character - while there is some background info on her childhood, there is nothing that truly redeems her in the end except Not enough and too late. Both men realize what they lost but the husband who cheated on Agnetha with her bff still revealed his weakness of character.
I was not truly invested in the story or the characters - I felt removed. I liked it - but just a 3 star for me. Not bad that I regret reading.
This one was okay. I feel for Agnetha - she had a very damaged, backstabbing friend (Celeste) who altered the course of her life. The thing about this book is that I think I know someone like Celeste - you know, the person who will make moves on their friends boyfriends or husbands. The "friend" who looks like they have it all but inside is such a hot mess that they must take what the want and if they can take it from someone else, then it means they are lovable and they win.
The author demonstrates the behavior and impacts with Agnetha's first love (Aaron) and Agnetha's husband (Mitchell). Celeste is an unlikeable character - while there is some background info on her childhood, there is nothing that truly redeems her in the end except Not enough and too late. Both men realize what they lost but the husband who cheated on Agnetha with her bff still revealed his weakness of character.
I was not truly invested in the story or the characters - I felt removed. I liked it - but just a 3 star for me. Not bad that I regret reading.
March 26, 2022
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Title & Author: One Day in Summer ~ Shari Low
Publish Date: June 11, 2020
Genre: Contemporary Romance/Family Drama
Main Characters:
Agnetha: 45th birthday, divorced, daughters grown and cafe owner. Ready to finally start living her life.
Mitchell: Agnetha’s cheating ex-husband (boo hiss)
Celeste: Agnetha’s one time best friend now married to cheating ex-husband, Mitchell (boo hiss tomato in face)
Hope McTeer: Adopted. Who’s your daddy & your mama? Hmmm?
Plot: This story unfolds over the course of one day, and what a day it is! Three people. Twenty-four hours. A lifetime of secrets to unravel. A story of family, friendship, lost love, betrayals, and hope that will keep you guessing until the very end.
Overall Thoughts: This is simply a juicy, soapy and totally fun read. Lots of surprises…some I saw coming and others I didn’t. It’s not summer yet, but this is a perfect, light and fluffy summer read.
🗣One little peeve though, there were a couple of minor story editing errors and it happens but it can be a bit jarring nonetheless.
Title & Author: One Day in Summer ~ Shari Low
Publish Date: June 11, 2020
Genre: Contemporary Romance/Family Drama
Main Characters:
Agnetha: 45th birthday, divorced, daughters grown and cafe owner. Ready to finally start living her life.
Mitchell: Agnetha’s cheating ex-husband (boo hiss)
Celeste: Agnetha’s one time best friend now married to cheating ex-husband, Mitchell (boo hiss tomato in face)
Hope McTeer: Adopted. Who’s your daddy & your mama? Hmmm?
Plot: This story unfolds over the course of one day, and what a day it is! Three people. Twenty-four hours. A lifetime of secrets to unravel. A story of family, friendship, lost love, betrayals, and hope that will keep you guessing until the very end.
Overall Thoughts: This is simply a juicy, soapy and totally fun read. Lots of surprises…some I saw coming and others I didn’t. It’s not summer yet, but this is a perfect, light and fluffy summer read.
🗣One little peeve though, there were a couple of minor story editing errors and it happens but it can be a bit jarring nonetheless.
March 12, 2024
This was a sad read.
The heroine has a spine of steal and a sense of pride, and needs both in spades. It's not bad enough that her husband cheats on her with her best friend, but that wasn't the only betrayal from Celeste, her so called best friend.
It was well written and entertaining read but left me feeling flat and sad.
The heroine has a spine of steal and a sense of pride, and needs both in spades. It's not bad enough that her husband cheats on her with her best friend, but that wasn't the only betrayal from Celeste, her so called best friend.
It was well written and entertaining read but left me feeling flat and sad.
August 22, 2020
This book was a trip 😂
Spoilers
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.
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.
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Aggs, girl you still picked the guy that has a kid with her. I felt she should have ended up with the guy who never slept with her "best friend".
Celeste, you deserve to have a botched facelift for all the shit you did to your "best friend". I put best friend in quotes bc she was horrible. She slept with Aggs first love and her husband! I would have beat her plastic ass! 😡
Mitchell, boy bye
Aaron, meh
Hope, sorry your mom is a raging bitch
Aggs twin girls were hilarious!
This book held my interest for sure, but I still felt Aggs deserved a better love story than what she got. I figured out the twist pretty fast, but then there was another twist I didn't totally guess, but I was in the vicinity of it.
Spoilers
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.
.
.
.
Aggs, girl you still picked the guy that has a kid with her. I felt she should have ended up with the guy who never slept with her "best friend".
Celeste, you deserve to have a botched facelift for all the shit you did to your "best friend". I put best friend in quotes bc she was horrible. She slept with Aggs first love and her husband! I would have beat her plastic ass! 😡
Mitchell, boy bye
Aaron, meh
Hope, sorry your mom is a raging bitch
Aggs twin girls were hilarious!
This book held my interest for sure, but I still felt Aggs deserved a better love story than what she got. I figured out the twist pretty fast, but then there was another twist I didn't totally guess, but I was in the vicinity of it.
September 13, 2020
Chick lit from...
Hated this book, hated am the characters, hated the lies and deceit and the whole trite story line. Why I read this I will never know. Good writing I guess but just a totally depressing story line. And just very bad men characters. No heroes here for sure. Not a romance. At all.
Hated this book, hated am the characters, hated the lies and deceit and the whole trite story line. Why I read this I will never know. Good writing I guess but just a totally depressing story line. And just very bad men characters. No heroes here for sure. Not a romance. At all.
May 8, 2020
This book took me a while to get into it. I set it down, I just wasn't "feeling it" so I stopped, read something else then started this one again and I am glad I gave it a 2nd chance. For whatever reason, this grabbed me the 2nd try and I didn't want it to end. I loved the format of this book and thought the author was brilliant how she tied everything together in the end. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review.
June 17, 2022
Makes you hate humanity.
Begin quote:
‘Woah!’ cried Maisie. ‘You have got to be kidding me. Let me get this straight. You were married to Agnetha, and now you’re married to her friend.’ That was addressed to Mitchell.
Then she flipped her attention to Aaron. ‘And you dated Agnetha, but then… then… made Hope with her friend.’
Her gaze went to Aggs next. ‘You really need to get new friends.’
‘Already done,’ Aggs said quietly.
End quote
Begin quote:
‘Woah!’ cried Maisie. ‘You have got to be kidding me. Let me get this straight. You were married to Agnetha, and now you’re married to her friend.’ That was addressed to Mitchell.
Then she flipped her attention to Aaron. ‘And you dated Agnetha, but then… then… made Hope with her friend.’
Her gaze went to Aggs next. ‘You really need to get new friends.’
‘Already done,’ Aggs said quietly.
End quote
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2024
Loved this one.
All the usual feels from Shari, the friendships and relationships. A lot of new characters to meet, and our lovely Val makes an appearance-her wee legs must be worn right up to her arse 😂
I really loved Agnetha and her girls and I loved going back to Agnethas past.
However I hated Celeste, I knew Celeste, I’ve had a Celeste in my life a lifelong “friend” my daddy used to say she’d turn up wearing my face one day, and I didn’t listen til it was too late, so I need to tell you, get the bloody scissors out snip them off and leave a trail of salt behind yourself for when they come crawling back.
Fabulous narration by Helen McAlpine as always.
Next please
All the usual feels from Shari, the friendships and relationships. A lot of new characters to meet, and our lovely Val makes an appearance-her wee legs must be worn right up to her arse 😂
I really loved Agnetha and her girls and I loved going back to Agnethas past.
However I hated Celeste, I knew Celeste, I’ve had a Celeste in my life a lifelong “friend” my daddy used to say she’d turn up wearing my face one day, and I didn’t listen til it was too late, so I need to tell you, get the bloody scissors out snip them off and leave a trail of salt behind yourself for when they come crawling back.
Fabulous narration by Helen McAlpine as always.
Next please
June 18, 2020
BRILLIANT! BRILLIANT!! BRILLIANT!!!
I have no idea how she does it. But author Shari Low does it every single time. A story set in 24 hours with characters whose lives intertwined in the past, bringing together the most joyous of relationships, the kind that unfurled excitement deep in me just to see how they came together in the present.
Agnetha's kids were grown up. She was 45 now, she needed to reclaim her life. Mitchell her ex-husband who married her ex-best friend Celeste, had karma showing its effects on him. Hope was meeting her biological father Aaron for the first time. These characters were linked by a lifetime of Secrets.
Oh, how I love this author. Her words made my day brighter. Just trying to think about the various ways the characters could be linked together via their secrets made me giddy with happiness. Relationships were never beautifully portrayed as in her books. Every emotion was felt by me including betrayal and sadness. And anger.
The lives of the characters caught me in its web, and I settled right in. Nothing could have stopped me from reading it at one go. The mystery surrounding them kept me hung in the air, but that was the beauty of One Day In Summer. Each chapter brought me closer to truth, each page revealed a facet of the characters. I loved Agnetha especially. A book of feels was this.
The writing was superfluous in the story, the drama was at point without going overboard. The emotions maintained their dignity and space. I loved everything in this book. Serendipity and kismet brought this author's works into my life; her books kept me sane during insane moments. My go-to author when I am down.
I have no idea how she does it. But author Shari Low does it every single time. A story set in 24 hours with characters whose lives intertwined in the past, bringing together the most joyous of relationships, the kind that unfurled excitement deep in me just to see how they came together in the present.
Agnetha's kids were grown up. She was 45 now, she needed to reclaim her life. Mitchell her ex-husband who married her ex-best friend Celeste, had karma showing its effects on him. Hope was meeting her biological father Aaron for the first time. These characters were linked by a lifetime of Secrets.
Oh, how I love this author. Her words made my day brighter. Just trying to think about the various ways the characters could be linked together via their secrets made me giddy with happiness. Relationships were never beautifully portrayed as in her books. Every emotion was felt by me including betrayal and sadness. And anger.
The lives of the characters caught me in its web, and I settled right in. Nothing could have stopped me from reading it at one go. The mystery surrounding them kept me hung in the air, but that was the beauty of One Day In Summer. Each chapter brought me closer to truth, each page revealed a facet of the characters. I loved Agnetha especially. A book of feels was this.
The writing was superfluous in the story, the drama was at point without going overboard. The emotions maintained their dignity and space. I loved everything in this book. Serendipity and kismet brought this author's works into my life; her books kept me sane during insane moments. My go-to author when I am down.
September 30, 2023
4.5 Stars ⭐️
August 17, 2021
Recensione presente nel blog www.ragazzainrosso.wordpress.com
Il 30 maggio 2020 potrebbe essere una giornata come tante altre, invece è destinata a cambiare per sempre la vita di tre persone. Agnetha ha appena compiuto quarantacinque anni e dopo aver trascorso una vita a pensare al bene degli altri è desiderosa di mettere se stessa al primo posto. Mitchell, ex marito di Agnetha e attualmente sposato con Celeste, ex migliore amica di sua moglie, sospetta di essere tradito. Hope ha finalmente rintracciato suo padre biologico e sta per incontrarlo. Cos’hanno in comune tre personaggi apparentemente dalle problematiche così diverse? Le loro esistenze sono destinate a incrociarsi proprio durante le ventriquattro ore del 30 maggio.
“La vita va vissuta, diceva quella giovane donna. E ora la sto vivendo.”
Possono ventriquattro ore stravolgere la vita? La risposta è sì e questo romanzo lo dimostra ampiamente.
Il tessuto narrativo segue le vicissitudini di tre personaggi principali le cui vicende sono presentate da un narratore esterno.
Agnetha, profondamente altruista, ha messo da parte se stessa e la sua felicità. Dopo aver perso il suo grande amore di gioventù ha provato a ricostruire la sua esistenza con Mitchell e con le loro figlie gemelle, ma anche quell’idillio è terminato. Ora si destreggia tra il lavoro nella caffetteria di famiglia e le riunioni del gruppo di elaborazione del lutto al quale partecipa da quando ha perso anche sua madre.
Mitchell, avvocato di successo, ha ceduto al fascino di Celeste, avvenente ex migliore amica di sua moglie. Purtroppo ha capito troppo tardi che quella donna non fa per lui e il rimorso per quello che è accaduto con Agnetha lo sto sconvolgendo.
Hope è una ragazza che è stata costretta a crescere in fretta. Adottata quando era neonata, è riuscita a mettersi sulle tracce del padre biologico col quale vorrebbe provare a costruire un rapporto.
Come in una rete, i tre confluiranno in un unico fulcro comune: la caffetteria di Agnetha, dove si sta svolgendo la festa per il suo quarantacinquesimo compleanno. In un intricato flusso di eventi, i tre comprenderanno ben presto di non essere poi totalmente estranei gli uni con gli altri poiché la vita stessa con i suoi enormi corsi e ricorsi non smette di riservare sorprese ora dopo ora.
Numerosi sono i temi affrontati, tutti di grande impatto: la separazione, l’amicizia tradita, l’adozione, la malattia, il lutto, l’essere una famiglia allargata.
Lo stile dell’autrice è semplice, diretto ed efficace. Il lettore viene trasportato dalle vicende e segue con curiosità e interesse l’evolversi dei rapporti tra i personaggi e la loro personale crescita.
Un romanzo piacevole, dai protagonisti ben caratterizzati ai quali è impossibile non affezionarsi nonostante il breve arco temporale nel quale agiscono. Una lettura sulla possibilità di riscatto e sulle seconde occasioni.
Il 30 maggio 2020 potrebbe essere una giornata come tante altre, invece è destinata a cambiare per sempre la vita di tre persone. Agnetha ha appena compiuto quarantacinque anni e dopo aver trascorso una vita a pensare al bene degli altri è desiderosa di mettere se stessa al primo posto. Mitchell, ex marito di Agnetha e attualmente sposato con Celeste, ex migliore amica di sua moglie, sospetta di essere tradito. Hope ha finalmente rintracciato suo padre biologico e sta per incontrarlo. Cos’hanno in comune tre personaggi apparentemente dalle problematiche così diverse? Le loro esistenze sono destinate a incrociarsi proprio durante le ventriquattro ore del 30 maggio.
“La vita va vissuta, diceva quella giovane donna. E ora la sto vivendo.”
Possono ventriquattro ore stravolgere la vita? La risposta è sì e questo romanzo lo dimostra ampiamente.
Il tessuto narrativo segue le vicissitudini di tre personaggi principali le cui vicende sono presentate da un narratore esterno.
Agnetha, profondamente altruista, ha messo da parte se stessa e la sua felicità. Dopo aver perso il suo grande amore di gioventù ha provato a ricostruire la sua esistenza con Mitchell e con le loro figlie gemelle, ma anche quell’idillio è terminato. Ora si destreggia tra il lavoro nella caffetteria di famiglia e le riunioni del gruppo di elaborazione del lutto al quale partecipa da quando ha perso anche sua madre.
Mitchell, avvocato di successo, ha ceduto al fascino di Celeste, avvenente ex migliore amica di sua moglie. Purtroppo ha capito troppo tardi che quella donna non fa per lui e il rimorso per quello che è accaduto con Agnetha lo sto sconvolgendo.
Hope è una ragazza che è stata costretta a crescere in fretta. Adottata quando era neonata, è riuscita a mettersi sulle tracce del padre biologico col quale vorrebbe provare a costruire un rapporto.
Come in una rete, i tre confluiranno in un unico fulcro comune: la caffetteria di Agnetha, dove si sta svolgendo la festa per il suo quarantacinquesimo compleanno. In un intricato flusso di eventi, i tre comprenderanno ben presto di non essere poi totalmente estranei gli uni con gli altri poiché la vita stessa con i suoi enormi corsi e ricorsi non smette di riservare sorprese ora dopo ora.
Numerosi sono i temi affrontati, tutti di grande impatto: la separazione, l’amicizia tradita, l’adozione, la malattia, il lutto, l’essere una famiglia allargata.
Lo stile dell’autrice è semplice, diretto ed efficace. Il lettore viene trasportato dalle vicende e segue con curiosità e interesse l’evolversi dei rapporti tra i personaggi e la loro personale crescita.
Un romanzo piacevole, dai protagonisti ben caratterizzati ai quali è impossibile non affezionarsi nonostante il breve arco temporale nel quale agiscono. Una lettura sulla possibilità di riscatto e sulle seconde occasioni.
June 15, 2020
With books such as This Is Me, Shari Low has perfected the art of the multi-character storyline and achieves the same feat with One Day in Summer. It has the same structure as previous novels, such as One Day in Winter, with the events taking place over the space of one eventful day, albeit with the occasional trip back into the past.
Set in Glasgow, like many of the author’s other books, readers familiar with the city will have fun spotting places and landmarks mentioned in the book. Those who have read previous books will be pleased to see return appearances by a few characters. And all readers should look out for a couple of ‘close encounters’ between characters in the different storylines.
After recent traumatic events, Agnetha has many reasons to be thankful for the situation in which she finds herself. She has two lovely daughters, a successful business, a support group who understand exactly what she’s been through and the possibility of a new man in her life. She deserves today, her forty-fifth birthday, to be a good one.
One would have to be in a generous mood to wish her ex-husband, Mitchell, the same, although I did start to feel less hostile towards him as the book progressed. At least, he has the humility to be aware of his own shortcomings and to recognise the concept of karma. I wish I could say the same about Mitchell’s current wife, Celeste. You may, like me, have a wish to develop the superpower that enables you to shoot invisible laser darts that will set hair extensions on fire, explode face fillers and pierce silicon boob implants.
More serious issues are woven into the storyline, such as family breakdown, illness and bereavement, but never in such a way as to overwhelm the message that you should never give up the hope of second chances in life.
As the day draws to a close, like pieces of a jigsaw, things finally slot into place. But will it show the picture you were expecting? In the epilogue, which cleverly echoes the prologue, the reader finds out whether Agnetha decides to forgive the mistakes of the past and respond positively to the plea, “take a chance on me”.
As one character observes, “This was the most bizarre day. One minute stressful, one minute sad, then funny, then loving, then easy, then hard…” One Day in Summer is the ideal one day binge read; a skilfully crafted story of love, loss and new beginnings.
Set in Glasgow, like many of the author’s other books, readers familiar with the city will have fun spotting places and landmarks mentioned in the book. Those who have read previous books will be pleased to see return appearances by a few characters. And all readers should look out for a couple of ‘close encounters’ between characters in the different storylines.
After recent traumatic events, Agnetha has many reasons to be thankful for the situation in which she finds herself. She has two lovely daughters, a successful business, a support group who understand exactly what she’s been through and the possibility of a new man in her life. She deserves today, her forty-fifth birthday, to be a good one.
One would have to be in a generous mood to wish her ex-husband, Mitchell, the same, although I did start to feel less hostile towards him as the book progressed. At least, he has the humility to be aware of his own shortcomings and to recognise the concept of karma. I wish I could say the same about Mitchell’s current wife, Celeste. You may, like me, have a wish to develop the superpower that enables you to shoot invisible laser darts that will set hair extensions on fire, explode face fillers and pierce silicon boob implants.
More serious issues are woven into the storyline, such as family breakdown, illness and bereavement, but never in such a way as to overwhelm the message that you should never give up the hope of second chances in life.
As the day draws to a close, like pieces of a jigsaw, things finally slot into place. But will it show the picture you were expecting? In the epilogue, which cleverly echoes the prologue, the reader finds out whether Agnetha decides to forgive the mistakes of the past and respond positively to the plea, “take a chance on me”.
As one character observes, “This was the most bizarre day. One minute stressful, one minute sad, then funny, then loving, then easy, then hard…” One Day in Summer is the ideal one day binge read; a skilfully crafted story of love, loss and new beginnings.
July 2, 2020
One day in summer, three lives are about to change forever. After two decades of looking after others, this is the day that Agnetha McMaster is reclaiming her life. It's her turn, her time. But will she have the courage to start again? Ten years ago, Mitchell McMaster divorced Agnetha and married her best friend, Celeste. Now he suspects his second wife is having an affair. This is the day he'll discover if karma has come back to bite him. Thanks to a DNA test, this is the day that Hope McTeer will finally meet her biological father. But will the reunion bring Hope the answers that she’s looking for?
This read is complete and utter enjoyment from start to finish. With a bit of emotion thrown in for good measure! It is one of those reads where you find yourself instantly hooked and instantly in love with the characters, I was completely enthralled by this and desperate to keep reading to find out what happened. Always the sign of a good read.
There is nothing particularly mind-blowing about the read, it is definitely not full of twists and turns but Low packs in the emotion behind every action and this is beautiful, funny sad and heart-warming. Just a really enjoyable read.
The characters absolutely make this read! As I have already said I instantly connected to them and I just love it when that happens. They are not all likeable but they do not need to all be likeable, there is a good range of personalities as I would expect from a group of people in real life. I did feel a connection to all of them and was invested in their lives and stories and discovering what Low had in store for them.
I adored how this was written as well; Low flits between the present day and flashbacks to Agnetha and Celeste's earlier friendship and we begin to see how past events have shaped the rest of their lives.
Everything about 'One Time In Summer' was just absolute perfection. This is the ultimate Summer read to lose yourself in. I highly recommend this beautiful read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advance copy.
This read is complete and utter enjoyment from start to finish. With a bit of emotion thrown in for good measure! It is one of those reads where you find yourself instantly hooked and instantly in love with the characters, I was completely enthralled by this and desperate to keep reading to find out what happened. Always the sign of a good read.
There is nothing particularly mind-blowing about the read, it is definitely not full of twists and turns but Low packs in the emotion behind every action and this is beautiful, funny sad and heart-warming. Just a really enjoyable read.
The characters absolutely make this read! As I have already said I instantly connected to them and I just love it when that happens. They are not all likeable but they do not need to all be likeable, there is a good range of personalities as I would expect from a group of people in real life. I did feel a connection to all of them and was invested in their lives and stories and discovering what Low had in store for them.
I adored how this was written as well; Low flits between the present day and flashbacks to Agnetha and Celeste's earlier friendship and we begin to see how past events have shaped the rest of their lives.
Everything about 'One Time In Summer' was just absolute perfection. This is the ultimate Summer read to lose yourself in. I highly recommend this beautiful read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advance copy.
June 30, 2020
No wonder this book is described as an emotional rollercoaster that keeps you guessing - it really is!
Everything happens on one day . . . . the day that Agnetha McMaster has her forty-fifth birthday. Her twin daughters have arranged two secret parties for her but they are the least of the surprises in store for her and her friends past and present!
This story is told from multiple points of view and the different threads are interwoven with events from the past before being skilfully entwined to keep you guessing and with some shocking surprises en route to the evening party where all the disparate parts come together. It is a story of infidelity, betrayal, friendships that go wrong, shocking revelations and lasting love.
It is a heartwarming exploration of relationships which have changed over time, secrets that have been kept and new possibilities. It has love, jealousy, dreams and aspirations, tragedy as well as siblings supporting each other in a delightful read that shows how someone's lies and deception can have far reaching consequences but that karma really can bite back when you least expect it. I hadn't read anything by this author before but I'll certainly endeavour to read more from her in future!
I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest review after choosing to read it and not wanting to put it down until I'd finished it!
Everything happens on one day . . . . the day that Agnetha McMaster has her forty-fifth birthday. Her twin daughters have arranged two secret parties for her but they are the least of the surprises in store for her and her friends past and present!
This story is told from multiple points of view and the different threads are interwoven with events from the past before being skilfully entwined to keep you guessing and with some shocking surprises en route to the evening party where all the disparate parts come together. It is a story of infidelity, betrayal, friendships that go wrong, shocking revelations and lasting love.
It is a heartwarming exploration of relationships which have changed over time, secrets that have been kept and new possibilities. It has love, jealousy, dreams and aspirations, tragedy as well as siblings supporting each other in a delightful read that shows how someone's lies and deception can have far reaching consequences but that karma really can bite back when you least expect it. I hadn't read anything by this author before but I'll certainly endeavour to read more from her in future!
I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest review after choosing to read it and not wanting to put it down until I'd finished it!
July 5, 2020
OMG I am happy crying as I write this review!!!!!!!!!!!! This book is amazing!!!! It has amazing characters that you fall in love with, laugh with, cheer with. I love Agnetha, our main character, she is a fearless woman who has lived a great life. Even though she had a very shitty soul-less best friend. Thank God she figured that one out though.
Agnetha is a woman who has had a lot of loss in her life but she stayed the upbeat, fun loving girl she always was. She found her great love in her twenties but family circumstances and a soul-less best friend messed that up for her. Then yrs later she met the man she will marry and have twin daughters with. They had a good life until her parents failing health and life took it's toll on their marriage. In stepped her soul less best friend to help fuck that up though. Through all of that she kept her up beat life and was content until her forty fifth birthday when she decided to start taking care of herself. Thank you to Netgalley & Boldwood Books for my early review copy
Agnetha is a woman who has had a lot of loss in her life but she stayed the upbeat, fun loving girl she always was. She found her great love in her twenties but family circumstances and a soul-less best friend messed that up for her. Then yrs later she met the man she will marry and have twin daughters with. They had a good life until her parents failing health and life took it's toll on their marriage. In stepped her soul less best friend to help fuck that up though. Through all of that she kept her up beat life and was content until her forty fifth birthday when she decided to start taking care of herself. Thank you to Netgalley & Boldwood Books for my early review copy
June 3, 2020
Today is the 45th birthday of Agnetha, who has spent the last twenty years taking care of her old parents, and whose ex-husband left her for her best friend ten years ago. This is the story of Agnetha, who is resolved to start a new life today. But this is also the story of Aaron, who had a summer romance with Agnetha many years ago, of Mitchell, Anetha's ex-husband, who left Agnetha for Celeste, Agnetha's best friend, and now suspects she is having an affair, and finally, this is the story of Hope, given to adoption 23 years ago and now looking for her biological parents.
This was an emotional roaller-coaster of a book, which keeps you guessing until the end. I've devoured this book in just two days. Almost all of the the main characters and the secondary ones were delighful, I've fallen in love with Isla, Skye and Maisie (except for Celeste, which I completely loathe!)
** Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion **
This was an emotional roaller-coaster of a book, which keeps you guessing until the end. I've devoured this book in just two days. Almost all of the the main characters and the secondary ones were delighful, I've fallen in love with Isla, Skye and Maisie (except for Celeste, which I completely loathe!)
** Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion **
May 26, 2020
This really does take place in one day and it doesn't seem rushed or overdone. I enjoyed reading about Agnetha's relationship with her daughters. What didn't work for me in the book was the character of Celeste. Poor Agnetha had some terrible luck it seems.
Overall the story was good and readable. I read this in one evening and it was a nice distraction.
I did find all of the country music mentions a bit strange.
Overall the story was good and readable. I read this in one evening and it was a nice distraction.
I did find all of the country music mentions a bit strange.
January 26, 2021
5 BEAUTIFUL STARS!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I needed this book after being in a slump! I loved everything about it! The story was beautiful, relatable, and refreshing! I laughed, I teared up especially with part of the story being so close to my heart. Everything flowed and I left feeling like I knew these characters and honestly wanting more! I think I have found a new author!!
August 18, 2020
cheating ex-husband + karma + ALMOST too much drama = very entertaining
The villain was almost too villainous to be believed, but I kind of like them like that.
The villain was almost too villainous to be believed, but I kind of like them like that.
October 24, 2020
Love Shari Low books great characters and story and this is set over one day. I as always highly recommend it. X
January 30, 2025
I needed a break from the boredom of onyx storm 🫠 I knew this one wouldn’t disappoint!! Love this author.
May 3, 2020
Agnetha McMaster – Aggs, was the daring young woman who lived life at full throttle in her early 20’s, but marriage, children, divorce, aging parents and subsequent deaths had all taken a toll on the woman and had reduced her to living her life to make others happy and ignore her own needs and wants. But all this is going to change over the course of one day in which all the missing pieces of her life are going to fall (or better described as crashing) into place and mysteries of the past will be explained and set to right. There is a large cast of characters to keep track of, but all play such an important part in how Agg’s life unfurls that it never seems overwhelming or burdensome.
Sold has romance or women’s fiction, it never really focuses solely on a romantic theme for the pivotal character Aggs, rather it also looks at the search undertaken of a second character Holly, a young woman searching for her birth parents because of serious health issues which are superimposed onto Aggs life in a vibrant manner. Both Holly and Agg’s life are connected in ways that defy belief. Also connected to this story is Aggs ex-husband Mitchell, who had an affair with and married Aggs former best friend Celeste, whom he now suspects is having another affair, this time breaking her vows of commitment to him. It becomes an intertwined story of three people that at times veers into the vaguely incestuous manner although to be clear, there is no incest involved in this story. All three people start the novel being unique and separate and end the day wrapped together clearly in a manner that will leave an indelible stain on each other.
It’s a fun read, never snobbishly intellectually taxing, yet absorbing and purely entertaining. It looks at the power of deception and trust, friendship, commitment and of truth and its effects on an individual's lives. There are funny moments and other moments that will leave the reader agog at revelations and just when you think you have unravelled a mystery, a red herring is discovered and the search continues. In its style, it reminds me of the novel One Day, which we are taken through history to discover the here and now.
Definitely worth the time to read.
Sold has romance or women’s fiction, it never really focuses solely on a romantic theme for the pivotal character Aggs, rather it also looks at the search undertaken of a second character Holly, a young woman searching for her birth parents because of serious health issues which are superimposed onto Aggs life in a vibrant manner. Both Holly and Agg’s life are connected in ways that defy belief. Also connected to this story is Aggs ex-husband Mitchell, who had an affair with and married Aggs former best friend Celeste, whom he now suspects is having another affair, this time breaking her vows of commitment to him. It becomes an intertwined story of three people that at times veers into the vaguely incestuous manner although to be clear, there is no incest involved in this story. All three people start the novel being unique and separate and end the day wrapped together clearly in a manner that will leave an indelible stain on each other.
It’s a fun read, never snobbishly intellectually taxing, yet absorbing and purely entertaining. It looks at the power of deception and trust, friendship, commitment and of truth and its effects on an individual's lives. There are funny moments and other moments that will leave the reader agog at revelations and just when you think you have unravelled a mystery, a red herring is discovered and the search continues. In its style, it reminds me of the novel One Day, which we are taken through history to discover the here and now.
Definitely worth the time to read.
July 25, 2020
This book is set in the same universe as "One Day in December" and it's sequels, but apart from Val (who plays only a very minor role here) no other character make a reappearance.
So we have a whole set of new characters, but kind of the same problems as in the other books: relationship troubles, betrayal, regret, search for a father, looking for a new love, secrets from the past. And everything is told in the span of 24 hours (with some flashbacks to previous events).
But in spite of the similarities I didn't feel as if I have read it all before, since the author depicts her characters always in new, unique ways it. Her ability to shape all those different figures and put life into them is Shari Low's biggest strength I would say. I really enjoyed my day-trip to Glasgow. The 'secret' at the end was no big surprise to the attentive reader, it was the logical consequence to the build-up before. And the ending was fairytaly-perfect.
So we have a whole set of new characters, but kind of the same problems as in the other books: relationship troubles, betrayal, regret, search for a father, looking for a new love, secrets from the past. And everything is told in the span of 24 hours (with some flashbacks to previous events).
But in spite of the similarities I didn't feel as if I have read it all before, since the author depicts her characters always in new, unique ways it. Her ability to shape all those different figures and put life into them is Shari Low's biggest strength I would say. I really enjoyed my day-trip to Glasgow. The 'secret' at the end was no big surprise to the attentive reader, it was the logical consequence to the build-up before. And the ending was fairytaly-perfect.
September 9, 2020
It’s a big birthday for coffee shop owner, Agnetha. After spending her life devoted to caring for the business, her parents, her husband (before he ran off with Agnetha’s best friend) and her twin daughters, her birthday signals the time to let go and start caring for herself. She has a surprise planned of her own but, as the hours pass, there are plenty of other surprises for the whole family.
I was intrigued by the title and how an entire book might unfold across the duration of just one summer’s day but the present-day story is interlaced with backstory which helps the reader get to know the characters and root for certain ones while perhaps giving a loud ‘boo, hiss’ to others.
I haven’t read a Shari Low book before but I thoroughly enjoyed this. Her writing is warm and engaging and I already have another couple of books lined up on my Kindle on the back of it. A great tale of new – perhaps unexpected – starts.
I was intrigued by the title and how an entire book might unfold across the duration of just one summer’s day but the present-day story is interlaced with backstory which helps the reader get to know the characters and root for certain ones while perhaps giving a loud ‘boo, hiss’ to others.
I haven’t read a Shari Low book before but I thoroughly enjoyed this. Her writing is warm and engaging and I already have another couple of books lined up on my Kindle on the back of it. A great tale of new – perhaps unexpected – starts.
May 24, 2022
4.5 stars out of 5
February 11, 2023
I could not get into this book at all.
July 31, 2023
Brilliant , beautiful , surprising, emotional, I absolutely love your ‘ one day ‘ books , Shari Low
June 22, 2020
Told through past and present narrative, the present is set over the course of one single day with the flashbacks taking place during Aggs' younger years. One day in Summer weaves the stories of 3 individuals and creates a wonderful tale of love, loss, family and starting over.
I was immediately drawn into this novel and identified with Aggs in a way. She hadn't always lived the quiet life and I loved her back story showing what a colourful and free living young woman she had once been. As I read on, I realised the other characters were just as likable in their own ways and I couldn't put the book down. As one chapter came to a close I desperately wanted to continue reading about their journey but was so conflicted as I also needed to see what was happening for the other characters. This is definitely a one sitting novel.
The narrative alternates between Aggs, Hope and Mitchell as we experience the day through their eyes, each one confronting their pasts and learning new things. The threads of their stories weave together beautifully and create a tale that has some real emotional moments that leave you with a lump in your throat but also had an uplifting feel.
I adore Shari's writing style and her ability to create real characters who the reader can become invested in. This is a great read that will leave you will all the feels.
I was immediately drawn into this novel and identified with Aggs in a way. She hadn't always lived the quiet life and I loved her back story showing what a colourful and free living young woman she had once been. As I read on, I realised the other characters were just as likable in their own ways and I couldn't put the book down. As one chapter came to a close I desperately wanted to continue reading about their journey but was so conflicted as I also needed to see what was happening for the other characters. This is definitely a one sitting novel.
The narrative alternates between Aggs, Hope and Mitchell as we experience the day through their eyes, each one confronting their pasts and learning new things. The threads of their stories weave together beautifully and create a tale that has some real emotional moments that leave you with a lump in your throat but also had an uplifting feel.
I adore Shari's writing style and her ability to create real characters who the reader can become invested in. This is a great read that will leave you will all the feels.
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