Imagine Summer

by Shelley Noble

The New York Times bestselling author of Whisper Beach delights with her latest beach read about two estranged sisters who must decide to face the past or risk history repeating itself.

As a child, Skylar Mackenzie’s imagination always got her in trouble. Now it’s making her a fortune. She owns Imagine That, a toy and bookstore and creativity center in a small Rhode Island beach town where children, and adults, can use their imagination free from judgment.

Skye is about to embark on her biggest venture yet, a weekend retreat of family exploration. But it begins to unravel when she finds her estranged half-sister Amy on the doorstep. And Amy’s not alone.

She’s brought Skye’s first love, Connor Reid—the boy who broke her heart; the man who could break it again.

Amy claims she wants to make amends—but how can Skye trust her? It was Amy’s lies that drove her from home fifteen years before. Suddenly, Skye’s perfectly imagined summer is in jeopardy. Not to mention her perfectly ordered life. Or her beloved town’s financial future.

With Amy back to her old trouble-making ways, and Connor making Skye wonder what might have been, Skye makes a decision that may cost her everything.

Imagine Summer is a story of discovery, trust, and the courage to dream.

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, Womens Fiction, Chick Lit, Family, Drama

416 pages, Paperback

First published May 11, 2021

About the author

Shelley Noble is a multi published fiction author whose books have been translated into seven languages. She writes women’s fiction as Shelley Noble and is also the author of several amateur sleuth mystery series, written as Shelley Freydont.

A former professional dancer and choreographer, she most recently worked on the films, Mona Lisa Smile and The Game Plan. She also consults on various dance and theatre projects, most recently the world premiere of a full length Tom Sawyer ballet commissioned by Kansas City Ballet.

Shelley is a member of Sisters-in-Crime, Mystery Writers of America, Romance Writers of America, and Liberty States Fiction Writers.

She lives near the New Jersey shore. In her spare time she loves to discover new beaches and indulge her passion for lighthouses and boardwalks with vintage carousels.

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read]

This is a Romance/Women's Fiction/Chick-Lit. I really try to get into this book, but I could not do it. I have picked it up two different times. I made it to 15% the first time I picked it up, and the second time I picked it up I made it to 25%. I think the writing style was just not for me. I am not saying it is a bad book, but It was just not for me. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (William Morrow Paperbacks) or author (Shelley Noble) via NetGalley, so I can give honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

[Lydia Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story. Beautiful setting and great characters kept me intrigued throughout this book. A daughter caught in the middle of pain and family conflict. I felt her pain and could relate to it. What it means to be a family. How being a family can make a difference even when it is dysfunctional. Highly recommend. Shelley Noble you did a great job. Waiting for your next book.

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Skylar Mackenzie feels she is in a good place in her life. She has a successful business, Imagine That. a creativity center/toy/bookstore. So successful she is planning a family weekend retreat that will not only benefit her but the whole town. She is also in a great relationship with Jack who supports and loves her. Her best friend Maya works for her and Maya’s boyfriend Sonny is Jack’s business partner. Maya just found out she is pregnant. Her Aunt Roxy has been her rock. She took Skye in when she needed love and a place to heal after a fire burned down her father’s hobby shed and her half-sister Amy told everyone Skye started the fire, which was a lie. She was overwrought physically and mentally and it took her a long time to get where she is now.

Then Amy shows up in town along with Connor Reid, Skye’s boyfriend at the time of the fire, her first love, that knew the truth but disappeared right after everything happened. Amy says she wants to make amends but Skye wants nothing to do with either of them. So Amy makes sure to spread the word all over town about her sister, making her seem like an angel and Skye the terrible one. Worse seeing Connor has Skye questioning herself and her feelings.

This is definitely not the summer Skye had imagined and it could be the summer where she loses everything.

I really liked meeting Skye and loved the theme of her business. A place for kids of all ages to be creative in a myriad of ways with no judgments. A place to just be. Her relationship with Jack was strong and comfortable. Then came Amy, a spoiled brat if there ever was one. She may have had some good ideas but there was something missing in her makeup that allowed her to take responsibility for anything. She also didn’t engage her brain before she opened her mouth. I hated everything about her. Connor had good intentions but was drawn into Amy’s web. He quickly grasped what she was up to but he still brought strife to Skye’s life in his own way. Roxy was my favorite character. Everyone needs an Aunt Roxy. Her friend Heddy was also a fun character. The characters are well-written and brought out the emotions in the reader the author intended.

The events with Amy continue throughout the story along with a plethora of problems with the venue for Skye’s big event. The Chamber of Commerce and other shopkeepers and residents have piled so much on Skye’s shoulders and she rolls with all the punches to see the event take place no matter what. I really did admire that vast difference between Skye and Amy. The original family dynamic was truly lacking and it was no surprise that Amy was estranged not only from Skye but her parents as well. Skye is strong in every way that Amy is weak. The author did a great job of tying the main plot and subplots together. A lot happens within these pages and at times the pace did feel a little off but quickly found its footing again.

Imagine Summer was an entertaining story, a true beach read. Estranged sisters that probably should have stayed estranged. Ms. Noble piles on the drama to keep the pages turning and brings the story to a nice end that left me a little conflicted.

[Jana · Rating 1 out of 5]

400 pages to repeat yourself 50 bazillion times get nowhere and then not even wrap anything up! I am so annoyed with this book I trudged thru to just get to that 'point' where you find out why the character is the way they are and what is going to happen only to literally get NOTHING! And I get that not every book is wrapped in a bow at the end however you cannot even imagine where the characters will go from here and wrap it up in your mind she did not even set it up for a book number two not that I would read it anyways.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise of the story is interesting and the setting a dream! Most of the characters were likable and relatable. The tension was thick and the romance was sweet. The writing was a bit clunky in places and I found the story to be dragging on a bit. Overall, a sweet beach read. My thanks to the publisher for the advance reader in exchange for my honest review.

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really liked the setting of this book. Small NE coastal resort town.

Confession: I read this novel to the end of chapter 11 and then I gave up.

I wanted to love it but it feels like the plot is shallow or not to be believed.

For example, the big painful event of the past could've should've been handled better by the adults and teenagers involved and the reasons that it wasn't seem flimsy.

I feel like the stakes for the characters (what they stand to lose or gain) isn't believable. I live in a place which relies on tourism and I know that one event alone can't change a town's fortunes.

There are a lot of characters and it was hard to tell them apart. I really didn't see differences between Roxy and Hildy for example.

I received a free copy of this novel from a Good Reads giveaway.

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme” · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a hard time getting into Imagine Summer. The premise of the story was just hard to imagine. Estranged sisters with a long past history that was defined by a tragic event.
I liked the main characters, Skylar and Jack as well as the Aunts. Amy just grated on my nerves to no end.
Overall, I did enjoy aspects of Imagine Summer. The scenario just seemed a bit far fetched and the story dragged in parts.
Thank you to NetGallery, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever read a book or watched a movie that has a character that is so despicable or something bad and prolonged is about to happen to someone good that you almost can’t bear to continue? This is such a book. I felt such helpless anger reading this, yet I kept reading and it is now 3:45am as I have finished it. Was it good? Yes. Am I glad I read it? Absolutely! Was the story a bit pat? Yes, for sure. But I still liked it.

[Sharlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summer is not complete with a trip to the beach with Shelley Noble. Another great one. Loved the characters and the setting.
"Imagine Summer is a story of discovery, trust, and the courage to dream."

[Gail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pleasant beach read.

[Linda Smatzny · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of two half sisters seeking to understand each other after the younger one had done major damage years earlier. The book was an easy read.

[Kay Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

IMAGINE SUMMER by Shelley Noble is the delightful story of Skylar (Skye) Mackenzie as she’s busy planning for a weekend retreat. When she’s startled by the sudden appearance of her half-sister and an old boyfriend, it throws more than one monkey wrench in her plans while forcing her to deal with her painful past, tend to the hectic and costly present and causes her to wonder if she even has a future.

Skye has never been on good terms with her half-sister Amy, Little Princess Face, even as children. When she turned everyone in town, even her own father, against her telling anyone that would listen that Skye was the one responsible for the fire that destroyed her father’s shed, Skye left town and all the pain behind her. She showed up on the doorsteps of her Aunt Roxy a shell of a young woman needing a place to heal, both physically and mentally, and in need of love. It has taken some hard work, but she is happy with her life now, confident in her choice of careers and happy with Jack, the wonderful man in her life. What she didn’t need now was for Amy to show up. Not now when she had so much riding on the success of the retreat in the balance – not only for her but for a major part of the folks and businesses in town. What does she want and how fast can she send her on her way? And why is Connor with her?

Amy talked Connor into taking her to see Skye on the pretense of trying to put the past behind them and be friends. He didn’t take much convincing since he had once loved Skye and if fact was known, still was. He still wonders if there could be hope for them and the only way to find out is to find out for himself.

Skye started the plans for the Discover It Weekend retreat just for her own businesses – Imagine That and Imagine That Too. However, it wasn’t long before the whole business district of their little town thought it would be a great way to increase traffic flow, bring money into their stores and maybe, just maybe, get them in the black again. The more Skye did, it seems the more they expected of her – both of her time and financial backing. Skye’s determined to make it all work, everyone to profit from it and then she can relax – in August.

Almost from the very get go, Amy is still playing the same old poor me tricks. She causes problems between Sonny, Jack’s business partner, and Maya, Skye’s best friend and the sister Skye always wished she had. She continues to spread the lies that Skye ran from before and turning townsfolk against her. But the last straw was what Skye saw on the beach!

Can Skye stand up to Amy and stop giving in to her tears or her demands? Can Jack get over his jealousy of the old “soulmate”? What will it take for Amy to open her eyes to the truth? Whose side will the people in town believe – sweet innocent looking Amy or the woman they have lived with and gotten to know for the last 15 years? Is there still anything between Sky and Connor? Can you go really ever go back to the way things were or must you build on the present? Can Skye and Amy find closure to the past or will they cut all ties completely?

Really enjoyed reading IMAGINE SUMMER! I fell in love with the characters and my heart was right there with Skye as it dipped to the bottom of the barrel and when it soared. As with all small towns, folks had their opinions and sometimes got off track, but when push comes to shove, they got your back. Loved Connor’s description of Amy – “Twenty-six and lost as surely as if she were in the desert without a compass.” It pegs Amy to a tee. And this quote of Roxy’s was only one of the reasons I’d love to have an aunt just like her – “she collected social security, she was old enough that she didn’t have to keep an open mind.” IMAGINE SUMMER was a book I didn’t want to put down. I would most definitely recommend it to anyone that loves a well-written story with as many curves and dips as a roller coaster, but hey that’s what life is, which is what made this Shelley Noble story so realistic to me. It gets my FIVE STARS!

[Andrea Wenger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Skye is a successful businesswomen with a happy romantic relationship—until her estranged half-sister Amy shows up without warning, bringing Skye's high school boyfriend with her. Amy still blames Skye for the fire that split up their family fifteen years earlier. Can Skye keep her happy life intact with Amy manipulating everyone in town?

The dynamic between Skye and Amy seems like the classic scapegoat / golden child projection of a narcissistic mother (or in Skye's case, stepmother). Skye, the scapegoat, managed to escape and build a successful life independent of her parents. Amy, the golden child, is still enmeshed in her dependency, except that her parents will no longer have anything to do with her. So she turns to Skye, desperate for love and attention, without a strong sense of self, and blaming Skye for all the bad things that have happened in Amy's life.

There's a lot going on in this book, and at times the plot feels a little scattered. But the author does a good job of showing the lasting havoc that can be wrought of a childhood gone wrong.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Ferne (Enthusiastic Reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Skylar Mackenzie created Imagine That, a children’s toy, book, and creativity store for locals and tourists in Sunny Point, Rhode Island. When a vacant adjoining storefront created the opportunity, she opened Imagine That Too providing even more space for her docents, artists, and volunteers to provide discovery sessions for "Creativity Without Borders" and expanded offerings for all ages. The imagination that created escape in her childhood now brings others joy, and she’s at home with family, work, and community. A half-sister who never apologized for the most vicious lie arrives with a man who brings reminders and the allure of a first love that would be their forever love. Suddenly Skye’s relationships, business, and reputation are at risk.

I loved Skye’s business and another creative business in town owned by male entrepreneurs and artisans. As the story unfolded, it was intriguing to wonder what decision Skye would make by the novel's end. I was captivated by the beach town setting and the characters.

I couldn’t be at the beach when I read it, but perhaps you can!

A Reading Group Guide is available at the end of the novel.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you! I won this book through a giveaway! This is the first book I read by this author. In the beginning I had a hard time getting hooked in the story. The main character Skye is very compelling. It takes a bit to figure out why she ran away from home and distrustful of her half sister. I felt a little dimension lacking in the other characters, their character could have built up more if we had an opportunity to get in one or two of their thoughts too. I enjoyed the story and about halfway through I had a hard time putting it down. I was drawn into all the different struggles happening and wanting to know the resolution. The end was slightly disappointing because two of the main issues throughout the whole book were not mentioned in the end. It didn't need to be a perfectly happy ending but if the whole book is spent dwelling on a specific issue it should be acknowledge in some form at the end unless there will be a sequel????

[lori pennington · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won this book through a Giveaway by the publisher on Goodreads! Thank you!

I was excited to read this one but it really fell flat for me. Its a lite "beach read" about estranged sisters who are dealing with family conflict in a picturesque, New England town. This book centers around the toxic relationship between the sisters who share a father who is still devastated by the death of his first wife. Their relationship lacks bonding and is filled with trust issues and jealously.

I don't think the characters are well developed. I had a hard time telling several of the characters apart aside from their physical descriptions in the beginning.

The whole premise of the small town needing the upcoming event being planned to boost tourism was hard to believe and seemed unrealistic that the future economy of the town was held in the hands of a couple of millennials.

Just not a good read for me. It did not pull me in. I got to chapter 7 and that was it for me.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Skylar Mackenzie could never have imagined that her summer would be so stressful. She is the owner of Imagine That (toy/bookstore/creativity center) in Rhode Island. She is also in charge of planning Skye's Discover it Weekend and they have already gone over budget! Now her half sister shows up with Connor Reid, the boy who broke Skye's heart. This makes things awkward for her and for her current partner--Jack. This book centers around the toxic relationship between the sisters who share a father who is still devastated by the death of his first wife. Their relationship lacks bonding and is filled with lack of trust and jealously. With Conner back, Skye questions who she sees in her future--Jack or Connor. I enjoyed this book, the characters, and the small town feel. The writing is good and I will look for other books by the author in the future.

[Patricia Gallant · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I was reading this family drama/love triangle story I was thinking 3 stars. It was a little slow moving and I didn't like the annoying half-sister who kept causing problems. She came out of nowhere to disrupt her sister's life.

Skye had a pleasant life with her own business in a small town and a comfortable relationship with Jack. But when little half-sister Amy shows up with Skye's teen years boyfriend Connor in tow, stuff hits the fan. Amy is determined to cause as much trouble for Skye as possible.

I didn't like Amy. I was worried for the Skye & Jack relationship with Connor back in the picture looking to reclaim Skye. But the last few chapters were very gripping keeping me up late. Hence the 4 stars. I recommend this read and am looking forward to reading more books from new-to-me author Shelley Noble.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many of the reviews of this book were not great, but I really enjoyed it. I thought the tension between Skye, a successful small business owner, and her estranged half sister, Amy, was realistic and complicated. Skye is a well loved figure in her town, but when Amy shows up, Skye fears she will spread her malicious and hateful lies. Connor, Skye’s ex from her past, arrives with Amy, causing Skye to re-examine her relationship with Jack. I liked the idea of Skye’s business, based on creativity and making, and felt that enhanced the story. A good summer read, thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

[Toni Laliberte · Rating 3 out of 5]

My favorite character throughout this whole book, was Jack. He's a new favorite book boyfriend. Lol. My least favorite character was, Amy. Ugh. I'm glad I've never met anyone like her! This was an okay read, for me. I liked the writing and the premise of the story. Skye is the type of character you just want to shake awake. You know? I enjoyed the banter between Roxy and Hildy. They remind me of several older women I know. The backstory of Skye and Amy's childhood, was sad. Learning about some of the reasons why Amy is the way she is, still doesn't redeem her, in my eyes. The store that Skye owns was original and very cool. The ending was really good and made up for a lot.

[Cayley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute, summer read. It was enjoyable and charming, and certainly kept me guessing. Unfortunately, a lot of my guesses ended up being better than the actual reveals. The author had several opportunities to take the storyline in a new direction that would have made it stand out, but chose to keep the characters and plot very vanilla, leaving the reader at the end with few surprises.

This book is the summer beach read version of a Hallmark movie. Good when you are looking for something light and easy to read as you are on vacation. Not anything out of the ordinary, but that doesn't mean it's not worth adding to your lineup of fluffy summer reading.

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairly good book but it seems to support unhealthy relationships. The importance of completely removing toxic people from your life. No matter who the person is, or why society, friends, or family tries to convince you otherwise; remove all the toxic people from your life. Also, don’t let other people upset you and control your life. The main character constantly finds herself acquiescing to the demands of others despite the undue stress it will put on her. Instead of having a backbone and standing up for herself she kept getting walked on and abused. But, she was supposed to be the heroine. Overall, the book was okay but it was slow to develop.

#GoodreadsGiveaway

[Richard Becker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a little gem of a beach read. Skye McKenzie has remade her life since a betrayal by her half-sister Amy. She is now owner of a business named imagine that and is esteemed in her community.

Amy shows up unexpectedly with Skye's former beau and begins wreaking havoc on Skye's life and those of her family and friends. This is also happening right before a festival that Skye is hosting for the town.

There is plenty of suspense and intrigue. Friendships are tested and decisions have to be made. I loved the characters, the beach setting, and the story. This was a nice story with some umph to it.

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was very predictable which made it disappointing even though I did enjoy reading it. Every event in the plot could be seen from the get go and yet I kept reading. The characters were straight from "central casting' and barely physically described as if written so when it becomes a "Hallmark movie" they could put anyone in any of the parts which was kind of sad to me. I was sent this by the publisher for an honest review.

[Brandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this book via Libby- thank you Herrick!

There were not many surprises in this story & I had predicted the ending. I believe the author glossed over some real feelings that would be so different in real life. However- it did keep my interest as an audiobook. Definitely a surface deep beach read (even though there were some heavier topics covered). Adult family relationships that were in conflict.

[Stefani · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun, light read. The characters were likable and the story itself was interesting! It is definitely a fun little beach read, although I read it in October, very much not at the beach. I would recommend this book for anyone that wants something light-hearted to read. With plenty of curves, it kept my interest while not being too convoluted.

I received this book from the publisher and it is my honest review.

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rounded up from 2.5 stars. I liked the concept, but the execution was not all that great. I found a lot of the narrative to be very repetitive - you could make a drinking game out of all the times various characters said or thought that Skye should have made Amy leave the first night she got there.

[helen ellison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great as usual

I love Shelley Nobel all her books give you something to think about and this is no exception. You are thrust into the midst of the lives she has created for the story and end up so involved even to the point of choosing sides! As usual the ending ties up all the loose ends and leaves you satisfied and understanding why at last.

[Dana · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars
*ARC provided by the author/publisher via Goodreads in exchange for an honest review*

I just could not get into this book. I was down to the last 2 chapters and still couldn't find the purpose of it. What was this book really about? The only thing I know for sure is I absolutely could not stand Amy.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won a copy of "Imagine Summer" by Shelley Noble. It was a pleasant romance story of a woman who needs to choose between her present lover and her lover from the past, who suddenly appears after many years.
The story is also about two estranged sisters who deal with how to put the past aside and move forward with their lives.