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The Summer We Ran Away
It was meant to be the party of the summer… In Cedar Road, everyone is preparing for Lexi’s ‘White Hot’ summer party. For one night, parking squabbles and petitions are put aside as neighbours sip Prosecco under the fairy lights and gather by the hot tub to marvel at Lexi’s effortlessly glamorous life with Hot Hamish. For Julia, it’s a chance to coax husband Charlie out of his potting shed and into a shirt so they can have a welcome break from the hellish house renovation they’ve been wrestling with. And it’s a chance for Julia to pretend – just for a night – that her life is as perfect as Lexi’s. But when, during the party, one of Julia’s WhatsApp messages falls into the wrong hands and reveals her most intimate thoughts, things reach boiling point…
And when all the neighbours know exactly what you’re thinking, there’s only one thing to do. Run away. It’s going to be a summer Julia will never forget…
And when all the neighbours know exactly what you’re thinking, there’s only one thing to do. Run away. It’s going to be a summer Julia will never forget…
384 pages, Paperback
Published June 8, 2021
54 people are currently reading
354 people want to read
About the author
Jenny Oliver
24 books254 followersJenny Oliver is the bestselling author of The Summerhouse by the Sea - the PERFECT book for your summer reading! Out May 18th.
Her book The Sunshine and Biscotti Club, set in sunny Tuscany, was nominated for the Best Contemporary Romantic Novel at the RONA awards.
Jenny wrote her first book on holiday when she was ten years old. Illustrated with cut-out supermodels from her sister's Vogue, it was an epic, sweeping love story not so loosely based Dynasty.
Since then Jenny has gone on to get an English degree and a job in publishing that's taught her what it takes to write a novel (without the help of the supermodels). She wrote her first book The Parisian Christmas Bake Off on the beach in a notebook that would end up covered in sand each afternoon and damp from the sea. Nowadays her inspiration comes from her love of all things vintage, a fascination with other people’s relationships and an unwavering belief in happy ever after!
If you are looking for some bite-size reads why not try her Cherry Pie Island novella series. The first five books - The Grand Reopening of Dandelion Cafe, The Vintage Ice Cream Van Road Trip, The Great Allotment Proposal, One Summer Night at the Ritz and Four Weddings and a White Christmas are out NOW! Mouthwatering, feel-good and the ultimate escapism!
Follow her on Twitter @JenOliverBooks, Instagram jenoliverbooks or go to the website jennyoliverbooks.com to find out more about Jenny, her books and read her blog!
Her book The Sunshine and Biscotti Club, set in sunny Tuscany, was nominated for the Best Contemporary Romantic Novel at the RONA awards.
Jenny wrote her first book on holiday when she was ten years old. Illustrated with cut-out supermodels from her sister's Vogue, it was an epic, sweeping love story not so loosely based Dynasty.
Since then Jenny has gone on to get an English degree and a job in publishing that's taught her what it takes to write a novel (without the help of the supermodels). She wrote her first book The Parisian Christmas Bake Off on the beach in a notebook that would end up covered in sand each afternoon and damp from the sea. Nowadays her inspiration comes from her love of all things vintage, a fascination with other people’s relationships and an unwavering belief in happy ever after!
If you are looking for some bite-size reads why not try her Cherry Pie Island novella series. The first five books - The Grand Reopening of Dandelion Cafe, The Vintage Ice Cream Van Road Trip, The Great Allotment Proposal, One Summer Night at the Ritz and Four Weddings and a White Christmas are out NOW! Mouthwatering, feel-good and the ultimate escapism!
Follow her on Twitter @JenOliverBooks, Instagram jenoliverbooks or go to the website jennyoliverbooks.com to find out more about Jenny, her books and read her blog!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
June 21, 2020
“The Summer We Ran Away” is my first read by author Jenny Oliver. I wasn’t aware of this author before and didn’t realise she had so many books published, I’ve certainly being missing out on some entertaining reads!
What a wonderful little treat this story was, fun, uplifting and thoroughly enjoyable, I really lost myself in France (the setting for most of the story) and felt I was truly walking around the unique antique fairs and winding back lanes in the summer air.
Julia is publicly humiliated when her very private and personal texts regarding her fantasies of Lexi’s husband, Hamish, are sent to everyone in the Cedar Road WhatsApp group during Lexi’s annual street party. Lexi is glamorous and well to do and Julia envy’s everything she buys and does. After arguing with her husband she walks out with nowhere to go. Meeting single mother Amber, her cool, unabashed neighbour, whilst sitting pondering on recent events in the street, she is tempted by Amber to accompany her to France for the weekend on a antique hunt. Can she just up and leave with the clothes on her back on a whim and will it help her to discover the real Julia?
I’ve never mixed in circles where neighbours are constantly battling to be the best and out do everyone with possessions and their status but I’m sure they do exist. Julia and her husband Charlie are your average married couple who work hard and are trying to fit in a street where the women are cliqued and sarcastic.
Being in France, does Julia realise the grass is not always greener and can she and Charlie rekindle their passion and find the couple they were in their younger years?
Amber is a fantastic character and the story is as much about her and her son Billy, discovering who Billy’s real dad is. One of the contenders, a man ironically called ‘Lovejoy’ is superb as the antique dealer Amber runs into and from there a fabulous relationship develops between all the characters involved.
This story focuses on desiring what other people have and pondering on the ‘what if’s’ and ‘perhaps’ of the past. I loved this book and enjoyed every single minute. I’ve every intention of now reading more by this author, she writes a cracking story and highly recommend this book to readers of this genre.
5 stars!
What a wonderful little treat this story was, fun, uplifting and thoroughly enjoyable, I really lost myself in France (the setting for most of the story) and felt I was truly walking around the unique antique fairs and winding back lanes in the summer air.
Julia is publicly humiliated when her very private and personal texts regarding her fantasies of Lexi’s husband, Hamish, are sent to everyone in the Cedar Road WhatsApp group during Lexi’s annual street party. Lexi is glamorous and well to do and Julia envy’s everything she buys and does. After arguing with her husband she walks out with nowhere to go. Meeting single mother Amber, her cool, unabashed neighbour, whilst sitting pondering on recent events in the street, she is tempted by Amber to accompany her to France for the weekend on a antique hunt. Can she just up and leave with the clothes on her back on a whim and will it help her to discover the real Julia?
I’ve never mixed in circles where neighbours are constantly battling to be the best and out do everyone with possessions and their status but I’m sure they do exist. Julia and her husband Charlie are your average married couple who work hard and are trying to fit in a street where the women are cliqued and sarcastic.
Being in France, does Julia realise the grass is not always greener and can she and Charlie rekindle their passion and find the couple they were in their younger years?
Amber is a fantastic character and the story is as much about her and her son Billy, discovering who Billy’s real dad is. One of the contenders, a man ironically called ‘Lovejoy’ is superb as the antique dealer Amber runs into and from there a fabulous relationship develops between all the characters involved.
This story focuses on desiring what other people have and pondering on the ‘what if’s’ and ‘perhaps’ of the past. I loved this book and enjoyed every single minute. I’ve every intention of now reading more by this author, she writes a cracking story and highly recommend this book to readers of this genre.
5 stars!
April 12, 2020
Amazing how one set of what's app messages that were meant to be private, when shared to a group what's app, can change the course of a person's life forever.
Which is exactly what happens when Julia's messages about having erotic dreams about a married neighbour, who's life she is lusting after, are shared at the big summer party on their road. Julia's husband struggles to understand, and Julia decides to run, and ends up on an adventure with next door neighbour and friend Amber.
I loved the story from the moment they were on the run, off to France for a few days on an antiques buying trip, which then turned into other sorts of a trip too, and one that ultimately alters the course of many people's lives.
Amber is sort of reckless, whereas Julia worries about most things, so putting them together in a campervan, is rather amusing, and seeing how they rub off on each other is great.
This was such an enjoyable story, I couldn't get enough of the turns it takes, the various subplots and just how it all came together. I thoroughly enjoyed every second of this story. It really took me on a virtual journey which given we are in lockdown is the only sort of journey I'll be able to take for a while.
It's another fabulous book from Jenny Oliver, who is an author I'm always eager to read.
Thank you to HQ and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Which is exactly what happens when Julia's messages about having erotic dreams about a married neighbour, who's life she is lusting after, are shared at the big summer party on their road. Julia's husband struggles to understand, and Julia decides to run, and ends up on an adventure with next door neighbour and friend Amber.
I loved the story from the moment they were on the run, off to France for a few days on an antiques buying trip, which then turned into other sorts of a trip too, and one that ultimately alters the course of many people's lives.
Amber is sort of reckless, whereas Julia worries about most things, so putting them together in a campervan, is rather amusing, and seeing how they rub off on each other is great.
This was such an enjoyable story, I couldn't get enough of the turns it takes, the various subplots and just how it all came together. I thoroughly enjoyed every second of this story. It really took me on a virtual journey which given we are in lockdown is the only sort of journey I'll be able to take for a while.
It's another fabulous book from Jenny Oliver, who is an author I'm always eager to read.
Thank you to HQ and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
May 20, 2020
Perfect escapism for a summer's day.
Packed with humour, this is is the sort of light hearted read you need when you're relaxing in your garden with a glass of wine in hand.
I found myself smiling throughout and laughing constantly.
Gave me food for thought too about my own circumstances and relationship.
Reminds us to not take things for granted and that whilst you might think you want what others have, all isn't what it seems and actually you may be far better off with your lot.
Thoroughly enjoyed.
Packed with humour, this is is the sort of light hearted read you need when you're relaxing in your garden with a glass of wine in hand.
I found myself smiling throughout and laughing constantly.
Gave me food for thought too about my own circumstances and relationship.
Reminds us to not take things for granted and that whilst you might think you want what others have, all isn't what it seems and actually you may be far better off with your lot.
Thoroughly enjoyed.
April 4, 2020
In Cedar Road, all the residents are getting ready for Lexi Warrington’s annual summer party. A night to be spent sipping Prosecco under twinkling fairy lights and gathering around the hot tub marvelling at Lexi’s incredible and glamorous life with husband Hamish.
For Julia, it’s a chance to pry husband Charlie away from his potting shed and their horrendous house renovations. A chance to pretend her life is just as exciting and perfect as Lexi’s.
That is until WhatsApp messages of Julia’s get leaked onto the Cedar Road group, messages that reveal the steamy dreams she’s been having about Hamish.
Running out of the party, Julia ends up on a trip of a lifetime…one that will change her life.
I can’t quite believe I’ve never come across Jenny Oliver before, I requested this title on NetGalley on a bit of a whim. It sounded like it was going to be a light-hearted rom-com, and it was that but also so much more. It was a sun-soaked story of self-discovery.
I found the first couple of chapters quite slow, and I thought perhaps I had made a mistake selecting this book, but once Julia sets off on a somewhat haphazard journey with Amber I was hooked.
Oliver’s writing style is effortless to read, full of delightful descriptions that painted the French countryside in my mind to perfection. Every sound and smell, especially at the antiques market, came alive and off the pages.
The characters are all perfectly imperfect, but for me the stand-out character was Martin, his dry humour and quick wit had my laughing out loud. I often find characters relatable, but I very rarely see myself in them. However, I found echoes of my own personality in both Amber and Julia, making both protagonists much more real for me.
If you’re looking for an easy going summer read, with a little more than the usual hearts and flowers, this is definitely the book for you. I will most certainly be reading more from Jenny Oliver in the future.
For more reviews, please visit: https://twiabblog.wixsite.com/theworl...
** Thanks to HQ, via NetGalley, for this ARC **
For Julia, it’s a chance to pry husband Charlie away from his potting shed and their horrendous house renovations. A chance to pretend her life is just as exciting and perfect as Lexi’s.
That is until WhatsApp messages of Julia’s get leaked onto the Cedar Road group, messages that reveal the steamy dreams she’s been having about Hamish.
Running out of the party, Julia ends up on a trip of a lifetime…one that will change her life.
I can’t quite believe I’ve never come across Jenny Oliver before, I requested this title on NetGalley on a bit of a whim. It sounded like it was going to be a light-hearted rom-com, and it was that but also so much more. It was a sun-soaked story of self-discovery.
I found the first couple of chapters quite slow, and I thought perhaps I had made a mistake selecting this book, but once Julia sets off on a somewhat haphazard journey with Amber I was hooked.
Oliver’s writing style is effortless to read, full of delightful descriptions that painted the French countryside in my mind to perfection. Every sound and smell, especially at the antiques market, came alive and off the pages.
The characters are all perfectly imperfect, but for me the stand-out character was Martin, his dry humour and quick wit had my laughing out loud. I often find characters relatable, but I very rarely see myself in them. However, I found echoes of my own personality in both Amber and Julia, making both protagonists much more real for me.
If you’re looking for an easy going summer read, with a little more than the usual hearts and flowers, this is definitely the book for you. I will most certainly be reading more from Jenny Oliver in the future.
For more reviews, please visit: https://twiabblog.wixsite.com/theworl...
** Thanks to HQ, via NetGalley, for this ARC **
February 12, 2020
Julia has descended into a life of envy and copying her neighbours. She and her husband Charlie have over-extended themselves buying a house which they can't afford to redecorate to their own tastes. Their neighbours are yummy mummys who shop at Whistles, granite worktops, hot water taps and hot-tubs. In comparison Julia buys her clothes at H&M and TK Maxx, arguably she buys things that look just like their more expensive rivals but really she's just copying whatever the cool kids are wearing/doing. Julia thinks she's one of the gang, until a mix-up at a party with mobile phones shows that she is very much an outsider and some of her very personal texts get shared.
This was such a sweet, fun, summer read. I think we've all felt a little like Julia, trying to fit in with the glamorous people and not realising that we have started ape-ing them a little too closely and have lost our individuality. When Julia flees the party she has no idea where she's going but her journey is emotional as well geographical. Can running away really help you discover what's real?
Loved this, loved the characters, loved the plot, loved everything about it.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
This was such a sweet, fun, summer read. I think we've all felt a little like Julia, trying to fit in with the glamorous people and not realising that we have started ape-ing them a little too closely and have lost our individuality. When Julia flees the party she has no idea where she's going but her journey is emotional as well geographical. Can running away really help you discover what's real?
Loved this, loved the characters, loved the plot, loved everything about it.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
April 26, 2020
I absolutely loved this book. It was a thrilling, interesting, heartwarming, funny, emotional book. I am pleased to put so many descriptives for one book! It was a rollercoaster of ups and downs and I give it top marks. It kept me hooked all the way through. The main characters were likeable. Also, I loved the ending.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_dj38UJD...
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_dj38UJD...
June 2, 2020
Thank you to HQ and Netgalley for providing this ARC to review it is great to stumble across new authors that quickly becomes a favourite.
Who wants a roadtrip to France? I don't think it's what Julia wanted but it's what she got.
After her personal messages going out to all of Cedar Road group chat about her neighbour the only thing she can do is run, and runs into Amber who is on her way to France for the weekend on a buying trip for antiques.
I really loved the friendship between these two ladies and the bond they made on this adventure.
Amber is scatty and a one off, I really liked her and enjoyed her side of the story more then Julia's.
Whenever Lovejoy is mentioned I had a vision in my head of Ian Mcshane!
Jenny is this where the name come from?
A lot can happen in a weekend away.
This is a fun read which I really enjoyed and perfect for times like these.
Who wants a roadtrip to France? I don't think it's what Julia wanted but it's what she got.
After her personal messages going out to all of Cedar Road group chat about her neighbour the only thing she can do is run, and runs into Amber who is on her way to France for the weekend on a buying trip for antiques.
I really loved the friendship between these two ladies and the bond they made on this adventure.
Amber is scatty and a one off, I really liked her and enjoyed her side of the story more then Julia's.
Whenever Lovejoy is mentioned I had a vision in my head of Ian Mcshane!
Jenny is this where the name come from?
A lot can happen in a weekend away.
This is a fun read which I really enjoyed and perfect for times like these.
May 10, 2020
This was a very enjoyable story about how being stuck in a bit of a rut, making a little mistake, and running away for a little while can change your way of thinking!
Julia and her husband have fairly recently moved into Cedar Terrace and are slowly doing their house up, but struggling a lot with jobs/money/stress. Julia is part of a WhatsApp group for the people who live in Cedar Terrace, well only the 'right' people, mainly led by the 'Queen Bee' of the group who seems to by the 'perfect' one most of the group aspire to being, money/looks/Instagrams everything in sight. This 'Queen Bee' and her husband have a summer party every year which of course is the party of the year, everything to excess, and Julia is trying her best to keep up even though she can't really afford it.
Julia did irritate me at first, all she seemed to be interested in was keeping up with the 'in crowd', dressing to fit in etc. when really it wasn't her at all. She was definitely a bit of doormat to start with. Her husband wouldn't conform to all this and couldn't understand why she was acting that way, I really liked him! He was just himself and wasn't impressed by the facade lots of the others were putting on.
Then a few text messages Julia had sent a friend about fantasies she'd been having about the 'Queen Bee's' husband fall into the wrong hands and Julia is humiliated. But along comes Amber, the 'Queen Bee's' next-door antique dealer/decorator neighbour who again isn't interested in the group and is just herself, who rescues Julia and through various circumstances whisks her off to France on an antiques buying trip for the weekend, which is when the book got really good.
Amber had her own issues going on, with her son and a sort of friend/partner, and was really the opposite of Julia, and definitely a bit of a loose canon! There were various little stories going on regarding relationships and jobs, and once they were in France it was never dull and really great fun!
So I found the beginning slightly irritating, as I'm really not a try and fit in person either, you either like me as I am or not at all... and Julia was the opposite of that to start with, but once they got away to France the book was just wonderful and in the end all the good characters really came together to help each other out and there was a lovely ending. Very, very enjoyable.
Julia and her husband have fairly recently moved into Cedar Terrace and are slowly doing their house up, but struggling a lot with jobs/money/stress. Julia is part of a WhatsApp group for the people who live in Cedar Terrace, well only the 'right' people, mainly led by the 'Queen Bee' of the group who seems to by the 'perfect' one most of the group aspire to being, money/looks/Instagrams everything in sight. This 'Queen Bee' and her husband have a summer party every year which of course is the party of the year, everything to excess, and Julia is trying her best to keep up even though she can't really afford it.
Julia did irritate me at first, all she seemed to be interested in was keeping up with the 'in crowd', dressing to fit in etc. when really it wasn't her at all. She was definitely a bit of doormat to start with. Her husband wouldn't conform to all this and couldn't understand why she was acting that way, I really liked him! He was just himself and wasn't impressed by the facade lots of the others were putting on.
Then a few text messages Julia had sent a friend about fantasies she'd been having about the 'Queen Bee's' husband fall into the wrong hands and Julia is humiliated. But along comes Amber, the 'Queen Bee's' next-door antique dealer/decorator neighbour who again isn't interested in the group and is just herself, who rescues Julia and through various circumstances whisks her off to France on an antiques buying trip for the weekend, which is when the book got really good.
Amber had her own issues going on, with her son and a sort of friend/partner, and was really the opposite of Julia, and definitely a bit of a loose canon! There were various little stories going on regarding relationships and jobs, and once they were in France it was never dull and really great fun!
So I found the beginning slightly irritating, as I'm really not a try and fit in person either, you either like me as I am or not at all... and Julia was the opposite of that to start with, but once they got away to France the book was just wonderful and in the end all the good characters really came together to help each other out and there was a lovely ending. Very, very enjoyable.
March 20, 2020
The Summer We Ran Away by Jenny Oliver is a wonderful tale about Julia, a woman completely lost in her own life and trying to find a way out of her boredom. She and her husband Charlie have purchased a house that they can't afford to finish renovating, both work jobs they aren't fully satisfied with, and live on a street full of instagramming, brand shaming, yummy mummies with perfect lives, perfect houses and perfect cars. Julia longs to be in their gang, and be just like them no matter what the cost.
When a mishap at a street party almost costs Julia her marriage she escapes with Amber, a neighbour who refuses to be part of the trend. A feel-good, life affirming story - brilliant.
When a mishap at a street party almost costs Julia her marriage she escapes with Amber, a neighbour who refuses to be part of the trend. A feel-good, life affirming story - brilliant.
June 13, 2020
This is a very funny laugh out loud, feel good book with some rekindling of love that had become strained. It made me laugh out loud many times, it also made me cringe the odd time too. A light heart’ed book to read during the summer. With such funny escapades that are beyond belief, this really is going to be one of your best summer reads.
Julia and Charlie are the newest residents to make Ceder Road their home. They were both welcomed to the street by Lexi the queen bee, the one who either lets you in to her little inner circle or shuns you if you don’t fit in with her.
Every summer Lexi and her husband Hamish host the summer party of all parties, which only the select few get invited to. Julia and Charlie are invited and Julia ends up spending money they don’t have, on clothes for the party as she is desperate to become one of Lexi’s inner circle of friends.
The theme of the party is white hot. With not knowing what to wear to fit in Julia starts to following Lexi on Instagram. She finds herself purchasing knock off designer clothes similar to what she sees Lexi wearing, even though the style of clothes don’t suit Julia.
This spending isn’t doing much good to Julia and Charlie’s already depleting bank account. It turns out that they have bought the house from hell! Just as they get one problem sorted out another more expensive problem crops up. They have ploughed through their savings and now have a spreadsheet planning their life and wages for the next 5 years. This in turn has been putting some strain on Julia and Charlie’s relationship.
On the day of the party dressed up in her knock off designer dress Julia and Charlie arrive at Lexi’s. When Julia steps in to the house she is in awe of how Lexi has decorated her house and how effortless she seems to make everything look. While Julia feels everything is a huge task.
When the party is well underway Lexi and Hamish try to get everyone in to the huge Jacuzzi they have hired. This is where everything starts going wrong for Julia, as Hamish and everyone in the Jacuzzi start to taunt Charlie in to joining them, but Charlie just doesn’t want any part of if. When Julia joins in with the rest of them she sees that she has just made things even more strained between her and Charlie.
When Julia and Lexi are talking in the kitchen a bit later on they both end up picking each others phones up by accident, and as Julia heads back outside within minutes everyones mobiles start beeping with notifications. To Julia’s horror Lexi has shared some of Julia’s private WhatsApp messages to her best friend. Where she has told her about some of the dreams she’s had about Lexi’s husband Hamish. Julia is so humiliated and Charlie looks so hurt she runs off.
This is where Amber, Julia’s next door neighbour becomes her savior. She is just about to head off to France. She is going to all of the big antique fairs that are being held over the next few days. To see what she can pick up for her business. Usually Amber travels with her son, but he is off on his own adventure travelling around the continent with his girlfriend.
This is where all the fun begins, as they find themselves racing around France trying to catch up to Amber’s son who is looking for his real father. Amber and Julia find themselves getting in to all kinds of trouble along the way. All the while Julia is trying to figure out what she want’s out of life and how she can mend her relationship with Charlie.
As I’ve already said, with it’s funny escapades, this really is going to be one of your best summer reads. You won’t be able to put it down.
Julia and Charlie are the newest residents to make Ceder Road their home. They were both welcomed to the street by Lexi the queen bee, the one who either lets you in to her little inner circle or shuns you if you don’t fit in with her.
Every summer Lexi and her husband Hamish host the summer party of all parties, which only the select few get invited to. Julia and Charlie are invited and Julia ends up spending money they don’t have, on clothes for the party as she is desperate to become one of Lexi’s inner circle of friends.
The theme of the party is white hot. With not knowing what to wear to fit in Julia starts to following Lexi on Instagram. She finds herself purchasing knock off designer clothes similar to what she sees Lexi wearing, even though the style of clothes don’t suit Julia.
This spending isn’t doing much good to Julia and Charlie’s already depleting bank account. It turns out that they have bought the house from hell! Just as they get one problem sorted out another more expensive problem crops up. They have ploughed through their savings and now have a spreadsheet planning their life and wages for the next 5 years. This in turn has been putting some strain on Julia and Charlie’s relationship.
On the day of the party dressed up in her knock off designer dress Julia and Charlie arrive at Lexi’s. When Julia steps in to the house she is in awe of how Lexi has decorated her house and how effortless she seems to make everything look. While Julia feels everything is a huge task.
When the party is well underway Lexi and Hamish try to get everyone in to the huge Jacuzzi they have hired. This is where everything starts going wrong for Julia, as Hamish and everyone in the Jacuzzi start to taunt Charlie in to joining them, but Charlie just doesn’t want any part of if. When Julia joins in with the rest of them she sees that she has just made things even more strained between her and Charlie.
When Julia and Lexi are talking in the kitchen a bit later on they both end up picking each others phones up by accident, and as Julia heads back outside within minutes everyones mobiles start beeping with notifications. To Julia’s horror Lexi has shared some of Julia’s private WhatsApp messages to her best friend. Where she has told her about some of the dreams she’s had about Lexi’s husband Hamish. Julia is so humiliated and Charlie looks so hurt she runs off.
This is where Amber, Julia’s next door neighbour becomes her savior. She is just about to head off to France. She is going to all of the big antique fairs that are being held over the next few days. To see what she can pick up for her business. Usually Amber travels with her son, but he is off on his own adventure travelling around the continent with his girlfriend.
This is where all the fun begins, as they find themselves racing around France trying to catch up to Amber’s son who is looking for his real father. Amber and Julia find themselves getting in to all kinds of trouble along the way. All the while Julia is trying to figure out what she want’s out of life and how she can mend her relationship with Charlie.
As I’ve already said, with it’s funny escapades, this really is going to be one of your best summer reads. You won’t be able to put it down.
January 27, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley for a pre publication copy. In return for an honest review! #thesummerweranaway #netgalley
Julia wants to be popular with her neighbour and she even goes as far as to try to dress the same, get invited to her parties and follow her home decor. Whilst she is chatting to her friend about the "sex on legs" husband that she fantasies about. Until she's at Lexi's party and two mobile phones get muddled up and these WhatsApp messages are leaked to the whole street. It just so happens her other friend Amber sees an altercation and picks Julia up they don't stop driving until they hit France. Can Julia make a life for herself? Will she return to her life as she knows it? Are their bigger lessons to learn?
The description of the book drew me in alongside the short and snappy title which spoke of sun, sea and adventure.
This book covers some very emotional but modern topics which is essential to be spoken about. This book really turns traditions, old beliefs and values on their head to fit into modern society. Such as investing, corporate ladder climbing, marrying, single parenthood, keeping up with the Jones' as well as being stifled in a relationship amongst other things. All of these topics are written with such empathy and understanding behind them while two characters are brought together by their differences.
This book should be circulated amongst the young adults and older teens to show that life on social media is not always how that person's life is and that actually being unique is important rather than trying to live through other people.
At the beginning of the book (first 3 chapters) I felt it a bit of a slow start and like I'd already read it/ recognisable plot. I checked everything and I hadn't so I continued and i'm glad I did. but for this reason I am giving I 4.5 stars out of 5 as opposed to a solid star rating because it was just for a very brief period I had these thoughts and rhe rest of the book was 5 stars.
Julia wants to be popular with her neighbour and she even goes as far as to try to dress the same, get invited to her parties and follow her home decor. Whilst she is chatting to her friend about the "sex on legs" husband that she fantasies about. Until she's at Lexi's party and two mobile phones get muddled up and these WhatsApp messages are leaked to the whole street. It just so happens her other friend Amber sees an altercation and picks Julia up they don't stop driving until they hit France. Can Julia make a life for herself? Will she return to her life as she knows it? Are their bigger lessons to learn?
The description of the book drew me in alongside the short and snappy title which spoke of sun, sea and adventure.
This book covers some very emotional but modern topics which is essential to be spoken about. This book really turns traditions, old beliefs and values on their head to fit into modern society. Such as investing, corporate ladder climbing, marrying, single parenthood, keeping up with the Jones' as well as being stifled in a relationship amongst other things. All of these topics are written with such empathy and understanding behind them while two characters are brought together by their differences.
This book should be circulated amongst the young adults and older teens to show that life on social media is not always how that person's life is and that actually being unique is important rather than trying to live through other people.
At the beginning of the book (first 3 chapters) I felt it a bit of a slow start and like I'd already read it/ recognisable plot. I checked everything and I hadn't so I continued and i'm glad I did. but for this reason I am giving I 4.5 stars out of 5 as opposed to a solid star rating because it was just for a very brief period I had these thoughts and rhe rest of the book was 5 stars.
June 10, 2020
The Summer We Ran Away by Jenny Oliver is the most delightfully refreshing contemporary novel about friendship, life and love.
Friendships may be complicated affairs – new friendships are often about trying to fit in. Real friendships are like a pair of comfy slippers. Jenny Oliver examines false and real friendships. She shows how clicky, cruel and hurtful some can be. A real friendship is one where someone loves you enough to tell you the truth in love.
Keeping up with the Joneses is exhausting. Far better to live in the freedom to be ‘you.’
The novel explores various marriages and relationships. We see just how important it is to cherish your spouse and to be thankful for the life we have built together.
In learning how to be the ‘you’ you were created to be, we see that honesty and loving the face in the mirror is vital.
The reader is in for a real treat as we ‘escape’ to France while still sitting in the safety of our sofa. Jenny Oliver has perfectly painted the scene and captured the atmosphere.
I absolutely adored The Summer We Ran Away. It was a perfectly charming read showing the importance of kindness and true friendship. Treat yourself to a ray of sunshine this summer.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
Friendships may be complicated affairs – new friendships are often about trying to fit in. Real friendships are like a pair of comfy slippers. Jenny Oliver examines false and real friendships. She shows how clicky, cruel and hurtful some can be. A real friendship is one where someone loves you enough to tell you the truth in love.
Keeping up with the Joneses is exhausting. Far better to live in the freedom to be ‘you.’
The novel explores various marriages and relationships. We see just how important it is to cherish your spouse and to be thankful for the life we have built together.
In learning how to be the ‘you’ you were created to be, we see that honesty and loving the face in the mirror is vital.
The reader is in for a real treat as we ‘escape’ to France while still sitting in the safety of our sofa. Jenny Oliver has perfectly painted the scene and captured the atmosphere.
I absolutely adored The Summer We Ran Away. It was a perfectly charming read showing the importance of kindness and true friendship. Treat yourself to a ray of sunshine this summer.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
June 8, 2020
Want to start off this review by saying what a beautiful cover, giving me all the summer vibes!
This book was absolutely lovely, so enjoyable and allowed me to escape to France for a few hours from the comfort of my own sofa. The Summer We Ran Away is everything I was hoping it would be - refreshing, entertaining and uplifting. I loved the characters and felt like I was along on the adventure, I wouldn't have minded sharing an espresso and pain au chocolat with them.
While this book is light reading it made me think twice about my perception on social media and left me thinking maybe the grass isn't always greener on the other side! Without giving anything away, I loved the ending, it did not disappoint! A great twist on your typical summer romance with plenty of laughs along the way, I would go as far as saying it is the perfect "lockdown' read.
If this isn't already on your TBR, get adding!
Thank you so much to the publisher and netgalley for my advanced copy.
This book was absolutely lovely, so enjoyable and allowed me to escape to France for a few hours from the comfort of my own sofa. The Summer We Ran Away is everything I was hoping it would be - refreshing, entertaining and uplifting. I loved the characters and felt like I was along on the adventure, I wouldn't have minded sharing an espresso and pain au chocolat with them.
While this book is light reading it made me think twice about my perception on social media and left me thinking maybe the grass isn't always greener on the other side! Without giving anything away, I loved the ending, it did not disappoint! A great twist on your typical summer romance with plenty of laughs along the way, I would go as far as saying it is the perfect "lockdown' read.
If this isn't already on your TBR, get adding!
Thank you so much to the publisher and netgalley for my advanced copy.
September 25, 2020
An easy read which is just what I needed from the last few intense books !
It starts very painfully when a Whatsapp message is released to the wrong group chat . Julie wants to be with the 'in' crowd in her street and tries to dress like them and style her house the same - once her Whatsapp message is leaked she is highly embarrassed and is shamed by her husband and so called friends. The only thing to do is to escape to France with another neighbour Amber. Its a fun story of friendships and just being yourself
It starts very painfully when a Whatsapp message is released to the wrong group chat . Julie wants to be with the 'in' crowd in her street and tries to dress like them and style her house the same - once her Whatsapp message is leaked she is highly embarrassed and is shamed by her husband and so called friends. The only thing to do is to escape to France with another neighbour Amber. Its a fun story of friendships and just being yourself
November 27, 2020
I do not understand how it’s even possible to write a book this bad. I think I lasted two pages, both of which contained references to BOTH Instagram AND WhatsApp, clearly intended to make the book feel current. They didn’t.
There’s something off with the language. Badly off. I don’t know enough about grammar to say what it is but the sentences don’t make sense to me.
I think this is the worst book I have read.
There’s something off with the language. Badly off. I don’t know enough about grammar to say what it is but the sentences don’t make sense to me.
I think this is the worst book I have read.
June 8, 2020
I liked this book. I found the characters all very likeable and all had good sense of humour. I enjoyed reading the descriptions of the French countryside and the sights that the pair saw on their journey. The blossoming friendships were lovely to read about too. Thank you to netgalley and the author and publishers for the opportunity to read this ARC for my honest opinion
May 11, 2020
Your nightmare come true, marriage rocky, money issues and secret crush on your neighbours husband. What happens when it all comes out at the neighbourhood party of the year.
You run away, reassess and find joy in the simple things. Being grateful for what you have, accepting you can't please everyone so you might as well start with what pleases you. Not preachy but enlightenment and good for showing you how to look at situations in a different manner. An enjoyable and rewarding read.
You run away, reassess and find joy in the simple things. Being grateful for what you have, accepting you can't please everyone so you might as well start with what pleases you. Not preachy but enlightenment and good for showing you how to look at situations in a different manner. An enjoyable and rewarding read.
May 23, 2020
I enjoyed this book. I’m pretty sure the first few chapters will be recognisable in a similar guise for many people however I liked how the focus of the book shifted and became shared. A lovely, fun read which I have to say I belted through as wanted to know the ending!
Thank you Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley
February 9, 2021
Lovely book. Julia and Amber is a tale of real friendship and how that develops in their trip.
July 7, 2022
3.5 ⭐️ A really enjoyable, easy and relatable read.
April 28, 2020
A really great story of Julia and Amber and their adventures over the summer. Julia is so desperate to fit in with her snobby neighbours that she will do pretty much anything to please. But when an incident sends them all against her in a frenzy of humiliation, she hops in a van with another neighbour Amber, and ends up on an adventure that will change both of their lives forever....... A compelling read, full of laughter and tears, the perfect summer read.
April 21, 2020
This was actually quite a quirky read about two neighbours who inadvertently end up on a road trip in France due to random circumstance. Julia is dissatisfied with her life, especially compared to the insta perfect life of some of her neighbours, Amber (who has zero time for the insta neighbours) is battling to keep her beloved job whilst trying to manage a family issue that she thought she’d resolved. Both are very different people but it makes them a good balance overall and there’s some good thought provoking moments. The other characters are fun and the overall chemistry between them all is very believable. This is a great summer read but with some food for thought in some respects.
August 16, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. The ending was perhaps slightly too quick and a bit too 'perfect' but overall I liked it a lot.
March 31, 2020
Most of us have known a Lexi at school and if we're lucky that's the last time we met a Lexi, but sometimes they turn up in our adult life and once again we're trying to be one of the cool kids and not quite getting it right. The fact is you can't get it right with a Lexi or her tiny cohort of BFFs because they are mean girls and mean girls need someone to pick on and use in order to feel better about themselves.
Julia thinks Lexi is her friend, but she isn't and at one memorable summer party everything comes out and Julia is humiliated, her husband is hurt and she unexpectedly finds herself in a van with another neighbour, Amber, on her way to France to an antiques' fair because it seems like a good idea to run away for a couple of days and get away from the embarrassment of it all.
Julia is sort of uptight, definitely not confident and has forgotten how to have fun. Amber is a woman with not a f**k to give. Apparently. They couldn't be less alike, but they are both living with secrets and not being honest with anyone least of all themselves. On a long weekend in France, they both teach each other about honesty and how to live your best life even if what's best for you doesn't seem to be the best to others. In short, the Lexis of this world are not all they pretend to be and who wants to be a carbon copy of a mean girl anyway!
This was a really light, sweet and delightful read and I think it's going to bring a little bit of joy to many people as a summer read. It definitely made me want to go back to a French antiques fair or the Marché aux Puces de Clingnancourt (the best flea market in Paris). It's also just the thing I needed while we're all stuck in Lockdown!
Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of this in return for an honest review. This brought a little bit of sunshine into my life.
Julia thinks Lexi is her friend, but she isn't and at one memorable summer party everything comes out and Julia is humiliated, her husband is hurt and she unexpectedly finds herself in a van with another neighbour, Amber, on her way to France to an antiques' fair because it seems like a good idea to run away for a couple of days and get away from the embarrassment of it all.
Julia is sort of uptight, definitely not confident and has forgotten how to have fun. Amber is a woman with not a f**k to give. Apparently. They couldn't be less alike, but they are both living with secrets and not being honest with anyone least of all themselves. On a long weekend in France, they both teach each other about honesty and how to live your best life even if what's best for you doesn't seem to be the best to others. In short, the Lexis of this world are not all they pretend to be and who wants to be a carbon copy of a mean girl anyway!
This was a really light, sweet and delightful read and I think it's going to bring a little bit of joy to many people as a summer read. It definitely made me want to go back to a French antiques fair or the Marché aux Puces de Clingnancourt (the best flea market in Paris). It's also just the thing I needed while we're all stuck in Lockdown!
Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of this in return for an honest review. This brought a little bit of sunshine into my life.
March 31, 2020
what a fantastic read!
As soon as we meet Lexi Warrington (the stuck-up leader of the "popular girls" despite not actually being at school and being old enough to behave better) and see the way she treats her so called friends it is really easy to despise her.
Just as easy is to like Julia, even though she wishes she was one of Lexi's gang and desperately tries to fit in.
A set of predictably cringeworthy circumstances lead to Julia disappearing off to France with Amber- neighbour and friend and definitely not one of the Lexi-rati.
From the minute she steps into Amber's van the adventure is most definitely on, as is a gentle journey of self awareness, introspection and discovery but with none of the cliche that so often accompanies such a journey.
Instead there is cleverly woven love, humour, strength, friendship and just a bit of chisel-jawed eye candy.
Plenty of beautifully written characters with strong, defined personalities, a bit of French countryside and plenty of appalling driving all the while on a rip-roaring adventure!
As soon as we meet Lexi Warrington (the stuck-up leader of the "popular girls" despite not actually being at school and being old enough to behave better) and see the way she treats her so called friends it is really easy to despise her.
Just as easy is to like Julia, even though she wishes she was one of Lexi's gang and desperately tries to fit in.
A set of predictably cringeworthy circumstances lead to Julia disappearing off to France with Amber- neighbour and friend and definitely not one of the Lexi-rati.
From the minute she steps into Amber's van the adventure is most definitely on, as is a gentle journey of self awareness, introspection and discovery but with none of the cliche that so often accompanies such a journey.
Instead there is cleverly woven love, humour, strength, friendship and just a bit of chisel-jawed eye candy.
Plenty of beautifully written characters with strong, defined personalities, a bit of French countryside and plenty of appalling driving all the while on a rip-roaring adventure!
May 14, 2020
I escaped in this book away from lockdown to the beautiful scenery of France.
Julia who is stuck in a rut , always wanting to fit in with the in crowd, the families on her street who seem to have perfect instragram lifestyles. Her big mistake of sending a WhatsApp message to all her neighbours instead of her friend has huge repercussions.
Devastated and embarrassed she agrees to join Amber who is going on a road trip to France. Maybe this will give her clarity and help put her life back together.
The second half of this book was my favourite. With Ambers help and their adventures, Julie comes to realise that not everything is what it seems. No one has a perfect life and the way we choose to look at something greatly influences how we feel about it. Being true to yourself and beating your own drum is a lesson , every people pleaser struggles with. The simple joys are definitely the best and this resounded in the book beautifully.
Overall this uplifting gentle read was perfect for me at the minute. Fantastic writing , thank you to netgalley and the publishers for my chance to read this beautiful book .
Julia who is stuck in a rut , always wanting to fit in with the in crowd, the families on her street who seem to have perfect instragram lifestyles. Her big mistake of sending a WhatsApp message to all her neighbours instead of her friend has huge repercussions.
Devastated and embarrassed she agrees to join Amber who is going on a road trip to France. Maybe this will give her clarity and help put her life back together.
The second half of this book was my favourite. With Ambers help and their adventures, Julie comes to realise that not everything is what it seems. No one has a perfect life and the way we choose to look at something greatly influences how we feel about it. Being true to yourself and beating your own drum is a lesson , every people pleaser struggles with. The simple joys are definitely the best and this resounded in the book beautifully.
Overall this uplifting gentle read was perfect for me at the minute. Fantastic writing , thank you to netgalley and the publishers for my chance to read this beautiful book .
June 10, 2020
I loved this book.
It starts of with some super cringe moments that we can all relate to, but by the end it is just so joyful.
Julia has always been an overachiever. So buying and renovating the house of Cedar Terrace is the dream project. She can't wait to start with the Farrow and Ball paint swatches and instagramable interior pics.
Her neighbour, glamourous Instagram influencer Lexi Warrington is Julia's inspiration. Stylish and influential, Lexi is teh queen of the Cedar Terrace Whatsapp group and Julia spends a lot of time dreaming about Lexi's picture perfect life.
I think everyone can relate to Julia's fear of missing out and sense that her life needs to be some how better/different/more like other people. Julia fully invests in the filtered portrayal of Lexi's perfect life and her attempts to fit in with Lexi and her friends are met with meanness.
When Julia teams up with free spirit Amber her life changes. Amber is heading off to France to buy antiques for a hotel room design job and Julia jumps in the camper van to escape the mean mums and go on an adventure.
But Amber is also running away.
The contrast between Julia and Amber the growing friendship between adds a great dynamic to this book. Julia is organised and thoughtful, Amber is spontaneous. They both have a lot to teach each other.
This was such a fun book. It makes me want to head off antiquing in France and eat Croque Monsieur. It's the perfect summer read!
Thank you HQ for inviting me to be a part of this blog tour.
It starts of with some super cringe moments that we can all relate to, but by the end it is just so joyful.
Julia has always been an overachiever. So buying and renovating the house of Cedar Terrace is the dream project. She can't wait to start with the Farrow and Ball paint swatches and instagramable interior pics.
Her neighbour, glamourous Instagram influencer Lexi Warrington is Julia's inspiration. Stylish and influential, Lexi is teh queen of the Cedar Terrace Whatsapp group and Julia spends a lot of time dreaming about Lexi's picture perfect life.
I think everyone can relate to Julia's fear of missing out and sense that her life needs to be some how better/different/more like other people. Julia fully invests in the filtered portrayal of Lexi's perfect life and her attempts to fit in with Lexi and her friends are met with meanness.
When Julia teams up with free spirit Amber her life changes. Amber is heading off to France to buy antiques for a hotel room design job and Julia jumps in the camper van to escape the mean mums and go on an adventure.
But Amber is also running away.
The contrast between Julia and Amber the growing friendship between adds a great dynamic to this book. Julia is organised and thoughtful, Amber is spontaneous. They both have a lot to teach each other.
This was such a fun book. It makes me want to head off antiquing in France and eat Croque Monsieur. It's the perfect summer read!
Thank you HQ for inviting me to be a part of this blog tour.
June 12, 2020
Oh my goodness, what a lovely, fun read The Summer We Ran Away by Jenny Oliver is! The perfect book to escape with this summer, it tells the story of Julia who would like nothing more than to be accepted as one of the ‘in crowd’ of Cedar Road. So when her less than favourable WhatsApp messages fall into the wrong hands, Julia does the only thing she can think of to do. She runs away.
Turning her back on everything, from her marriage to her interfering parents, Julia escapes with her feisty, carefree neighbour Amber to the hot and sunny climate of France, where she soon finds herself reevaluating everything she thought she knew about herself.
I thought I knew exactly where this book would lead when I started it, but it took me on a surprising journey of love, friendship and the importance of being true to yourself. With a wonderful and varied cast of supporting characters, The Summer We Ran Away is a heartwarming read that I thoroughly enjoyed. Beautifully written by Jenny Oliver, this is a book that instantly transported me to the idyllic heat of France right alongside Julia, as she slowly began to rediscover the things that meant the most to her. Will she be able to put the pieces of her life back together again? Or is it already way too late?
I loved this book. It’s pure escapism at its very best, something I think we’re all in desperate need of right now. A lighthearted and entertaining summer read that I would highly recommend.
This is the first book I’ve read by Jenny Oliver, but it most definitely won’t be my last. Simply delightful!
Turning her back on everything, from her marriage to her interfering parents, Julia escapes with her feisty, carefree neighbour Amber to the hot and sunny climate of France, where she soon finds herself reevaluating everything she thought she knew about herself.
I thought I knew exactly where this book would lead when I started it, but it took me on a surprising journey of love, friendship and the importance of being true to yourself. With a wonderful and varied cast of supporting characters, The Summer We Ran Away is a heartwarming read that I thoroughly enjoyed. Beautifully written by Jenny Oliver, this is a book that instantly transported me to the idyllic heat of France right alongside Julia, as she slowly began to rediscover the things that meant the most to her. Will she be able to put the pieces of her life back together again? Or is it already way too late?
I loved this book. It’s pure escapism at its very best, something I think we’re all in desperate need of right now. A lighthearted and entertaining summer read that I would highly recommend.
This is the first book I’ve read by Jenny Oliver, but it most definitely won’t be my last. Simply delightful!
May 18, 2023
This is about my third book by this author and I enjoyed it very much.
Julia and Charlie live on Cedar Lane, and since moving in, their house has been a constant work in progress renovation wise, with time and money being in short supply.
Neighbours Lexi and Hamish, are about to throw their annual summer party, and for Julia, not only is it the chance to drag Charlie out of his garden shed, it's also the chance for her to pretend that her life is as perfect as Lexi's.
But then one of Julia's WhatsApp messages accidentally goes to the Cedar Lane WhatsApp group, a message that reveals her rather intimate thoughts about Hamish.
So ofcourse now everyone knows what Julia is thinking, including Charlie.
Amber another neighbour, who has become aware of Julia's humiliation, is an antique dealer, and she is on her way over to France on an antique hunt, she somehow manages to persuade Julia to go with her for the weekend, with not much more than the clothes that Julia is dressed in.
Will Julia just up and leave on a whim ? Well yes actually she will, and in the process, she discovers that the grass isn't necessarily greener on the other side, and life isn't all about hankering after what other people have, but more about making the most of what you've already got.
A lovely fun light hearted read.
Julia and Charlie live on Cedar Lane, and since moving in, their house has been a constant work in progress renovation wise, with time and money being in short supply.
Neighbours Lexi and Hamish, are about to throw their annual summer party, and for Julia, not only is it the chance to drag Charlie out of his garden shed, it's also the chance for her to pretend that her life is as perfect as Lexi's.
But then one of Julia's WhatsApp messages accidentally goes to the Cedar Lane WhatsApp group, a message that reveals her rather intimate thoughts about Hamish.
So ofcourse now everyone knows what Julia is thinking, including Charlie.
Amber another neighbour, who has become aware of Julia's humiliation, is an antique dealer, and she is on her way over to France on an antique hunt, she somehow manages to persuade Julia to go with her for the weekend, with not much more than the clothes that Julia is dressed in.
Will Julia just up and leave on a whim ? Well yes actually she will, and in the process, she discovers that the grass isn't necessarily greener on the other side, and life isn't all about hankering after what other people have, but more about making the most of what you've already got.
A lovely fun light hearted read.
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