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The Summer We Forgot
Caroline George once again transports readers with lush, evocative prose, leading them to ask the question: what happens when we can’t even trust ourselves?
Some memories are better left forgotten.
Darby and Morgan haven’t spoken for two years, and their friend group has splintered. But when the body of their former science teacher is found in the marsh where they attended camp that summer, they realize they have more questions than answers . . . and even fewer memories.
No one remembers—or no one is talking.
The group of reunited friends begins to suspect that a murderer is stalking the coastal highway 30A, and they must try to recover their memories as quickly as possible . . . before the history they can’t remember repeats itself.
Everyone has a secret.
As tensions rise and time runs out, Darby and Morgan begin to wonder if they can believe one another . . . or if they can even trust themselves.
Young Adult suspense with romance
Stand-alone novel
Book length: 95,000 words
Includes discussion questions for book clubs
Some memories are better left forgotten.
Darby and Morgan haven’t spoken for two years, and their friend group has splintered. But when the body of their former science teacher is found in the marsh where they attended camp that summer, they realize they have more questions than answers . . . and even fewer memories.
No one remembers—or no one is talking.
The group of reunited friends begins to suspect that a murderer is stalking the coastal highway 30A, and they must try to recover their memories as quickly as possible . . . before the history they can’t remember repeats itself.
Everyone has a secret.
As tensions rise and time runs out, Darby and Morgan begin to wonder if they can believe one another . . . or if they can even trust themselves.
Young Adult suspense with romance
Stand-alone novel
Book length: 95,000 words
Includes discussion questions for book clubs
416 pages, Hardcover
First published March 8, 2022
176 people are currently reading
8608 people want to read
About the author
Caroline George
8 books399 followersCaroline George is the multi-award-winning author of Dearest Josephine (HarperCollins) and other YA fiction titles. She graduated from Belmont University with a degree in publishing and public relations, and now travels the country, speaking at conferences and writing full-time. A Georgia native, Caroline aspires to one day host The Great British Baking Show and delights in being best known for writing the phrase, “Coffee first. Save the world later.” Find her on Instagram @authorcarolinegeorge and Twitter @CarolineGeorge_.
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May 24, 2024ೃ⁀➷ 𝓹𝓻𝓮-𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓭: starting my first day free from school with a summer thriller 🤭 the setting of this book is in Florida; this is significant bc my family and I have been going to this beach town every year since I was a child. fun fact i actually purchased this book in one of the bookshops there 🥹 anyways super excited to see if she writes about actual places that are in the town 🤭 (dw i started to read this last year but i completely forgot everything 😭)
September 8, 2021
When I was younger, I hid journals in my wardrobe, buried them under scrapbooks and postcards. I swore never to let them see the light of day. At thirteen and fourteen, the mere thought of anyone reading my “secret” words turned my stomach into a wasp nest. If they read, they’d know what was inside my head, and what was inside my head didn’t seem to match the persona I’d created for myself. I was the good girl who wanted to please people and feel accepted. I couldn’t afford to let my deepest and darkest exhume from their hidden places.
Only recently have I dug those journals from their storage bin and read them aloud.
Writing The Summer We Forgot challenged me to take a long, hard look in the mirror and confront parts of my past. High school. Boys. Lost friends. Finding peace and self-acceptance… maybe even self-forgiveness.
The book is my ode to growing up. It examines the memories (and people) we hold onto and the ones we’re desperate to let go. It explores the comforting and eerie sides of nostalgia. And it asks the questions: Are we more of what we remember or what we forget? Do our mistakes—our histories—define us?
We’re all in a coming-of-age story. Maybe now is the time to exhume our deepest and darkest from their hidden places.
Then again, perhaps some memories are better left forgotten. ;)
Only recently have I dug those journals from their storage bin and read them aloud.
Writing The Summer We Forgot challenged me to take a long, hard look in the mirror and confront parts of my past. High school. Boys. Lost friends. Finding peace and self-acceptance… maybe even self-forgiveness.
The book is my ode to growing up. It examines the memories (and people) we hold onto and the ones we’re desperate to let go. It explores the comforting and eerie sides of nostalgia. And it asks the questions: Are we more of what we remember or what we forget? Do our mistakes—our histories—define us?
We’re all in a coming-of-age story. Maybe now is the time to exhume our deepest and darkest from their hidden places.
Then again, perhaps some memories are better left forgotten. ;)
July 28, 2022
Not bad.
ARC APPROVED AND PROVIDED BY NETGALLEY IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW
ARC APPROVED AND PROVIDED BY NETGALLEY IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW
October 28, 2021
"Healing so often resembles grief."
Darby and Morgan were once best friends but they no longer speak and their friendship group has splintered. Two years is a long time to harbour a grudge but, maybe, beneath this hurt are deeper emotions that also continue to remain. In the face of the new discoveries and the past secrets that refuse to remain buried, they are forced to confront each other, their tumultuous past, the secrets of a forgotten summer, and just where these feelings stem from.
This remained full of teenage drama and angst and yet I was engaged with it, throughout. It was fun and sometimes a little silly or overly emotional, but mostly intriguing and full of mysteries. The characters' interpersonal relations never overtook the focus of the story, which was on one summer that had been erased from the minds of this friendship group, and these individuals used their emotions to return themselves both back to their former closeness and to uncover just what they forgot.
The why and the how was shocking and unforeseen and ensured this a fun, fast-paced, and fascinating thriller that I tore through in just one sitting. It was a unique creation and I'm already eager to read from this author.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Caroline George, and the publisher, Thomas Nelson, for this opportunity.
Darby and Morgan were once best friends but they no longer speak and their friendship group has splintered. Two years is a long time to harbour a grudge but, maybe, beneath this hurt are deeper emotions that also continue to remain. In the face of the new discoveries and the past secrets that refuse to remain buried, they are forced to confront each other, their tumultuous past, the secrets of a forgotten summer, and just where these feelings stem from.
This remained full of teenage drama and angst and yet I was engaged with it, throughout. It was fun and sometimes a little silly or overly emotional, but mostly intriguing and full of mysteries. The characters' interpersonal relations never overtook the focus of the story, which was on one summer that had been erased from the minds of this friendship group, and these individuals used their emotions to return themselves both back to their former closeness and to uncover just what they forgot.
The why and the how was shocking and unforeseen and ensured this a fun, fast-paced, and fascinating thriller that I tore through in just one sitting. It was a unique creation and I'm already eager to read from this author.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Caroline George, and the publisher, Thomas Nelson, for this opportunity.
November 4, 2021
I’m clearly in the minority when it comes to reviewing this book and I think the main reason I couldn’t get on with this book was because of the pace.
This book was slower than my grandma.
It took me a million years to reach the 50% mark and even then, nothing had really happened.
I didn’t really enjoy Caroline’s other book so maybe it’s her writing which isn’t for me but I can understand how some readers would have enjoyed this story.
Besides the pacing, it took me ages to work out who was who. The book is split between Darby and Morgan’s chapters and for a long time I thought they were both boys. A lot of things weren’t clear and I was very confused.
I also thought the messages they were getting were sort of…pathetic? I don’t know the right word for it but it just seemed a bit eye-roll worthy to me.
I also think there was a whole lot of build up about a dead science teacher for a whole lot of nothing in the end. But that’s just my thoughts.
I received this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book was slower than my grandma.
It took me a million years to reach the 50% mark and even then, nothing had really happened.
I didn’t really enjoy Caroline’s other book so maybe it’s her writing which isn’t for me but I can understand how some readers would have enjoyed this story.
Besides the pacing, it took me ages to work out who was who. The book is split between Darby and Morgan’s chapters and for a long time I thought they were both boys. A lot of things weren’t clear and I was very confused.
I also thought the messages they were getting were sort of…pathetic? I don’t know the right word for it but it just seemed a bit eye-roll worthy to me.
I also think there was a whole lot of build up about a dead science teacher for a whole lot of nothing in the end. But that’s just my thoughts.
I received this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 2, 2022
Everyone here plays - or played - a role in my life. Their faces pepper my scrapbooks and social media feeds. They remember me like I remember them. We wrote a history books, then burned the pages.
Well. I can officially say that Caroline George is one of my favorite authors. I fell madly in love with Dearest Josephine at the beginning of 2021, and the minute I heard the pitch for The Summer We Forgot, I knew I needed it in my life. A murder mystery with a second-chance romance and all the Florida vibes? Yes please!
Happy to report, it did not disappoint.
First of all I need to say that Caroline George's writing style is everything (to me, at least, lol), and the fact that she wrote two entirely different books with entirely different vibes and settings, but both felt so Caroline George to me? iconic.
I was invested in the entire 30A gang immediately, in all their broken pieces and all the things they'd buried deep inside. The feeling of being in a Florida coast town were perfection. I was rooting for Darby and Morgan the whole time. Each twist of the plot kept me on my toes as layers of the mystery were peeled away and memories slowly returned.
Where DJ is about how we feel when people leave our lives abruptly and too soon, TSWF is about the relationships we don't necessarily intend to lose, the people who just drift out of our lives over time until they're strangers you share memories with. It was bittersweet and beautiful and I loved every second of it. I already can't wait to read it again when it properly releases.
((also yes Morgan is prime book boyfriend material... just sayin'))
Content-wise, there are obviously some kinda gruesome murder details, a few kisses, the mention of attempted sexual assault, some scary kidnapping scenarios, but all handled with tact and grace.
Five stars from me!
**I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.**
re-read 2022:
To hurt from losing, we first need something to lose. And for that reason, I think my pain means I lived well, with much.
I finally get to have this gorgeous book on my shelves ahhhh!! I spent this time through underlining all my favorite lines, crying over how gorgeous the prose is, and unable to put the book down despite having read it before and knowing how it was going to end. I just love it.
Well. I can officially say that Caroline George is one of my favorite authors. I fell madly in love with Dearest Josephine at the beginning of 2021, and the minute I heard the pitch for The Summer We Forgot, I knew I needed it in my life. A murder mystery with a second-chance romance and all the Florida vibes? Yes please!
Happy to report, it did not disappoint.
First of all I need to say that Caroline George's writing style is everything (to me, at least, lol), and the fact that she wrote two entirely different books with entirely different vibes and settings, but both felt so Caroline George to me? iconic.
I was invested in the entire 30A gang immediately, in all their broken pieces and all the things they'd buried deep inside. The feeling of being in a Florida coast town were perfection. I was rooting for Darby and Morgan the whole time. Each twist of the plot kept me on my toes as layers of the mystery were peeled away and memories slowly returned.
Where DJ is about how we feel when people leave our lives abruptly and too soon, TSWF is about the relationships we don't necessarily intend to lose, the people who just drift out of our lives over time until they're strangers you share memories with. It was bittersweet and beautiful and I loved every second of it. I already can't wait to read it again when it properly releases.
((also yes Morgan is prime book boyfriend material... just sayin'))
Content-wise, there are obviously some kinda gruesome murder details, a few kisses, the mention of attempted sexual assault, some scary kidnapping scenarios, but all handled with tact and grace.
Five stars from me!
**I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.**
re-read 2022:
To hurt from losing, we first need something to lose. And for that reason, I think my pain means I lived well, with much.
I finally get to have this gorgeous book on my shelves ahhhh!! I spent this time through underlining all my favorite lines, crying over how gorgeous the prose is, and unable to put the book down despite having read it before and knowing how it was going to end. I just love it.
March 11, 2022
Alrighty, after two days of reading this amazing book, I’m ready to do a review.
Things I loved:
-The storyline was crazy—in the best possible way. An intricate plot that kept me guessing. About 85% into the book, I texted Caroline and told her my palms were sweaty and I couldn’t wait to reach the ending—and it didn’t disappoint!!
-The themes in this book were a huge part of the story, and I so appreciated that. Themes are a make it or break it for me when it comes to reading and loving books, and Caroline didn’t disappoint. So many quotes really touched my heart and left me with a gentle and important reminder: It’s okay to be broken—and your mistakes don’t make you less than or unlovable.
-The writing style. Ahh, Caroline’s writing is lyrical poetry. It’s beautiful and inspiring and just plain amazing.
One thing that kept me from giving the book five stars:
-The descriptions of physical intimacies and romance were detailed. I know some people decided not to finish this book because of that, but I wanted to stick with it because the story was just so good. I really appreciated how Caroline had the characters realize how their actions were wrong and had them strive for a new start. A clean slate. No one is perfect and a lot of us make mistakes, and I appreciated how Caroline didn’t shy away from the mistakes we make when we’re young but also showed how we can begin anew when we’re older and wiser. Again, the only thing that made me feel a bit uncomfortable was the description of a specific scene in particular. (I know some people aren’t bothered by detailed descriptions. Everyone has different viewpoints on things, and that’s okay! This is just my personal opinion :))
I can’t end this review without sharing a few of my favorite quotes. There were so many good ones!
“Friends get us through rough patches, but some hardships are best endured with family.”
“If our secrets don’t place us behind bars, they’ll poison us, because what stays in the dark becomes toxic unless someone calls it into the light.”
“Even if he wasn’t happy all the time, at least he had something to smile about. I think that’s what matters. Having a reason to look past all the unhappy stuff.”
In conclusion, The Summer We Forgot is a suspenseful, theme-driven read. It’s not for everyone, and that’s okay. But I hope this review gives you a glance into both the things I loved and a cautionary too.
Things I loved:
-The storyline was crazy—in the best possible way. An intricate plot that kept me guessing. About 85% into the book, I texted Caroline and told her my palms were sweaty and I couldn’t wait to reach the ending—and it didn’t disappoint!!
-The themes in this book were a huge part of the story, and I so appreciated that. Themes are a make it or break it for me when it comes to reading and loving books, and Caroline didn’t disappoint. So many quotes really touched my heart and left me with a gentle and important reminder: It’s okay to be broken—and your mistakes don’t make you less than or unlovable.
-The writing style. Ahh, Caroline’s writing is lyrical poetry. It’s beautiful and inspiring and just plain amazing.
One thing that kept me from giving the book five stars:
-The descriptions of physical intimacies and romance were detailed. I know some people decided not to finish this book because of that, but I wanted to stick with it because the story was just so good. I really appreciated how Caroline had the characters realize how their actions were wrong and had them strive for a new start. A clean slate. No one is perfect and a lot of us make mistakes, and I appreciated how Caroline didn’t shy away from the mistakes we make when we’re young but also showed how we can begin anew when we’re older and wiser. Again, the only thing that made me feel a bit uncomfortable was the description of a specific scene in particular. (I know some people aren’t bothered by detailed descriptions. Everyone has different viewpoints on things, and that’s okay! This is just my personal opinion :))
I can’t end this review without sharing a few of my favorite quotes. There were so many good ones!
“Friends get us through rough patches, but some hardships are best endured with family.”
“If our secrets don’t place us behind bars, they’ll poison us, because what stays in the dark becomes toxic unless someone calls it into the light.”
“Even if he wasn’t happy all the time, at least he had something to smile about. I think that’s what matters. Having a reason to look past all the unhappy stuff.”
In conclusion, The Summer We Forgot is a suspenseful, theme-driven read. It’s not for everyone, and that’s okay. But I hope this review gives you a glance into both the things I loved and a cautionary too.
February 22, 2022
First of all, thank you so much Caroline and Thomas Nelson for the ARC <3
I read Caroline's first book, Dearest Josephine and loved it! It was such a beautiful book.
I will say this one is very very different from that one.
Before I start this review I want to say that Caroline is a freaking talented writer. She has a Gift to transport you to different places with just words and that is magical.
Sadly for me The Summer We Forgot didn't make it into my ''loved'' shelf.
I was expecting something different when I picked up this book.
This story is secular. Even though it's published by a Christian Publishing house this is not a Christian book or has Christian lessons, in my opinion.
There is underage drinking, partying, making outs, a dude being with a minor, one Night stands, etc.
I don't really know how to explain the type of content so I'll just leave you some quotes. I just don't feel comfortable reading this or recommending it to others, more so when it's published by a Christian Publishing house....
Also there kids are teens...
''we continued to kiss and touch, , sink deeper into the wall of our fur coats, until Darby's older brother discovered us. He must have caught us in a compromising position because he flung open the closet door...guess he didn't expect to find two fifteen year old with their tongues down each other's throats''
''last night seemed like a week ago. A tipsy haze of Alcohol , glow stciks, and a part timer Emily offering to make out with me in Kip's room''
''my mouth on her neck. Her breath in my ear. Hands where hands shouldnt be...''
''I saw her for what it seemed the first time. My swim team shirt clung to her body , curves and beautiful, . I'd gone years without noticing , but I noticed then...''
''Summertime.....kiss the boy, get drunk and end up shirtless in the neighbors yard..''
I read Caroline's first book, Dearest Josephine and loved it! It was such a beautiful book.
I will say this one is very very different from that one.
Before I start this review I want to say that Caroline is a freaking talented writer. She has a Gift to transport you to different places with just words and that is magical.
Sadly for me The Summer We Forgot didn't make it into my ''loved'' shelf.
I was expecting something different when I picked up this book.
This story is secular. Even though it's published by a Christian Publishing house this is not a Christian book or has Christian lessons, in my opinion.
There is underage drinking, partying, making outs, a dude being with a minor, one Night stands, etc.
I don't really know how to explain the type of content so I'll just leave you some quotes. I just don't feel comfortable reading this or recommending it to others, more so when it's published by a Christian Publishing house....
Also there kids are teens...
''we continued to kiss and touch, , sink deeper into the wall of our fur coats, until Darby's older brother discovered us. He must have caught us in a compromising position because he flung open the closet door...guess he didn't expect to find two fifteen year old with their tongues down each other's throats''
''last night seemed like a week ago. A tipsy haze of Alcohol , glow stciks, and a part timer Emily offering to make out with me in Kip's room''
''my mouth on her neck. Her breath in my ear. Hands where hands shouldnt be...''
''I saw her for what it seemed the first time. My swim team shirt clung to her body , curves and beautiful, . I'd gone years without noticing , but I noticed then...''
''Summertime.....kiss the boy, get drunk and end up shirtless in the neighbors yard..''
August 10, 2022
Wow. What a ride. It has been a long, long time since a book’s gotten my adrenaline pumping like that. By the final half, I couldn’t put it down. “Just one more chapter. Just one more chapter.”
I can’t help but appreciate the potency of this story - especially for anyone who’s ever felt like trauma has affected their ability to remember. (Been there.) I mean, how often do we play the events of our traumas over and over in our heads until we convince ourselves we don’t even know what really happened to us? Maybe I’m the only one, but I really felt this theme in a deep and profound way.
Morgan and Darby were incredible POV characters, and their relationship was so much fun to root for. I’d have to agree with other reviews - their love story felt like a Taylor Swift song.
The plot twists were so well done. The prose was atmospheric and romantic - Caroline George has a very clear gift for storytelling. She balanced plot and character development really well with this one.
This book was published by Thomas Nelson, but to be clear it is not Christian Fiction, which is totally fine! It’s just not what you would expect from a Christian publishing house.
CONTENT WARNING:
Frequent uses of crap, dang, heck, screwed, and one use of “A-hole.” Frequent mentions of heavy kissing and more, though nothing explicit in regards to actual fornication. Also occasional mentions of sexual attraction and tension.
I can’t help but appreciate the potency of this story - especially for anyone who’s ever felt like trauma has affected their ability to remember. (Been there.) I mean, how often do we play the events of our traumas over and over in our heads until we convince ourselves we don’t even know what really happened to us? Maybe I’m the only one, but I really felt this theme in a deep and profound way.
Morgan and Darby were incredible POV characters, and their relationship was so much fun to root for. I’d have to agree with other reviews - their love story felt like a Taylor Swift song.
The plot twists were so well done. The prose was atmospheric and romantic - Caroline George has a very clear gift for storytelling. She balanced plot and character development really well with this one.
This book was published by Thomas Nelson, but to be clear it is not Christian Fiction, which is totally fine! It’s just not what you would expect from a Christian publishing house.
CONTENT WARNING:
Frequent uses of crap, dang, heck, screwed, and one use of “A-hole.” Frequent mentions of heavy kissing and more, though nothing explicit in regards to actual fornication. Also occasional mentions of sexual attraction and tension.
June 18, 2023
I am still trying to wrap my mind around everything that happened in this book….what an experience!
Having loved Caroline’s Dearest Josephine, I was excited to read more from her. While The Summer We Forgot is vastly different from DJ, it is still filled with Caroline’s beautiful lyrical prose and mind-blowing twists.
I loved the mystery with all the surprising twists and turns. I’m not sure this kind of suspense was good for my stress level or my blood pressure (haha!), but it was worth every minute, and I heaved a tremendous sigh of relief at the end. :)
As I had read a few friends’ reviews before starting this story, I knew the romance angle might be a bit intense for my personal taste. There was some pretty descriptive kissing scenes that I wasn’t super comfy with, but it was still clean, and I know everyone’s comfort level varies.
While there wasn’t any faith content, the themes were definitely powerful and meaningful, including: not being defined by our mistakes, learning to accept ourselves and others, learning to heal and grieve, not hiding behind our masks, and starting with a fresh slate despite our pasts. All very relatable and deeply refreshing!
I really did love this book! The plot twists, the mystery, the characters all showcase the brilliancy of Caroline’s writing talent. I was utterly hooked until the very last page!
Content: “A-hole” used; descriptive kissing; teen parties and underaged drinking; mentions of hooking up
___
June 2023 Reread
Just as brilliant the second time around! Despite knowing what happens, I was still freaking out alongside the characters. 😂 And the themes… ahh, they hit hard. 💛
Having loved Caroline’s Dearest Josephine, I was excited to read more from her. While The Summer We Forgot is vastly different from DJ, it is still filled with Caroline’s beautiful lyrical prose and mind-blowing twists.
I loved the mystery with all the surprising twists and turns. I’m not sure this kind of suspense was good for my stress level or my blood pressure (haha!), but it was worth every minute, and I heaved a tremendous sigh of relief at the end. :)
As I had read a few friends’ reviews before starting this story, I knew the romance angle might be a bit intense for my personal taste. There was some pretty descriptive kissing scenes that I wasn’t super comfy with, but it was still clean, and I know everyone’s comfort level varies.
While there wasn’t any faith content, the themes were definitely powerful and meaningful, including: not being defined by our mistakes, learning to accept ourselves and others, learning to heal and grieve, not hiding behind our masks, and starting with a fresh slate despite our pasts. All very relatable and deeply refreshing!
I really did love this book! The plot twists, the mystery, the characters all showcase the brilliancy of Caroline’s writing talent. I was utterly hooked until the very last page!
Content: “A-hole” used; descriptive kissing; teen parties and underaged drinking; mentions of hooking up
___
June 2023 Reread
Just as brilliant the second time around! Despite knowing what happens, I was still freaking out alongside the characters. 😂 And the themes… ahh, they hit hard. 💛
November 16, 2022
4.5 Stars
I honestly don’t know how to put my thoughts into words for this beautiful book!
I went in expecting a fun murder mystery/thriller and though I did get that, I found so much more within the pages of this story.
Though wrapped up within a murder mystery plot, The Summer We Forgot held a much deeper tale of self-acceptance/compassion, forgiveness, unlearning the lies we believe about ourselves.
As with Dearest Josephine, Caroline George has a way of writing characters and themes that are so incredibly relatable—I found myself getting teary a few times as it held so many reminders that I think we all need to hear sometimes.
The characters were all lovable in their own flawed and broken ways—relatable to the extreme from Darby’ need to be good, Morgan’ fears, Eliza’s self image.
The plot definitely kept me interested and guessing until the very end—I had an inkling about who it might be but questioned it a dozen times over throughout. The author did a great job at making you second guess yourself at every turn!
I honestly don’t know how to put my thoughts into words for this beautiful book!
I went in expecting a fun murder mystery/thriller and though I did get that, I found so much more within the pages of this story.
Though wrapped up within a murder mystery plot, The Summer We Forgot held a much deeper tale of self-acceptance/compassion, forgiveness, unlearning the lies we believe about ourselves.
As with Dearest Josephine, Caroline George has a way of writing characters and themes that are so incredibly relatable—I found myself getting teary a few times as it held so many reminders that I think we all need to hear sometimes.
The characters were all lovable in their own flawed and broken ways—relatable to the extreme from Darby’ need to be good, Morgan’ fears, Eliza’s self image.
The plot definitely kept me interested and guessing until the very end—I had an inkling about who it might be but questioned it a dozen times over throughout. The author did a great job at making you second guess yourself at every turn!
December 17, 2021
Caroline George's debut novel—My Dearest Josephine—floored me so fully and completely that it's by far one of my favorite 2021 reads...so I had no shortage of over-excitement for her sophomore release. And I'm oh-so-happy to say I loved this one, too! It has a different flavor than My Dearest Josephine, but I was just as swept into the story...and, well, let's just say I let any number of to-dos fall by the wayside in my desperate need to keep reading. The plot is packed with twists and turns, and I loved how in the midst of a fast-moving storyline, there's still breathing room for wonderful character depth and growth. I was as reluctant to reach The End (because I just wanted to stay in that immersive storyworld!) as I was fully satisfied and delighted once I got there. Love, love, love this one and I can't wait to see what Caroline George writes next!
April 2, 2022
WOW WOW WOW WOW
Caroline George is a new favorite bro
I'm in LOVE
Caroline George is a new favorite bro
I'm in LOVE
August 1, 2022
Another incredible 5-star story from Caroline George!
"I think people need to confront their pains and make peace with them."
The Summer We Forgot features a cast of relatable and believable teenagers, who come from a variety of backgrounds but I could find bits of myself in all of them, especially Darby. Her ever-changing relationship with Morgan was one of my favorite parts of this book, as together they worked through betrayal, forgiveness, and learning to trust again. Her friendship with Eliza and their ups-and-downs were also very realistic but still encouraging that healing from hurts is possible between friends.
"Hurting you won't ever be my way of fixing me."
The mystery was a very fun ride, and having read a lot of mysteries, I have stopped worrying about trying to guess every little twist and just enjoy the rollercoaster! I didn't ever feel pulled out of like I had to suspend my belief with this story. The pieces fit together like a perfect puzzle.
"Because if the monster isn't in front of you, it's most likely inside of you."
One of my favorite things about Caroline George's stories is how she brings so much raw heart to her writing. Having had personal experiences with repressed guilt or counseling someone through repressed trauma, the way she presents the forgotten memories in this story is very accurate. Sometimes we forget things because we think that's the way to protect ourselves, but if we don't face the darkness in our pasts, it will rear it's ugly head in new ways.
"You can't begin to heal until you know what's broken."
I appreciate the way that Darby and Morgan learn to have the courage to need truth, no matter how ugly it is, and to be at peace with the past: guilt, hurts and all. The Summer We Forgot is not only a thrilling story, but one that I think might build compassion for one's past self, as well as for those who have experienced trauma, but are afraid of facing the truth.
"We can't erase our mistakes or trauma. We must look them in the eyes, remember, and live forward. That's how it goes."
I also really appreciated the author's note and discussion questions at the end of the book. Since this book is beautifully raw, being given the tools to use it for self-reflection was definitely a gift.
"I tell her I'm not afraid of who she was and what she did."
Looking forward to loaning this book to friends and the conversations it will create!
"I think people need to confront their pains and make peace with them."
The Summer We Forgot features a cast of relatable and believable teenagers, who come from a variety of backgrounds but I could find bits of myself in all of them, especially Darby. Her ever-changing relationship with Morgan was one of my favorite parts of this book, as together they worked through betrayal, forgiveness, and learning to trust again. Her friendship with Eliza and their ups-and-downs were also very realistic but still encouraging that healing from hurts is possible between friends.
"Hurting you won't ever be my way of fixing me."
The mystery was a very fun ride, and having read a lot of mysteries, I have stopped worrying about trying to guess every little twist and just enjoy the rollercoaster! I didn't ever feel pulled out of like I had to suspend my belief with this story. The pieces fit together like a perfect puzzle.
"Because if the monster isn't in front of you, it's most likely inside of you."
One of my favorite things about Caroline George's stories is how she brings so much raw heart to her writing. Having had personal experiences with repressed guilt or counseling someone through repressed trauma, the way she presents the forgotten memories in this story is very accurate. Sometimes we forget things because we think that's the way to protect ourselves, but if we don't face the darkness in our pasts, it will rear it's ugly head in new ways.
"You can't begin to heal until you know what's broken."
I appreciate the way that Darby and Morgan learn to have the courage to need truth, no matter how ugly it is, and to be at peace with the past: guilt, hurts and all. The Summer We Forgot is not only a thrilling story, but one that I think might build compassion for one's past self, as well as for those who have experienced trauma, but are afraid of facing the truth.
"We can't erase our mistakes or trauma. We must look them in the eyes, remember, and live forward. That's how it goes."
I also really appreciated the author's note and discussion questions at the end of the book. Since this book is beautifully raw, being given the tools to use it for self-reflection was definitely a gift.
"I tell her I'm not afraid of who she was and what she did."
Looking forward to loaning this book to friends and the conversations it will create!
August 14, 2024
3.75 ꜱᴛᴀʀꜱ ✰
✎… Despite this book being super YA, (like to the point where I was begging one of the characters to curse at least once… just give me a ‘damn’ that’s all) I really enjoyed it! It reminded me a lot of Pretty Little Liars where everyone in the friend group & even the parents were suspects and the one friend is missing. I was debating whether or not to rate this four stars because it was a fun summer read, but I couldn’t get over that there was too much going on that didn’t need to be; the dead teacher, the kid who went kissing, the burned down restaurant, the property group villains. I wish the author would’ve just concentrated on the main plot, finding out who was responsible for the teacher’s death & the forgotten memories — the other sub plots were unneeded imo.
✎… One of things I loved most about The Summer We Forgot was the writing style. I loved the almost lyrical way this author wrote. At times, it felt I was reading song lyrics rather than a book. Being a vibe reviewer, this book had the vibes. Summer Florida beach vibes have definitely been a favorite of mine lately. The author’s description of 30A, the kids riding around on golf carts, the tourist town was all so easy to picture.
❝ 𝑽𝒂𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒗𝒆𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒂 𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝒍𝒊𝒃𝒓𝒂𝒓𝒚. 𝑨 𝒅𝒐𝒄𝒌 𝒔𝒖𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒃𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒘𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓. 𝑽𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒐𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒖𝒎𝒔 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒂 𝒔𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒓 𝑰 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓. ❞
✎… Despite this book being super YA, (like to the point where I was begging one of the characters to curse at least once… just give me a ‘damn’ that’s all) I really enjoyed it! It reminded me a lot of Pretty Little Liars where everyone in the friend group & even the parents were suspects and the one friend is missing. I was debating whether or not to rate this four stars because it was a fun summer read, but I couldn’t get over that there was too much going on that didn’t need to be; the dead teacher, the kid who went kissing, the burned down restaurant, the property group villains. I wish the author would’ve just concentrated on the main plot, finding out who was responsible for the teacher’s death & the forgotten memories — the other sub plots were unneeded imo.
❝ 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒂𝒅 𝒔𝒕𝒖𝒇𝒇 𝒘𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒈𝒐 𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒚. 𝑵𝒐𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒔𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆. 𝑾𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒏’𝒕 𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒔𝒆 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒖𝒎𝒂. 𝑾𝒆 𝒎𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒚𝒆𝒔, 𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒅. 𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒕’𝒔 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒊𝒕 𝒈𝒐𝒆𝒔. ❞
✎… One of things I loved most about The Summer We Forgot was the writing style. I loved the almost lyrical way this author wrote. At times, it felt I was reading song lyrics rather than a book. Being a vibe reviewer, this book had the vibes. Summer Florida beach vibes have definitely been a favorite of mine lately. The author’s description of 30A, the kids riding around on golf carts, the tourist town was all so easy to picture.
❝ “𝑩𝒂𝒅 𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒊𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒃𝒂𝒅, 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒃𝒚. 𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒂𝒅, 𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕’𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒐𝒓.” … “𝑶𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒊𝒔 𝒂 𝒍𝒐𝒕 𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒊𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒗𝒆𝒔.” ❞
February 4, 2023
✨ "Horror knows what lives in the dark... But the real nightmare isn't what is there, rather what is not. Because if the monster isn't in front of you, it's most likely inside you."
I had high hopes for this book after loving Dearest Josephine by the same author, so it pains me to say I didn't enjoy it as much.
This YA mystery follows a group of teens who are haunted by events of a summer from two years ago but which they cannot remember. The discovery of a dead body forces them to confront the past — but some memories are best forgotten.
As always, the prose is beautiful and the author's flair for words shines through. I enjoyed how the chapters are interspersed with text messages, notes, police interviews and the like, which added a layer of depth to the storytelling. There was a lot of suspense and I totally didn't guess whodunit.
However, the story was too much of a slow burn for me even if I did like the reveal and ending. Some parts felt repetitive. I also found it hard to relate to the characters, who came across as overly angsty. Like, just go to the police and stop playing detective! Some of the side characters such as Nikki could have been developed more too.
Overall, I enjoyed how everything came together in the end. What I liked best was the book's exploration of trauma, which I thought was intriguing but also well-handled. Can't wait to see what the author comes up with next!
Thank you to BookSparks and Caroline George for the gifted hardcover, and Thomas Nelson for the Netgalley ARC.
I had high hopes for this book after loving Dearest Josephine by the same author, so it pains me to say I didn't enjoy it as much.
This YA mystery follows a group of teens who are haunted by events of a summer from two years ago but which they cannot remember. The discovery of a dead body forces them to confront the past — but some memories are best forgotten.
As always, the prose is beautiful and the author's flair for words shines through. I enjoyed how the chapters are interspersed with text messages, notes, police interviews and the like, which added a layer of depth to the storytelling. There was a lot of suspense and I totally didn't guess whodunit.
However, the story was too much of a slow burn for me even if I did like the reveal and ending. Some parts felt repetitive. I also found it hard to relate to the characters, who came across as overly angsty. Like, just go to the police and stop playing detective! Some of the side characters such as Nikki could have been developed more too.
Overall, I enjoyed how everything came together in the end. What I liked best was the book's exploration of trauma, which I thought was intriguing but also well-handled. Can't wait to see what the author comes up with next!
Thank you to BookSparks and Caroline George for the gifted hardcover, and Thomas Nelson for the Netgalley ARC.
August 19, 2022
I bought this book anticipating summer vibes, mysterious murder, sweet romance, and a unique plot—and whew, “The Summer We Forgot” did not disappoint! The author’s voice was so lyrical, the emotions so intense, and the plot so excellently executed. I enjoyed every second in this world, and it was refreshing to be drawn into a story so different than anything I’ve ever read. Can’t praise this book enough!
May 25, 2025
"If you lived to a hundred, high school would only take up 4 percent of your life. No time at all. So, why does high school define a lot? Why do its memories weigh heavy?"
The Summer We Forgot is an emotionally and physically suspenseful novel with extremely unique prose, countless quotes, and a mystery that unravels at a surprising pace. I really enjoyed reading a softer and more thought provoking thriller, and this book makes for a great summer read! I did struggle to relate to some characters and didn't particularly like the romance, but I'm still glad I read this and it kept me up late.
April 2, 2022
As an author, I'm trying to get away from writing reviews. Books are subjective creatures. We all like and dislike different things.
But this is one of those books I will wish I could read for the first time again. This book never had a dull moment for me. And the biggest twist of the entire book shook me to my center. I thought I had it all figured out but I didn't and now everything fits into place.
Caroline George is an inspiration and I will definitely be watching for all of her future books. Whatever genre she chooses, she writes it so well.
Five stars. I wish I could read this again for the first time. It holds my heart. It will become a comfort book.
But this is one of those books I will wish I could read for the first time again. This book never had a dull moment for me. And the biggest twist of the entire book shook me to my center. I thought I had it all figured out but I didn't and now everything fits into place.
Caroline George is an inspiration and I will definitely be watching for all of her future books. Whatever genre she chooses, she writes it so well.
Five stars. I wish I could read this again for the first time. It holds my heart. It will become a comfort book.
October 30, 2021
While I don't usually (read: never 😉) read murder mysteries, I saw this one from Thomas Nelson and was too intrigued to pass it up. So special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a free early reader copy in exchange for an honest review!
First things first, I'm extremely happy this book was clean. It's not every day I discover clean contemporary mysteries, so this was unique. It was honestly refreshing to read a book set nowadays with teenage main characters who weren't constantly cursing. 😝
One thing I loved about this book was the mystery. The author spun a story made of broken memories, forgotten pasts, and teenage characters in a rich town in a way that didn't seem forced or stereotypical—and kept me on the edge of my seat with the twists I did NOT see coming. I especially love how she wove the themes into the storyline in such a natural way that didn't distract from the unnerving mystery—which was really the heart of the story, and for good reason, too!
However, the romance (in my opinion) was problematic. In the end, most of the teens got paired up with each other with little contribution to the plot, and to me, it came across as random. I would've loved to see more platonic friendships between guys and girls in the story, which I thought the author pulled off relatively well in the start. And secondly, seeing how this is by a Christian author, I would have loved to see more of a clean romance, rather than something that felt appearance-based and a bit like idolatry (there are even a few scenes that back this up).
But overall, the themes were lovely and definitely resonated with me. I'd recommend this book to readers of clean murder mysteries and thrillers, who don't mind a lot of romance and love killer twists. Because be warned: this book is full of them.
~~
content warnings: kissing, usage of alcohol, mentions of pedophiles, mention of the usage of a minor swear (it's not actually used), mention of dead bodies, blood, a character gets run over by a car, violence & fighting
First things first, I'm extremely happy this book was clean. It's not every day I discover clean contemporary mysteries, so this was unique. It was honestly refreshing to read a book set nowadays with teenage main characters who weren't constantly cursing. 😝
One thing I loved about this book was the mystery. The author spun a story made of broken memories, forgotten pasts, and teenage characters in a rich town in a way that didn't seem forced or stereotypical—and kept me on the edge of my seat with the twists I did NOT see coming. I especially love how she wove the themes into the storyline in such a natural way that didn't distract from the unnerving mystery—which was really the heart of the story, and for good reason, too!
However, the romance (in my opinion) was problematic. In the end, most of the teens got paired up with each other with little contribution to the plot, and to me, it came across as random. I would've loved to see more platonic friendships between guys and girls in the story, which I thought the author pulled off relatively well in the start. And secondly, seeing how this is by a Christian author, I would have loved to see more of a clean romance, rather than something that felt appearance-based and a bit like idolatry (there are even a few scenes that back this up).
But overall, the themes were lovely and definitely resonated with me. I'd recommend this book to readers of clean murder mysteries and thrillers, who don't mind a lot of romance and love killer twists. Because be warned: this book is full of them.
~~
content warnings: kissing, usage of alcohol, mentions of pedophiles, mention of the usage of a minor swear (it's not actually used), mention of dead bodies, blood, a character gets run over by a car, violence & fighting
July 14, 2025
reread august 2023
perfect beach read! and yes, still great the fourth time around :). still would love a sequel w/ the gang! i think caroline said it best: this book is outer banks narrated by taylor swift.
tw for someone getting hit by a car while biking (not super detailed)
reread august 2022
hi no i have not read this book THREE times in one year.
reread may 2022
i love this book so much. it's somehow even better than i remembered it. fighting the urge to reread it for the third time in three months lol.
the PERFECT summer/beach read.
march 2022
i already want to reread this book.
i loved dearest josephine so much that i was worried that the summer we forgot wouldn't live up to my expectations, but WOW. from the very first chapter, i was hooked. i could have read it in one sitting, but i forced myself to stretch it out - reading slowly to savor every moment. i kept going back and rereading chapters to force myself to slow down and to fully grasp the story. i already know i'm going to reread it over the summer. it's the perfect beach read.
the summer we forgot is intensely emotional and nostalgic, and at times, deeply and painfully personal. but it's so so beautiful. it's a murder mystery (THAT twist y'all), but it's also a deeply layered and complex story about friendship and memories.
the characters are all so well-developed and unique - despite the fact that there's seven of them. they're all quirky and funny and their friend group dynamic is incredible. i want another book with darby, morgan, kip, eliza, cyrus, spooner, and annabelle.
i just love this book so much. caroline george is an incredibly talented writer. the way she wrote this book is just amazing. you're so immersed in the emotions of darby and morgan. it just feels so real. this is the way i want to write my own stories.
perfect beach read! and yes, still great the fourth time around :). still would love a sequel w/ the gang! i think caroline said it best: this book is outer banks narrated by taylor swift.
tw for someone getting hit by a car while biking (not super detailed)
reread august 2022
hi no i have not read this book THREE times in one year.
reread may 2022
i love this book so much. it's somehow even better than i remembered it. fighting the urge to reread it for the third time in three months lol.
the PERFECT summer/beach read.
march 2022
i already want to reread this book.
i loved dearest josephine so much that i was worried that the summer we forgot wouldn't live up to my expectations, but WOW. from the very first chapter, i was hooked. i could have read it in one sitting, but i forced myself to stretch it out - reading slowly to savor every moment. i kept going back and rereading chapters to force myself to slow down and to fully grasp the story. i already know i'm going to reread it over the summer. it's the perfect beach read.
the summer we forgot is intensely emotional and nostalgic, and at times, deeply and painfully personal. but it's so so beautiful. it's a murder mystery (THAT twist y'all), but it's also a deeply layered and complex story about friendship and memories.
the characters are all so well-developed and unique - despite the fact that there's seven of them. they're all quirky and funny and their friend group dynamic is incredible. i want another book with darby, morgan, kip, eliza, cyrus, spooner, and annabelle.
i just love this book so much. caroline george is an incredibly talented writer. the way she wrote this book is just amazing. you're so immersed in the emotions of darby and morgan. it just feels so real. this is the way i want to write my own stories.
January 31, 2023
I couldn't put this book down!! I need more books like this! Clean contemporary, incredible plot, fun, relatable and nuanced characters, and beautiful prose. I can't wait to read more from Caroline George!
Want to read
January 5, 2022Ooh, another book by Caroline George! And totally not me making grabby-hands at it!
December 3, 2024
Day 2 of 25 days of reviews
so welcome back to my 25 days of review - this is day 2 yes i know its 12/3 stfu
yes ik i read this like a billion years ago but i lwk wanna write a review. i dont even remember what happened so that makes me an expert duh.
i remember enjoying it at first. started off strong, it was bussing- and then it just fell downhill
BRO THIS WAS BORING. a mystery should never be boring, but it was so long and took ages to get to the mystery for like no reason?? it was so unrealistic too,
i hated the characters too <3
darby was annoying af, like oh no u got a c and have sl**ty clothes. ahhh. im so mad and afraid. what a baddie 😝. (me trying not to throw the book across the car)
and darby and morgans fight was so stupid bro.
everyone is also so immature for no reason. like help ur teenagers not 10 yr olds. theres was so much stupid drama- like i do not care im sorry.
the mystery was terrible
anyways this was bad and the mystery was boring. im mad bc i was so excited for this and then it was trash. dont read this lmao.
1/5 stars
preview
welcome back to another episode of “evie gets really excited for a book and then its horrible!!”
so welcome back to my 25 days of review - this is day 2
yes ik i read this like a billion years ago but i lwk wanna write a review. i dont even remember what happened so that makes me an expert duh.
i remember enjoying it at first. started off strong, it was bussing- and then it just fell downhill
BRO THIS WAS BORING. a mystery should never be boring, but it was so long and took ages to get to the mystery for like no reason?? it was so unrealistic too,
i hated the characters too <3
darby was annoying af, like oh no u got a c and have sl**ty clothes. ahhh. im so mad and afraid. what a baddie 😝. (me trying not to throw the book across the car)
and darby and morgans fight was so stupid bro.
everyone is also so immature for no reason. like help ur teenagers not 10 yr olds. theres was so much stupid drama- like i do not care im sorry.
the mystery was terrible
anyways this was bad and the mystery was boring. im mad bc i was so excited for this and then it was trash. dont read this lmao.
1/5 stars
preview
welcome back to another episode of “evie gets really excited for a book and then its horrible!!”
August 13, 2024
REREAD (august 2024) -- actually obsessed?? this had all the vibes and tbh i'm shocked that i hated it so much last time. 10/10 would recommend.
August 20, 2022
I really enjoyed this book! Several of my friends have hyped up Caroline George's books/writing, but I hadn't read any of her books to date. I went into this book completely blind, but excited to see what everyone was talking about.
tw // attempted assault, kidnapping/stalking, underage drinking
I didn't realize this book was a suspense/murder mystery, which was perfect because suspense is one of my favorite genres! It read similarly to We Were Liars or a book by Karen McManus, but it was unique to those books as well.
I'm not sure this book counts as "Christian fiction" necessarily, because there wasn't any faith content, but it *was* published by Thomas Nelson, which is under the Christian umbrella as far as I know. Because of that, it was very clean: no language, not a ton of "questionable content", and that sort of stuff. However, I really admired the ability of the author to write a book that made mentions of negative content without glorifying it or condoning it. .
My main critique was that there were too many characters in this book for me to keep straight. If you've read any of my previous review, you will know that that is an issue I have, so this may not be a critique that those have, but personally as someone who gets easily confused, there were *a lot* of characters. In particular, there were segments where the characters were referred to by their last name, and THAT was really confusing. Parts of the middle seemed to drag and felt really slow, but then it rapidly picked up towards the end.
The romance was REALLY sweet, and I really loved the subplot of the romance developing. In terms of content, there are some pretty detailed kisses/makeout scenes, and mentions of people hooking up/"where were you last night, with ___?" but nothing detailed. None of the characters were Christian, so none of it is unsound, but for those concerned, there is that.
The main thread of hope, forgiveness, and finding yourself was really well done, and I thought it was really sweet. There were several quotes that I ended up highlighting, and the way the prose was written made the story feel so nostalgic and reminiscent. The author captures the ache of being a teenager/high schooler so well, and the overall thread of figuring out who you are for the first time while going through major life changes was so impressively done and so relatable.
If summer beach-themed murder mysteries are your thing, this would be PERFECT for you. It is fantastic as a beach read, and overall the summer vibes are just IMMACULATE.
"Nostalgia makes hallowed ground from mundane places"
"They didn't save me from being alone. They saved me from thinking no one cared about my hurt."
"We try to be perfect to meet other people's expectations. But making good choices--I think that's on us. We do good because we see value in good."
"Because the memories we leave with people matter just as much as the time spent with them"
"The people we welcome into our beginnings influence where we go"
"I feel love, but I also feel our history, years and years of choosing him, the good, the bad, highs and lows. Choosing to love. Not despite the flaws. Because of them. Because the mistakes prove we were together long enough to make them."
"I want to kiss him better than the girls before me. I want to make forgetting me impossible so whenever he closes his eyes, he relives this moment over and over, hands tangled in hair, lips held captive. Remembering me until I am his memory."
"Because Dad tells me there's no such thing as easy, no foolproof way to get through life unscathed. Every decision brings challenges. So,we don't get easy. We only choose our hard. And if us is even on the table, believe me when I saw you're the easiest hard choice I'll ever make"
tw // attempted assault, kidnapping/stalking, underage drinking
I didn't realize this book was a suspense/murder mystery, which was perfect because suspense is one of my favorite genres! It read similarly to We Were Liars or a book by Karen McManus, but it was unique to those books as well.
I'm not sure this book counts as "Christian fiction" necessarily, because there wasn't any faith content, but it *was* published by Thomas Nelson, which is under the Christian umbrella as far as I know. Because of that, it was very clean: no language, not a ton of "questionable content", and that sort of stuff. However, I really admired the ability of the author to write a book that made mentions of negative content without glorifying it or condoning it. .
My main critique was that there were too many characters in this book for me to keep straight. If you've read any of my previous review, you will know that that is an issue I have, so this may not be a critique that those have, but personally as someone who gets easily confused, there were *a lot* of characters. In particular, there were segments where the characters were referred to by their last name, and THAT was really confusing. Parts of the middle seemed to drag and felt really slow, but then it rapidly picked up towards the end.
The romance was REALLY sweet, and I really loved the subplot of the romance developing. In terms of content, there are some pretty detailed kisses/makeout scenes, and mentions of people hooking up/"where were you last night, with ___?" but nothing detailed. None of the characters were Christian, so none of it is unsound, but for those concerned, there is that.
The main thread of hope, forgiveness, and finding yourself was really well done, and I thought it was really sweet. There were several quotes that I ended up highlighting, and the way the prose was written made the story feel so nostalgic and reminiscent. The author captures the ache of being a teenager/high schooler so well, and the overall thread of figuring out who you are for the first time while going through major life changes was so impressively done and so relatable.
If summer beach-themed murder mysteries are your thing, this would be PERFECT for you. It is fantastic as a beach read, and overall the summer vibes are just IMMACULATE.
"Nostalgia makes hallowed ground from mundane places"
"They didn't save me from being alone. They saved me from thinking no one cared about my hurt."
"We try to be perfect to meet other people's expectations. But making good choices--I think that's on us. We do good because we see value in good."
"Because the memories we leave with people matter just as much as the time spent with them"
"The people we welcome into our beginnings influence where we go"
"I feel love, but I also feel our history, years and years of choosing him, the good, the bad, highs and lows. Choosing to love. Not despite the flaws. Because of them. Because the mistakes prove we were together long enough to make them."
"I want to kiss him better than the girls before me. I want to make forgetting me impossible so whenever he closes his eyes, he relives this moment over and over, hands tangled in hair, lips held captive. Remembering me until I am his memory."
"Because Dad tells me there's no such thing as easy, no foolproof way to get through life unscathed. Every decision brings challenges. So,we don't get easy. We only choose our hard. And if us is even on the table, believe me when I saw you're the easiest hard choice I'll ever make"
January 20, 2022
How many of us once had a friend you literally thought you would have for the rest of your life but then shortly thereafter, you are smacked in the face with betrayal? I know I have, and it never gets easier.
Morgan and Darby were best friends but with a pretty drastic falling out they have not spoke in over two years. When once buried secrets start to come to light, these two girls are forced to face each other once again. As both girls reflect back to "that" summer they have no choice but to confront their past and the reason behind their separation.
This novel was a fun, fast paced, suspenseful thriller. I knew I was going to really enjoy this book early on and my interest and attention was captivated within the first couple of chapters. This book can be enjoyed as both a thriller and also as a young adult novel.
I highly recommend!
Morgan and Darby were best friends but with a pretty drastic falling out they have not spoke in over two years. When once buried secrets start to come to light, these two girls are forced to face each other once again. As both girls reflect back to "that" summer they have no choice but to confront their past and the reason behind their separation.
This novel was a fun, fast paced, suspenseful thriller. I knew I was going to really enjoy this book early on and my interest and attention was captivated within the first couple of chapters. This book can be enjoyed as both a thriller and also as a young adult novel.
I highly recommend!
March 27, 2023
"We wrote a history book, then burned the pages."
I don't know how to put in my absolute love for this book into words. This was one of the first books that I actually tabbed the whole book.
- To me, thrillers/mystery are my one true love. I will never get tired of reading them and the summer we forgot did not disappoint.
CW: (it's a thriller--the content may not be okay for everyone <3) kissing, usage of alcohol, mentions of pedophiles, mention of dead bodies, blood, violence & fighting
I don't know how to put in my absolute love for this book into words. This was one of the first books that I actually tabbed the whole book.
- To me, thrillers/mystery are my one true love. I will never get tired of reading them and the summer we forgot did not disappoint.
CW: (it's a thriller--the content may not be okay for everyone <3) kissing, usage of alcohol, mentions of pedophiles, mention of dead bodies, blood, violence & fighting
June 12, 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Summer We Forgot was an entertaining read. Well written and well paced (especially for a book on the longer side). A well-developed cast of characters. An incredibly engaging plot full of twists and turns. It's part coming of age story, part mystery, a lot of teen angst and a fantastic twist at the end. I thoroughly enjoyed this one from the beginning to the end. 👍🏻👍🏻
**ARC Via NetGalley**
The Summer We Forgot was an entertaining read. Well written and well paced (especially for a book on the longer side). A well-developed cast of characters. An incredibly engaging plot full of twists and turns. It's part coming of age story, part mystery, a lot of teen angst and a fantastic twist at the end. I thoroughly enjoyed this one from the beginning to the end. 👍🏻👍🏻
**ARC Via NetGalley**
October 21, 2021
I honestly don't even know if I can talk coherently about this book. What a ride! I started this book yesterday and had to stay up until one in the morning because I couldn't put it down. Caroline George is a master of suspense and keeping secrets and character development. I felt like I was a part of Eliza, Darby, Morgan, Kip, Spooner, Cyrus, and Amanda's group, and I wanted to know about the forgotten summer just as badly as they did! I really can't convey in words just how hooking this story is. Oh my goodness, it was amazing. Also, my heart was thumping so hard at so many points because Caroline George executed the freaky stalker-y parts of this book just so well. When I mean this book was a ride, I mean it was a full out heart-thumping, mind-racing, fight-or-flight ride.
The only reason I took off one star is because I felt that forgiveness was offered between friends far too easily. Each one of the friends lied to each other, yet when the lie is revealed (never confessed), the friends act like it wasn't a big deal (when they'd just been acting like the lie was a huge deal and they couldn't trust that person anymore). Maybe it's because I have a hard time trusting others, but I felt like the forgiveness was offered too easily and too quickly if the friends really didn't trust each other. I also wished I knew more about Darby's relationship with her mom. It made me so sad to see that she found her mom's standards so hard to live up to, and it seemed like there was a conversation between them that needed to happen and forgiveness and love offered on both sides. Yet it never happened. We don't ever know if Darby and her mom ever got along better. And I don't know, that just made me sad.
BUT READ THIS BOOK! Oh my goodness, this is one of those books that you'll wish you could read again for the first time because the adrenaline. Still not over the ending. Freaking scared me to death - in such a good, on the edge of your seat reading way. :P
The only reason I took off one star is because I felt that forgiveness was offered between friends far too easily. Each one of the friends lied to each other, yet when the lie is revealed (never confessed), the friends act like it wasn't a big deal (when they'd just been acting like the lie was a huge deal and they couldn't trust that person anymore). Maybe it's because I have a hard time trusting others, but I felt like the forgiveness was offered too easily and too quickly if the friends really didn't trust each other. I also wished I knew more about Darby's relationship with her mom. It made me so sad to see that she found her mom's standards so hard to live up to, and it seemed like there was a conversation between them that needed to happen and forgiveness and love offered on both sides. Yet it never happened. We don't ever know if Darby and her mom ever got along better. And I don't know, that just made me sad.
BUT READ THIS BOOK! Oh my goodness, this is one of those books that you'll wish you could read again for the first time because the adrenaline. Still not over the ending. Freaking scared me to death - in such a good, on the edge of your seat reading way. :P
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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