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The Summer I Found Myself
In Colleen French's heartfelt summer read, a Delaware oceanside cottage is the perfect setting for a season of surprising lessons about how much there is to gain--when you finally let go...
In the last two years, English professor Ellen Tolliver has weathered heartache with grace--including an unwelcome divorce and losing her parents. In her more honest moments, Ellen might admit that she's sick of loss. She longs to stretch and grow, to truly fill her days. Maybe this year, she'll have something to recount in her Christmas letter other than her son's travel adventures. Maybe she'll be too busy to even write a Christmas letter.
On impulse, Ellen invites her ailing best friend, Lara, to spend the summer with her at the Delaware beach house she inherited from her parents. Lara can relax on the big front porch after chemo while Ellen readies the house for sale. But Lara has plans too--she'd like to help Ellen discover who she is, or better yet, who she can still become.
At Lara's urging, Ellen joins a local writer's group, tries online dating, and mingles with the new friends Lara brings home from her support group. She forgoes white wine (won't stain if you spill it!) for red and eats French fries for breakfast. She even flirts with the local bookstore owner, a handsome, sun-kissed, younger man. And as she embraces the freedom that comes with breaking her own rules, she wonders if it's not just her past that lies in this beloved quirky town, but her future too...
In the last two years, English professor Ellen Tolliver has weathered heartache with grace--including an unwelcome divorce and losing her parents. In her more honest moments, Ellen might admit that she's sick of loss. She longs to stretch and grow, to truly fill her days. Maybe this year, she'll have something to recount in her Christmas letter other than her son's travel adventures. Maybe she'll be too busy to even write a Christmas letter.
On impulse, Ellen invites her ailing best friend, Lara, to spend the summer with her at the Delaware beach house she inherited from her parents. Lara can relax on the big front porch after chemo while Ellen readies the house for sale. But Lara has plans too--she'd like to help Ellen discover who she is, or better yet, who she can still become.
At Lara's urging, Ellen joins a local writer's group, tries online dating, and mingles with the new friends Lara brings home from her support group. She forgoes white wine (won't stain if you spill it!) for red and eats French fries for breakfast. She even flirts with the local bookstore owner, a handsome, sun-kissed, younger man. And as she embraces the freedom that comes with breaking her own rules, she wonders if it's not just her past that lies in this beloved quirky town, but her future too...
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 25, 2021
61 people are currently reading
1144 people want to read
About the author
Colleen French
45 books57 followers ABOUT COLLEEN FRENCH
Colleen French has a unique gift for capturing the essence of passion in her breathtaking tales of romance and adventure. Winner of the Delaware Diamond Award for Literary Excellence and the P.E.A.R.L. award, she is the daughter of bestselling novelist Judith E. French who first taught her how to write. Colleen has written more than 130 print novels which have sold more than 5 million copies and been translated into Bulgarian, French, German, Italian, Mandarin, and Spanish. Her Native American novels are inspired by her English, Scottish, Irish, Welsh, and Lenni–Lenape ancestry and her home near the Chesapeake Bay, where her family has lived for more than 300 years. Her books appeal to fans of Christi Caldwell, Mary Balogh, C. J. Petit, Shirleen Davies, Karen Kay, Madeline Baker, Elle Marlow, Ellen O'Connell, Vonna Harper, Judith E. French, Kathryn Le Veque, Margaret Mallory, Julie Garwood, Caroline Fyffe, Maya Banks, Hannah Howell Fiona Faris, and Alisa Adams.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
May 27, 2021
The Summer I Found Myself by Colleen French is a women’s fiction title that I will admit I picked up after what was a case of instant cover love. I ended up enjoying the story inside although I will admit not quite as much as that cover. The story pulled at the heartstrings along the way and was one of personal growth for the main character Ellen.
Ellen Tolliver is an English Professor who always dreamed of writing her own novel one day and after going through an unwanted divorce Ellen wonders if it’s time to give writing a try. Ellen’s plan was to pack up and head to the Delaware beach house she inherited from her parents for the summer to clean out the home and get it ready for sale and with the time figure out what she wanted from her now empty life.
However, before Ellen was ready to leave to head to the beach house her friend, Lara, shared the horrible news that Lara’s cancer had returned. Without thinking twice Ellen invites Lara to spend the summer with her as Lara goes through her treatment at the local hospital so Lara wouldn’t have to be alone. Little did Ellen realize Lara was just what Ellen needed in her life to open her eyes to the world around her.
I have to say The Summer I Found Myself was a perfect title for this one as the book certainly encompassed Ellen’s time finding herself and all of her personal growth. The story got off to a rocky start for me because quite honestly Ellen didn’t start off as all that likable as she wallowed in her own personal problems and seemed to only think of herself too often. However, the many side characters brought in along the way more than made up for the rocky beginning and with them they brought a light to the story and the emotional connection I didn’t have in the start. Overall I would give this one three and a half stars noting that it did improve along the way for me.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Ellen Tolliver is an English Professor who always dreamed of writing her own novel one day and after going through an unwanted divorce Ellen wonders if it’s time to give writing a try. Ellen’s plan was to pack up and head to the Delaware beach house she inherited from her parents for the summer to clean out the home and get it ready for sale and with the time figure out what she wanted from her now empty life.
However, before Ellen was ready to leave to head to the beach house her friend, Lara, shared the horrible news that Lara’s cancer had returned. Without thinking twice Ellen invites Lara to spend the summer with her as Lara goes through her treatment at the local hospital so Lara wouldn’t have to be alone. Little did Ellen realize Lara was just what Ellen needed in her life to open her eyes to the world around her.
I have to say The Summer I Found Myself was a perfect title for this one as the book certainly encompassed Ellen’s time finding herself and all of her personal growth. The story got off to a rocky start for me because quite honestly Ellen didn’t start off as all that likable as she wallowed in her own personal problems and seemed to only think of herself too often. However, the many side characters brought in along the way more than made up for the rocky beginning and with them they brought a light to the story and the emotional connection I didn’t have in the start. Overall I would give this one three and a half stars noting that it did improve along the way for me.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
April 10, 2021
The Summer I Found Myself was a ho hum read for me. I struggled to connect to any of the characters. I liked the beach setting and the history behind it. I thought Ellen was a stick in the mud. She eventually evolves, but I’d almost lost hope. I liked Lara the best. She had gumption and grit, although facing a devastating crisis. I read this on a rainy dreary day and many of the characters have major illnesses, which made it quite depressing. This one just didn’t strike a chord with me. Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the early copy.
May 31, 2021
4.5 stars.
The Summer I Found Myself by Colleen French is a poignant novel of self-discovery and friendship.
English professor Ellen Tolliver is still getting over her divorce and the recent loss of both her parents. She is fairly staid and not exactly adventuresome or spontaneous. Ellen keeps her emotions tightly in check and does not deviate from her somewhat rigid rules and viewpoints. She is attempting to write a novel but she just cannot seem to settle on what story she wants to tell. With the summer looming ahead of her, Ellen plans to get the family beach house ready to put on the market. However, she learns right before departing that her lifelong best friend Lara’s cancer is no longer in remission. Ellen asks Lara to join her and she will take care of her as she undergoes chemotherapy.
Lara is much livelier and more outgoing than Ellen. She tries to prod Ellen out of her comfort zone, but she is not surprised at her friend’s refusal. Lara appreciates all of Ellen’s help and their friendship is very dear to her. But as she undergoes her chemo treatments, she meets an incredible group of diverse people who soon begin to rely on each other through their cancer journeys. They meet at Ellen’s beach house and while she is initially consumed with various worries, she soon becomes friends with them as well. It is through their friendship that Ellen begins to discover what living is all about.
The Summer I Found Myself is a very touching novel with an engaging storyline and idyllic setting. The cast of characters is rather eclectic and quite endearing. Ellen is initially not the most likable person but as she begins to loosen up, she becomes much easier to like. Lara and her new friends are a formidable group of very wise people. Colleen French brings heartwarming and emotional novel to a bit of an abrupt yet mostly satisfactory conclusion.
The Summer I Found Myself by Colleen French is a poignant novel of self-discovery and friendship.
English professor Ellen Tolliver is still getting over her divorce and the recent loss of both her parents. She is fairly staid and not exactly adventuresome or spontaneous. Ellen keeps her emotions tightly in check and does not deviate from her somewhat rigid rules and viewpoints. She is attempting to write a novel but she just cannot seem to settle on what story she wants to tell. With the summer looming ahead of her, Ellen plans to get the family beach house ready to put on the market. However, she learns right before departing that her lifelong best friend Lara’s cancer is no longer in remission. Ellen asks Lara to join her and she will take care of her as she undergoes chemotherapy.
Lara is much livelier and more outgoing than Ellen. She tries to prod Ellen out of her comfort zone, but she is not surprised at her friend’s refusal. Lara appreciates all of Ellen’s help and their friendship is very dear to her. But as she undergoes her chemo treatments, she meets an incredible group of diverse people who soon begin to rely on each other through their cancer journeys. They meet at Ellen’s beach house and while she is initially consumed with various worries, she soon becomes friends with them as well. It is through their friendship that Ellen begins to discover what living is all about.
The Summer I Found Myself is a very touching novel with an engaging storyline and idyllic setting. The cast of characters is rather eclectic and quite endearing. Ellen is initially not the most likable person but as she begins to loosen up, she becomes much easier to like. Lara and her new friends are a formidable group of very wise people. Colleen French brings heartwarming and emotional novel to a bit of an abrupt yet mostly satisfactory conclusion.
February 21, 2021
So this book had some slow moments in it but the rest was well done. It’s definitely a finding yourself type of book with some deep parts that you need to be ready for.
October 7, 2021
This book will make you laugh, sigh, cry, and it will stay with you for a long time. I know this book was fiction but all fiction has truth in it and when you read this book you feel as if you made many new friends. I loved so many parts of this book that I will just say I loved it as a whole! Please do yourself a favor and read this book! Please.
May 18, 2025
A gift from my whimsical grandma, I was expecting magic and a coming of age story as her usual taste indicates … it certainly has elements of both, but the coming of age was not an adolescent; instead, a woman in her 40s finally finding herself through answering tough questions, trying fake eyelashes, box hair dye, drag, and making new porch friends with the newest Albany beach cancer support group. The book felt like a new friend, for that, it earns 4 stars
May 13, 2021
When I chose this book, I expected a summer romance with a bit of self-discovery thrown in for good measure. What I found was a thoughtful journey in friendship and the meaning of living life to its fullest.
Ellen is a rather conservative English professor who is recently divorced . Her closest friend, Lara, has been recently diagnosed with cancer and they decide to spend the summer together at the beach in the house Ellen has inherited. Ellen wants to help Lara deal with the effects of chemotherapy and also to get away from the drama in her life.
As the summer progresses, an unlikely band of cancer patients find their way into Ellen's life and she is forced to face life in a different way. Overshadowing the friendships is the disease they are all fighting or choosing not to fight and those choices make Ellen look carefully at her own. Throw a handsome bookstore owner into the mix and you have the makings for a great summer read.
As the book draws to a close, Colleen writes "Ellen was still marveling at how much she had learned about living from those who were dying..." A perfect summation of the book!
Ellen is a rather conservative English professor who is recently divorced . Her closest friend, Lara, has been recently diagnosed with cancer and they decide to spend the summer together at the beach in the house Ellen has inherited. Ellen wants to help Lara deal with the effects of chemotherapy and also to get away from the drama in her life.
As the summer progresses, an unlikely band of cancer patients find their way into Ellen's life and she is forced to face life in a different way. Overshadowing the friendships is the disease they are all fighting or choosing not to fight and those choices make Ellen look carefully at her own. Throw a handsome bookstore owner into the mix and you have the makings for a great summer read.
As the book draws to a close, Colleen writes "Ellen was still marveling at how much she had learned about living from those who were dying..." A perfect summation of the book!
May 8, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley for providing to me an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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In Colleen French's heartfelt summer read, a Delaware oceanside cottage is the perfect setting for a season of surprising lessons about how much there is to gain--when you finally let go...
In the last two years, English professor Ellen Tolliver has weathered heartache with grace--including an unwelcome divorce and losing her parents. In her more honest moments, Ellen might admit that she's sick of loss. She longs to stretch and grow, to truly fill her days. Maybe this year, she'll have something to recount in her Christmas letter other than her son's travel adventures. Maybe she'll be too busy to even write a Christmas letter.
On impulse, Ellen invites her ailing best friend, Lara, to spend the summer with her at the Delaware beach house she inherited from her parents. Lara can relax on the big front porch after chemo while Ellen readies the house for sale. But Lara has plans too--she'd like to help Ellen discover who she is, or better yet, who she can still become.
At Lara's urging, Ellen joins a local writer's group, tries online dating, and mingles with the new friends Lara brings home from her support group. She forgoes white wine (won't stain if you spill it!) for red and eats French fries for breakfast. She even flirts with the local bookstore owner, a handsome, sun-kissed, younger man. And as she embraces the freedom that comes with breaking her own rules, she wonders if it's not just her past that lies in this beloved quirky town, but her future too...
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I had a little trouble getting into this one, mostly because I initially really disliked the main character, Ellen. As noted in the title, this was the summer in which she was going to find herself, and in the beginning, I just did not see how that was going to happen. She had several character traits that I found very off-putting. However, as I settled into the plot, many other characters were introduced into the storyline and ended up redeeming it for me. I did find myself having to suspend my disbelief over one major plot point toward the end of the book, but I just took the advice of a beloved English teacher from high school - "It's fiction; accept it." - and plowed ahead.
This is a story of struggle and sadness but also small moments of joy and little victories. Set against the backdrop of a beach town, which is key to any summer read for me, the book teaches the importance of letting go of some of our old habits and beliefs and embracing the unknown...giving up those narrow viewpoints that sometimes seem to be keeping us safe and risking opening ourselves up to things that may hurt us but may also free us from that which has us stuck. It was an enjoyable read, if not my best of the beach reads of the year.
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In Colleen French's heartfelt summer read, a Delaware oceanside cottage is the perfect setting for a season of surprising lessons about how much there is to gain--when you finally let go...
In the last two years, English professor Ellen Tolliver has weathered heartache with grace--including an unwelcome divorce and losing her parents. In her more honest moments, Ellen might admit that she's sick of loss. She longs to stretch and grow, to truly fill her days. Maybe this year, she'll have something to recount in her Christmas letter other than her son's travel adventures. Maybe she'll be too busy to even write a Christmas letter.
On impulse, Ellen invites her ailing best friend, Lara, to spend the summer with her at the Delaware beach house she inherited from her parents. Lara can relax on the big front porch after chemo while Ellen readies the house for sale. But Lara has plans too--she'd like to help Ellen discover who she is, or better yet, who she can still become.
At Lara's urging, Ellen joins a local writer's group, tries online dating, and mingles with the new friends Lara brings home from her support group. She forgoes white wine (won't stain if you spill it!) for red and eats French fries for breakfast. She even flirts with the local bookstore owner, a handsome, sun-kissed, younger man. And as she embraces the freedom that comes with breaking her own rules, she wonders if it's not just her past that lies in this beloved quirky town, but her future too...
-----
I had a little trouble getting into this one, mostly because I initially really disliked the main character, Ellen. As noted in the title, this was the summer in which she was going to find herself, and in the beginning, I just did not see how that was going to happen. She had several character traits that I found very off-putting. However, as I settled into the plot, many other characters were introduced into the storyline and ended up redeeming it for me. I did find myself having to suspend my disbelief over one major plot point toward the end of the book, but I just took the advice of a beloved English teacher from high school - "It's fiction; accept it." - and plowed ahead.
This is a story of struggle and sadness but also small moments of joy and little victories. Set against the backdrop of a beach town, which is key to any summer read for me, the book teaches the importance of letting go of some of our old habits and beliefs and embracing the unknown...giving up those narrow viewpoints that sometimes seem to be keeping us safe and risking opening ourselves up to things that may hurt us but may also free us from that which has us stuck. It was an enjoyable read, if not my best of the beach reads of the year.
August 28, 2021
I'm not usually a critical reader, but I was very surprised/annoyed by the sentence structures throughout the book. Maybe it is considered creative expression these days.
In some ways it felt like the book was just thrown together quickly with a few social/moral issues of our culture added in for good measure.
I loved the idea that the main character was willing to step outside of herself and re-evaluate what it means to be transparent, rather than live a life that measures up to other people's expectations. She did seem to find herself and her eyes were opening to allow her to be an independent woman who could think for herself and not make decisions based on fear, comfort and pre-established rules.
Overall, I enjoyed the story, I just had to eat the chicken and throw away the bones.
In some ways it felt like the book was just thrown together quickly with a few social/moral issues of our culture added in for good measure.
I loved the idea that the main character was willing to step outside of herself and re-evaluate what it means to be transparent, rather than live a life that measures up to other people's expectations. She did seem to find herself and her eyes were opening to allow her to be an independent woman who could think for herself and not make decisions based on fear, comfort and pre-established rules.
Overall, I enjoyed the story, I just had to eat the chicken and throw away the bones.
May 20, 2021
I received a kindle arc of this book which is why I'm actually writing a full length review.
This is my first Colleen French book and I have to say I was pretty impressed. This story follows Ellen, a writer who has recently been divorced and has discovered that her best friend, Lara's, cancer has returned. Ellen invites Lara to stay at her family's summer type home in Delaware as a break but also to care for her while she's going through chemo. I definitely expected this to be a romance and even though the small bit of romance that was actually included disappointed me, I wasn't really that upset that it wasn't a romance.
I actually really related to Ellen at times. I know a few people have said she was irritating and things like that, especially considering her closed off attitude and not being open to trying new things but I totally get that. Trying new things is so terrifying to me even though I often want to be more outgoing. I loved Lara, she was so cool and seemed so real to me. And in my opinion, even though the book was about how Lara and her cancer patient friends helped Ellen learn how to live, they didn't feel like props. Colleen treated them like the humans that they are and I really loved that.
-SPOILERS I GUESS-
I think the parts of the book that I wasn't super stoked about were about Alex and Pine. I get that Ellen is a middle aged woman and things are very different now than how they were ten or more years ago but it irked me a bit when she mentioned that she forgot that Alex was a boy or something like that. It's a pretty small part of the book and everyone adores Alex (including me) but I really just didn't like that detail. Yes Alex is a girl and yes she is transgender. We don't need to hear the main character talking about how she forgot Alex was a boy, which she isn't. Does that make sense? Maybe I'm reading too much into it. But other than that I loved every part of the book with Alex in it and I can definitely see myself being close friends with her.
The other part that bothered me a bit was Pine's role. His backstory is tragic, with everything that he's gone through in his life, including things that happened because he's black. I get that the point of the story is that the cancer patients are teaching Ellen about life, but WHY did Pine apologize to her after he called her out?! Basically the way it goes is that Pine tells her that he understands that she's hurting; because of Lara's diagnosis, because of her divorce from her husband. He then goes on to list what he's gone through, including losing his first wife and their kids all at once, being drafted in the Vietnam War and then being treated like shit back in America, among other things. He tells her about all these struggles he went through and then talks about the fact that everyone goes through shit, it's just life, but that she needs to persevere and continue to live life because this is all anyone gets. She starts crying, which tbh I would too because like I said, Pine's past is horrifying and so so sad, but then he apologizes for making it seem like he was picking on her? Which he wasn't. Like at all. And then, the only black person in this story other than his wife, Pine fucking dies. Like ???? I was just disappointed with how Pine's character was handled. He was an amazing guy with a beautiful personality and deserved so much better in my opinion.
Anyways, I'm so sorry for this ridiculously long review, I've never done anything like this before haha. So yeah, all in all I really enjoyed this book. I cried a few times and it definitely hit harder since cancer is what took my grandma. But I do recommend this book, I liked it a lot.
This is my first Colleen French book and I have to say I was pretty impressed. This story follows Ellen, a writer who has recently been divorced and has discovered that her best friend, Lara's, cancer has returned. Ellen invites Lara to stay at her family's summer type home in Delaware as a break but also to care for her while she's going through chemo. I definitely expected this to be a romance and even though the small bit of romance that was actually included disappointed me, I wasn't really that upset that it wasn't a romance.
I actually really related to Ellen at times. I know a few people have said she was irritating and things like that, especially considering her closed off attitude and not being open to trying new things but I totally get that. Trying new things is so terrifying to me even though I often want to be more outgoing. I loved Lara, she was so cool and seemed so real to me. And in my opinion, even though the book was about how Lara and her cancer patient friends helped Ellen learn how to live, they didn't feel like props. Colleen treated them like the humans that they are and I really loved that.
-SPOILERS I GUESS-
I think the parts of the book that I wasn't super stoked about were about Alex and Pine. I get that Ellen is a middle aged woman and things are very different now than how they were ten or more years ago but it irked me a bit when she mentioned that she forgot that Alex was a boy or something like that. It's a pretty small part of the book and everyone adores Alex (including me) but I really just didn't like that detail. Yes Alex is a girl and yes she is transgender. We don't need to hear the main character talking about how she forgot Alex was a boy, which she isn't. Does that make sense? Maybe I'm reading too much into it. But other than that I loved every part of the book with Alex in it and I can definitely see myself being close friends with her.
The other part that bothered me a bit was Pine's role. His backstory is tragic, with everything that he's gone through in his life, including things that happened because he's black. I get that the point of the story is that the cancer patients are teaching Ellen about life, but WHY did Pine apologize to her after he called her out?! Basically the way it goes is that Pine tells her that he understands that she's hurting; because of Lara's diagnosis, because of her divorce from her husband. He then goes on to list what he's gone through, including losing his first wife and their kids all at once, being drafted in the Vietnam War and then being treated like shit back in America, among other things. He tells her about all these struggles he went through and then talks about the fact that everyone goes through shit, it's just life, but that she needs to persevere and continue to live life because this is all anyone gets. She starts crying, which tbh I would too because like I said, Pine's past is horrifying and so so sad, but then he apologizes for making it seem like he was picking on her? Which he wasn't. Like at all. And then, the only black person in this story other than his wife, Pine fucking dies. Like ???? I was just disappointed with how Pine's character was handled. He was an amazing guy with a beautiful personality and deserved so much better in my opinion.
Anyways, I'm so sorry for this ridiculously long review, I've never done anything like this before haha. So yeah, all in all I really enjoyed this book. I cried a few times and it definitely hit harder since cancer is what took my grandma. But I do recommend this book, I liked it a lot.
March 26, 2021
I received an ARC from Kensington Press through NetGalley for an honest review. Ellen has had several losses and decided she was going to spend the summer at the beach house she inherited from her parents. Her best friend Lara's cancer has come back and Ellen invites her to come to the beach house and have her cancer treatment there, so she can take care of her.
When they arrive, Ellen has always wanted to write a novel and is hoping this will be the summer. Lara encourages Ellen to start to live again. Ellen is uptight, worries, and overthinks, while Lara seems to just go for it and see what happens. I could definitely relate to Ellen. When Lara started chemo she met some new friends there, and she started to invite them back to sit on the porch, and they became known as the porch friends. Ellen being who she was, worried about someone would fall, she would get sued, her best friend would like one of them better than her. But Lara kept on bringing her new friends who had different kinds of cancer and at first Ellen thought she was helping them, but soon realized they were helping her. She started writing short snippets of things she did or heard through her day, until she started to write in a journal.
The porch friends would come to the porch after chemo, and they would still have such excitement about life. Ellen wasn't realizing she has been stepping out of her comfort zone and doing things because she was worried about the people on her porch.
As summer goes on things begin to change, attitudes change, everyone is sharing different things about themselves. They realize how much they have grown and changed this summer. They all start to not just accept the way things are but to do what they want to do. There is a lot of evolving this summer, finding out whom you truly are, and having the courage to go for it. Once they find the courage, they take on life, and start to live.
I think there is going to be a lot of people reading this book that is going to see themselves. One thing Ellen did on her snippets was writing down what she wanted. One of the things she wanted was to be happy which surprised her because she didn't think she was unhappy, and it made her think about that. She did come to realize what that meant. I did too.
This book is for all ages, there is a teenager, moms, dads, elderly, and each one brings something unique to this story, and it all blends together. It is also one of the things you don't realize until you take a step back and look that you realize how different things are.
When they arrive, Ellen has always wanted to write a novel and is hoping this will be the summer. Lara encourages Ellen to start to live again. Ellen is uptight, worries, and overthinks, while Lara seems to just go for it and see what happens. I could definitely relate to Ellen. When Lara started chemo she met some new friends there, and she started to invite them back to sit on the porch, and they became known as the porch friends. Ellen being who she was, worried about someone would fall, she would get sued, her best friend would like one of them better than her. But Lara kept on bringing her new friends who had different kinds of cancer and at first Ellen thought she was helping them, but soon realized they were helping her. She started writing short snippets of things she did or heard through her day, until she started to write in a journal.
The porch friends would come to the porch after chemo, and they would still have such excitement about life. Ellen wasn't realizing she has been stepping out of her comfort zone and doing things because she was worried about the people on her porch.
As summer goes on things begin to change, attitudes change, everyone is sharing different things about themselves. They realize how much they have grown and changed this summer. They all start to not just accept the way things are but to do what they want to do. There is a lot of evolving this summer, finding out whom you truly are, and having the courage to go for it. Once they find the courage, they take on life, and start to live.
I think there is going to be a lot of people reading this book that is going to see themselves. One thing Ellen did on her snippets was writing down what she wanted. One of the things she wanted was to be happy which surprised her because she didn't think she was unhappy, and it made her think about that. She did come to realize what that meant. I did too.
This book is for all ages, there is a teenager, moms, dads, elderly, and each one brings something unique to this story, and it all blends together. It is also one of the things you don't realize until you take a step back and look that you realize how different things are.
June 6, 2021
The Summer I found Myself, by Colleen French, is one of the most touching stories I have ever read! Breaking from her traditional period pieces, this story is set in modern times in Albany Beach, Delaware. Ellen Tolliver Edmundson, daughter of renowned author Joseph Tolliver, has suffered much loss over the last few years: her parents’ deaths, an unwanted divorce, and now her best friend since childhood, Lara, has again had a cancer diagnosis.
As Ellen is going from her Raleigh home to her inherited family beach house in Albany Beach and there is a local hospital and cancer center there, Ellen invites Lara to join her at the beach house where Lara can enjoy the location while undergoing treatment and Ellen expects she can help Lara during her treatment while spending some quality time together.
What Ellen doesn’t expect when Lara asks to invite some of her new friends to sit on the porch was that they would all be cancer patients or that they would have so many stories, so many life lessons, and so much joy! But then, Lara’s mission, other than to stem her disease, is to help her friend open up to a better life, and her new friends are just the ones to help.
In a summer of self discovery and learning life lessons, regardless of sadness or loss, Ellen will overcome and grow as a person. The story is rewarding to read, enlightening, and leads to hope for the future. I truly hope there will be a sequel to this wonderful book. I did enjoy this book and wholeheartedly recommend it!
As Ellen is going from her Raleigh home to her inherited family beach house in Albany Beach and there is a local hospital and cancer center there, Ellen invites Lara to join her at the beach house where Lara can enjoy the location while undergoing treatment and Ellen expects she can help Lara during her treatment while spending some quality time together.
What Ellen doesn’t expect when Lara asks to invite some of her new friends to sit on the porch was that they would all be cancer patients or that they would have so many stories, so many life lessons, and so much joy! But then, Lara’s mission, other than to stem her disease, is to help her friend open up to a better life, and her new friends are just the ones to help.
In a summer of self discovery and learning life lessons, regardless of sadness or loss, Ellen will overcome and grow as a person. The story is rewarding to read, enlightening, and leads to hope for the future. I truly hope there will be a sequel to this wonderful book. I did enjoy this book and wholeheartedly recommend it!
June 10, 2021
Ellen is not an impulsive person. Everything is thought out through and planned so there are no unpleasant surprises. This was what hit her hard when her husband of twenty years walked out on her - his complaint was that she was predictable, in other words boring. She has also lost her parents and is now trying to come to terms with loss as a thing itself. She wants her life to be better, to be more meaningful and having inherited a beach cottage she decides to go there, clean it out with the intention of selling it. On impulse she invites her friend Lara, now sick with a bout of a recurrence of cancer, needing treatment and a friend.
Ellen did not envisage that the flamboyant Lara will gather together like minded souls in the cancer clinic she attends and her little coterie meets at the cottage and though Ellen tries to keep away from the group, she is invariably drawn into their thoughts, their activities and their day to day life. At Lara's insistence Ellen joins a writer's group to try to rekindle the author in her, she knows is buried deep within and also puts Ellen on a dating site (for Ellen this is the worst thing that could happen to her!).
Gradually Ellen's barriers come down and she realises that life is for living and for taking what comes your way and making the best of whatever is given. Learning lessons from the group of survivors from cancer, she applies these to her own self.
This was a coming of age story, though the character was middle aged and not a youngster. Enlightening read.
Ellen did not envisage that the flamboyant Lara will gather together like minded souls in the cancer clinic she attends and her little coterie meets at the cottage and though Ellen tries to keep away from the group, she is invariably drawn into their thoughts, their activities and their day to day life. At Lara's insistence Ellen joins a writer's group to try to rekindle the author in her, she knows is buried deep within and also puts Ellen on a dating site (for Ellen this is the worst thing that could happen to her!).
Gradually Ellen's barriers come down and she realises that life is for living and for taking what comes your way and making the best of whatever is given. Learning lessons from the group of survivors from cancer, she applies these to her own self.
This was a coming of age story, though the character was middle aged and not a youngster. Enlightening read.
May 31, 2021
The Summer I Found Myself by Colleen French
Sometimes you find the book and you realize that that book has a lesson to teach you. The Summer I found Myself by Colleen French offered many lessons, some of which I needed to hear. Perhaps the most important lesson was that it's never too late to take on a new path.
Ellen Tolliver has faced a lot in the last two years. She's lost her parents, her son has grown up and moved on and she's become divorced, so when she finds out her best friend Lara’s cancer has returned she knows she needs to help. Ellen invites Lara to spend the summer with her on Albany Beach knowing the beach will be a place of healing. What Ellen doesn't realize is that she will be healing as well as Lara.
Lara turns Ellen's back porch into a retreat for other cancer patients. Every day they sit and they face their life together by sharing and coming up with their own truths. The group is as disparate as you can imagine with each facing their own cancer and their own prognosis. What I found interesting is that by Lara doing this, Ellen was forced to face her future.
The Summer I Found Myself by Colleen French is a wonderful journey into people; what makes them interesting and charismatic are the hearts and souls they carry inside. The story, while extremely poignant, makes you realize how much you want each of them to find comfort. I thought the book was a glorious celebration of life and an excellent read.
Sometimes you find the book and you realize that that book has a lesson to teach you. The Summer I found Myself by Colleen French offered many lessons, some of which I needed to hear. Perhaps the most important lesson was that it's never too late to take on a new path.
Ellen Tolliver has faced a lot in the last two years. She's lost her parents, her son has grown up and moved on and she's become divorced, so when she finds out her best friend Lara’s cancer has returned she knows she needs to help. Ellen invites Lara to spend the summer with her on Albany Beach knowing the beach will be a place of healing. What Ellen doesn't realize is that she will be healing as well as Lara.
Lara turns Ellen's back porch into a retreat for other cancer patients. Every day they sit and they face their life together by sharing and coming up with their own truths. The group is as disparate as you can imagine with each facing their own cancer and their own prognosis. What I found interesting is that by Lara doing this, Ellen was forced to face her future.
The Summer I Found Myself by Colleen French is a wonderful journey into people; what makes them interesting and charismatic are the hearts and souls they carry inside. The story, while extremely poignant, makes you realize how much you want each of them to find comfort. I thought the book was a glorious celebration of life and an excellent read.
August 3, 2023
Ellen was a woman who let fear rule her life. With wounds due to her divorce and an emotionally abusive father, she often planned to the extreme and did not take risks. She was supposed to spend the summer in Delaware prepping her family's beach house to be sold, but when her lifelong best friends's cancer comes back. Ellen invites Lara to come due her treatments at the beach where Ellen can care for her.
Lara befriends other people in treatment who form a support group of sorts who meet on Ellen's porch. By knowing these people, many of whom are dying, Ellen learned to live.
This is a book about people with cancer, most are terminal. It's sad, but there's also a lot of lessons about life that one can learn from those who are nearing the end. I appreciated Ellen's journey. The Ellen from the beginning of the book was NOT the Ellen at the end. She learned to live in the moment more often, to take risks, to not put off today what you can do tomorrow, to appreciate the gift of today. The story was filled with wonderful characters, and I loved meeting them even if I had to shed tears for them.
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Lara befriends other people in treatment who form a support group of sorts who meet on Ellen's porch. By knowing these people, many of whom are dying, Ellen learned to live.
This is a book about people with cancer, most are terminal. It's sad, but there's also a lot of lessons about life that one can learn from those who are nearing the end. I appreciated Ellen's journey. The Ellen from the beginning of the book was NOT the Ellen at the end. She learned to live in the moment more often, to take risks, to not put off today what you can do tomorrow, to appreciate the gift of today. The story was filled with wonderful characters, and I loved meeting them even if I had to shed tears for them.
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May 22, 2021
“Those who can, do. Those who can’t, teach.” That was the lesson that Ellen Tolliver was taught by her alcoholic and pretentious father, upon graduating with her degree in creative writing, then being promptly ripped to shreds for her writing. Now divorced, her parents are dead and her brother doesn’t speak to her, Ellen is attempting to finally write her novel. When she’s told her childhood best friend Lara’s breast cancer has metastasized to her bones, Ellen is thrown for a major loop. Needing to gain some control back, Ellen invites Laura to her family’s beach house that she’s prepping for sale at the end of the summer. Then Lara throws her for another loop and challenges Ellen to make some major changes to her life, to stop hiding in her safe box and get back into the world. This was truly such a lovely summer read. The cast of characters, which includes Lara’s cancer support group, honestly make the novel, with their poignant remarks on life and their life stories up to this point. It was really delightful to read about. I loved how this book focuses less on love and more about how to stay true to yourself. How to make the most of your life and how to let your guard down. I really enjoyed this sentimental read.
May 22, 2021
4.5 stars
This is the first book I’ve read by Colleen French and I really enjoyed it for the most part, although I didn’t care for the ending. This was an emotional read that had me needing tissues several times. Ellen returns to Albany Beach, Delaware with plans to get her family’s beach house ready to sell. She’s lost both her parents and is recently gotten an unwanted divorce. Her best friend, Lara, joins her. Lara’s cancer has returned and Ellen is going to be there for her during her treatments. One morning, Ellen enters the kitchen and finds an elderly, barefooted woman making coffee. Who is she and why does she call Ellen “Doris”? You’ll find out, but I’m not telling. Then Lara starts inviting other cancer patients home. They all have varying stages of cancer and they quickly become a tight group. I loved getting to know each and every one of these characters. One of them, Grace, has a son Barrett. He owns a local bookstore and is gorgeous. Ellen fights her attraction to him because he’s younger than her. I won’t leave any spoilers, so give this book a read and see if you don’t love this amazing characters.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
This is the first book I’ve read by Colleen French and I really enjoyed it for the most part, although I didn’t care for the ending. This was an emotional read that had me needing tissues several times. Ellen returns to Albany Beach, Delaware with plans to get her family’s beach house ready to sell. She’s lost both her parents and is recently gotten an unwanted divorce. Her best friend, Lara, joins her. Lara’s cancer has returned and Ellen is going to be there for her during her treatments. One morning, Ellen enters the kitchen and finds an elderly, barefooted woman making coffee. Who is she and why does she call Ellen “Doris”? You’ll find out, but I’m not telling. Then Lara starts inviting other cancer patients home. They all have varying stages of cancer and they quickly become a tight group. I loved getting to know each and every one of these characters. One of them, Grace, has a son Barrett. He owns a local bookstore and is gorgeous. Ellen fights her attraction to him because he’s younger than her. I won’t leave any spoilers, so give this book a read and see if you don’t love this amazing characters.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
May 22, 2021
4.5 stars This is the first book I’ve read by Colleen French and I really enjoyed it for the most part, although I didn’t care for the ending. This was an emotional read that had me needing tissues several times. Ellen returns to Albany Beach, Delaware with plans to get her family’s beach house ready to sell. She’s lost both her parents and is recently gotten an unwanted divorce. Her best friend, Lara, joins her. Lara’s cancer has returned and Ellen is going to be there for her during her treatments. One morning, Ellen enters the kitchen and finds an elderly, barefooted woman making coffee. Who is she and why does she call Ellen “Doris”? You’ll find out, but I’m not telling. Then Lara starts inviting other cancer patients home. They all have varying stages of cancer and they quickly become a tight group. I loved getting to know each and every one of these characters. One of them, Grace, has a son Barrett. He owns a local bookstore and is gorgeous. Ellen fights her attraction to him because he’s younger than her. I won’t leave any spoilers, so give this book a read and see if you don’t love this amazing characters. I received an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
May 6, 2025
Ellen has had a rough last two years. Her parents have died and her marriage ended in divorce. Her son is grown and gone, and her job as an English professor just isn't fulfilling her like it used to. Then, her best friend, Lara, tells her that her cancer has returned. Ellen takes the summer off to take care of Lara and to prepare her family's beach house for sale. While there, Lara encourages Ellen to let her hair down, finally write the novel she's been dreaming of, and maybe start a romance with the local bookstore owner. Ellen balks at first, but as the summer goes on, she learns more about herself and life.
This book was a fairly light and predictable read. I enjoyed watching the relationships develop between the different characters over the summer. Ellen and Lara's relationship was particularly enjoyable. It is one of those books where sick/dying people seem to mostly exist to further the main character's personal development, so don't expect to go too much in-depth with any of those characters, they are just side characters to Ellen's story. The book is also in need of some editing, but overall it was a quick and enjoyable read.
Read Across the USA challenge: Delaware
CW: ableism, cancer, death of a prominent character, deceased parents/siblings, medical procedures, profanity (moderate language), sexual content (references to sex and nudity, kissing on page)
This book was a fairly light and predictable read. I enjoyed watching the relationships develop between the different characters over the summer. Ellen and Lara's relationship was particularly enjoyable. It is one of those books where sick/dying people seem to mostly exist to further the main character's personal development, so don't expect to go too much in-depth with any of those characters, they are just side characters to Ellen's story. The book is also in need of some editing, but overall it was a quick and enjoyable read.
Read Across the USA challenge: Delaware
CW: ableism, cancer, death of a prominent character, deceased parents/siblings, medical procedures, profanity (moderate language), sexual content (references to sex and nudity, kissing on page)
April 30, 2025
The Summer I Found Myself offers a heartfelt exploration of self-discovery, friendship, and the complexities of starting over. Set against the backdrop of a Delaware beach town, the story follows Ellen Tolliver, an English professor grappling with recent personal losses, including a divorce and the death of her parents. Seeking solace, she invites her ailing best friend, Lara, to spend the summer at her inherited beach house. Together, they embark on a journey of healing, with Ellen stepping out of her comfort zone by joining a writer's group, trying online dating, and forming new friendships.
While the novel delves into meaningful themes and presents a charming setting, the pacing felt uneven at times, and certain plot developments required a suspension of disbelief. Ellen's character growth is evident, but some aspects of her transformation seemed abrupt. Nonetheless, the narrative captures the essence of embracing change and the unexpected paths life can take.
Overall, it's a pleasant read that touches on the importance of letting go and finding oneself, even if it didn't fully captivate me throughout.
While the novel delves into meaningful themes and presents a charming setting, the pacing felt uneven at times, and certain plot developments required a suspension of disbelief. Ellen's character growth is evident, but some aspects of her transformation seemed abrupt. Nonetheless, the narrative captures the essence of embracing change and the unexpected paths life can take.
Overall, it's a pleasant read that touches on the importance of letting go and finding oneself, even if it didn't fully captivate me throughout.
April 26, 2021
I would like to thank NetGalley, Kensington Books and Colleen French for an e arc copy of this book.
Ellen decides that this summer she will go the family cottage on the beach, tidy it out and get it ready for sale. She invites her best friend Lara to join her when she learns that Lara’s cancer has come back and she needs more Chemo. Ellen wants to help Lara and look after her but Lara has other ideas. She knows how stagnant Ellen’s life had become and plans on helping Ellen find herself again. What Ellen didn’t envision was finding her back porch filled with various friends Lara makes during her chemo. All the friends are going through their own battles with cancer and chemo. They all gel over their shared experiences and as they share their thoughts and ideas they bond further.
Ellen is very unsure about having this support group but as she gradually gets to know the friends, she learns lessons from them.
This is a very poignant story and one I am not sure how I feel about it rating wise. How can you put a star rating on a book that does leave you feeling melancholy?
Ellen decides that this summer she will go the family cottage on the beach, tidy it out and get it ready for sale. She invites her best friend Lara to join her when she learns that Lara’s cancer has come back and she needs more Chemo. Ellen wants to help Lara and look after her but Lara has other ideas. She knows how stagnant Ellen’s life had become and plans on helping Ellen find herself again. What Ellen didn’t envision was finding her back porch filled with various friends Lara makes during her chemo. All the friends are going through their own battles with cancer and chemo. They all gel over their shared experiences and as they share their thoughts and ideas they bond further.
Ellen is very unsure about having this support group but as she gradually gets to know the friends, she learns lessons from them.
This is a very poignant story and one I am not sure how I feel about it rating wise. How can you put a star rating on a book that does leave you feeling melancholy?
May 24, 2021
Lara has a cancer relapse so her best friend since childhood Ellen invites her to the Delaware beach house she inherited. Lara is a free spirit and Ellen is so repressed that she drinks white wine instead of her favorite red wine, because red will stain. Thus, fun oil and water clashes abound.
This seemed like a by-the-numbers beach read that kept me turning pages but there wasn't much to help the book rise above all the other summer reads. For a book with various characters undergoing cancer treatment, this book felt more like a light beach read than something delving into the meaning of life, without minimizing the intensity of cancer treatment. Lara's cancer support group has memorable people but we only learn a little about their past, even though we know enough that their pasts would be interesting.
The book had a satisfying ending but I'm not planning on searching out other books by the same author.
This seemed like a by-the-numbers beach read that kept me turning pages but there wasn't much to help the book rise above all the other summer reads. For a book with various characters undergoing cancer treatment, this book felt more like a light beach read than something delving into the meaning of life, without minimizing the intensity of cancer treatment. Lara's cancer support group has memorable people but we only learn a little about their past, even though we know enough that their pasts would be interesting.
The book had a satisfying ending but I'm not planning on searching out other books by the same author.
August 21, 2021
Loved this book and definitely not what I expected. For once. I am so glad the author didn’t go the usual route of a summer read. You know, how they always end finding the love of their life.
Ellen newly divorced and dealing with the death of her parents go to their Delaware beach house to sell it. Instead she explores all the reasons of who she was and discovers through the “Porch Friends “ (a group going through different stages of cancer treatments) how to live freely, not be afraid to make decisions and that there is no right or wrong only to be happy with the decision you made.
Each character held an equal strength to the story and I actually liked each one.
Bottom line, No one knows what tomorrow will hold but if we look at like as each day is a new start and to truly look beyond everything and enjoy each moment as they come.
Ellen newly divorced and dealing with the death of her parents go to their Delaware beach house to sell it. Instead she explores all the reasons of who she was and discovers through the “Porch Friends “ (a group going through different stages of cancer treatments) how to live freely, not be afraid to make decisions and that there is no right or wrong only to be happy with the decision you made.
Each character held an equal strength to the story and I actually liked each one.
Bottom line, No one knows what tomorrow will hold but if we look at like as each day is a new start and to truly look beyond everything and enjoy each moment as they come.
June 4, 2022
Ellen invites her friend, Lara, who is starting chemo treatments, to spend the summer with her at her beach house in North Carolina. Lara meets new friends during her treatments and forms a support group. The group hangs out on the porch of the beach house which overlooks the ocean giving them the perfect spot for sharing stories and thoughts. As Ellen gets to know the people on the porch, she realizes she needs to make changes in her life.
I really liked the premise of the story! I also enjoyed the depth of each character and how they influenced Ellen’s life for the better. The middle got a little boring for me, but I enjoyed the ending. This is a good book to read if you are in a reflective mood or looking for a book about friendship!
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
I really liked the premise of the story! I also enjoyed the depth of each character and how they influenced Ellen’s life for the better. The middle got a little boring for me, but I enjoyed the ending. This is a good book to read if you are in a reflective mood or looking for a book about friendship!
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
May 19, 2021
Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinion is my own.
I enjoyed parts of this summer read of two very different women who are good friends spending a summer at a beach house. Of course the beach house is inherited (yawn) and they have no financial troubles (Que eye rolling) . Its a little annoying to read such unreal luxury but the charcters the author portrayed saved the book. One has cancer that has come back and is hoping to rest and rejuvenate her body at the house. The other her friend that suffered family losses and is licking her wounds and complaining about her life. Both long time friends find out that friendship is at the heart of life .
I enjoyed parts of this summer read of two very different women who are good friends spending a summer at a beach house. Of course the beach house is inherited (yawn) and they have no financial troubles (Que eye rolling) . Its a little annoying to read such unreal luxury but the charcters the author portrayed saved the book. One has cancer that has come back and is hoping to rest and rejuvenate her body at the house. The other her friend that suffered family losses and is licking her wounds and complaining about her life. Both long time friends find out that friendship is at the heart of life .
February 21, 2021
5 stars
The Summer I Found Myself
by Colleen French
French has written a profoundly touching book about dealing with loss, death and the unknown without falling into the trap of turning this book into a cliché. I wish I had a Pine, Alex, Tara or any of the rest of the porch crew in my life. The storyline of Lenora was beautifully written and seamlessly included in the story. The evolution of Ellen was incredible and the ending wholly unexpected,
I have never read a book of hers prior to The Summer I Found Myself but I will be sure to find more of her books Asap. I highly recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley.
The Summer I Found Myself
by Colleen French
French has written a profoundly touching book about dealing with loss, death and the unknown without falling into the trap of turning this book into a cliché. I wish I had a Pine, Alex, Tara or any of the rest of the porch crew in my life. The storyline of Lenora was beautifully written and seamlessly included in the story. The evolution of Ellen was incredible and the ending wholly unexpected,
I have never read a book of hers prior to The Summer I Found Myself but I will be sure to find more of her books Asap. I highly recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley.
June 21, 2021
Ellen is spending the summer at the Delaware shore getting ready to sell the family cottage. On impulse she invites her friend, Lara who has just been informed she has cancer after a 10 year remission. Their goal is to help each other become better friends. Ellen is in a rut after a rough divorce, losing her parents and hating her job. Lara has accepted her diagnosis of bone cancer with grace and forms a support group for other's getting chemo. The front porch group has all ages and different forms of cancer. Keep a hanky handy. A wonderful summer read with friends staying close when the going gets rough. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
February 24, 2025
4.5 stars - getting back into reading after a few years of taking a break and this was a nice welcome back. i really appreciated the contemporary and easy to read nature of the book. there were some aspects that i think could have been explored further. i really enjoyed that the main focus of the story was self-growth rather than romance which was refreshing for me. i liked the conversation and how close the characters felt to the reader. would recommend if you are looking for an easy read that still gives you something to ponder about!
July 31, 2025
DNF. I wanted to love this book. Based on others’ reviews, I may not be the right audience. I tend to expect more from a book with an English professor as the MC. If a character’s life is about words, the writing has to be solid. An example that jumps out—a character says, “Tomato, tomato,” and the writer adds a statement about two pronunciations. A typical reader already knows this, so the explanation comes off as almost patronizing. Other areas are awkwardly written to the point of distraction.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2021
Wow! Loved it! My eyes are still moist. It was good to see the growth of the main character. It was difficult to read of the death and issues of many of the others. I probably related much too closely to this story as I have cancer. I also was the chauffer for a friend to her chemo. I was able to read this in a day as I could not put it down. Mainly because I did not want to have leaky eyes while reading in bed. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley.
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