One Wrong Summer

by Julia Bodwell

It’s been thirty-six days, twenty-two hours, eleven minutes and eight seconds since the worst day of my life.

Janelle Beckley never imagined she’d be that girl.
The girl who cheats and lies.
The girl who abuses painkillers and uses self-harm as a coping mechanism.
The girl who would willingly break her own heart just to keep her secrets safe.

But when she’s raped while on a family vacation, her carefully-crafted world falls apart. Convinced it’s now easier to be that girl than to tell the truth, Janelle decides to stay silent. Besides, who would forgive her for the things she’s done when she can’t even forgive herself?

As Janelle struggles to put her life back together, her demons pull her in deeper and deeper, threatening to consume her entirely. If she’s going to overcome them, she has to finally admit the truth: to her family; to her friends; to herself. But can the one person she’s lied to the most find a way to forgive in time to save her? Or will redemption come too late?

After all, one mistake can change everything.

For fans of Thirteen Reasons Why, Speak, and The Way I Used to Be, this coming-of-age debut explores the aftermath of sexual violence and the destructiveness of self-blame, reminding us that the road to forgiveness must start with yourself.

Genres: Young Adult, Fiction, Coming Of Age

296 pages, Paperback

Published April 8, 2022

About the author

JULIA BODWELL is the author of contemporary young adult novels with strong emotion and depth. A former middle school teacher, she now owns and operates The Gilded Page bookstore in Tarpon Springs, Florida, where she lives with her husband and their rescue cats.

Reviews

[JustKatie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My usual reads have at least one dead body so this was a big step out of my repertoire - but I loved it! Reading this book brought back memories of my high school experiences & oof I was cringing for my younger self.

I felt protective of Janelle after reading what she endured at a young age. This book covers some tough topics to read about but Julia writes without sensationalizing or glamorizing them. Reading this book can provide young adults with a good lesson about the weight of self-blame.

Julia perfectly captures the awkwardness & immaturities of high school kids. Wanting people to like you, being cast aside by a friend for something dumb, and feeling like what’s going on now is the most important thing in existence… you will recognize those feelings because you lived them when you were that age.

After finishing this book, I was left with such a sense of relief that I grew up in a time when social media wasn’t so pervasive.

Speaking of finishing the book - the ending is a slice of fried gold!

[Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazingly astonishing read, everyone needs to read this book.
Was totally grabbed from the first page and could not put it down.
Remarkably written!

Author is definitely one to watch.
Well done!


Thank you Goodreads Giveaways/Goodreads Winner/Julia Bodwell

[Jillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great debut novel from a thoughtful and gifted writer. The story is compelling and relevant. Great job!

[ɠιɳα ☠️]

if “SPEAK” and “THIRTEEN” had a baby…

have you ever needed a book, but didn’t realize you did until after you finished it?

that’s what this book became for me.

as triggering as it was, it brought so much strength and comfort at the same time. i immediately fell in love with Janelle. quirky, smart, sensitive Janelle whose harboring secrets so dark they have her dancing along the edge of their endless, tempting shadows. i was so connected to her and kept wondering what happened to her and how she’d pull thru. Janelle’s pain was so real and raw, and i just wanted to hug her by the time the book was done. following her harrowing coming-of-age story was like going thru my own adolescence again. i just hope she comes out stronger than i ever did.

loved:
- Bodwell’s writing & characterization 🔥👌🏼
- the realness of Janelle’s afflictions
- the friend group
- the SPEAK and THIRTEEN vibes
- excellent display of trauma

hated:
- not a hate, i just wish there were more chapters following a resolution amongst Janelle and her friends, as well as an epilogue!

thank you, @jbodwellwrites for writing this amazing book. for giving such a powerful voice to something society wants so badly to sweep under the rug. thank you, from all the Janelles🖤

[Kimberlee Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was one emotional roller coaster for me as a reader. It took me right back to being in high school.

Janelle is our main character. A once carefree and popular girl who was a victim of a horrific and sadly not uncommon crime which is hinted at throughout the story but only near the end which in some ways makes it all the more powerful. Since this incident took place she has been holding back, afraid of telling anyone the truth and this pushes her friends away and drags her into a hole that I know for myself can be so lonely. Dealing with all of this we follow her through a torrent of emotions which at points made me want to reach into the book and just hold her which is a pretty powerful feeling!
I feel like the author put a piece of herself into this story and you can really feel everything Janelle is feeling, the good and the bad.
There were definitely some 13 Reasons Why vibes in this story but thankfully, the ending is how it should be for anyone who has gone through what Janelle went through.
Thank you

[Kit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julia Bodwell’s first novel is a young adult book, based around Janelle, in the aftermath of an assault on a family holiday. Janelle’s life is spiralling out of control, pushing her to the darkest parts of her mind and isolating her from her friends and family.

Julia has perfectly described the drama of teenage friendships and the insecurities that we’ve all experienced as young adults. She’s also touched on the darker sides of depression and anxiety, what happens when it all gets too much.

I really applaud you Julia 👏

[Kimberley · Rating 5 out of 5]

T W - self harm.

This book took me around 2 days to read and thats only because kids and sleep!
We follow Janelle, a young girl once popular and care free. After a terrible experience as a victim of sexual assault, she becomes withdrawn from her friends and falls into a hole of loneliness, guilt and self harm.
It is an extremely emotional journey with Janelle and I do see parts of my younger self in her. What she went through, nobody should have to experience and I'm just glad the ending happened how it did.

[Heather Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

heartbreaking but beautiful

I’m not going to lie, this story was a little difficult to get through-simply because SA is such a triggering topic and far too common.

The difficulty of the story, however, was what made it so beautiful. My heart broke for the main character, but having the opportunity to see the tumultuous rollercoaster of her thoughts was a reminder that choosing life is always worth it.

We aren’t always able to see the light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to our traumas, but this story was an excellent reminder of the importance of continuing to fight, even when you feel like giving up.

[Holly Gaines · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this YA novel. The characters were well developed and it really was a real take on what is happening in teenagers lives in todays world. Bravo Julia! We need more stories like this for teens.

[Deena B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This debut novel would be a wonderful resource to have in a school library. It really helps define and cope with the emotions and trauma after a terrible violation. Well done!

[Karen Chaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great YA Book and for the older readers. The awkward social maze of the high school student is hard enough to traverse. Adding the trauma of sexual assault can send you into a self doubting spiral. The story was well written and the ending was executed very well. Highly recommend.

[Tiffany Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing!

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Story

This is such an amazing read. A powerful book that's beautifully written. I honestly couldn't put the book down and finished it in a couple of days. Great job Julia!

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

[ Review time ]

📔Title: One Wrong Summer
👩🏽Author: Julia Bodwell
🖤Genre: Y/A
🗓️Release Date: April 8th 2022
📦Publisher: Julia Bodwell
🫀My rating: ♾️ infinity out of 5

Where should I start? I literally have no idea.

I loved this book so much, I’m just feeling speechless right know.

I never felt such a connection with a book before, I could FEEL everything Janelle felt. The anxiety, the stress, the feeling of losing controll etc.
I haven’t been trought exactly the things Janelle went trought, but her feelings about herself and the darkness that took over her day by day - that feeling I’ve felt in my heart before.

Even though the book mentions very heavy subjects, it was a piece of art in writing.
Like I said above, I’ve never read anything like this, and the connection I felt with the whole book blew my mind away.

With this said, if you consider to read this book I HIGHLY recommend you to do so!
BUT - please look up TW before you choose to pick it up.🌟

Julia - you are a phenomenal writer and an amazing educater!
THANK YOU for givning me the chance to read and review your books. And I can’t wait to read your upcoming books in the future🖤

Your books will without a doubt make it to my top reads ever in my life.

[Debbie Schiedel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to goodreads! This was a well written book about rape and all the repercussions from it for one young girl and the effects on all the people around her, even though they don't know about it. It brings one back to high school and all the drama and cliches that live within those walls on a daily basis, without the introduction of this trauma. It also touches on self-mutilation, drug abuse, and suicide. It is a very emotional story that should be read and discussed by every YA if not in relation to oneself maybe as a clue to a friend or classmates' behavior. Teachers should read this!

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot but felt like it kind of ended out of nowhere. There was a lot that could have been expanded on, though I generally think her friends are pretty terrible people. I would have liked to have seen how things resolved themselves in many aspects of conflict, both personally and with her friends/family.

[Jj Burch · Rating 4 out of 5]

A not-slow descent
of what happens after rape
and how to survive

[Chelsea Hudson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Julia Bodwell who sent me her self-published book after I won a giveaway last year. I’m so glad I finally picked this one up.

This is a gritty, realistic look at one person’s experience after sexual violence. It’s frustrating at times as the MC blames herself, and keeps what happens from her family and friends. But at the same time, it’s what happens all too often.

This is a super quick read. It’s a young-adult, coming of age story. I think it would be a great read for anyone who has experienced this type of trauma and wants to feel less alone, or even a good cautionary tale for a teen girl about how things can spiral if you keep things bottled up.

I congratulate Bodwell for taking up this heavy topic and writing a relatable story. I hope her books helps someone out there who is struggling.

You can also see this review on http://Instagram.com/chelseahudsonreads

[Christine Vasiliades · Rating 5 out of 5]

I needed a few days to collect my thoughts after reading this riveting and oh so relevant story.

It really makes you see things from a teenagers POV.

It was a bit triggering for me since my 16 year old niece died by suicide. But the ending was so powerful. I ugly cried for Janelle.

That being said, One Wrong Summer should be given to every teenager and parent of a teenager. The rate of depression, self-harm, and anxiety among young teens are at unprecedented levels.
It could facilitate a lot of potentially lifesaving conversations.

Hard to believe this was a debut novel! Gripping from page one and kept on turning until it was done the same day.

Well done, Julia!
Well done!

[Mariana (fantasyodyssey) · Rating 4 out of 5]

One Wrong Summer was a really short, yet nice read. I read this in less than 24 hours. Not my usual genre, but I enjoyed it anyway. It's also a debut novel and an indie book. I rated it 4 stars because I wish it was longer, giving more room for development and resolution towards the end.

This book addresses the impact that SA has on the victims and their lives, from their mental health to their social interaction. Regardless of what genres you usually read, I highly recommend this book to everyone.

~ July, 2025

[michalia makryllos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just got this book today and I couldn’t put it down. It was well written and I loved the friendship between Nell and the boys. Perfect book to get out of a book slump!

[The Book Booth · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I’m just starting to worry how much more I can handle, with each new problem chipping away at what’s left of me, before I break apart entirely”.

I’m writing this review with a face soaked with tears. This was a powerful book. I’ll will start by saying that if you have ever been abused in any form, please reach out to someone ANYONE to help. You are not to blame.

One Wrong Summer is such an important read. (Ugh, I’m crying again.) This book touches on serious issues that young adults deal with behind closed doors. Too afraid to speak or share with others.

Teens face way more today than I ever had to. It’s hard being an adult in the world today, imagine being an impressionable teen. My heart goes out to all of them.

This book was so well written and the author really described the main characters struggles well. The description of the anxiety behaviors was spot on. My heart just broke for Janelle, she didn’t deserve the things that happened to her or the way it left her feeling.

Reading about trauma or sexual abuse is hard but I really believe it’s a stepping stone to help see the signs in your loved one or help someone going through it, find the strength to reach out for help.

This is a 5 star read for me not only for the incredible writing but for the emotion it provoked.

If you are a teen reading this review, keep pushing through. Someone out in the world is rooting for you♥️

[Fallon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very excited to win this book in a giveaway! That being said it was a hard book to read, a great book, but I personally still have a lot of emotional damage from my own trauma.

First I am glad I do not live in the world of kids today, I feel like the pressure on them is much greater than when I was a kid. This book does a great job showing how much social media and the need to be accepted and what it looks like when it seems like you aren't. I do think even though this is a piece of fiction, that there are kids and adults out there living with a similar situation. I hope that maybe these types of books will help bring some perspective to those around them. You never know what someone is going through, what they are hiding.

It was a really well put together story, I do wish we had more past where we ended, but then again it may not have had the same impact.

[Kiersten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following the life of 15 year old Janelle after a terrible tragedy of “one wrong summer,” Julia Bodwell shows us the reality of how teenagers often cope in the aftermath of something terrible happening to them. Janelle begins to self-harm, loses interest in things that previously brought her joy, and slowly isolates herself from all of her friends. What first seems like meaningless teen drama becomes a very dark and unique look at someone dealing with PTSD who has yet to truly grapple with their own trauma.

Janelle is a very relatable character, and you can’t help but see yourself in her (particularly if you were once a teenage girl trying to make it through high school let alone dealing with what Janelle is dealing with). Stories like these are difficult to read but so important, so I applaud Julia for writing such a realistic and not exploitative story.

[Cheli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Julia does a really good job at reeling you into the MC’s state of mind. Reading through this, it was easy to empathize and sympathize with Nell and just have that lingering feeling of unease and anxiety throughout most of the read. I also both love and hate how Bodwell jumps from past and present, but only because it successfully makes me oscillate between my own curiosity and impatience.

Was a little bit of a tear jerker for me and by the time I got to the end of the book there were definitely still tears drying in my hair.

[Nick Savage · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was definitely not geared toward me as a reader which is fine. The subject matter spoke to me and wanted to give it a read. I found the characters to be well written, though at times a bit more bullyish than I thought realistic. But that is subjective and may, in fact, be more realistic than I know. overall, I say if you want something that pulls you in with the story, this is a good read.

[Erica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t know if I liked it or didn’t like it. I feel like there was a lot of rambling and it was a bit anti-climatic. It’s not a boring book that’s for sure. I would recommend. There was just a lot of times I was expecting more. again, this is not a bad book. I would definitely recommend. I just think it wasn’t my type of book.

[Katie Antkowiak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got this on vacation in a cute little bookstore- a local author. So happy I did. This book sucked you in from the start, it foreshadowed things that happened but you were chasing what happened the whole story which helped you keep interest. I wish things would’ve resolved between some of the friends but I’m happy with the results of the book.

[Kit · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did like how the book jumped from present day to summer. What I wish is that there had been more development in the issues Nell was having (cutting, taking pills, etc.) It seems like those parts could become more of the story.