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Truly, Madly, Amy
We all remember that one magical summer that changed our lives.
For Joe, it’s 1999. School is over, and with zero idea of what he’s meant to do for the rest of his life, he’s reluctantly accepted a job at the local summer camp. Anything to drown out the sharp grief of missing his dad and move on from what school calls his ‘anger problems’. But getting screamed at by hyperactive ten-year-olds is almost enough to make him quit on day one.
Almost.
Then he sees Amy Ashworth for the very first time, her black hair shining in the sun – and learns that nothing hits harder than first love.
She’s the only person he knows who reads for fun, or who’s seen Titanic fourteen times. But there’s another side to Amy. Soon, she’s the only person he’s ever been to a wild house party with, or kissed under the twinkling stars. It’s the happiest Joe has ever been… until the terrible day when what’s left of his family fractures into a million pieces.
Caught up in Amy’s whirlwind, Joe can’t bring himself to tell the truth about his life. Would his dad have wanted him to fight for the girl he loves, or protect his family, no matter what?
Only one thing is certain: this is the summer Joe will grow up. But when he looks back decades later, will he be ashamed of his choices? And will Amy still be by his side?
Heart-warming, hilarious, nostalgic, and bittersweet, Truly, Madly, Amy explores first loves, last chances, and the summers that shape us. Perfect for fans of David Nicholls, Mike Gayle, and anyone who remembers the carefree days of being just sixteen, when the world was full of possibility.
For Joe, it’s 1999. School is over, and with zero idea of what he’s meant to do for the rest of his life, he’s reluctantly accepted a job at the local summer camp. Anything to drown out the sharp grief of missing his dad and move on from what school calls his ‘anger problems’. But getting screamed at by hyperactive ten-year-olds is almost enough to make him quit on day one.
Almost.
Then he sees Amy Ashworth for the very first time, her black hair shining in the sun – and learns that nothing hits harder than first love.
She’s the only person he knows who reads for fun, or who’s seen Titanic fourteen times. But there’s another side to Amy. Soon, she’s the only person he’s ever been to a wild house party with, or kissed under the twinkling stars. It’s the happiest Joe has ever been… until the terrible day when what’s left of his family fractures into a million pieces.
Caught up in Amy’s whirlwind, Joe can’t bring himself to tell the truth about his life. Would his dad have wanted him to fight for the girl he loves, or protect his family, no matter what?
Only one thing is certain: this is the summer Joe will grow up. But when he looks back decades later, will he be ashamed of his choices? And will Amy still be by his side?
Heart-warming, hilarious, nostalgic, and bittersweet, Truly, Madly, Amy explores first loves, last chances, and the summers that shape us. Perfect for fans of David Nicholls, Mike Gayle, and anyone who remembers the carefree days of being just sixteen, when the world was full of possibility.
390 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 21, 2022
84 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
About the author
Kerry Wilkinson
71 books1,077 followersRecent and upcoming UK releases:
24 October 2023: The Night Of The Sleepover
15 December 2023: After The Sleepover
2024: The Girl On The Side Of The Road
2024: The Missing Body
Kerry Wilkinson has sold more than two million books - and had No.1 crime bestsellers in the UK, Australia, Canada, South Africa and Singapore. He has also written two top-20 thrillers in the United States. His book, Ten Birthdays, won the RNA award for Young Adult Novel of the Year in 2018 and Close To You won the International Thriller Award for best ebook in 2020.
As well as his Jessica Daniel series, Kerry has written a trilogy featuring private investigator Andrew Hunter, the Whitecliff series, the Silver Blackthorn trilogy - a fantasy-adventure serial for young adults - plus numerous standalone novels. He has been published around the world in more than a dozen languages.
Originally from the county of Somerset, Kerry spent way too long living in the north of England, picking up words like 'barm' and 'ginnel'.
When he's short of ideas, he rides his bike, hikes up something, or bakes cakes. When he's not, he writes it all down.
Find out more at: http://kerrywilkinson.com or http://facebook.com/KerryWilkinsonBooks
Find out more at: his website or Facebook
24 October 2023: The Night Of The Sleepover
15 December 2023: After The Sleepover
2024: The Girl On The Side Of The Road
2024: The Missing Body
Kerry Wilkinson has sold more than two million books - and had No.1 crime bestsellers in the UK, Australia, Canada, South Africa and Singapore. He has also written two top-20 thrillers in the United States. His book, Ten Birthdays, won the RNA award for Young Adult Novel of the Year in 2018 and Close To You won the International Thriller Award for best ebook in 2020.
As well as his Jessica Daniel series, Kerry has written a trilogy featuring private investigator Andrew Hunter, the Whitecliff series, the Silver Blackthorn trilogy - a fantasy-adventure serial for young adults - plus numerous standalone novels. He has been published around the world in more than a dozen languages.
Originally from the county of Somerset, Kerry spent way too long living in the north of England, picking up words like 'barm' and 'ginnel'.
When he's short of ideas, he rides his bike, hikes up something, or bakes cakes. When he's not, he writes it all down.
Find out more at: http://kerrywilkinson.com or http://facebook.com/KerryWilkinsonBooks
Find out more at: his website or Facebook
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
July 21, 2022
I was thrilled to see this title from Kerry Wilkinson, the author who wrote one of my favourite books, Ten Birthdays. I was blown away by this author's first effort, detailing ten successive birthdays in the life of a young girl who had just lost her mother to cancer. Wilkinson turned to writing thrillers, and while I have read quite a few of those titles, I was eager to read something along the lines of his first book, outside the thriller genre. I am pleased to report that my patience was very much rewarded!
In Truly, Madly Amy, Joe feels that he is well and truly out of his league when he meets the love of his young life, Amy.
Joe is still reeling from his father's recent death. His grieving mother has retreated from life, leaving the running of the household to Joe's older sister, Michelle. When Joe took a job at a local summer camp as general help, little did he know that his life would be changed forever. I was totally charmed, once again, by Wilkinson's ability to portray adolescents so realistically.
I listened to an audiobook ARC of this engrossing and often hilarious recollections of Joe's teenage traumas and growing pains. The budding relationship between Amy and Joe reminded me so much of my own youthful crushes.
These two young lovers had so much life ahead of them. Would their love endure past the summer? I encourage you to find out for yourself!! This would be suitable reading for all ages, although there are a few slightly explicit intimate scenes.
My thanks to the author: Kerry Wilkinson, publisher: Bookouture Audio, and NetGalley for an ARC of this highly entertaining audiobook, which was ably performed by Joe Jameson. Highly recommended!
In Truly, Madly Amy, Joe feels that he is well and truly out of his league when he meets the love of his young life, Amy.
Joe is still reeling from his father's recent death. His grieving mother has retreated from life, leaving the running of the household to Joe's older sister, Michelle. When Joe took a job at a local summer camp as general help, little did he know that his life would be changed forever. I was totally charmed, once again, by Wilkinson's ability to portray adolescents so realistically.
I listened to an audiobook ARC of this engrossing and often hilarious recollections of Joe's teenage traumas and growing pains. The budding relationship between Amy and Joe reminded me so much of my own youthful crushes.
These two young lovers had so much life ahead of them. Would their love endure past the summer? I encourage you to find out for yourself!! This would be suitable reading for all ages, although there are a few slightly explicit intimate scenes.
My thanks to the author: Kerry Wilkinson, publisher: Bookouture Audio, and NetGalley for an ARC of this highly entertaining audiobook, which was ably performed by Joe Jameson. Highly recommended!
July 21, 2022
Coming of age, Kerry Wilkinson style! This book was different than the other books I have read by him, but just as good! Wilkinson takes readers back to the summer of 1999 when school is out, and memories are made. It's nostalgic, heartwarming and bittersweet just as they synopsis said it would be. This book was a breath of fresh air! I thoroughly enjoyed this coming-of-age tale and recommend everyone read the Author's note.
Summer 1999- School is over and Joe has taken a job at a local summer camp. He hopes to figure out what he wants to do with his life. He is still reeling from missing his dad and has had issues at school. Maybe watching ten-year old's is not the best plan and yet, it changes everything for him.
He is ready to throw in the towel until he sets eyes on Amy. Falling in love for the first time, Joe can't believe he has met someone like her. Bring on the Nostalgia!! Joe has so many emotions and goes through so many things during the summer. Joe changes and grows, and readers get to be fly on the wall when he does. This also had me thinking of my summer after school was out, that feeling of one part of your life being over while the next is yet to begin. That being in flux while life goes on and you experience it. Wilkinson has captured that feeling perfectly.
This was such an enjoyable book that had me looking back while feeling the feels. Summer, first love, friendship, family, and growth are all explored in this book.
Heartwarming, nostalgic, and hard to put down! The perfect book for summer!
Thank you to Bookouture, Bookouture Audio and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Summer 1999- School is over and Joe has taken a job at a local summer camp. He hopes to figure out what he wants to do with his life. He is still reeling from missing his dad and has had issues at school. Maybe watching ten-year old's is not the best plan and yet, it changes everything for him.
He is ready to throw in the towel until he sets eyes on Amy. Falling in love for the first time, Joe can't believe he has met someone like her. Bring on the Nostalgia!! Joe has so many emotions and goes through so many things during the summer. Joe changes and grows, and readers get to be fly on the wall when he does. This also had me thinking of my summer after school was out, that feeling of one part of your life being over while the next is yet to begin. That being in flux while life goes on and you experience it. Wilkinson has captured that feeling perfectly.
This was such an enjoyable book that had me looking back while feeling the feels. Summer, first love, friendship, family, and growth are all explored in this book.
Heartwarming, nostalgic, and hard to put down! The perfect book for summer!
Thank you to Bookouture, Bookouture Audio and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
July 15, 2022
Joe takes a volunteer job at Summer Camp and meets the lovely Amy. He has so many different struggles in his life and always trying to do the right thing.
As many have noted this is a classic coming of age story. We follow Joe's journey travelling into that later teen stage of his life and all the different situations he finds himself in. He shows both courage and love, and I like that he showed real raw emotions. For myself, I wasn't to taken with Amy, but did like her character. This a really easy fun listen and will have you done in one sitting.
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for this ARC.
As many have noted this is a classic coming of age story. We follow Joe's journey travelling into that later teen stage of his life and all the different situations he finds himself in. He shows both courage and love, and I like that he showed real raw emotions. For myself, I wasn't to taken with Amy, but did like her character. This a really easy fun listen and will have you done in one sitting.
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for this ARC.
July 28, 2022
It is the end of school and Joe has been offered a job at the local summer camp. Life at home hasn't been so great for young Joe since the passing of his father. His mother is suffering from depression, and her "bad" days outweigh the good days.
Although the job at camp is "uncool" and doesn't pay much money, it is an escape from hope and an escape from boredom.
Jo meets Amy at the camp, and it's love and first sight. Witnessing Joe fumble his way through asking her on a date, and trying to impress her are quite entertaining, and as a reader I felt I was reminiscing with my own summer childhoods.
This book is a light easy read, and extremely enjoyable. The perfect book to read to fill in some downtime. Jo the main character had me laughing and crying alongside him, it was very well written.
5 Stars: It was amazing. It was compelling, well-researched, entertaining and/or moving and often complex. I will definitely want to read more books by this author.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for my advanced audio copy in exchange for my honest review.
Please visit my Facebook page and blog to see all of my past and future book reviews.
https://www.facebook.com/kyliesbookad...
https://kyliesbookaddictreviews.blogs...
Although the job at camp is "uncool" and doesn't pay much money, it is an escape from hope and an escape from boredom.
Jo meets Amy at the camp, and it's love and first sight. Witnessing Joe fumble his way through asking her on a date, and trying to impress her are quite entertaining, and as a reader I felt I was reminiscing with my own summer childhoods.
This book is a light easy read, and extremely enjoyable. The perfect book to read to fill in some downtime. Jo the main character had me laughing and crying alongside him, it was very well written.
5 Stars: It was amazing. It was compelling, well-researched, entertaining and/or moving and often complex. I will definitely want to read more books by this author.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for my advanced audio copy in exchange for my honest review.
Please visit my Facebook page and blog to see all of my past and future book reviews.
https://www.facebook.com/kyliesbookad...
https://kyliesbookaddictreviews.blogs...
January 19, 2023
3.5⭐ for the audiobook.
Featuring ~ single POV, coming of age, YA, depression
You never forget your first love.
This coming of age story follows Joe beginning in 1999 and wraps up in 2020. He is spending his summer working at a camp and pondering what to do with his life. He meets Amy, a fellow counselor. A girl that will change his life.
It was a little slow going for me, but Joe and Amy's friendship was cute. I liked how Joe came across shy when he was asking Amy to hang out and how they read Little Women together. Joe really changed in 6 weeks and seemed like a totally different person when camp ended.
Joe's mom suffers from depression after the loss of her husband. I thought that her struggles were well written.
Joe Jameson did a fine job narrating in his normal voice, but I did not care for his female voices. 9 hours and 30 minutes and easy to follow along at 2x.
Fans of YA coming of age stories will probably enjoy this one.
Although the final chapter takes place during 2020 with pandemic talk, which I don't like, I did like how it all wrapped up showing how one person can really change your life.
I always appreciate when there's an author's note that explains how the story came to be too.
*Thanks to Bookouture Audio, Kerry Wilkinson and NetGalley for the advance audiobook. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
More reviews here ➡ Heather Adores Books
Featuring ~ single POV, coming of age, YA, depression
You never forget your first love.
This coming of age story follows Joe beginning in 1999 and wraps up in 2020. He is spending his summer working at a camp and pondering what to do with his life. He meets Amy, a fellow counselor. A girl that will change his life.
It was a little slow going for me, but Joe and Amy's friendship was cute. I liked how Joe came across shy when he was asking Amy to hang out and how they read Little Women together. Joe really changed in 6 weeks and seemed like a totally different person when camp ended.
Joe's mom suffers from depression after the loss of her husband. I thought that her struggles were well written.
Joe Jameson did a fine job narrating in his normal voice, but I did not care for his female voices. 9 hours and 30 minutes and easy to follow along at 2x.
Fans of YA coming of age stories will probably enjoy this one.
Although the final chapter takes place during 2020 with pandemic talk, which I don't like, I did like how it all wrapped up showing how one person can really change your life.
I always appreciate when there's an author's note that explains how the story came to be too.
*Thanks to Bookouture Audio, Kerry Wilkinson and NetGalley for the advance audiobook. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
More reviews here ➡ Heather Adores Books
July 21, 2022
For Joe, it's 1999. School is over, and with zero idea of what he is meant to do with the rest of his life, he's reluctantly accepted a job at the local summer camp. Anything to drown out the grief of missing his dad and move on from what the school calls his "anger problems". But getting screamed at by hyperactive ten year olds is almost enough to make him quit on day one. Then he sees Amy Ashworth for the very first time, her black hair shining in the sun - and learns that nothing hits harder than first love.
This is a story about falling in love for the first time and the problems that come with it. We learn of Joe's family and friends, also the lessons he learned that summer. I felt the story was more about Joe than it was a love story. Amy didn't really feature until the second half and we didn't really know a lot about her. The pace is slow and I couldn't connect to any of the characters even though we feel Joe's emotions.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #KerryWilkinson for my ARC of #TrulyMadlyAmy in exchange for an honest review.
This is a story about falling in love for the first time and the problems that come with it. We learn of Joe's family and friends, also the lessons he learned that summer. I felt the story was more about Joe than it was a love story. Amy didn't really feature until the second half and we didn't really know a lot about her. The pace is slow and I couldn't connect to any of the characters even though we feel Joe's emotions.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #KerryWilkinson for my ARC of #TrulyMadlyAmy in exchange for an honest review.
July 18, 2022
4 Nostalgic Summer Stars! ☀️
Title: Truely Madly Amy
Author: Kerry Wilkinson
Narrator: Joe Jameson
Story Rating: 4/5
Audio Rating: 4/5
📖 why you need to read this book!
• The book is jammed packed with nostalgic summer vibes.
• The summer camp setting was great.
• there really is nothing sweeter than first love!
• Joe and Amy are likable relatable characters.
•
🎧 why you need to listen to this book!
• I just love when a book set in the UK is told to me in an English accent.
This was a fun feel good coming of age summer read. I would say it is more of a book about Joe finding himself than a romance, but The innocence of first love is definitely present. I’ve seen other reviews that mention that there was “excessive teenage drinking“ in the story. I have no idea what the drinking age is in the UK, but as an American I didn’t find it excessive, just realistic. This is a very sweet summer story that will make you smile and want to fall in love for the first time again!💜
*** Big thank you to Bookouture & Bookouture Audio for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
Title: Truely Madly Amy
Author: Kerry Wilkinson
Narrator: Joe Jameson
Story Rating: 4/5
Audio Rating: 4/5
📖 why you need to read this book!
• The book is jammed packed with nostalgic summer vibes.
• The summer camp setting was great.
• there really is nothing sweeter than first love!
• Joe and Amy are likable relatable characters.
•
🎧 why you need to listen to this book!
• I just love when a book set in the UK is told to me in an English accent.
This was a fun feel good coming of age summer read. I would say it is more of a book about Joe finding himself than a romance, but The innocence of first love is definitely present. I’ve seen other reviews that mention that there was “excessive teenage drinking“ in the story. I have no idea what the drinking age is in the UK, but as an American I didn’t find it excessive, just realistic. This is a very sweet summer story that will make you smile and want to fall in love for the first time again!💜
*** Big thank you to Bookouture & Bookouture Audio for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
Read
July 29, 2022DNF-ed at 30%
This book completely failed to grab me. I couldn't focus, couldn’t connect, and never had the slightest urge to pick it back up.
30% in - I’m calling it quits. I expected something completely different from the description. I'm sure stories like this have their audience, but they are not for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of Truly, Madly, Amy by Kerry Wilkinson in exchange for an honest review.
This book completely failed to grab me. I couldn't focus, couldn’t connect, and never had the slightest urge to pick it back up.
30% in - I’m calling it quits. I expected something completely different from the description. I'm sure stories like this have their audience, but they are not for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of Truly, Madly, Amy by Kerry Wilkinson in exchange for an honest review.
July 10, 2022
🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧
This book was more like a change of scenery to me, but not exactly what I was looking for.
This is a YA romance, but it's told by an older version of Joe, the MMC.
The majority of the story is told in the 6 weeks of his sixteen years, at a summer camp, and everything that was happening with his family, friends, and personal life.
The beginning dragged too much in my honest opinion.
The book is settled in UK so there's a lot of things that will definitely sound weird for anyone used to american habits and writing.
I don't have an issue with the large amount of drinking those sixteen years kids were having, cause just like the author, I'm in a country were the legal age of drinking is 18, and so drinking at 16 is quite common, but it's so highlighted here, that even being a YA story, with just the mention of sex, I wouldn't feel comfortable with my teenager daughter reading it.
Back to the story, aside from how it ended, i really liked Joe's development as character. How he learned from his circumstances, and how he was able to make a change in his own life, after so many downs.
I think this book is way more about family and friendship than it is about romance.
If i was to rate this book based on the romance, my rating would be really bad.
21 years apart after a summer camp, and a shortly lived relationship, is too much to be considered a romance.
But again, as a book about friendship and family, it's worth the time
The narration was a bit boring and the narrator couldn't show emotions or difference between characters to save his life!
You also get used to him after awhile.
July 11, 2022
Oh wow! I loved this book so much!
I loved Joe and Amy!
This is one of those books that will stick with me for a very long time. As I sit here writing this review, I may have a tear or two because it's over.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio and of course Kerry Wilkinson for writing such a marvelous story.
5 stars!
The narrator was PERFECT for this book!
I look forward to more from both!
I loved Joe and Amy!
This is one of those books that will stick with me for a very long time. As I sit here writing this review, I may have a tear or two because it's over.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio and of course Kerry Wilkinson for writing such a marvelous story.
5 stars!
The narrator was PERFECT for this book!
I look forward to more from both!
Read
June 20, 2022Most readers may know Kerry Wilkinson best for his crime/thrillers so I am delighted that they will get to see this side of his writing. This book will have you filled with nostalgia! I felt a rush of memories and emotions rushing over me whilst reading this book. A reminder of what it was like to be a teenager, the friendships, relationships, all I can say is it makes for some powerful reading and is such a beautifully and poignant story.
July 19, 2022
Audiobook review 🎧
So, when I first read the blurb of this book, I was very intrigued about the setting of the book and it was just as I had expected it to be. The book gave off strong Sumer vibes and the camp that Joe worked in was set up perfectly but the romance part felt flat for me. This was more of Joe's journey of self discovery. The book was realistic, told by a sixteen year old boy revolving around his life for the six weeks of summer camp he attended. The first chapter was a bit dragging tbh, I liked the English accent of the narrator but sometimes some parts got boring to listen to. But I really liked the character development and just the overall plot about friendship, family and Joe's personal life. There was underage drinking with which I felt quite uncomfortable but that's the harsh reality of what happens in the world. I liked Joe & Amy's dynamics but I don't know, something was missing between them. Overall, the book gave off really nostalgic vibes (back in the 90's) and it was a story about the innocence surrounding first love. It had depth but I went in expecting some romance which is why I was kind of disappointed when Amy & Joe's relationship went from friendship to love too fast, though it's a solid read if you like to read coming of age books.
ARC provides by Netgalley and Bookouture in exchange of an honest review
So, when I first read the blurb of this book, I was very intrigued about the setting of the book and it was just as I had expected it to be. The book gave off strong Sumer vibes and the camp that Joe worked in was set up perfectly but the romance part felt flat for me. This was more of Joe's journey of self discovery. The book was realistic, told by a sixteen year old boy revolving around his life for the six weeks of summer camp he attended. The first chapter was a bit dragging tbh, I liked the English accent of the narrator but sometimes some parts got boring to listen to. But I really liked the character development and just the overall plot about friendship, family and Joe's personal life. There was underage drinking with which I felt quite uncomfortable but that's the harsh reality of what happens in the world. I liked Joe & Amy's dynamics but I don't know, something was missing between them. Overall, the book gave off really nostalgic vibes (back in the 90's) and it was a story about the innocence surrounding first love. It had depth but I went in expecting some romance which is why I was kind of disappointed when Amy & Joe's relationship went from friendship to love too fast, though it's a solid read if you like to read coming of age books.
ARC provides by Netgalley and Bookouture in exchange of an honest review
August 25, 2022
I loved this! "Truly, Madly, Amy" by Kerry Wilkinson was a wonderful coming of age story. It was narrated by Joe Jameson and he was perfect. I can’t see anyone doing a better job.
This really spoke to me and I was rooting for Joe the whole time. I highly recommend listening to this one.
This is not the same story at all but I had the same feelings of Normal People (Hulu). Intense struggle of feelings, obvious attraction and tons of awkward moments. It was like I saw this couple from a distance and couldn’t stop watching them. I wanted to be their friend.
It’s hard growing up and then we have flawed parents. This was so much more than a romance. This was broken families and friends. Seeing loss and depression and death up close.
Was it sad? No it wasn’t. Get this book and see if I’m right.
Thanks Bookouture via NetGalley
This really spoke to me and I was rooting for Joe the whole time. I highly recommend listening to this one.
This is not the same story at all but I had the same feelings of Normal People (Hulu). Intense struggle of feelings, obvious attraction and tons of awkward moments. It was like I saw this couple from a distance and couldn’t stop watching them. I wanted to be their friend.
It’s hard growing up and then we have flawed parents. This was so much more than a romance. This was broken families and friends. Seeing loss and depression and death up close.
Was it sad? No it wasn’t. Get this book and see if I’m right.
Thanks Bookouture via NetGalley
July 10, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an Audiobook Arc of Truly, Madly, Amy by Kerry Wilkinson. This is a Young Adult romance set at a summer camp, but it was also so much more than that. The deeper topics, especially learning about both Joe’s mother and father added to the story and made it feel so much more read. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this story develop and I loved Joe and Amy’s relationship - both their friendship and their more-than friendship!
The ending of this one was unexpectedly emotional and really reminded me of Normal People. 3⭐️
The ending of this one was unexpectedly emotional and really reminded me of Normal People. 3⭐️
July 19, 2022
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thanks to Text Publishing for the advanced copy of this book.
☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★
[1]
☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★
INTRODUCTION:
I'm reaaally dissapointed right now. I was expecting a lot from this book and is kinda sad the way nothing that I expectec actually happened. Truly, Madly, Amy isn't in any form a "bad book", it just lacks originallity and any relatability from the characters.
PLOT:
99's summer for Joe means a lot of things, especially because he's finishing school and has to determine what he's going to do with his life. Reluctantly, he takes a job of councellor at a local summer camp, and he's life changes when he meets Amy, a girl that will impact his decisions throught the summer. With the unknown future just around the corner, he'll start to discover what destiny holds for him.
CHARACTERS:
My main issue with the characters in the book is that they do not seem the age they're supposed to actually have. Joe, Amy and their friends act like they're 20 but their thoughts seem to come from a 6 year-old. Especially Joe, his decisions and the way he reacts to things are DEFINITELY NOT things a 16-year-old would do. Why do I know that? Because right now I'm 16, and even though I've always bragged about acting like I'm older (which sounds stupid, I know) I don't see ANYONE around me that would act like that. It has to be taken into consideration the fact that this book is placed in 1999 and the access to information was poorer, but I was cringing at the way the characters spoke, and it was a line that Joe said that went something like this:
"They were actual boobs in front of me".
YOU SEE WHAT I MEAN??? THIS PEOPLE ARE STUPID.
Now, another thing that I really disliked was the fact that NOBODY had any empathy for Joe's mom. I know, her attitude was bad and the mistreatmet to her children are not something that should be excused, but the woman went through a damn widowhood and nobody cared about how she felt. If that woman was in therapy sooner at least someone would've shown her some empathy, cause damn.
WRITING-STYLE:
Oh boy, bear with me. I found a lot of the metaphors used in the book so weird? I don't know what is about them but I don't like how the author uses them. I don't like at all when every chapter ends in a cliffhanger. It is like forcing interest in the reader, and I know the author comes from writing thriller, but in YA it doesn't really work that way. Saying things like:
"Next time I saw a police car, I would be sitting in the back seat of it". (again I don't remember the exact quote but it was pretty similar).
Theses kind of phrases end with every chapter and make boring the twists, cause you already have a clue of what's gonna happen.
Also, some of the dialogues seem dummy. I don't think anyone would actually speak that way, and I would understand dialogues being weird if we're in a specific time period, but 1999? No.
OVERALL THOUGHTS:
Every time I thought the book was going to get better something came to make it worse. I hated most of the characters and their relationships grow so fast with absolutely no reason to do so. It's almost insta-love how Amy and Joe become 'something', but still pisses me off the way authors keep writing teens like we're stupid.
I'm from Colombia and I'm (clearly lol) not straight, so I wasn't really expecting to relate to this book in a situational context, but none of the emotions the characters feel seem relatable or something a friend of mine would actually feel. I know the future is scary but right now it isn't such a big deal. Maybe it's our type of education, but mostly around me I see people actually excited to get over the school-phase and go to college or start working on the things they actually want to do.
In addition, the book had actually some misogynistc commets throught the book. WHAT'S A "MAN'S JOB" SUPPOSED TO BE??? C'mon, 1999 wasn't that far away for people to excuse this comments as "normal".
SHOULD YOU READ IT?
No. I don't think it actually represents the age-group it is supposed to and the characters have like 1 trait each.
CONCLUSION:
I wanted to like this book. I was really excited to do so, but then I was really dissapointed. As I said in the beggining, this isn't a "bad book", it just wasn't for me. I feel like even though it is written about teens it isn't FOR teens. I just wanna say with due respect that Wilkinson should stick to thriller, and I like when writers try new things, but for me this just didn't work.
☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★
July 21, 2022
This book started slow but I grew to love it so much.
Joe has both a magical and difficult summer. His mother, struggling with mental health battles, causes tension and turmoil in his life. He takes a “job” at a camp, though, and his life is never the same.
The description of this book is so true- we all have that one summer. That’s also what made this book so relatable. In Joe’s story, I found my own.
The changes in friendship.
The odd feelings of school being over.
The trouble with parents.
The person who, without knowing it, saved you.
Very tactfully written, too. Yes, there is underage drinking and sex but it’s nothing that isn’t truly happening out there in the world, and I still thought it was presented very well.
I don’t want to give it all away but the ending…it was the ending we all dreamed of for that summer. It was perfect.
Joe has both a magical and difficult summer. His mother, struggling with mental health battles, causes tension and turmoil in his life. He takes a “job” at a camp, though, and his life is never the same.
The description of this book is so true- we all have that one summer. That’s also what made this book so relatable. In Joe’s story, I found my own.
The changes in friendship.
The odd feelings of school being over.
The trouble with parents.
The person who, without knowing it, saved you.
Very tactfully written, too. Yes, there is underage drinking and sex but it’s nothing that isn’t truly happening out there in the world, and I still thought it was presented very well.
I don’t want to give it all away but the ending…it was the ending we all dreamed of for that summer. It was perfect.
June 25, 2022
A coming of age story. Lovely and honest. Joe and Amy as well as their friends are wonderful characters as we follow them through 6 weeks of summer camp and how it changes their trajectory.
Full disclosure- I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Full disclosure- I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
July 9, 2022
3.75⭐️
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for providing the audiobook arc in exchange for an honest review
I really liked this book and enjoyed it more than I expected I would.
If you love John Green books you’d love this one !
the book follows Joe, a 16 year old who starts working in a summer camp and meets Amy and we see the development of their love story while also discussing topics such as family issues, grief and mental health.
my issues with it was the narrator and it took me a while to get into the story other than that it was a good read.
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for providing the audiobook arc in exchange for an honest review
I really liked this book and enjoyed it more than I expected I would.
If you love John Green books you’d love this one !
the book follows Joe, a 16 year old who starts working in a summer camp and meets Amy and we see the development of their love story while also discussing topics such as family issues, grief and mental health.
my issues with it was the narrator and it took me a while to get into the story other than that it was a good read.
August 25, 2022
This was really good and I highly recommend it.
July 22, 2022
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'Truly, Madly Amy' by Kerry Wilkinson.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Kerry Wilkinson, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 21st July 2022.
This is the fifth book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'The Child Across The Street', 'The Party At Number 12', 'The Boyfriend', 'The Child In The Photo' which I would also recommend reading.
I was originally drawn to this book by its cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that this book is 'Perfect for fans of David Nicholls, Mike Gayle, and anyone who remembers the carefree days of being just sixteen, when the world was full of possibility.' I am a huge fan of David so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Kerry and if this is as good as 'The Child Across The Street' 'The Child In The Photo', 'The Party At Number 12' and 'The Boyfriend' it is sure to be an excellent read. I am also excited to see what his writing style is for a completely different genre to what I'm used to with his psychological thrillers. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 55 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in England, UK 🇬🇧. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture. I have actually visited England on several occasions so am looking forward to seeing if I recognise anywhere that Kerry has based the book on.
This book is written in first person perspective and the main protagonist is Joe Miller. The benefits of books written in first person perspective are as long as they are well written it makes you feel that you are being spoken to by the protagonist and it can create more of a bond between yourselves and them.
Well, well, well Wow!!! What an absolute cracker of a book!!! This book sucked me straight in from beginning to the extremely emotional ending. It was extremely well written with excellent descriptions which put me straight into the storyline making me feel like a teen again. The blog and the cover suited the book perfectly.
I must say that when I originally seen this book and then seen the author I most definitely had to do a double take!!! You know when you know an author for one genre, you have read several of their books and then BOOM you've gone from psychological thriller to coming-of-age teen, it takes quite a while to get over the shock!!! So, I did my research, discovered That YES this IS the same Kerry Wilkinson that has set my heart racing and put me on the edge of my seat and filled with tension. I am then a bit dubious and concerned wondering whether this man who can keep me up worrying if my door is locked at night can really make a successful romance. Well, I had absolutely nothing to worry about whatsoever!! Kerry is obviously a man of many talents and absolutely smashed romance just as well as he does psychological thrillers!! Congratulations Kerry that is an absolutely fantastic achievement!!!! Anyway, moving on....
I absolutely love, love, LOVED the storyline!!! I have never actually read a book that is based around a summer camp, or one that is set in 1999, when I would have been in my terror thirtweens!!! Oh God what an age!!! I'm sure if there was a local summer camp then my parents would have been the first to sign me up to it!!! I absolutely loved the fact that the chapters weren't just boring numbers but titles that related to the chapter. Kerry set the atmosphere of a summer camp absolutely perfectly and I had a feeling he had been to one even before reading the authors notes as he describes them extremely well from what I have seen on TV.
I read approximately half of this book on kindle and listened to approximately half on audio book. I must also give a huge congratulations to the narrator Joe Jameson who not only brought the storyline to life by really portraying the emotions through his voice but by doing absolutely fantastic impressions of males and females with different accents so a HUGE congratulations Joe. I cannot imagine that this was anywhere near an easy feat!!! I am looking forward to discovering more books read by yourself as you definitely have a perfect "book" voice!! I sometimes struggle to absorb the storyline through an audio book but if you are the same as me I can promise you will not have that problem with this amazing narrator!!
DON'T EVEN CHECK THE FIRST PAGE OUT AS IT SUCKED ME STRAIGHT IN UNTIL I GOT TO THE VERY LAST WORD IN THE AUTHORS NOTES!! AN ABSOLUTE SUCCESS!!
Dont be put off by the genre change with Kerry as I can promise you he has absolutely smashed it and is even better than some of the books I have seen where the author had only focused on romance!!
The storyline took me straight back to 1999 and Savage Garden with 'Truly Madly Deeoly', I absolutely LOVE that song. It is absolutely rammed with different emotions from happiness to guilt, sadness to anger, love to hate. It completely captures the intensity of love, mental health, grief and the stresses of every day life! I loved that at the end Kerry mentions Covid and the restrictions happening which was intriguing as it took me straight back into lockdown times and made me even more grateful that things have seemed to start slowly calming down.
Beautiful and bittersweet. Make sure you have the ejvhhbbb::bb~
I completely blew through this book in a day. This book will take you back to your first love and your first kiss regardless of how old you are. Watching Joe join summer camp, meet Amy, fall in love, grow up and so much more was very emotional as you see so much7> change in him from the start of the book to the very last page. I absolutely loved both Joe and Amy and became completely and watching them meet and go through so much while Joe is struggling with his Mum who is also going through hell was beautiful. I felt honoured to be there to see this happen and some of the events that they went through, well I think most of us Brits can say we have likely done at least one!! That is the other thing I love about this book is that it is so realistic it makes the author believe they are reading a diary rather than a fictional book. It wasn't just Joe and Amy I became invested in but Joe's Mum and sister Michelle, Joe's friends such as Mark, Pete, Ian, Dan and Luke, Sarah's friend Gem, the absolutely amazing George and the sweet Charlotte. My heart absolutely broke when I read about a certain character, absolutely gutting 😭. I really can't say any more about that event. I couldn't stand Charlotte's mother who I thought should have showed much more support to her and give her more time. You can't love everyone though and whether you love them or hate them this absolutely fantastic group of realistic characters come together to make this storyline one that will stay wait you for a very long time!!! "
Please make sure you read the authors note at the end. I really enjoyed reading it and I'm sure you will also find it exciting and intriguing!!"
This book was an absolute breath of fresh air! I thoroughly enjoyed this coming-of-age tale and
recommend everyone read the Author's note. I would also love see what became of Joe and Amy, along with yourself Kerry 😉
CONGRATULATIONS KERRY ON YET ANOTHER ABSOLUTELY ADDICTIVE PAGE TURNER!!!! THIS IS WHY YOU ARE ONE OF MY TOP 5 MALE AUTHORS!!! HERE'S TO YOUR NEXT SUCCESS 🥂
Overall a am absolutely stunning, bittersweet page turning that will keep you hooked and wantong more is his books.
Genres covered in this novel include Coming-Of-Age Fiction, Humorous Literary and Romance Literary amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of David Nicholls, Mike Gayle, and anyone who remembers the carefree days of being just sixteen, when the world was full of possibility.
390 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon or free on kindle unlimited (at time of review) which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#TrulyMadlyAmy #Bookouture #KerryWilkinson #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
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Review for 'Truly, Madly Amy' by Kerry Wilkinson.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Kerry Wilkinson, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 21st July 2022.
This is the fifth book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'The Child Across The Street', 'The Party At Number 12', 'The Boyfriend', 'The Child In The Photo' which I would also recommend reading.
I was originally drawn to this book by its cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that this book is 'Perfect for fans of David Nicholls, Mike Gayle, and anyone who remembers the carefree days of being just sixteen, when the world was full of possibility.' I am a huge fan of David so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Kerry and if this is as good as 'The Child Across The Street' 'The Child In The Photo', 'The Party At Number 12' and 'The Boyfriend' it is sure to be an excellent read. I am also excited to see what his writing style is for a completely different genre to what I'm used to with his psychological thrillers. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 55 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in England, UK 🇬🇧. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture. I have actually visited England on several occasions so am looking forward to seeing if I recognise anywhere that Kerry has based the book on.
This book is written in first person perspective and the main protagonist is Joe Miller. The benefits of books written in first person perspective are as long as they are well written it makes you feel that you are being spoken to by the protagonist and it can create more of a bond between yourselves and them.
Well, well, well Wow!!! What an absolute cracker of a book!!! This book sucked me straight in from beginning to the extremely emotional ending. It was extremely well written with excellent descriptions which put me straight into the storyline making me feel like a teen again. The blog and the cover suited the book perfectly.
I must say that when I originally seen this book and then seen the author I most definitely had to do a double take!!! You know when you know an author for one genre, you have read several of their books and then BOOM you've gone from psychological thriller to coming-of-age teen, it takes quite a while to get over the shock!!! So, I did my research, discovered That YES this IS the same Kerry Wilkinson that has set my heart racing and put me on the edge of my seat and filled with tension. I am then a bit dubious and concerned wondering whether this man who can keep me up worrying if my door is locked at night can really make a successful romance. Well, I had absolutely nothing to worry about whatsoever!! Kerry is obviously a man of many talents and absolutely smashed romance just as well as he does psychological thrillers!! Congratulations Kerry that is an absolutely fantastic achievement!!!! Anyway, moving on....
I absolutely love, love, LOVED the storyline!!! I have never actually read a book that is based around a summer camp, or one that is set in 1999, when I would have been in my terror thirtweens!!! Oh God what an age!!! I'm sure if there was a local summer camp then my parents would have been the first to sign me up to it!!! I absolutely loved the fact that the chapters weren't just boring numbers but titles that related to the chapter. Kerry set the atmosphere of a summer camp absolutely perfectly and I had a feeling he had been to one even before reading the authors notes as he describes them extremely well from what I have seen on TV.
I read approximately half of this book on kindle and listened to approximately half on audio book. I must also give a huge congratulations to the narrator Joe Jameson who not only brought the storyline to life by really portraying the emotions through his voice but by doing absolutely fantastic impressions of males and females with different accents so a HUGE congratulations Joe. I cannot imagine that this was anywhere near an easy feat!!! I am looking forward to discovering more books read by yourself as you definitely have a perfect "book" voice!! I sometimes struggle to absorb the storyline through an audio book but if you are the same as me I can promise you will not have that problem with this amazing narrator!!
DON'T EVEN CHECK THE FIRST PAGE OUT AS IT SUCKED ME STRAIGHT IN UNTIL I GOT TO THE VERY LAST WORD IN THE AUTHORS NOTES!! AN ABSOLUTE SUCCESS!!
Dont be put off by the genre change with Kerry as I can promise you he has absolutely smashed it and is even better than some of the books I have seen where the author had only focused on romance!!
The storyline took me straight back to 1999 and Savage Garden with 'Truly Madly Deeoly', I absolutely LOVE that song. It is absolutely rammed with different emotions from happiness to guilt, sadness to anger, love to hate. It completely captures the intensity of love, mental health, grief and the stresses of every day life! I loved that at the end Kerry mentions Covid and the restrictions happening which was intriguing as it took me straight back into lockdown times and made me even more grateful that things have seemed to start slowly calming down.
Beautiful and bittersweet. Make sure you have the ejvhhbbb::bb~
I completely blew through this book in a day. This book will take you back to your first love and your first kiss regardless of how old you are. Watching Joe join summer camp, meet Amy, fall in love, grow up and so much more was very emotional as you see so much7> change in him from the start of the book to the very last page. I absolutely loved both Joe and Amy and became completely and watching them meet and go through so much while Joe is struggling with his Mum who is also going through hell was beautiful. I felt honoured to be there to see this happen and some of the events that they went through, well I think most of us Brits can say we have likely done at least one!! That is the other thing I love about this book is that it is so realistic it makes the author believe they are reading a diary rather than a fictional book. It wasn't just Joe and Amy I became invested in but Joe's Mum and sister Michelle, Joe's friends such as Mark, Pete, Ian, Dan and Luke, Sarah's friend Gem, the absolutely amazing George and the sweet Charlotte. My heart absolutely broke when I read about a certain character, absolutely gutting 😭. I really can't say any more about that event. I couldn't stand Charlotte's mother who I thought should have showed much more support to her and give her more time. You can't love everyone though and whether you love them or hate them this absolutely fantastic group of realistic characters come together to make this storyline one that will stay wait you for a very long time!!! "
Please make sure you read the authors note at the end. I really enjoyed reading it and I'm sure you will also find it exciting and intriguing!!"
This book was an absolute breath of fresh air! I thoroughly enjoyed this coming-of-age tale and
recommend everyone read the Author's note. I would also love see what became of Joe and Amy, along with yourself Kerry 😉
CONGRATULATIONS KERRY ON YET ANOTHER ABSOLUTELY ADDICTIVE PAGE TURNER!!!! THIS IS WHY YOU ARE ONE OF MY TOP 5 MALE AUTHORS!!! HERE'S TO YOUR NEXT SUCCESS 🥂
Overall a am absolutely stunning, bittersweet page turning that will keep you hooked and wantong more is his books.
Genres covered in this novel include Coming-Of-Age Fiction, Humorous Literary and Romance Literary amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of David Nicholls, Mike Gayle, and anyone who remembers the carefree days of being just sixteen, when the world was full of possibility.
390 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon or free on kindle unlimited (at time of review) which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#TrulyMadlyAmy #Bookouture #KerryWilkinson #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@KerryWilkinson @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
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June 22, 2022
Kerry Wilkinson never ceases to amaze me!
Having read almost everything this author has written when i saw the cover and title of this book my first thought was ? bit unusual, hope I'm not going to be disappointed. Well i certainly wasn't.
A tale of first love but with a good insight into a somewhat difficult life at home, previously and in the present.
Kerry has the gift of writing about people we know and/or understand and always with some humour thrown in even when its a difficult or tense situation.
An extremely enjoyable read which i highly recommend.
My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy in return for my honest review.
Having read almost everything this author has written when i saw the cover and title of this book my first thought was ? bit unusual, hope I'm not going to be disappointed. Well i certainly wasn't.
A tale of first love but with a good insight into a somewhat difficult life at home, previously and in the present.
Kerry has the gift of writing about people we know and/or understand and always with some humour thrown in even when its a difficult or tense situation.
An extremely enjoyable read which i highly recommend.
My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy in return for my honest review.
July 31, 2022
Joe has very fond memories of the summer of 1999. At the age of 16, he had an unforgettable experience while at summer camp. He fondly remembers Amy and how he fell in love at that tender age. Volunteering at that summer camp brought Joe a different perspective in his life. In this wonderful coming of age story by Kerry Wilkinson, readers are treated to a beautifully written nostalgic story.
Unhappy at home and with life in general, that idyllic summer changed Joe's perspective. In fact, it changed his life. While the story is at times tragic, especially for the trials Joe experienced in his home life, it is also one of strength. One of change. One of courage. One of hope. Truly a story that readers can find themselves trading places with Joe and doing their own self-reflection. In fact, having been to camp myself as a young teenager, this book brought back many warm memories.
Kerry Wilkinson really surprised me. Having read several psychological thrillers by this talented author, Truly, Madly, Amy was a delightful change of pace. Also, I was able to enjoy this delightful story via audiobook. The narrator was Joe Jameson and he did a fabulous job bringing this warm and enjoyable story to life.
The author's note at the end of the book really warmed my heart as Mr. Wilkinson provided insight as to how this story came about. This is a book that I highly recommend for readers looking for a change of pace.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Please enjoy my YouTube video review - https://youtu.be/gYT8Ve1DYRc
Unhappy at home and with life in general, that idyllic summer changed Joe's perspective. In fact, it changed his life. While the story is at times tragic, especially for the trials Joe experienced in his home life, it is also one of strength. One of change. One of courage. One of hope. Truly a story that readers can find themselves trading places with Joe and doing their own self-reflection. In fact, having been to camp myself as a young teenager, this book brought back many warm memories.
Kerry Wilkinson really surprised me. Having read several psychological thrillers by this talented author, Truly, Madly, Amy was a delightful change of pace. Also, I was able to enjoy this delightful story via audiobook. The narrator was Joe Jameson and he did a fabulous job bringing this warm and enjoyable story to life.
The author's note at the end of the book really warmed my heart as Mr. Wilkinson provided insight as to how this story came about. This is a book that I highly recommend for readers looking for a change of pace.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Please enjoy my YouTube video review - https://youtu.be/gYT8Ve1DYRc
July 8, 2022
Truly, Madly, Amy is a poignant coming-of-age love story about Joe and Amy who meet when they both take jobs working at a local summer camp; Joe in facilities and Amy as a counselor. Both main characters carry the baggage of their families and spend the summer learning to own their identities while also separating themselves from their complicated family lives. Told over the course of six weeks, the two main characters develop a level of trust that doesn't exist in other facets of their lives. But as the end of the summer draws near, they'll have to decide what comes next: in life and in love.
What I loved: Most romances I read are written in either 3rd person or told from the female perspective and it was refreshing to read a teenage love story told exclusively from the point of view of a guy. The perspective reminds me a bit of Sally Rooney's Normal People if Connell had narrated the book.
Though the love story between Joe and Amy is what really threaded everything together, so much of this story is about Joe's experience at camp contributing to his evolution as a person and his realizations as he transitions into adulthood, all of which were communicated in a way that seemed completely authentic to his character. The supporting cast of characters were diverse, quirky and felt genuinely relatable in their flaws, support and humor. The authenticity of the people and true to the times references made it feel as though every situation in this book really could have happened.
I also really liked that the final chapters took place in the present and we get an opportunity to follow up with how the camp experience ultimately shaped the lives and relationships of each person in the story.
What I didn't: Like I mentioned above, most of the book felt like it was written from a personal experience. There were a few exceptions to this. Namely that the book was as a set of day by day experiences. I know very few people that can recall the mundane details of every day of a summer like the weather so this threw me off a bit. It also slowed the pacing of the book and there were a few sections that felt as if they really dragged for a bit.
Overall 3.5 stars
Read if you love:
*summer camp love stories
*coming of age experiences
*dysfunctional family drama
TW: sexual assault, depression
See also: Normal People, Without Merit
Please note: I received this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley and Bookouture. Truly, Madly, Amy is being released July 21st, so preorder your copy today!
What I loved: Most romances I read are written in either 3rd person or told from the female perspective and it was refreshing to read a teenage love story told exclusively from the point of view of a guy. The perspective reminds me a bit of Sally Rooney's Normal People if Connell had narrated the book.
Though the love story between Joe and Amy is what really threaded everything together, so much of this story is about Joe's experience at camp contributing to his evolution as a person and his realizations as he transitions into adulthood, all of which were communicated in a way that seemed completely authentic to his character. The supporting cast of characters were diverse, quirky and felt genuinely relatable in their flaws, support and humor. The authenticity of the people and true to the times references made it feel as though every situation in this book really could have happened.
I also really liked that the final chapters took place in the present and we get an opportunity to follow up with how the camp experience ultimately shaped the lives and relationships of each person in the story.
What I didn't: Like I mentioned above, most of the book felt like it was written from a personal experience. There were a few exceptions to this. Namely that the book was as a set of day by day experiences. I know very few people that can recall the mundane details of every day of a summer like the weather so this threw me off a bit. It also slowed the pacing of the book and there were a few sections that felt as if they really dragged for a bit.
Overall 3.5 stars
Read if you love:
*summer camp love stories
*coming of age experiences
*dysfunctional family drama
TW: sexual assault, depression
See also: Normal People, Without Merit
Please note: I received this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley and Bookouture. Truly, Madly, Amy is being released July 21st, so preorder your copy today!
July 16, 2022
We follow Joe's journey of one summer right after school when he takes up a job at a summer camp as a helper. We see him travelling into that later teen stage of his life and all the different situations he finds himself in where he shows both courage and love.
This is narrated by an older version of Joe in 2021 after the pandemic, and we see how this one summer job changed and shaped a lot of his life and choices.
This is narrated by an older version of Joe in 2021 after the pandemic, and we see how this one summer job changed and shaped a lot of his life and choices.
June 27, 2022
This book is advertised as a YA romance book, and it IS in part a romance, but it’s a lot more than that. It’s a true coming of age book about a summer that changes the direction of Joe’s life while he works at a summer camp for 6 weeks.
Things I enjoyed about this book:
✨ I enjoyed the story centered around Joe’s family more than the actual romance story line. Joe’s dad is dead, his mom is in a bad mental state and his sister has moved out leaving Joe with a difficult home life. Watching this family heal and stick together was at times more compelling than other parts of the story. I was rooting for this family.
✨ The complicated relationship Joe has with his friends was one of the best parts of this book. I loved Joe for realizing his friends weren’t good for him anymore, but understood how hard and complicated it is to break ties with people that have been there for you at the hardest time of your life. Joe has been a bully in the past and is learning to accept responsibility for his past actions. I think this is such a realistic part of growing up and it was such a good part of this book.
✨I loved the themes of forgiveness, acceptance and healing. There were some really great messages about how past mistakes don’t have to define you.
✨ The relationship between Amy and Charlotte (one of the campers) was precious and so sweet!
Things I struggled with;
✨ There was a LOT of underage drinking in this book and it made me really uncomfortable. It wasn’t just hanging out and drinking but multiple establishments serving kids to dangerous levels of intoxication. I hated that - it was@portrayed like such a normal and expected part of growing up and I don’t think it has to be.
✨ I hate when people don’t think characters can handle the truth. The secrets that the family kept from Joe frustrated me.
✨the romance was only ok. It did get better as the book progressed. But I guess its pretty typical of young love -
Wild, intense and fast. I guess it just felt more like lust and fascination than real love.
It did get better as the book moved along.
Overall, a good summer read. I enjoyed it - just didn’t love
Things I enjoyed about this book:
✨ I enjoyed the story centered around Joe’s family more than the actual romance story line. Joe’s dad is dead, his mom is in a bad mental state and his sister has moved out leaving Joe with a difficult home life. Watching this family heal and stick together was at times more compelling than other parts of the story. I was rooting for this family.
✨ The complicated relationship Joe has with his friends was one of the best parts of this book. I loved Joe for realizing his friends weren’t good for him anymore, but understood how hard and complicated it is to break ties with people that have been there for you at the hardest time of your life. Joe has been a bully in the past and is learning to accept responsibility for his past actions. I think this is such a realistic part of growing up and it was such a good part of this book.
✨I loved the themes of forgiveness, acceptance and healing. There were some really great messages about how past mistakes don’t have to define you.
✨ The relationship between Amy and Charlotte (one of the campers) was precious and so sweet!
Things I struggled with;
✨ There was a LOT of underage drinking in this book and it made me really uncomfortable. It wasn’t just hanging out and drinking but multiple establishments serving kids to dangerous levels of intoxication. I hated that - it was@portrayed like such a normal and expected part of growing up and I don’t think it has to be.
✨ I hate when people don’t think characters can handle the truth. The secrets that the family kept from Joe frustrated me.
✨the romance was only ok. It did get better as the book progressed. But I guess its pretty typical of young love -
Wild, intense and fast. I guess it just felt more like lust and fascination than real love.
It did get better as the book moved along.
Overall, a good summer read. I enjoyed it - just didn’t love
July 8, 2022
Thank you Bookouture Audio and Netgalley for this alc. I really enjoyed the falling in love for the first time and all that surronds that. The book was special, I rarely read a romance by an male author and I liked it. It has something that make you go on and see what will happen to main characters. I was really happy about the ending bit I have to tell you nothing was easy. Like nothing is easy in this life, most of the time we lost each other and we find new purpose in life and sometimes we met us in our past and we learn from that. True friendship is something we all need in our life
June 28, 2022
Finished reading: June 28th 2022
"That's what places like this are for. We become the people we choose to be - and that's what matters. It's not who we are at the beginning, it's who we are at the end."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
June 21, 2022
✨Book review✨
Truly, Madly, Amy
By Kerry Wilkinson
This is the second book I have read by this Author, having read The Boyfriend, which was a thriller, back in May. Loved it!
Wilkinson does it again, but this time with a Romance!
Truly, Madly, Amy is a book about first love. It transported me back to my very first summer of love.
This book also deals with topics of the loss of a parent, depression, and use of alcohol.
When an Author can write successfully in various genres, I’m a happy camper 🤣
I found this to be a really great emotional read, it comes out on July 21st. I recommend checking this one out!
Thanks so much to @netgalley and @bookouture for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
#🇨🇦bookenablers #canadianbookstagrammer #bookish #bookishlove #review #bookreview #netgalley #TrulyMadlyAmy #kerrywilkinson #romance #romancebooks #romancebookstagram #heartwarming #allthefeels #summerlove #campdays #summercamp #bookrecs #4stars #readthis #summerreads #arc #kindlepaperwhite #bookinfluencers #bookinfluencer #albertabookstagrammer #yycbookstagram #🇨🇦bookstagrammer #perfectsummerreads #campcrush
Truly, Madly, Amy
By Kerry Wilkinson
This is the second book I have read by this Author, having read The Boyfriend, which was a thriller, back in May. Loved it!
Wilkinson does it again, but this time with a Romance!
Truly, Madly, Amy is a book about first love. It transported me back to my very first summer of love.
This book also deals with topics of the loss of a parent, depression, and use of alcohol.
When an Author can write successfully in various genres, I’m a happy camper 🤣
I found this to be a really great emotional read, it comes out on July 21st. I recommend checking this one out!
Thanks so much to @netgalley and @bookouture for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
#🇨🇦bookenablers #canadianbookstagrammer #bookish #bookishlove #review #bookreview #netgalley #TrulyMadlyAmy #kerrywilkinson #romance #romancebooks #romancebookstagram #heartwarming #allthefeels #summerlove #campdays #summercamp #bookrecs #4stars #readthis #summerreads #arc #kindlepaperwhite #bookinfluencers #bookinfluencer #albertabookstagrammer #yycbookstagram #🇨🇦bookstagrammer #perfectsummerreads #campcrush
July 16, 2022
While this is not my usual genre, I am a big Kerry Wilkinson fan for his psychological thrillers and I decided to give TRULY MADLY AMY a go...just because it's Kerry. And I tried to like it...I really did. But I couldn't. I couldn't connect to the characters and I felt like Joe and Amy (and everyone else) were in some kind of alternate universe and I was looking in at something I truly couldn't fathom or get a grip on. I don't know if it's an age thing or that I grew up in a different generation or even a completely different country. In 1999 I was approaching 30 and life as a 16 year old then was a far cry from what it was like when I was 16. I also never had summer camps, never partook in underage drinking and first love for me didn't happen till I was about 19 or 20. The seventies and eighties were the background for my childhood and adolescence...the nineties are different altogether.
TRULY MADLY AMY is described as a coming of age story and I guess it is and it follows Joe going from mid-teens to adulthood and all the situations in which he finds himself. He reluctantly accepts a job at a local summer camp as an assistant counsellor (which I think is a bit of a misnomer and should just be called assistants as counsellors require some form of training and thus the givers of advice and therapy...not the type of role given here). He is still grieving the loss of his dad two years previous and his home life is nothing short of miserable, especially as the only other sane one within those walls is his elder sister who packs up and leaves home within his first week at summer camp. Leaving him to deal with his difficult mother. He was cited as having "anger problems" and is now having to deal with being screamed at by hyperactive ten year olds. It's almost enough to make him give up on day one. Almost.
Then he meets Amy Ashworth. Her black hair shining in the sun. Her laughter that lights up her eyes. Her smile that makes his heart melt. And Joe learns that nothing hits harder than first love.
Amy fascinates and frightens him. And yet she is the first person he has felt anything for and it overwhelms and consumes him. He experiences many firsts with Amy from parties to kisses under the stars, but then what is left of his family is fractured into pieces, he isn't sure how he and Amy will survive.
Personally, I didn't like either Joe or Amy...or pretty much anyone else in the story. I felt nothing for any of them, felt no connection to them, and I doubt I will remember anything more about them upon closing the book. I made it 30% of the way through before giving up and skimming to the final chapter to see how it ended...and was left in confusion because I had missed all that happened in between. But I really didn't care to go back and find out. TRULY MADLY AMY will just have to be one of those books I tried but couldn't.
I am not really a fan of coming of age stories or young adult fiction. I only decided to check it out as I am fan of the authors psychological thrillers which are far more my thing...that and the fact I love his sense of humour and always appreciate his witty quips he tosses into his books. TRULY MADLY AMY was touted as being hilarious as well as heartwarming and all that but apart from a few witty words, I could find none of the sense of humour I was loosing forward to.
That's not to say that TRULY MADLY AMY is not well-written or a great read. For many, it is and from what I see of reviews it has been. But it's not for me and while I am glad I did give it a go stepping out of my usual comfort zone, it wasn't for me. But well done Kerry Wilkinson and hats off for a going a completely different road than usual. It shows versatility and flexibility as a writer as well as great talent.
I would like to thank #KerryWilkinson, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TrulyMadlyAmy in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
TRULY MADLY AMY is described as a coming of age story and I guess it is and it follows Joe going from mid-teens to adulthood and all the situations in which he finds himself. He reluctantly accepts a job at a local summer camp as an assistant counsellor (which I think is a bit of a misnomer and should just be called assistants as counsellors require some form of training and thus the givers of advice and therapy...not the type of role given here). He is still grieving the loss of his dad two years previous and his home life is nothing short of miserable, especially as the only other sane one within those walls is his elder sister who packs up and leaves home within his first week at summer camp. Leaving him to deal with his difficult mother. He was cited as having "anger problems" and is now having to deal with being screamed at by hyperactive ten year olds. It's almost enough to make him give up on day one. Almost.
Then he meets Amy Ashworth. Her black hair shining in the sun. Her laughter that lights up her eyes. Her smile that makes his heart melt. And Joe learns that nothing hits harder than first love.
Amy fascinates and frightens him. And yet she is the first person he has felt anything for and it overwhelms and consumes him. He experiences many firsts with Amy from parties to kisses under the stars, but then what is left of his family is fractured into pieces, he isn't sure how he and Amy will survive.
Personally, I didn't like either Joe or Amy...or pretty much anyone else in the story. I felt nothing for any of them, felt no connection to them, and I doubt I will remember anything more about them upon closing the book. I made it 30% of the way through before giving up and skimming to the final chapter to see how it ended...and was left in confusion because I had missed all that happened in between. But I really didn't care to go back and find out. TRULY MADLY AMY will just have to be one of those books I tried but couldn't.
I am not really a fan of coming of age stories or young adult fiction. I only decided to check it out as I am fan of the authors psychological thrillers which are far more my thing...that and the fact I love his sense of humour and always appreciate his witty quips he tosses into his books. TRULY MADLY AMY was touted as being hilarious as well as heartwarming and all that but apart from a few witty words, I could find none of the sense of humour I was loosing forward to.
That's not to say that TRULY MADLY AMY is not well-written or a great read. For many, it is and from what I see of reviews it has been. But it's not for me and while I am glad I did give it a go stepping out of my usual comfort zone, it wasn't for me. But well done Kerry Wilkinson and hats off for a going a completely different road than usual. It shows versatility and flexibility as a writer as well as great talent.
I would like to thank #KerryWilkinson, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TrulyMadlyAmy in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
July 11, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to listen to this audio book in return for an honest review.
Synopsis
We all remember that one magical summer that changed our lives.
For Joe, it’s 1999. School is over, and with zero idea of what he’s meant to do for the rest of his life, he’s reluctantly accepted a job at the local summer camp. Anything to drown out the sharp grief of missing his dad and move on from what school calls his ‘anger problems’. But getting screamed at by hyperactive ten-year-olds is almost enough to make him quit on day one.
Almost.
Then he sees Amy Ashworth for the very first time, her black hair shining in the sun – and learns that nothing hits harder than first love.
She’s the only person he knows who reads for fun, or who’s seen Titanic fourteen times. But there’s another side to Amy. Soon, she’s the only person he’s ever been to a wild house party with, or kissed under the twinkling stars. It’s the happiest Joe has ever been… until the terrible day when what’s left of his family fractures into a million pieces.
Caught up in Amy’s whirlwind, Joe can’t bring himself to tell the truth about his life. Would his dad have wanted him to fight for the girl he loves, or protect his family, no matter what?
Only one thing is certain: this is the summer Joe will grow up. But when he looks back decades later, will he be ashamed of his choices? And will Amy still be by his side?
Heart-warming, hilarious, nostalgic, and bittersweet, Truly, Madly, Amy explores first loves, last chances, and the summers that shape us. Perfect for fans of David Nicholls, Mike Gayle, and anyone who remembers the carefree days of being just sixteen, when the world was full of possibility.
If you are familiar with Kerry Wilkinson, you’ll expect a thriller type author going “off point” as some may put it. However I’m so pleased to say this is so on point you’d perhaps completely unrelate with the writing style (this I’m aware hasn’t been described very well but is genuinely meant as a compliment, a fine example of a great flexible talent) this is a lovely nostalgic coming of age novel, it’s written so beautifully and tentatively. I see it in film mode to be really honest, I loved it.
Synopsis
We all remember that one magical summer that changed our lives.
For Joe, it’s 1999. School is over, and with zero idea of what he’s meant to do for the rest of his life, he’s reluctantly accepted a job at the local summer camp. Anything to drown out the sharp grief of missing his dad and move on from what school calls his ‘anger problems’. But getting screamed at by hyperactive ten-year-olds is almost enough to make him quit on day one.
Almost.
Then he sees Amy Ashworth for the very first time, her black hair shining in the sun – and learns that nothing hits harder than first love.
She’s the only person he knows who reads for fun, or who’s seen Titanic fourteen times. But there’s another side to Amy. Soon, she’s the only person he’s ever been to a wild house party with, or kissed under the twinkling stars. It’s the happiest Joe has ever been… until the terrible day when what’s left of his family fractures into a million pieces.
Caught up in Amy’s whirlwind, Joe can’t bring himself to tell the truth about his life. Would his dad have wanted him to fight for the girl he loves, or protect his family, no matter what?
Only one thing is certain: this is the summer Joe will grow up. But when he looks back decades later, will he be ashamed of his choices? And will Amy still be by his side?
Heart-warming, hilarious, nostalgic, and bittersweet, Truly, Madly, Amy explores first loves, last chances, and the summers that shape us. Perfect for fans of David Nicholls, Mike Gayle, and anyone who remembers the carefree days of being just sixteen, when the world was full of possibility.
If you are familiar with Kerry Wilkinson, you’ll expect a thriller type author going “off point” as some may put it. However I’m so pleased to say this is so on point you’d perhaps completely unrelate with the writing style (this I’m aware hasn’t been described very well but is genuinely meant as a compliment, a fine example of a great flexible talent) this is a lovely nostalgic coming of age novel, it’s written so beautifully and tentatively. I see it in film mode to be really honest, I loved it.
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