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Summer Breakdown: A Novel
This summer doesn’t just unearth the past, it threatens to unravel Sabrina’s life completely.
Her alcoholic father is dying, she’s estranged from her family, and she’s only surviving motherhood thanks to bottomless cups of coffee and secret cigarettes. After years of trying to avoid her issues, she finally comes face-to-face with them on a reluctant journey back to Seaside, Massachusetts. And this time—she doesn’t run away.
But returning home sends Sabrina spiraling. Watching her father die is overwhelming. Living under her mother’s reign is suffocating. And finding out her dead sister Coraline’s secret brings up fifteen years of unresolved grief. This trip forcibly lifts Sabrina from her fog and drops her directly into chaos, past traumas, and the arms of her high school ex-boyfriend.
This summer Sabrina learns firsthand, no one is as perfect as they want you to think.
Summer Breakdown is a raw and moving love story set in a charming New England beach town about the complexities of family, marriage, humanity, and the dual beauty and heartache of raising children while also raising yourself.
“I thought the details, setting etc. were so spot on, I could imagine myself in every scene. The themes were so painfully relatable and I found everything just generally devastating in the best possible way!!!” —Laura
"Very relatable, heart-warming, life-affirming, a must-read for moms. I wish it wasn’t over!” —Sarah
“It’s 10 pm and I’m laying in bed reading your book. I’m about 1/3 of the way through it and am legit in tears. This book is SO RELATABLE to my current season of motherhood right now. I feel so seen—like you’re living inside my head. So thank you." —Alison
“This book feels like therapy." —Kelly
Her alcoholic father is dying, she’s estranged from her family, and she’s only surviving motherhood thanks to bottomless cups of coffee and secret cigarettes. After years of trying to avoid her issues, she finally comes face-to-face with them on a reluctant journey back to Seaside, Massachusetts. And this time—she doesn’t run away.
But returning home sends Sabrina spiraling. Watching her father die is overwhelming. Living under her mother’s reign is suffocating. And finding out her dead sister Coraline’s secret brings up fifteen years of unresolved grief. This trip forcibly lifts Sabrina from her fog and drops her directly into chaos, past traumas, and the arms of her high school ex-boyfriend.
This summer Sabrina learns firsthand, no one is as perfect as they want you to think.
Summer Breakdown is a raw and moving love story set in a charming New England beach town about the complexities of family, marriage, humanity, and the dual beauty and heartache of raising children while also raising yourself.
“I thought the details, setting etc. were so spot on, I could imagine myself in every scene. The themes were so painfully relatable and I found everything just generally devastating in the best possible way!!!” —Laura
"Very relatable, heart-warming, life-affirming, a must-read for moms. I wish it wasn’t over!” —Sarah
“It’s 10 pm and I’m laying in bed reading your book. I’m about 1/3 of the way through it and am legit in tears. This book is SO RELATABLE to my current season of motherhood right now. I feel so seen—like you’re living inside my head. So thank you." —Alison
“This book feels like therapy." —Kelly
307 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 21, 2022
61 people are currently reading
3493 people want to read
About the author
Colleen Temple
1 book45 followersColleen Temple, M. Ed (she/her) is a writer, former essays manager, and editor of This Is Motherhood. She lives in a coastal Massachusetts town with her husband Colin and their three lively, creative, and hilarious children. Summer Breakdown is her debut novel, and you can find more of her work online at @colltemple (IG) and @watchcollwrite (TikTok). www.colleentemple.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
February 16, 2023
Relatable. Raw. Heartbreaking. Redemptive.
Summer Breakdown is a character driven journey through motherhood, estranged relationships, and devastating family secrets.
Sabrina doesn't want to ever go back to her hometown of Seaside, MA. But as her alcoholic father's health declines, she knows it's time to return home to the demons of her family's past that have been haunting her present. Thrust into the toxicity and complexity of her family's dynamic, Sabrina is forced to come face to face with her struggles as a wife, mother, and an estranged daughter. Layered in grief and ultimately forgiveness, this one is an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish.
Summer Breakdown is a character driven journey through motherhood, estranged relationships, and devastating family secrets.
Sabrina doesn't want to ever go back to her hometown of Seaside, MA. But as her alcoholic father's health declines, she knows it's time to return home to the demons of her family's past that have been haunting her present. Thrust into the toxicity and complexity of her family's dynamic, Sabrina is forced to come face to face with her struggles as a wife, mother, and an estranged daughter. Layered in grief and ultimately forgiveness, this one is an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish.
June 24, 2022
This is a MUST read!!!
It is more than a novel, this is probably the most accurate portrayal of being a mother and everything we go through. This novel has touched my soul and inspired me.
Colleen Temple expertly weaves in the MC Sabrina’s thoughts and memories while you get immersed in the ocean town of Seaside. You will not regret purchasing and reading this book, you’ll be recommending it to everyone you know!!!!
It is more than a novel, this is probably the most accurate portrayal of being a mother and everything we go through. This novel has touched my soul and inspired me.
Colleen Temple expertly weaves in the MC Sabrina’s thoughts and memories while you get immersed in the ocean town of Seaside. You will not regret purchasing and reading this book, you’ll be recommending it to everyone you know!!!!
May 16, 2023
Wow, this one hit home for me on so many levels. Sabrina was so real with everything she was feeling as a mom-from her children sucking the life out of her, to growing apart from her husband, to losing her identity, to being responsible for ALL. THE. THINGS. Being a mom is hard and I think that message came through loud and clear in this book. About half way though, I thought to myself this book wasn’t what I was expecting. It seemed to focus more on her grief about her sister instead of her dying father which was the whole reason she was back in her hometown. However, I literally cried for the entire second half of the book. Having recently lost my own father through hospice, it brought up so many feelings for me. I remembered feeling all the things Sabrina was feeling and describing. And in the end, I was crying happy tears. I loved this author and how she kept it real and raw and honest. 10/10 would recommend
June 6, 2024
Crying. So sad but so beautiful. Infinity stars.
Detailed review to come.
Detailed review to come.
July 14, 2022
This was an amazing first novel! After a few books I just couldn't get into this summer, this book came at the right time. I was quickly taken by the storyline and excited to read again.
This story follows the main character Sabrina, who reluctantly ends up back in her hometown, reunited with complicated family relationships, as her father nears the end of his life. This family's story was full of secrets, struggles, and complications and was told in such a relatable (and emotional way).
Having recently experienced a loss in my own family, I really appreciated this author's wisdom about life, death, family, and what truly matters most. Author Colleen Temples descriptions of the nuances of motherhood are also so spot on.
In addition to the actual storyline, I also really enjoyed the writing style in this book- it was easy to digest, this was one I read slowly, really savoring every word. I highly recommend this book and look forward to more from this debut author!
This story follows the main character Sabrina, who reluctantly ends up back in her hometown, reunited with complicated family relationships, as her father nears the end of his life. This family's story was full of secrets, struggles, and complications and was told in such a relatable (and emotional way).
Having recently experienced a loss in my own family, I really appreciated this author's wisdom about life, death, family, and what truly matters most. Author Colleen Temples descriptions of the nuances of motherhood are also so spot on.
In addition to the actual storyline, I also really enjoyed the writing style in this book- it was easy to digest, this was one I read slowly, really savoring every word. I highly recommend this book and look forward to more from this debut author!
July 1, 2022
The storyline was so good and i loved so many aspects of this book. The nostalgia in the book was so good it had me smiling and taking a walk down memory lane like it was some of my own memories of childhood. I’ve only ever cried at 3 or 4 books before and this one is now added to that list. The grief is the book was so well described that i was balling. My favorite part of this book is all of the descriptions and nuances of motherhood. I felt everything the main character did when she described all about the ups and downs, the loneliness, the unconditional love and the hardships of being a mom. This book is a raw and wonderful story of life, love, loss, family & motherhood.
July 12, 2023
Overall I enjoyed reading this book. The book covers things like grief, marriage, childhood trauma and the overwhelming and unrealistic expectations of being a mother. While I could relate to Sabrina in many ways, I also found her character difficult to sympathize with at times. Her self sabotaging and victim mentality during the first half of the book was frustrating (probably due to my own family trauma 🤣) The second half of the book had me sobbing. I couldn’t quite wrap my head around how easily Sabrina seemed able to forgive her parents and accept their flaws and mistakes but the author did an excellent job of portraying how gut wrenching and heartbreaking it is to watch a loved one die in hospice care. As someone who recently had to do that with my own family, I could relate so much to the tears, pain, clarity and laughter that comes with those final days. The book was well written and I would recommend reading, especially if you need a good cry.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2024
This book felt like Salty! The salty sea waves pulling me out and pushing me away. Sabrina and I related so much. Especially feeling like an overwhelmed and over-touched mom, who is drowning but never asking for help. This book was so raw as we read how Sabrina navigated so many things from motherhood, loss, and trying to figure out who she is. I would highly recommend this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2023
All the feels! This book perfectly captured motherhood, acceptance, grief, and moving on. I felt so many connections with MC Sabrina and felt myself rooting for her the entire time.
June 6, 2024
Wow I have not cried while reading a book in a while and this one had me sobbing the whole time
November 4, 2023
I really want to give this book a 4.5. Wow! I just finished this book in under a week and have so many emotions. The way this book captures the feelings of motherhood that we don't want to admit, really hard relationships in families, and difficult events that happen. Colleen Temple did a great job of capturing the mind of a woman and how we process, how we can take on too much. It's a beautiful story with a powerful ending. Grab a box of tissues and get ready to feel empowered and enlightened at the end.
November 14, 2022
It’s snowing where I live but not in Seaside where a summer trip to her hometown leaves Sabrina with more questions than answers and more secrets than she can handle.
She’s teetering on the edge of her sanity. Her husband works long hours and she’s up to her eyeballs in mothering her two young girls. Then to top it all off, she finds out her father is dying. The man with more issues than she can name. Now, she’s faced with saying goodbye to yet another family member.
The lies are too much, the relationships too strained, and her past too haunted.
In this book you’ll find all the joys and struggles of motherhood. The pieces of ourselves we give to our littles and the parts of ourselves we forget about in the process. I connected with Sabrina right away. I have no doubt you’ll see yourself in her, too, whether you’re a mother, sister, or daughter.
You’ll witness shame at its ugliest and grief at its peak. The conversations she has with her father are some of the most poignant and beautifully written. I’m pretty sure I cried every time they spoke!
And you know what? Snow on the Beach is really effing beautiful, okay?! So do yourself a favor and go read Summer Breakdown this winter.
I got to chat with @colltemple, the woman behind this lovely story, over coffee earlier this fall and she is every bit as wonderful as this story is. She is such a genuine soul.
She’s teetering on the edge of her sanity. Her husband works long hours and she’s up to her eyeballs in mothering her two young girls. Then to top it all off, she finds out her father is dying. The man with more issues than she can name. Now, she’s faced with saying goodbye to yet another family member.
The lies are too much, the relationships too strained, and her past too haunted.
In this book you’ll find all the joys and struggles of motherhood. The pieces of ourselves we give to our littles and the parts of ourselves we forget about in the process. I connected with Sabrina right away. I have no doubt you’ll see yourself in her, too, whether you’re a mother, sister, or daughter.
You’ll witness shame at its ugliest and grief at its peak. The conversations she has with her father are some of the most poignant and beautifully written. I’m pretty sure I cried every time they spoke!
And you know what? Snow on the Beach is really effing beautiful, okay?! So do yourself a favor and go read Summer Breakdown this winter.
I got to chat with @colltemple, the woman behind this lovely story, over coffee earlier this fall and she is every bit as wonderful as this story is. She is such a genuine soul.
January 22, 2024
This was okay. I have a hard time not finishing books; it's a rare book that lands as a DNF for me- this one was close. It started promising- Seaside, a small East Coast town- Sabrina- escaped her alcoholic father and seemingly self-absorbed mother- off to Chicago- great husband kids. Home because her dad was dying- finds out that her adored older sister, who died tragically some 15 years earlier in a hurricane, was actually a suicide, and everyone knew and didn't tell her to 'protect' her. She's mad, gets drunk, kisses her ex, a surfer bum boyfriend- and has to deal with fall out with her husband. The dying dad has become a nice guy and makes amends. She begins to understand Mom more. Finished this yesterday and have forgotten the ending, but looking it up- all is well- everybody is happy . A big theme of the novel is a young Mom perspective- who am I if I am now 'just' a Mom? Why am I responsible for everybody else's happiness, what about MY happiness.... a theme that might appeal to young moms, but as an older mom- I don't identify.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2023
Overall a really great read on family drama and ultimate forgiveness. I found Sabrina’s life to be relatable in so many ways and yet I became frustrated at her behavior at times when it came to Kai. I wanted her to have more strength and will power when it came to him and even with her children at times (don’t give in so easily!!). I’m so happy that both of Sabrina’s parents recognized how they failed their girls and how to make things right.
I couldn’t give it 5 stars because of the excessive amount of cliches of 90s trends. The first few references were fine: Britney Spears, etc. But then it felt like they were just thrown in to make it even more relatable but it wasn’t necessary: The Sandlot, Goosebumps, The Babysitter’s Club, Alex Mack, etc.
I couldn’t give it 5 stars because of the excessive amount of cliches of 90s trends. The first few references were fine: Britney Spears, etc. But then it felt like they were just thrown in to make it even more relatable but it wasn’t necessary: The Sandlot, Goosebumps, The Babysitter’s Club, Alex Mack, etc.
July 19, 2022
I simply devoured this book: Colleen reels you in from page one. Her debut novel made me laugh, cry, and reflect on my own relationships within my hometown and family—you know, those ones that are easier that sweep under the rug instead of face head on? Temple has a brilliant and compassionate writing style that makes you feel like you truly know Sabrina and the inner workings of her family, relationships, and self struggles. It’s a beautiful tale of the loneliness of motherhood, the rawness of grief, and the strength of finding yourself. I too often find myself unsatisfied as I close the last page, but Temple somehow found a way to weave multiple storylines together in a beautiful ending.
April 3, 2023
Initially I thought this book wouldn't be that significant.
EVERY mother and ESPECIALLY potential mothers (and/or those just thinking about it) should
read this book.
It delves into the conflicting emotions of motherhood - wanting to do absolutely everything for your child and love them as much as possible vs losing your own identity.
This isn't even the main focus of the book but it is "discussed" throughout the book.
The other "themes" are dealing with the loss of a family member who was young, family dysfunction, small towns (and removing oneself from them), etc.
Definitely recommend!
EVERY mother and ESPECIALLY potential mothers (and/or those just thinking about it) should
read this book.
It delves into the conflicting emotions of motherhood - wanting to do absolutely everything for your child and love them as much as possible vs losing your own identity.
This isn't even the main focus of the book but it is "discussed" throughout the book.
The other "themes" are dealing with the loss of a family member who was young, family dysfunction, small towns (and removing oneself from them), etc.
Definitely recommend!
August 16, 2022
This is Colleen Temple's debut novel. I must say it is a stunner - a complex story of family. A family like anyone of us might have grown up in - not picture perfect but flawed.
This is not an easy book to read. It touches on so many things - parent/child relationships; sibling relationships; alcoholism; mental health; loss of a child; suicide; husband/wife relationships; cancer; and loss of a parent.
It explores what the characters think they know and what actually happened; leaving a family and coming back to a family; and how to forgive.
This is not an easy book to read. It touches on so many things - parent/child relationships; sibling relationships; alcoholism; mental health; loss of a child; suicide; husband/wife relationships; cancer; and loss of a parent.
It explores what the characters think they know and what actually happened; leaving a family and coming back to a family; and how to forgive.
May 1, 2023
I. Love. This. Book! I found myself relating more to Sabrina than any fictional character I’ve read…maybe ever?? Colleen perfectly portrays the endless complexities, thoughts, overwhelm, obligations, sacrifices, and emotions of motherhood. Not to mention the themes of marriage, family drama and personal trauma that are encapsulated so incredibly well. At times I felt I could have been reading from my own journal. Bravo, Colleen! Can’t wait to read what this talented local author publishes next.
May 2, 2023
This one gave me all the feels... From sadness to joy, from tears to laughter. It's heavy, heartfelt and real. It made me feel seen as a mother, as a wife and as a human. There were so many little paragraphs and phrases that felt profound and powerful, so much so I want to go back and highlight them for reminders when I may need them. I felt like I could connect to each character and not only visualize the story, but truly feel it and embody all the emotions. It's traumatic and beautiful and powerful and a must read.
August 5, 2022
absolutely loved
I loved this book so much. I didn’t expect to get emotional reading it. I even stopped reading because I didn’t want it to end. I loved how much thought went into each character. I loved how realistic a lot of the storyline was. I can’t wait for the next book from the author. I’m not a mother or a wife but I still could find myself relating to the protagonist. This book has something for everyone.
I loved this book so much. I didn’t expect to get emotional reading it. I even stopped reading because I didn’t want it to end. I loved how much thought went into each character. I loved how realistic a lot of the storyline was. I can’t wait for the next book from the author. I’m not a mother or a wife but I still could find myself relating to the protagonist. This book has something for everyone.
August 11, 2022
LOVED this book - Colleen wrote a beautiful story and really made the characters come to life. Driving through coastal MA this weekend I thought to myself, I can see this being Seaside and I can see these characters on these streets. The book was never dull, always a new turn and I was caught between wanting to keep reading but also wanting to keep following along with Sabrina and where she ends up in her next chapter. Will be recommending this book to all - thank you Colleen!
July 29, 2023
I've had this on my TBR for ages and I think it's fitting that I chose to finally pick it up while on holiday with my family! It was truly excellent. The author weaves the mundane details of life with two small children into the emotional narration of a woman struggling to find selfhood amid all the questions of what it means to be a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister, while confronting grief and generational trauma. I cried throughout the whole last 25%. This book is beautiful and cathartic, please read it.
August 16, 2023
Colleen’s book was so beautifully written. It touched on so
many relatable topics and raw moments. The main characters anxiety issues in motherhood hit so close to
home. She also did an amazing job describing the relationship between the main character with her mother, father and sister. It was incredible how much this book made you really FEEL ! It drew out real emotions. Would recommend to all!
many relatable topics and raw moments. The main characters anxiety issues in motherhood hit so close to
home. She also did an amazing job describing the relationship between the main character with her mother, father and sister. It was incredible how much this book made you really FEEL ! It drew out real emotions. Would recommend to all!
September 30, 2024
This book is INCREDIBLE. It was heartfelt, emotional, messy, raw and honestly so moving. This is the kind of book that teaches you about grace, humility, life, love, pain and everything in between that comes with it. I also had the great pleasure of getting to meet Colleen and she was honestly everything that you want an incredible author to be, she's absolutely one of the kindest humans I've met.
December 5, 2024
I was not a fan of this one. Her husband was so sweet and she was acting like a child having an affair with her high school boyfriend. It was also so sad that her sister committed suicide after having a miscarriage. And don’t get me started on how horrible her mom was to her. I was glad she reconnected with her Dad but overall I did not like her as a main character. Her only redeeming quality was that she was a good mom.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2022
Looking to kick off the summer with the perfect book? Well here it is! This book is so incredibly relatable, it is so easy to get lost in Sabrina’s world and journey alongside her back to her hometown of Seaside. Have tissues handy, because author Colleen Temple knows exactly how to evoke emotion! I know I’ll be recommending this to everyone for their beach read this summer!
June 28, 2022
I was not sure what to expect from this first time author. The first couple of chapters I was still unsure and then the story grabbed me. The writing evolved and became more fluid. The characters developed and pulled me into their story. In the end I laughed and cried and really cheered for Sabrina. She, like all moms, deserves a life with, and apart, from their families. I can’t wait for what comes next from this author.
July 4, 2022
Picked this book up as I happen to know and follow this amazing author! Colleen, this was an awesome read and I could resonate with some of the many intersections this book touched on. Will look forward to reading more from you, and brag about knowing you back when we were young impressionable lost college volunteers! Keep writing girl!!!!!
July 12, 2022
I follow this author on IG and have been cheering her on. It did take me a few chapters to get sucked into this story, but then once I was I wanted to know all the details. Sabrina's plight as an overwhelmed mom will be very familiar to any unsupported mother in the U.S. I particularly liked the arc of forgiveness between she and her parents. I did cry on page 245. Perfect summer beach read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2022
I couldn’t put this book down! A must read for this summer! Colleen captured beautifully all of the amazing moments and difficult times of navigating motherhood while also struggling to hold onto who you were before. It’s also an honest story about loss, grief and forgiveness and how hard it is to go through all of this with your family who you love so much.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews