Summer Loving

by Allie Spencer

Beth, Ginny, Kirsten, and Anna are all set for a holiday of sun, sea, and frolics. The four have been friends since college and now, as Ginny is about to get married to Tony—Beth's first love from university—it's time to catch up, reminisce, and maybe indulge in a holiday romance or two. But the bars, clubs, and beaches of their imaginings are a far cry from the slow, quiet pace of life on Liminaki, and with nothing better to do, the girls find themselves spending far too much time in each other's company. As the tension rises, old rivalries are reignited and the truth about their lives begins to surface. Ginny really isn't sure about Tony. Tony thinks he still loves Beth. Beth is falling in love with Greg. Kirsten refuses to tell Jack about her visa problems, and Anna is finally convinced she has found true love. Can it all be sorted out in two short weeks?

Genres: Chick Lit, Romance, Fiction

408 pages, Paperback

First published April 29, 2011

About the author

Allie Spencer is an author with many strings to her bow. Before becoming a full-time writer, Allie Spencer gained a B.A. in English Literature and an M.A. in Medieval Studies, then qualified as a barrister, practising in family and matrimonial law. Her debut novel, TUG OF LOVE won the 2009 RNA New Writers’ Award.

Reviews

[Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

LA MIGLIORE DELLE VACANZE

Ogni volta che leggo un libro incentrato su una vacanza o un viaggio, non posso fare a meno di ricordare "Un'estate d'amore". Al di là della meravigliosa atmosfera dell'isola greca, esso mi è rimasto impresso perché non è il solito romanzetto rosa, pur possedendone alcuni clichés.
I personaggi hanno infatti uno spessore notevole e delle storie alle spalle che hanno causato loro tanta sofferenza, la quale si riesce quasi a percepire. I momenti "seri", tuttavia, sono ben bilanciati da quelli in cui le nostre protagoniste hanno l'occasione per sfoderare tutta la loro simpatia ed ironia. Beth, Anna, Kirsten e Ginny mi sono piaciute da morire proprio per la loro spontaneità e semplicità: il loro ritratto potrebbe essere quello di ognuna di noi! Ho invidiato la loro amicizia, un legame consolidatosi e rafforzatosi nel corso degli anni, ma non per questo esente da un destino che vorrà metterlo alla prova.
Infine, la trama non è affatto banale e, come promette il titolo, il batticuore è assicurato! (Ma qui non vi anticipo nulla...)

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

There comes a point in a girl’s life when she just needs to hang out with her girlfriends – preferably in Greece – so they can laugh, reminisce and perhaps indulge in a holiday romance or two. Beth has reached that point, and being a woman who likes to organise things, she arranges the holiday of her dreams for her and her three best friends. However, the bars, clubs and wild nights of their imaginings are a far cry from the slow, quiet pace of life on Liminaki. But if they thought that meant they were in for a peaceful time, they soon discover their mistake. For a start, Ginny drives everyone mad talking about her bleeping wedding. Anna falls hook, line and sinker for the waiter. Beth succumbs to the charms of a handsome sailor. And something is definitely Up with Kirsten. And then Beth’s boyfriend turns up at a Very Bad Moment… surely things can’t get any more complicated?

I’m a big fan of Allie Spencer, I thoroughly enjoyed her two Little Black Dress novels Tug of Love and The Not-So-Secret Diary of a City Girl so it’s fair to say that I was incredibly happy when I saw Allie had scored herself a new deal with Arrow, an imprint of Random House, and that her novel Summer Loving would be released in 2011. Once I knew a copy was on its way to me, I was ecstatic and I was very eager to read it. It took a while to arrive – pesky postal system – but once it did I started it immediately. It took me a mere two days to finish, and for the most part I thoroughly enjoyed the novel.

I love, love, love, love, love novels set in holiday destinations. Greece, Spain, Italy, I swallow them whole because I’ve only ever holidayed in Alicante in Spain, Tenerife in the Canary Islands and Florida in the USA. Summer Holiday is set in Liminaki in Greece, I’ve never heard of the island, but I like the idea of visiting Greece so the setting of the novel made me love the novel immediately. Spencer presents Liminaki is such a wonderful way, sure it doesn’t have bars or a huge nightlife presence, but the slow pace of life and quiet of the island sounds wonderful. I’ve got no idea if it is an actual Greek island but if it is (and even if it isn’t) Spencer has very much presented Greece in a very beautiful light. Usually book destinations are a secondary thing when I’m reading novels but I was really impressed by how detailed Liminaki was and it was definitely a massive part of the novel.

Obviously the beautiful setting isn’t all that the book is about and we follow four best friends throughout their two week holiday: Beth, Kirsten, Anna and Ginny. They’re friends, have been for ages, but because they’re dotted about all over the World they rarely have a chance to meet up so take the opportunity to holiday in Liminaki and re-establish their friendships with each other. I liked the plot of the novel and for the most part I thought it was presented very well but there were a few things I had an issue with. All of the girls have their own problems, but rather than sharing them the way regular friends would (if I had a problem, I would certainly discuss it with a friend), instead all four try to tackle their problems in secret. For me that was a bit false. Because surely you just don’t do that? I couldn’t understand Kirsten’s hesitance to tell her best friend her troubles. I also thought the Ginny/Beth tension was horribly obvious. I knew precisely what had gone on there and it was very much as cliched as I expected it to be, sadly. But for the most part I was happy with how the plot went, how it panned out.

Aside from a few minor niggles I found the characters to be delightful. Beth’s irrational anger over the fact the guy she meets, Dan, used to work at the bank that killed her business aside, I liked Beth. She was very real, very likeable and as our leading lady it was probably a good thing I liked her so much. Anna was probably my second favourite character, I loved her sweet nature and the slow-burn romance she had with Nick, I would have loved if we could have seen their relationship develop through their eyes rather than Beth who narrates the story. Kirsten was a well-rounded character, although, again I question her need for secrecy. I never really found any love for Ginny; for the entire novel she was just a pain in the proverbial. I couldn’t understand why three lovely people like Beth, Kirsten and Anna would be friends with someone like Ginny. As for the male characters, I fell head over heels for both Dan and Nick. I think Nick probably edges it for me, though! He was just so wonderful and dreamy (believe me, I am the type of person who doesn’t use the word ‘dreamy’).

I must say, I didn’t think Summer Loving was as well written as the other two novels Allie has had published. For starters (and yes, pernickety Leah is alive and kicking right now) there is an absolute deluge of colons in the novel. There are colons where there should be commas or full stops and it took all of my wills not to get a marker pen and smudge them out. Truly, if someone who edited this novel looked through it now and counted up the colons they would cry into their manuscripts. I know I’m picky, and I’m going to resist to point out the editing errors I noticed, for fear of you all hating me (I can’t help it! Honest!). Despite my pernickety-ness I did thoroughly enjoy the book. I really and truly hope that Allie is busy writing a new novel that will be out next year, because she is so good at writing an easy holiday read that manages to have it all. Romance, relationships, friendships and, best of all, a sunny destination! I’d definitely suggest packing this one in your suitcase this summer or sitting in the back garden with it on a sunny afternoon, it will transport you all the way to Liminaki and you’ll feel as though you’ve had a holiday yourself once you’ve finished!

[Natalie · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is about the drama that ensues when a group of four twenty-somethings head to a remote Greek island for a summer holiday. Beth, the main character, is in a relationship rut, hates her job, and is still hung up on her ex (who, incidentally, her best friend is marrying). You can imagine that there should be lots of twists, turns and comedic moments in a novel like this.

...Except there isn't. It's predictable, flat and (I hate to say it) boring. I wouldn't recommend it to anybody. There are multiple typos and mistakes throughout which makes me think that it wasn't proofread properly. None of the characters have any development whatsoever. Everything suddenly gets wrapped up in the last chapter. The "funny" parts seem really forced. It's all rather unrealistic and I could not wait for it to be over.

1 star.

[Elena Velarde · Rating 1 out of 5]

Leído entre junio y julio de 2013. Era tan sumamente aburrido que estaba deseando terminarlo. Cuatro amigas inglesas de 29 años que se apenas se ven durante el año, se van un par de semanas de vacaciones a una isla griega durante las cuales deberán plantearse si aún vale la pena mantener la amistad que las une desde su primer año de universidad o el paso del tiempo y los cambios que se han producido en sus respectivas vidas han acabado con ella.

[Chelsee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summer loving is based on 4 women who take a trip to Greece and are all going through their own typical life struggles,relatable to modern day women! It was a fun and easy to follow read considering there are 4+ characters. Definitely a good holiday/garden read, I finished it within the week so could leave for my Mum and she’s already a quarter way through. Would not say no to another Allie Spencer book.

[Jade Frank · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave 4* as this made for a good summer read. I feel the way it is written does make you root for the happiness of the characters but it is a little soap-opera style in all honestly and there were times I could feel myself rolling my eyes at situations the characters found themselves in.

[Elisa Vangelisti · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ho proprio sbagliato romanzo. La storia di quattro amiche sfigate che vanno in vacanza nell’isola sbagliata della Grecia non mi attira per niente.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picked this up while on holiday in Greece and thoroughly enjoyed it. This is a great story of four friends and is a great beach read.

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love a good, cheesy romance book sometimes but this one wasn't it. I had the ebook and it was hard to overlook all the grammatical errors in it.

[Nithya · Rating 3 out of 5]

meandering storyline with all troupes included in plot. too long and boring

[Fredrikke Sandvik-Ertzeid · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bought this from a second hand store in Australia which immediately makes it iconic and interesting. Is the book good though… that’s a whole different thing

[Rea Cobb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by Allie Spencer and what a great start it was for me. The story is set in Liminaki in Greece, which is a quiet village not quite what the ladies were expecting and although it was a shock to the ladies as this was not the holiday they were planning they gradually started to fall in love with the island and so did I and this is thanks for Allie’s creative writing which described the idyllic scene of a perfect holiday destination. The way in which she describes Liminaki makes you feel as if you are there with the girls and makes you feel as if you really get to know the island. It was a similar style of writing to Belinda Jones. This gorgeous setting made a great base for a beautiful book.

Our main character in this book is Beth who I found to be a very likeable character and it didn’t take long to warm to her. Although I did love Beth my favourite female character in this book was Anna and I really wish we got to read more about her as she seemed like such a warm gentle and genuine character who never sees the bad in anyone. My one down point to this book is the character Ginny. I didn’t like her from the moment she arrived in the book and I didn’t enjoy any part of her in the book I don’t think her presence was really needed in this little gem of a book. Allie got the male characters of this book spot on having both a true English gentle man and a gorgeous Greek piece of eye candy to keep us ladies entertained. I enjoyed both of their characters but I have to say that Bick the Greek guy had the slight edge for me as I always find Greek and Italian men a bit mysterious and charming!

I found with this book rather than there being one main story line there were many different things going on as each of the girls seem to have their own problems going on which all come to light in the book. I did find that the book was predictable but this didn’t ruin the book for me I still flowed along with the story.
This is defiantly one to take on holiday with you as it really gets you in the holiday mood. You do get lost in the story which was a bit of a shock for me when I finished the book then looked out the window to see the rain and realised I am not in sunny Greece!! I would defiantly recommend this book and I eagerly await the next novel which I hope Allie has already made a start on!
Review also on my blog http://reabookreview.blogspot.com

[Melliane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mon avis en Français

My English review

Ce roman narre l’histoire de quatre jeunes femmes qui partent en vacances sur une île qui est loin de ce qu’elles pensaient. Mais pourtant, chacune se révèlera là-bas et nous pourrons ainsi en apprendre sur chacune d’entre elles. En effet, bien qu’au premier abord elles semblent heureuses, chacune traverse une passe assez difficile. Nous suivons notamment Beth, une jeune femme qui n’arrive pas à trouver l’amour et qui espère pouvoir avoir une histoire digne des contes de fées.

D’un espoir de vacances paradisiaques, d’un moment entre filles et de retrouvailles hors du commun, nos jeunes héroïnes seront loin d’avoir ce qu’elles voulaient au départ. Entre Ginny et son mariage, Kirsten et sa constante tristesse ou encore Beth et sa recherche du véritable amour. J’étais curieuse de voir ce qui allait se passer pour chacune et j’avoue aussi que j’ai eu de mal à apprécier Ginny. On comprend vite qu’elle compense un manque mais cela ne la rend pas plus sympathique… J’ai d’ailleurs eu du mal à comprendre comment chacune la supportait surtout après ce qu’elle leur faisait subir. J’étais aussi vraiment curieuse de comprendre ce qu’il se passait pour Kirsten. Elle est toujours renfermée sur elle-même, ne voulant pas partager ses malheurs et c’est vrai que j’ai été assez surprise quand j’ai appris la vérité comme je ne m’attendais pas à cette révélation. Après, il est vrai que j’ai vraiment apprécié Beth même si elle a du mal à comprendre ce qu’elle veut vraiment.

C’était une mignonne histoire sans prise de tête. Ce n’est pas extraordinaire non plus, et c’est vrai que j’ai parfois eu l’impression que l’auteure commençait de nombreux points assez intéressants sans vraiment aller jusqu’au bout ou alors trop rapidement. C’est dommage parce que j’avais bien envie de comprendre un peu plus tout ce qu’il se passait et je reste un peu sur ma faim. Mais c’est cependant une bonne pause entre deux lectures et on ne peut que souhaiter beaucoup de belles choses à nos héroïnes. C’est donc une assez bonne histoire si vous voulez une lecture pendant les vacances qui se lise assez vite.

[Claire Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

A friend both me this book as she knows I love to read!!!!!! So I must confess this is the first book I have read from this author. I'm so glad I did as it was a ball from start to finish with Abba playing in my head while reading Mama Mia all over again.

The book is set around four friends heading on a girls holiday of sun, Sea and partying !!!!
So when they arrive they holiday takes a different turn of events.

So me meet Beth, Kirstein, Anna and Ginny, they all land on the Greek island of Liminaki hoping to all have fun and forget all they troubles for a few weeks .

Beth is running away from a business she lost and job that leaves her no time for a life, but maanges to have a boyfriend Jack who she loves but is not the love of her life like Nick was who Ginny took from her many years ago so this holiday is all about getting her head back on straight , but when she is involved in near fatal accident in the sea by the evil hatch man which seems to keep bumping into on the island but doesn't realise she has fallen for him at first sight but keeps any emotions close to her heart.

Kirsten who is the best friends with Beth more than Anna and Ginny and puts act on through out they stay so she doesn't have to deal with being fired and living in the states with the love of her life Nate if they no job she will be sent home !!!!!!!!

Ginny should be happy as she is the only one with a ring on her finger has she keeps reminding the group through out the holiday but is she really happy as she seems and how long can she keep this high maintance party girl act up for ......

Now we come to Anna who is not hiding anything from anyone but has a crush on the waiter Nick, who family own the local tavern they all eat all through out the holiday will she make her move or not ??????

Through out this book they are loveable characters and great story but also tells that you should share your troubles with your friends and not hidden away.

Also will all four girls leave or stay with they love of they lives .

This book had me in giggles , angry and tears it was pure fun and can't wait to read more from this author .

[Ingrid Fasquelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Beth Armstrong a tout prévu pour ses vacances. Elle part accompagnée de trois de ses amies sur une île grecque paradisiaque, histoire de se retrouver et de resserrer des liens qui se sont distendus avec le temps. Organisées dans les moindres détails, les vacances s'annoncent pour le mieux jusqu'à ce que l'agence de voyage contacte Beth pour lui annoncer que le complexe hôtelier où elle avait prévu de descendre vient de déposer le bilan ! En échange, Beth et ses amies se voient proposer un séjour à Liminaki, dans une villa de luxe que toutes les stars s'arrachent. Mais une fois sur place, la villa ne tient pas vraiment ses promesses et on comprend vite que les vacances vont prendre une tout autre tournure...

Allie Spencer signe une comédie romantique sympathique et divertissante. Ses personnages enchaînent les déboires pour le plus grand plaisir du lecteur mais son histoire reste malheureusement très superficielle et prévisible. Il y a bien quelques situations cocasses qui font sourire ainsi que quelques tentatives pour surprendre le lecteur mais l'amateur de chick-lit ne sera pas franchement ébloui par les mésaventures de Beth et de ses amies !

Malgré une plume fluide et légère, Summer Loving n'est pas le roman estival impérissable et désopilant auquel on s'attendait en lisant la quatrième de couverture. Allie Spencer tire tout juste son épingle du jeu. On est loin du niveau d'une Sophie Kinsella ou d'une Isabel Wolff ! Les idées fusent mais l'auteure s'empêtre dans une intrigue maladroite et désordonnée. Bref, c'est brouillon et ça manque parfois sérieusement de crédibilité !

Toutefois, pourvu que l'on n'en attende rien d'exceptionnel, Summer Loving reste un titre idéal à glisser dans son sac de plage. C'est divertissant, une histoire mignonne, à lire entre deux titres plus consistants !

[Erica · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was because it was on sale for my Nook, and it promised to be free and easy reading. I had enough of books being so serious so...fine, I gave it a try. All in all, the book was eh at best.

The story is not a terribly unique one. Dysfunctional group of friends goes to a villa to reconnect and it's all "zany" because the villa is run-down and the town is tiny. The characters are pretty one dimensional- and the only thing surprises they have in store is just how low of low-blows they will throw at their "best friends". Conflicts are not fully fleshed out, left to be "mysterious" and in reality are kind of annoying. The women are immature, vapid, and rapid character development happens in the space of a conversation. The final storm scene was borderline absurd, although at least you saw just how far the main character, "beth" was willing to crucify herself for no reason.

With all its flaws, I did finish the book, and I won't do that if it's really terrible. Its a light read, nothing that will weigh you down or really make you think. It could be worst, but when that's all you can say about a book...it ain't much. The romances are sweet, if a little predictable and the ending did make me happy. Most days, that's all I can ask for.

[Sarah-Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful book! Allie Spencer has done it again, creating compelling characters and an absorbing world, this time on a luscious Greek island. While bursting with laugh-out-loud lines and situations, the story is also full of depth and even some poignancy as the four friends on holiday use the time to better get to know each other and, more importantly, themselves. And, oh yes, there is romance! Beth, the heroine, is a highly recognizable, charming, engaging character with whom anyone would want to be friends. All the characters, even the most minor, pop as fully fledged people with whom it's wonderful to spend time. This is of course a great book to take on your own summer holiday, but it's perfect for diving into any time of year and adding a dash of summer to your day!

[Shelby (readbytwilight) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Don't get me wrong, it was an ejoyable easy-reading book. But it is possibly the most cheesy book I have ever read. There is a lot of things that made me think 'yeaah right you just wouldn't do that in real life', and also there is a poor grasp on time. I mean one minute they are over there doing that and then oh wait no actually they're over here doing this, without any explanation or sign that the events have changed and moved on.
However, I can't fault that it would be an ideal and easy read to carry in your beach bag!

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book, i really enjoyed it and couldn't put it down. This is the first Allie Spencer book i've read and it will not be the last.

The book is about four friends who go on a holiday to Greece for two weeks. They stay in a villa owned by the owners of the local resturant. Its a family run business and the four friends all become involeved with the family.

All in all it was a great book and am very much looking forward to her next book

[Kezza22 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book and got totally caught up in the story and the characters... For me Beth was the character I liked although all the girls apart from ginny were likeable... Ginny just seemed the outcast and I couldn't understand why the other girls would be friends with someone so unlikable!

Dan was my favourite male character and I really enjoyed the ending of this book! It's a great book for reading on your summer holidays!

[Sariah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Summer Loving est une petite romance sympathique, sans grande prétention, qui convient pour une après-midi à la plage. On se laisse emporter par la simplicité de l’histoire et la fluidité de la plume d’Allie Spencer. Nous découvrons quatre héroïnes très différentes les unes des autres et apprenons à les connaître. Chacune a ses secrets qui seront ...
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[Kasia Schiller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Started reading this book in one purpose: to understand women coz recently I have problems with it... We'll see if the mission will be accomplished :D

[Jo · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just OK!

[Chantel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good holiday read.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun book! I found it a bit predictable but I still really really like it! Now I want to travel to Greece :)

[Cléo · Rating 1 out of 5]

Une histoire qui manque de relief, et d'intérêt.

[Federica Violet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bello ♥ Nel complesso mi è piaciuto molto, romantico e divertente al punto giusto e anche se la protagonista era un po irritante ho adorato altri personaggi, come Anna, Dan e Nick!

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book a slow starter but once it got going I got into it. Not bad.

[Kerri · Rating 2 out of 5]

About 2-2.5 stars. A somewhat silly story that is a bit far-fetched at times.

[Stephanie Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really sweet and summery read!