You would think Daisy would know that Toby, her boyfriend, is not a camper. Not at all. Daisy is, however, at loose ends after the death of her adoptive mother and thinking about other things. The birthday glamping trip is a disaster in some ways but she does meet Jake, a sort of tortured writer. Regular chick lit readers can guess how this is going to go but Ferguson adds in other things- such as Daisy's birth mom- that up the ante. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This is a quick read- well written and with some chuckles along the way.

I enjoyed this one but it wasn’t my favorite. Parts of it were really cute and engrossing and then a few parts just felt draggy and not needed. The romance was cute and sweet and the characters were fine their were just parts in between major sections that had me losing slight interest. Still a fun light romance read and I believe many people would enjoy it

The second book I’ve read from this author, and I was seriously hoping for better development, a less indecisive heroine and some solid reasons to like her ‘love interest’. The underlying plot that involved Daisy’s grief at the loss of her adoptive mother and her questions (and ultimate search) for her birth mother did have me engaged and curious to see where the story would go. But I patently disliked Toby and found him selfish, self-serving and rather flat. When he’s been such a pill and decides they need a ‘holiday’ away, and Daisy goes all out to arrange a retreat with glamping, no screen time, and plenty of together time he was just petulant. Of course – the two had been involved for a while – so why she didn’t know his likes and dislikes (including the outdoors) was a bit of a puzzle for me.

Then we add in Jake – a ‘blocked’ writer who’s encounter with Daisy didn’t go well, but he wants more. And, surprisingly enough this thirty-something heroine fancies herself in “love’ with him: making a miraculous recovery after discovering Toby’s infidelity and his inability to understand why she is upset to seeking out Jake. Oh, and did I mention that this is the village (or outskirts thereof) in which Daisy was born? Yeah – there’s plenty of drama to go round here.

What Ferguson did well was explore Daisy’s grief and her questions about her birth and all of the emotions being in ‘that place’ held for her. As well as recognizing just how much she missed the mother that raised her, she’s curious – as anyone would be, and perhaps even guilty and hopeful that a similar bond can be built. But, that was honestly the sum total of positive in this story for me. Perhaps there were too many elements that never quite felt plausible, or maybe it was that the author and editor didn’t dig into the story and lead with the strongest parts of the book. But the romances were flat and immature, Toby, Jake and Daisy were underdeveloped and immature, some pathetically so, with Daisy alternating between actual emotional moments and teenaged-tone dithering. I’ve read two from Ferguson and while the synopsis and settings always please, the actual book lets me down each time.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=”https://wp.me/p3OmRo-apS/” > <a> I am, Indeed </a>

" I was Given an Advanced copy of this from from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*

3/5

This book was fairly average. I felt as if nothing really stood out to be. The major plus was that it was a fast read, so when I did pick it up I got through it pretty quickly. I couldn't seem to connect all that much with the main character, and the plot was subpar in my opinion.

This is a super cute and fun read. Perfect for fans of Kinsella, Ahern and Mansell. I loved it. Read in just one sitting.

A sweet, quick summer read. Relatable characters & nice story. First book I’ve read by the author but won’t be the last. I’d recommend this to anyone perfect beach read.

This book gave me a Sophie Kinsella feel, and I loved it! A great beach read, this book makes you cry and laugh throughout it!

Thank you to Net Galley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A cute, quick read...chick-lit at its core, which I’m always a sucker for. I found it to be a bit predictable at times, and there were a few too many side characters to keep up with as well. Since I’ve finished reading, I’ve found out there are other stand-alone books that came before this one that provided more info on some of those characters, but I just didn’t feel they were essential to this story as only a couple of them played a key role in Daisy’s story.

In terms of structure, some of the transitions between chapters felt a little rough, almost as if the scene from the previous chapter didn’t fully wrap up, but then the next chapter would pick up a bit later with something entirely different going on.

I'm in two minds about this book: some parts of it moved to tears and some parts grated on my nerves.
I appreciated how the grief was described but I couldn't connect to Daisy or care about the love story.
It was not my cup of tea.
I thanks Avon Books and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

Daisy has always known she was adopted and when her mum dies she decides to try and find her birth mother. She knows where her family are originally from, so she sets off with boyfriend Toby in tow on a glamping holiday hoping to discover her roots. Unfortunately for Daisy, Toby is not a lover of the great outdoors and would rather work than spend time with her.

With the help of old friend Clemmy who owns the glamping site, Daisy sets off on a journey to discover where she came from and who she wants to be.

A lighthearted book with a good central character. The story also incorporates characters from previous books which made for an entertaining read.

I truly wanted to fall in love with this book. It sounded like the perfect spring/summer emotional read. I was slightly disappointed in the writing..it read more like a young adult novel than adult. Overall, it was a good book. I don't have many complaints. The characters were likable enough and the plot was interesting. I was just hoping for more depth.

Daisy wants to be a writer but she hasn’t the guts to take the next steps. Her boyfriend is less than encouraging as he is so absorbed in his own life. It takes a disastrous weekend away with him to open Daisy’s eyes to the truth.
A cute, albeit predictable modern day romance. .it was an easy read, however I did not find the subject matter to be particularly exciting.

Summer Under the Stars is such a lovely book about finding your way though things are messy or sad or just plain tired. Daisy is a hopeful novelist working a menial journalist job and dating Toby. Toby is not the best boyfriend but he comes with a lovely family that Daisy very much needs since her mother died.
Wanting to rekindle their romance, Daisy books a week long getaway to a glamping site owned by a friend of long ago. Toby is not the best of partners on the trip and on a day when he goes into work (which he cannot let go of), Daisy gets lost at night in the forest and meets Jake Steele, a bonafide novelist. They find moments in time to talk and grow to appreciate each other. Daisy is torn: Toby is her steady partner! Jake is something else to her because they have so much in common.
Add to the fray Daisy’s search for her birth mother in the town adjacent to the glamping site. It’s a chance to find her and learn the why’s of her adoption.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Intermingled in what seems like a straight-forward birthday trip for her boyfriend, is the story of Daisy.

Daisy is slight lost, determinedly good-hearted and certain she can work through the grief of her (adoptive) mother dying while continuing to move her uncertain relationship with her boyfriend to the next level. Instead, what Daisy finds on her trip is the key to finding to her birth mother, an uncertain ally and potential romance, clarity about her writing talents and that both old and new friendships are often the ways you best find yourself when you are lost and hurting..

The loose breezy writing style combined with intriguing supporting characters and a wonderful setting keeps the reader engaged in the story and rooting for Daisy to have her happy ending until the very end.

4.5/5

**I received a copy of this novel, from the publisher, in exchange for an honest review**

This is the first book I’ve read by Catherine Ferguson, but it certainly won’t be my last. Everything from the heartbreak daisy feels after the death of her mother, to the frustration her pain of a boyfriend causes, to the desperation of a clue relating to her past...you feel it all through the writing. You’re with Daisy all the way...it draws you in and stays with you after you finish it

The blurb and the cover of Summer under the Stars had a bit of Jill Mansell look and feel. As a fan of Jill Mansell I requested the arc. And yay, the story was indeed as funny and cute as a book of Jill Mansell. We meet Daisy, who is very sad, because her mother has just died. Ever since growing up, her mother and she have been a team. And now she is on her own. Well, not literally, because she also has her very reliable (and somewhat boring) boyfriend Toby. In order to take her mind of her mum, she decides to treat her boyfriend with a glamping holiday. What she didn't realize, was that Toby actually doesn't like to be outdoors and he uses every excuse to get back to work, during their days away. So, when Daisy is wandering into the woods on her own, she gets lost. Only to be rescued by the same obnoxious guy, she met earlier in the grocery store.
Jake is trying to get past his writer's block in the woods. But he gets distracted by his neighbor camper, the happy-go-lucky Daisy. Too bad, she doesn't want anything to do with him, because he could use some distraction. When Daisy and Jake realize they have more in common then they originally thought, they learn to appreciate each other. Not to be confused with love, of course. Because Daisy would never ever cheat on Toby, now would she? Find out for yourself. Four out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.

When we meet the main character of this book, she is frantic and distraught. She booked her mum's favorite musical on her birthday, but the play was cancelled due to illness. To make matters worse, her lovely mother had passed just eleven days before. To top everything off, her boyfriend is a complete arse, everyone knows, except Daisy.

When she finds a mysterious purse among her late mother's belongings with an addressed envelope, she is intrigued. This may be the only link to her birth mother, as Daisy was adopted as a baby. She decides to book a glamping trip for her and the douche bag boyfriend near the town of the addressed envelope.

There she meets Jake, a best selling writer who is dealing with loss himself. Sparks fly... etc. etc.

I did enjoy this book. I plowed through it, as I do any great novel.

Minor issues: I wish the book flowed a bit faster. I wish she had found out what an arse her boyfriend was much before she does. I wish she'd had more time with Jake, maybe a little more conflict. I wanted to see more of her and Jake together.

I loved all the peripheral characters. Daisy started off as a meek, sad woman, but you see her growing and getting stronger and moving on from her devastating loss. I liked her so much.

I have never read a book by Catherine Ferguson, but I am definitely going back in her catalog and will be adding her to my list of authors to look for!

4.5/5

**I received a copy of this novel, from the publisher, in exchange for an honest review**

This book was good. The main character, Daisy, is fun and hopeful. The plot — cute girl goes glamping and finds true love and her birth mom — is a fun twist on your typical chick lit/romance novel. I did have some issues with the pacing of the book, which I found too slow, and so many side characters I couldn’t keep track of them. It was a fun read but not a book that will stick with me in any way.

I as glad that Daisy found her voice and became the woman anyone including the Mum would be proud of. However, ditch Toby and shyly references. She looks weak that way.

This book is perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella! Summer Under the Stars is a great beach read with really likable characters. This was my first introduction to Catherine Ferguson but I will definitely read more of her work. This book brought tears to my eyes and also made me laugh in several scenes. It’s a story about love, friendship and family. Summer Under the Stars made me long to go glamping under the stars. Daisy was one of my favorite protagonists I have recently read. There was nothing not to like and the supporting characters were wonderful as well. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a light summer read.

Thanks to Net Galley and Avon Books for the advance copy!