Another 5 star read for me from this talented author duo! Filled with Jewish representation, this story about two sisters was relatable and I cared about both of them immensely and their relationships (both with one another and romantically).

This one releases May 9, so be sure to get your pre-orders in!

Thank you to Berkley Romance for an an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

I loved the author duos debut last year so I had high expectations for their follow up and let me tell you, they delivered! This is a quintessential summer read, a total delight and I loved every single page. This is truly a story about sisters and their close relationship but you also get two romance storylines, one for each sister too. You get a second chance romance, Jewish representation deep themes of family and what that can mean and look like and mental health issues. It’s definitely multifaceted and so are Libby and Hannah. I kind of wish I had saved this for summer vacation reading because it would’ve been ideal but definitely add it to your own summer TBR, it was so so good!

Sisters Libby and Hannah are best friends, roommates, and business partners. Unfortunately their business is struggling and they are losing clients faster than they can bring them in. That is until an encounter with a self-help guru offers them a chance to save it. She offers to work with the sisters on one condition - they complete her 12 week ‘Crush Your Comfort Zone’ challenge. Libby is forced to compete athletically and Hannah has to go on 12 first dates. Can they complete the challenge, save their grandmother’s business, and maybe learn something about themselves along the way?

I really liked The Beach Trap and I really LOVED The Comeback Summer. It’s funny and relatable. Although this book does explore romantic relationships the bigger focus is on the sisters’ relationship and their self growth. If you have ever spent a summer weekend in Chicago you will also love the nostalgia. Add this one to your summer TBR!

Thank you Berkley for The Comeback Summer by Ali Brady. You can smell the ocean, feel the sand under your toes, taste the salt rimmed margarita (or taste the chicago hot dog and smell lakeshore drive!) when you read this fun escapist summer beach read. Themes on sisters are always so great and I loved the focus on comeback/crush your comfort zone and how the main characters really took on this challenge but also used it to help each other, to generate closeness and support. The romance was a second chance theme that always resonates and there were nice notes of inclusion via a focus on Jewish identity, which I appreciated. There was a lot to enjoy in this light hearted summer romance and the self growth themes really made the book work for me.
Definitely a welcome to summer reading option and I would recommend tossing it in the beach bag to romance fans!

What a fun summer romance this novel was. This story follows two sisters as they embark on a twelve-week challenge to improve themselves and try to save the PR company they are running, seemingly into the ground, that their grandmother gifted to them. This is a lighthearted journey of self-discovery and acceptance. I loved the Jewish elements sprinkled throughout the story. There is a strong sense of place for Chicago in the summer, which was fun to read.

I will note that I wasn’t a huge fan of the Beach Trap, but I very much enjoyed this novel and am glad that I gave this writing team a second try. Just wanted to mention it in case there are any others out there like me. I liked this new one so much that I will be diving into each of the authors backlists - it will be interesting comparing their writing.

This is my second read from this writing duo and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The characters were realistically flawed and worked through their issues throughout this book which made it relatable. The “Crush Your Comfort Zone” prgram, though a fake construct, held some truth and thought provoking questions included as journal prompts and entries in the story.

I loved the honesty of the characters and really routed for each of them throughout the story. This is a great summer read.

Hannah and Libby are sisters who inherited their Gigi’s PR company after she passed away. Their business is failing though so they try to get Lou, a self-help guru looking for a new PR agency. For Lou to hire them, the must complete a 12-week Crush Your Comfort Zone challenge. Hannah has to go on 12 first dates and Libby must compete in an obstacle course race. The sisters decide to work together over the course of the summer to complete their tasks and save their grandmother’s company.

I absolutely loved the “Crush Your Comfort Zone” challenge and how, although both Libby and Hannah were skeptical about it, they both learned and grew from it. It was nice seeing the sisters work together and help each other in the areas they struggled in.

Ali Brady create such strong female characters, but make them realistic by giving them their own anxieties and issues. I loved Libby and could relate to a her in so many ways. As a plus size woman, I really like when author have plus size leads. I thought Adam was the perfect partner for Libby and enjoyed reading their text conversations on the dating app even if Libby was pretending to be Hannah.

I didn’t relate to Hannah as much, but I still loved her as a character. Her ex-boyfriend Josh was actually one of my favorites although he wasn’t liked by Libby. He was complicated yet genuine, and I thought the authors did a great job handling his ADHD.

This book had some great side characters like Great Scott, who brought so many funny moments to the story; Mr. Darcy, Libby’s temperamental cat and Hannah’s nemesis; and Lou, who motivated these woman and helped them grow.

Ali Brady write great summer reads and transport their readers to their setting. I thought Chicago was an interesting choice for a summer book, but it totally worked for this story. My one complaint is that I thought this book was a little long for a romcom, but overall, I really enjoyed this story.

If you’re looking for a fun and emotional beach read with strong female leads and lots of character development then look no further. The Comeback Summer is for you!

Thank you Ali Brady for including me on your Sisterhood of the Traveling ARC team and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Another beautiful book by the dynamic duo Ali Brady. In The Comeback Summer, sisters Hannah and Libby must take on a 12-step challenge to win over a new client and save the family business. But the victory isn't only in the feat. It's in the obstacles, lessons, and decisions they face along the way. Readers will fall in love with these memorable characters as they uncover necessary truths and "crush their comfort zones." A fun, sexy read that's perfect for the beach.

Are you looking for a book to throw in your beach bag? Look no further.

Short Synopsis:
Sisters Libby and Hannah own the family PR business. It’s struggling but the girls are presented with a client that will save the company. The catch? They have to go through a “Crush Your Comfort Zones” program before working with the client. For Libby she must train her body for an obstacle race. Hannah must go on twelve first dates.

My Thoughts:
This was such a fun read. I related to both sisters so much and love how much they love and support each other. I love the themes of anxiety and body positivity that were prevalent throughout the book. Also, both leading men were perfectly swoon worthy. 🔥

Read if You Like:
💪 Challenging Yourself
💪 Dual POVs with TWO romance storylines
💪 Fitness
💪 Bashing on guys with names that start with a J.
💪 Second Chance Romance
💪 Sister Love
💪 Jewish Rep

I started this book as I started my own fitness program and it was great motivation!

Thank you @thoughtsfromapage and @berkleypub for an ARC!

“We may not be able to see the path ahead, but like Gigi said, that just means we’re fitting our own. Creating our own legacy, step by step.”

I loved The Beach Trap last year so I was looking forward to the latest from Ali Brady and The Comeback Summer did not disappoint! I loved the focus on the sister relationship and their rich character development. Libby and Hannah each had their own struggles (mental health and body image) but those were just aspects of themselves, not the full focus, which I really appreciated. It made their characters even more true to life.

There are some steamy scenes in here, but they can be skipped over easily if that’s not your jam.

Through the Thoughts From a Page podcast Patreon membership I was able to be part of a zoom meeting with the authors and it made me love the book even more. I will continue to read everything these authors write together and individually.

Rating:
4.25 stars

Read if you like:
Chicago settings
Sister stories
Mental health and/or body image rep

This was one of my most anticipated reads of the summer and I am so excited to be getting an early look at The Comeback Summer. I am officially an Ally Brady STAN! I loved that this was set in my city and was actually accurate. They were talking about real place and real times and you can tell this came from someone who has spent time in the city. It was the perfect backdrop. I also loved how this was a substantial romance. It wasn't just about finding the love of your life, but about growing as people and meeting (or re-meeting) your person along the way. I saw qualities of myself in each and every main character and it was so heartwarming. It really made me realize how stuck in my comfort zone I am in as well.

We've got a second chance romance between high school sweethearts with Hannah and Jake. I loved Jake! He is such a cinnamon roll hero. I loved his struggles with ADHD and how Hannah complimented him so well! With Libby and Adam we have a bit of a miscommunication trope which I usually HATE but for once this one felt natural and served a purpose. This is a miscommunication I can see happening in real life. I loved that Adam ran a jewish deli. I need to know what place inspired this so I can go there ASAP. The family connection and jewish heritage of it all made me so happy. These sisters clearly put each other over everything else and it was just so sweet, but a little codependent.

Thanks to the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review. This book releases 5/9

Two sisters named Libby and Hannah are struggling to live out their Grandmother's legacy PR business. However, they need more clients to keep the business going. After several attempts to find more, a self help guru named Lou who is looking for a PR business offers them a deal. If they complete her Crush Your Comfort Zone challenge she will become their client. The sisters take the challenge and as they do so, realize how their lives have interconnected in both positive and negative ways. When Josh who was previously in a relationship with Hannah shows up again Hannah has to make some decisions. Libby who is the older sister has some realizations about her relationship with her sister as well. I enjoyed this story's unique premise. I also enjoyed the inside viewpoint of each sisters thoughts. At times I felt like I knew where the story was heading so it lagged a bit for me, but I still enjoyed reading this book.
Texting, emails and letter writing also added interest to this story.
All in all it was a sibling story about learning to figure out what their strengths were and learning to go outside of their comfort zones to achieve and go after what they want in life.

This book has my whole heart! I really enjoyed Ali Brady’s debut The Beach Trap last year, but their newest book is a slam dunk!

The perfect mix of women’s fiction and romance, Libby and Hannah absolutely stole my heart and I fell in love with their sister dynamic! I think anyone who has a sister will really resonate with this book. My sister is my best friend and I saw a lot of our relationship in the relationship between the sisters in the book! The authors also did an incredible job tackling difficult topics like body image, social anxieties and imposter syndrome.

The character growth in this one will definitely stick with me for a long time and the Ali Brady author duo has definitely emerged as an auto-buy author for me!

4.5 stars!! I loved this one and the sweet journey of two sisters finding themselves as individual people. Hannah and Libby both went through so much and each story was relatable in some way. Adored every minute!

Hannah and Libby are close sisters who have inherited a PR agency from their grandmother. The Agency is in dire straights so the sisters try a hail mary and agree to interview for a semi-famous professional Lou. Lou is famous for her “Crush Your Comfort Zone” program and insists that the women participate before she decides whether she will hire them as her PR firm.

Both have to put themselves out there - Hannah with dating and Libby for fitness. It's a pretty cute book
and would make a nice movie! If you like a lite romantic comedy for the Spring, The Comeback Summer is for you!
#berkley #THeComebackSummer #AliBrady

I absolutely adored this book.

I've always wanted a sister, and Hannah and Libby are why. The bond they share and the love they feel for each other was palpable through the pages. This story was full of emotions while going through Hannah and Libby's journeys with them. Some parts were their independent journeys, having to figure out what they want for themselves before they can be there for others. And then the parts where they connected with those around them - in their personal, love, and professional lives. I was here for all of it.

This is a book that makes you think and feel, but in the best way. As the sisters are learning about themselves and going through their "comfort zone" journey, there were times that this got me thinking about my own comfort zones. I found myself connecting with both sisters at times - they are so different and each had parts that resonated with me. I'm sure everyone can find a piece of Hannah and Libby within themselves. There were also some little pearls for the book lovers, which did not go unnoticed ☺️

I can honestly say this on will stick with me for a while and I really enjoyed it. Definitely a highly recommended summer TBR additio!n

Thank you to Berkley Pub and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review, I greatly appreciate it!

I really loved this book - even more than The Beach Trap, which is saying something because I loved that one too. This book though...it had my chuckling then tearing up, laughing out loud, than full-on sobbing. I love sister stories, and Hannah and Libby were so well fleshed out as complete opposites with one main thing in common: their absolute love, admiration, and loyalty to each other. And both romances were equally compelling. I was touch and go for a while with Josh (who won me over in the end) but I loved Adam from the jump. Great Jewish, anxiety, and ADHD rep! I will absolutely be recommending this book all over the place this summer! Also a shout-out to the creator of the author duo's covers. They are so bright and inviting. Perfect for the beach! I look forward to Camp People next year!

The Comeback Summer
Ali Brady
5⭐️

First and foremost, a huge thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the gifted e-ARC in exchange for my honest review. I literally squealed in excitement when I opened the approved email.

Blurb: Hanna and Libby are sisters and best friends, but they couldn’t be more opposite. They’ve taken over the PR agency after their grandmother passed away and it’s struggling to stay afloat. Things are looking dire. Enter Lou, an eccentric self-help guru who is looking for a new PR agency. This could be the answer to their problems but… there’s a catch. The sisters must must complete a twelve-week challenge as part of her “Crush Your Comfort Zone” program in order to gain her business.

My Thoughts: This is the perfect summer read with ALL the feels! I honestly loved everything about it. The characters were all so fantastic and developed to perfection. I adored the sister relationship. It felt completely authentic and I feel like so many readers will be able to relate to Hanna and/or Libby.

The challenges were throughly entertaining and I loved the strong emphasis of stepping outside of your comfort zone. The journal entries were some of my favorite parts and they had me thinking about my own answers, and wanting to journal again.

And the love! We can’t forget about the two sweet love stories. Adam and Josh were both such lovable characters and I just couldn’t help but root for everyone to get their HEA’s. My swoony heart was literally so happy while reading and I didn’t want to put it down.

What I loved;
🏖️ Sister Dynamic
🏖️ Second Chance Romance
🏖️ Jewish & Mental Health Rep
🏖️ Body Positivity
🏖️ LOL Banter
🏖️ Dual POV
🏖️ Great Scott
🏖️ Chicago Setting

The Comeback Summer publishes on 5/9. If it’s not already on your radar I hightly recommend you put it there now!

This is my second book by the Ali Brady duo and I loved it even more than the first. It is basically the story of sisters. I love Hannah and Libby's relationship. Since their parents' divorce and their grandma GIGi's death - they have only had each other. The inherited Gigi's PR firm and are now running in the red. When Lou - a sort of fixer - comes in to help them turn things around - they must complete assignments for her. Libby must start an exericise challenge and Hannah has to go on 12 dates in 12 weeks. They also need to journal. They stories of both Libby and Hannah are told in alternating chapters that combine seamlessly - unlike many books I have read lately. The back stories and reasons for their problems make sense and are fully developed. As I said - I loved this book. There were many characters, storylines, and twists- and it all fit together perfectly. Keep writing fabulous books, Ali Brady!!

Two sisters, Hannah and Libby, are trying desperately to save the PR agency that was started by their Grandmother who raised them. They will try almost anything to save the agency, even working with a self help guru who will make one of them come out of her comfort zone.

What I loved:
- I loved the relationship between these two sisters. I thought it was relatable and true to life in a lot of ways.
- I enjoyed the love story parts of this and the way the relationships developed and came together, even with the ways they were part of the past.
- I enjoyed Hannah's experiences and how she changed along the way.
- I thought the plot was interesting. I enjoyed how the sisters changed and grew and I appreciate that the sisters' relationship was a bigger part of this that the romantic relationships.

What I didn't love:
- It was longer than it needed to me in my opinion.