This is the perfect summer read! I love books about sisters, and this novel shows the complex and changing dynamics between sisters Libby and Hannah as they navigate the potential closure of their jointly owned public relations business. While the topics discussed are weighty (mental health and body image issues), the book is a light-hearted and fun read with some added spicy romance! Throw it in your beach bag and enjoy!

Oh my goodness, I absolutely loved this book! I love that while romance was a heavy theme, it mainly focused on the sisters, Hannah and Libby. This book made me laugh, cry, and everything in between!

Sisters Hannah and Libby are best friends, joint owners of a marketing firm, roommates, and complete opposites. With their business on the brink of ruin, a potential new client encourages them to push themselves out of their comfort zones. For Hannah that means online dating and for Libby that means taking on a physical challenge. Hannah must push herself to meet new people while Libby has to make peace with her plus size body and more exercise. Can they save their business and find out more about themselves?

I liked this sister story that reminded me a little of In Her Shoes by Jennifer Weiner. Set in Chicago, I loved the setting and the idea of a working summer. I liked some of the supporting characters much less and wished they'd been different, but the core of this book is the sisters and how they could tip toe out of their comfort zones with the support of the other one.
This was the first book by this co-authoring duo but won't be my last.

Thank you to Netgalley and Cindy Burnett for the advance copy for review.

All the stars for The Comeback Summer, the second book by the writing duo Ali Brady! I enjoyed their debut last year, The Beach Trap, but I loved this book and can not recommend it enough. It'll make the perfect beach read, or read anytime of year.

Sisters, roommates and business owners Libby and Hannah are complete opposites and I loved each of their personalities. I also saw a lot of myself in both of them, Libby with how she felt about her body and exercising, but personality-wise, I felt like I was looking into a mirror when reading about Hannah. Having an analytical mind, being shy, and shrinking into the background hit too close to home for me at times.

While at first I thought the challenge that Lou proposed to the sisters was going to be a little cheesy, I liked how it pushed them both out of their comfort zones, made them do things they never before considered doing, allowed them to fully express to each other what they thought, and helped them see where they wanted their paths in life to go. When Josh first came back into Hannah's life, I thought he was a walking red flag and went against all of the progress she was supposed to be making on her summer journey. Over time, I did grow to like him and understood why he did what he thought was best years ago when they were in college. Adam though, was the stand out guy in the book for me. I loved his personality, his interactions with Libby throughout the book, how he showed up for her, and made her feel like she was worthy of love.

Allison Hammer, thank you so much for infusing Judaism into the books that you write with Bradeigh Godfrey! It is so nice to have Jewish characters in contemporary romance books and to feel seen with the things that they discuss.

I enjoyed this writing duo’s debut novel that came out last June. This sophomore book is perfection and I read it in 24 hours. You can tell the care the authors put into bringing the story to life - from the local references to places in Chicago, to the mental health and anxiety as part of everyday life to the main plot.

You will laugh, cry and cheer for Hannah and Libby as they push their boundaries, grow as characters and find love in this wonderful summertime read.

Themes of family business, sibling relationships and getting out of your comfort zone run strong. The journal entries throughout the book bring the reader into the challenge that both main characters are going through. There are fun side characters to add the right amount of humor and reality.

It’s my turn with The Comeback Summer’s traveling ARC! I adored @alibradybooks debut novel and their second book is just as outstanding!

Hannah and Libby are two sister who run their family’s PR firm. But times are tough and they are desperate for clients. They are shocked when Lou walks in- she’s a best selling self help guru who needs some PR help! Her schtick is that she helps people grow by “Crushing Your Comfort Zone.” And before she will hire the sisters, she wants them to prove they believe in her message.

Lou assigns Hannah to go on 12 dates in 12 weeks. She has trouble in social situations and presenting herself to people she doesn’t know. Libby is challenged with 12 weeks of preparing for mud run obstacle course aka her worst nightmare. But both sister agree they have to at least to win Lou’s business.

Things take a weird turn when Libby is swiping right for Hannah when she meets someone she’s interested in herself, but he thinks she’s Hannah! And the real Hannah isn’t interested anyway because her first love who broke her heart is back in town to win her back.

What to say about Adam?! He might be one of my favorite book boyfriends ever. He’s handsome, charming, a little dorky, he cooks, he loves his family! Libby and Adam have incredible banter- it’s 10 out of 10!! And even Josh grew on me! We are made to dislike him in the beginning and he has really matured in the few year they were broken up.

I don’t have a sister, but the relationship between the two girls seemed so realistic. They both know each other better than they know themselves and they want the best for each other. It was really fun to see their relationship grow as they both pushed themselves to their limits.

Thank you to @berkleypub and @alibradybooks for my turn with the traveling arc and @booked.and.loving.it for the incredible goodies that came with it. Swipe to see! The Comeback Summer is out May 9 and it is not to be missed!

5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Hannah and Libby are the darling and oh-so-real sisters at the heart of The Comeback Summer. Their sibling relationship feels authentic and loving, even though they are each dealing with significant personal and mental health challenges, so much so that I devoured the book in just a couple of days. The sister relationship initially drew me in, but what kept me going was the humor and grit with which Hannah and Libby faced their professional and romantic challenges. And the authors give each sister her due in terms of story arcs, character development and chapters so that they are both equally strong and essential to the story. If you didn't know there were 2 authors, you couldn't tell from reading it! I highly recommend this book for your summer reading pleasure or anytime you need a positivity boost!

The ComeBack Summer

Pick this book up for and indulgent yet smart summer read. You know those days when the kids are running wild, the sun is hot and you just want some downtime? This is the book!

Two sisters who are running their grandmas PR company aren't doing a great job at it as they continue to lose clients. Basically a "fairy godmother" client walks in that will change the trajectory of their business IF they join her challenge. The challenge where they each have to try something new and stretch in ways that feel uncomfortable.

The duo dynamic authorship of Ali Brady alternates writing chapters, each taking a sisters story to tell, yet you would never know. The writing is seamless.

The story has heart, love, work, hurt, angst, stretching, regret, earning, challenge and motivation within. It was an easy story to walk into and enjoy that readers will love reading on the beach, poolside, or even stuck in the house with the kids!

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the advance, complimentary e-copy of this book.

📚Advanced Book Review 📚
Title: The Comeback Summer
Author: Ali Brady
Release Date: 5/9/2023
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

I missed their debut novel last year but so glad I had the opportunity to read their second book. Wow, this book was fantastic!!! It was a lighthearted read that made my heart happy and wanting to stay up late so I could read one more chapter. The story was told from two sisters viewpoints and filled with themes of family drama, romantic relationships and second chances. I don’t have any sisters but I am a mom of three girls and sister stories hold a special place in my heart.

Two sisters have one summer to crush their comfort zones and save their grandmother’s legacy in this sweet, sexy, and heartfelt novel by Ali Brady, author of The Beach Trap. Hannah and Libby need a miracle. The PR agency they inherited from their grandmother is losing clients left and right, and the sisters are devastated at the thought of closing. The situation seems hopeless—until in walks Lou, an eccentric self-help guru who is looking for a new PR agency. Her business could solve all their problems—but there’s a catch…

This book exceeded my expectations. I loved all the characters and were rooting for all of them. This is the ultimate vacation read!

I received an electronic advanced reader (eARC) copy from @thoughtsfromapage Patreon Community. Thank you to Cindy Burnett, publisher Berkley and Netgalley. I appreciate the opportunity to preview this book.

Two sisters, Hannah and Libby, have inherited their grandmother's PR firm and are struggling to keep it afloat. A potential client encourages them to step outside of their "comfort zone" and complete a 12 week challenge over the summer. Each are stretched emotionally, physically, and relationally, and the journey is endearing. Although I enjoyed this book, some scenes were a bit too steamy for my taste.

Thank you to Cindy Burnett at Thoughts from a Page, NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for the advanced e-copy of this book. Publish date 5/9/23.

Author duo Ali Brady has a way with summer sister stories. As with their debut novel THE BEACH TRAP, THE COMEBACK SUMMER strikes the perfect balance of lighthearted flair and hearty depth.

The story follows sisters Hannah & Libby as they attempt to save their late grandmother’s floundering PR agency by completing an individualized summer challenge to push past their comfort zones.

Issues such as body image, mental health, and complicated sister dynamics were explored so well. Two love stories come into play with a few open-door steamy scenes that are easy to breeze by if that’s not your thing. The heart of the story is the character arc of the sisters individually and how their relationships with one another evolves.

Be sure to toss this sweet story about taking risks and finding your way in the world in your beach bag!

Read If You:
Love the feeling of crushing your goals
Enjoy doing something outside your comfort zone
Value a story that honors the bonds of sisterhood

RATING:4/5
PUB DATE: May 9, 2023

Many thanks to Berkley and NetGalley for an electronic ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Ali Brady writes the type of stories that you don't want to end! The Comeback Summer is a sweet story of two sisters trying to move outside of their comfort zone - hey, you might even find some parallels to your own life in this one! Loved it.

“In my experience, this is a journey we all have to go on in our lives, as we grow out of the roles we’ve always played and come into our own."

If you love Chicago Land and summer beach reads like I do, get ready to have this novel in your beach bag/tote bag/e-reader soon! Writing duo Alison Hammer and Bradeigh Godfrey knock their sophomore novel out of the park with this story of two sisters and their journey to get out of their comfort zones during a Midwest summer. Give me all the lovable (yet flawed) characters and sprinkle in some sexy scenes, and I am a happy camper.
If you loved last year’s Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan, be sure to add this to you TBR- out May 9th!

Thanks to NetGalley, Berkley Books and Thoughts From a Page Podcast advanced reader program for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

The Comeback Summer will definitely be one I recommend for readers looking for great book for their pool bag! This one had more depth than I anticipated. I was equally caught up in both stories from sisters Hannah and Libby. I like how it alternated between both characters throughout the book. Besides focusing on their love life, their work life also took a front seat (which made me more invested in their stories). Lou's challenge giving them journal prompts could be used by anyone looking to get out of their comfort zone - a journal with those prompts would make an excellent add-on to purchase with this book (or provide for book clubs). I look forward to the next book from Ali Brady (a writing partnership to rival Christina Lauren)!

The Comeback Summer features two sisters whose varying personalities compliment their work at the PR firm they’ve inherited. The Freedman sisters doubt their abilities, and soon begin to struggle to keep clients.

Enter Lou, a motivational speaker, seeking a new PR agency. To win her business, each sister must participate in the 12-week Crush Your Comfort Zone Challenge. The story follows their weekly tasks leading each down a path of self discovery. Libby learns to overcome her struggles with her full figure appearance and Hannah boosts her self confidence to be a leader.

Then there are the men who come along to complicate their challenges as neither sister was looking for love. Hannah’s is a second-chance with the one that got away. And, Libby finally meets someone who sees all of her.

This book is perfect for your beach/pool tote. Thank you Berkley Publishing for the complimentary copy.

The Comeback Summer will be a perfect book for your summer reading!

Hannah and Libby are two sisters who have inherited their beloved late grandmother’s PR agency. They struggle to maintain the momentum of the business after their grandmother’s passing, and have big decisions to make. Can they keep the agency afloat? Do they even want to keep the agency afloat? If they fail, will they be dishonouring their grandmother’s legacy?

I felt for these two sisters as they navigated a huge change in their lives. In addition to professional challenges and the fear of failure, this story focuses on sister relationships, a second chance romance, and the effects of secrets on relationships. A very enjoyable story.

Thank you to Berkley, Netgalley, and Cindy from Thoughts From a Page who arranged the advanced reader copy and author discussion. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Another fabulous one by this dynamic duo!I really enjoyed their debut The Beach Trap and was thrilled to get an early read of this new one coming out this summer! Ali Brady books are delightful reads that really draw you in with their engaging plot lines that are fun but also have important topics that are discussed. And always a couple of love stories. What’s not to enjoy? Loves this one and highly recommend!

This was a very enjoyable page turner. Two sisters, Hannah and Libby, need to save their grandmother's P.R. agency from going under and they are on their last chance. Along comes Lou, a very pushy and popular self-help expert who expects them each to try a twelve-week personalized challenge in order to gain her business. These challenges take the women out of their comfort zones and help them mature and find their paths in life. Along the way they also find romance and a better relationship with each other. This was a fun, entertaining read and I highly recommend it, especially if you're looking for a pleasant summer beach book that is more than fluff.

I was so lucky to be a part of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Arc for the release of @alibradybooks new summer release! It comes out in May, which is so soon!

The Comeback Summer follows 2 sisters as they try to save their dwindling PR company that they inherited from their grandmother. A potential client challenges them to get out of the comfort zones in 12 weeks with her program to try to earn her business. The synopsis is way more in depth and I highly encourage you check out Goodreads for my specifics.

❤️Review❤️

This is a chunky summer romance, but I’ll tell you it never felt long. Both sister’s were completely flushed out with their own unique problems, situations, and love stories in addition to their lives together as sisters. There was no room for confusion between them because they were both uniquely their own. I was nervous this would take me a while to read and I didn’t need to be. It read so easily and quickly. It’ll make the perfect beach read this summer! I’m so glad that I got to be a part of this ARC’s journey!

4 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

It’s already on it’s way to the next reader!!! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did @pagesandpuppers !!

Thank you so much @chill_jilland_read for letting me read it!

#Bookstagram #Books #BooksBooksBooks #ARC #BookReview #SummerBooks #BeachReads #RomanceBooks #NewBook #NewBookRelease #SummerBook #AliBrady #TheComeBackSummer

This book is a love letter to sisters. It follows Hannah and Libby over the course of a summer as they're forced to step out of their comfort zone to try and save their family business.

As someone who is best friends with my sister (and children of divorce, two years apart, and live together like the characters), I ate it up! We get dual perspectives from Hannah and Libby as they grow together and apart and find romance along the way.

Ali Brady perfectly captured the complex dynamic between sisters -- the ability to be both the biggest cheerleader and support system while also having the power to cut you the deepest. The love interests are also swoon-worthy with great banter.

I loved the themes of getting out of your comfort zone, finding your own path, and how they addressed body confidence.

It's entertaining and heartwarming and despite being 400+ pages I flew through it. Highly recommend picking this one up when it hits shelves May 9 -- it's a perfect beach read! I already have it pre-ordered!