I really enjoyed the storytelling by the author. This book reminds me of my paternal grandmother - who adored all of the grandchildren (we’re a big Italian family) and the little things she left for each us. Thank you for this heartwarming book!

Almost magical. Read this novel by the pool and be swept away. It’s almost dream like. I loved the characters, the setting, the engrossing writing. Magnificent.

"A Darling Lovebug Summer" by Tanya Rumford is a heartwarming and suspenseful tale that unfolds as a funeral brings the four Baker cousins together, setting off an unexpected adventure of discovery. With a poignant mix of family bonds, mystery, and self-reflection, this beach read delivers a punch, earning it a solid four-star rating.

The story kicks off with the death of Gram, reuniting the once inseparable Baker cousins after two years. Each cousin, with their distinct struggles and personalities, comes to pay respects and hopes to swiftly return to their individual lives. However, Gram's will introduces a twist—the bizarre items left to them are clues to a deep-rooted family secret. The cousins, Emeline, Wyatt, Geoff, and Belinda, find themselves drawn into a road trip to Daytona Beach, where the layers of their grandmother's complicated past unravel, one clue at a time.

Rumford excels in crafting well-rounded characters, and the dynamics between the cousins are both relatable and engaging. Emeline's struggles as a mom, Wyatt's withdrawal, Geoff's hotheaded nature, and Belinda's globetrotting adventures create a diverse and compelling group. The exploration of their individual challenges and growth throughout the journey adds depth to the narrative.

The pacing of the story is well-executed, keeping the reader hooked with each clue that unveils a layer of family history. The novel skillfully balances the suspenseful unraveling of secrets with heartwarming moments of connection and reflection. The beach setting adds to the overall atmosphere, making it an ideal summer read.

The central theme of love, friendship, and the decisions made to protect family members resonates throughout the narrative. As the cousins navigate the revelations of their grandmother's past, they must confront their own secrets and reconcile with the legacy left behind.

In conclusion, "A Darling Lovebug Summer" is a four-star gem that combines heartwarming moments with suspenseful family drama. Tanya Rumford weaves a captivating tale of love, friendship, and the complexities of family bonds. With a well-crafted plot and relatable characters, this novel offers readers an emotionally resonant summer adventure that lingers in the heart.

A little slow to start the book, but really enjoyed the second half of the book.
Heart-warming story of estranged and turbulent sibling relationships. A really enjoyable summer read, with some mystery and tension along the way!

If you have a close family dynamic or grew up surrounding by your cousins, this book will most likely make you nostalgic for family gatherings or childhood in general. A heartwarming read that will leave you smiling. This would be perfect for the beach or an afternoon on vacation.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy of A Darling Lovebug Summer by Tanya Rumford in exchange for my honest review and opinion. I absolutely loved the title of this and couldn't wait to read it. This book has it all and you will not want to put it down once you start. Such a great read about family. I am seriously excited to read more by one of my new favorite authors.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC of this book. This was such a fun read!! I love a wonderful Grandma story. This was light and fun and filled with family.

Great summertime read. Filled with colorful characters and lovely surrounding that draw you into the story. Would recommend to anyone who enjoys a light fun read.

What an unexpectedly wonderful story. This is my first book by Tanya Rumford and it won't be my last. 4 cousins are sent on a quest by their beloved grandmother. At her funeral they are each given a clue and the four adults who used to spend their childhood summers are sent to Daytona to find their grandparents past. The 4 have their differences but bond on their road trip into the past. Such a beautiful story that shows all families have secrets in their past but love and understanding will conquer all. Such a reminder of growing up with all my own cousins.

After the death of their beloved Grandmother, the four Baker cousins once very close to each other (Emeline, Belinda, Geoff, and Wyatt) all inherit items (a ruby ring, a wooden hope chest, a fountain pen, and a brown leather wallet containing a key) that will send them on an adventure to reveal a secret from their grandparents past.

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to receive this book for an honest review.

What a nice story. Grandma Imogene suffers from dementia but that doesn't stop her from leaving a VHS tape with her will. It brings together her four grandchildren and sends them on a scavenger hunt. Grandmas "Lovebugs" as she called them work together and form a bond and grow closer.

This was a quick read but a very enjoyable one. Highly recommend.

This book was so well written. The chapters take you back and forth between present day and the 1960s. Imogene has passed away, but left clues for her grandchildren to have an adventure together, piecing together their grandma’s past and learning about where they came from. They really keep you invested and wanting to know more of the story. This book has mystery, suspense, family and so much heart.
I would definitely recommend this book and this author. You won't be disappointed. Thank you NetGalley and cut and run press for an arc copy.

Fun, easy read! I really enjoyed reading the story ftom the different points of view of the family members. A lot of the family dynamics were relatable and easy to digest how people were feeling, what they wrre thinking and imoact on others. The ending was so good!!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC!!

This was such a wonderfully heartfelt and suspenseful read.l, and I can’t recommend it enough!

The four Baker cousins spent their childhood summers at their grandparents’ lake house in Georgia, but it’s tragedy that reunites them as adults when Gram passes away. They are eager to attend the funeral and return to their lives (and problems), but Gram has other plans. The strange items left behind for her grandchildren lead them on a wild goose chase that will help uncover a family secret. Now the cousins have to work together as they head to Daytona Beach to unravel their grandmother’s past and right her wrongs. But in the midst of it all, they must face their own secrets before they tear them apart.

I really enjoyed this beach read, especially the nostalgic aspect that led the four cousins down memory lane. Gram has been harboring a secret for decades, and it wasn’t until her passing that she was ready to reveal the truth… but she was going to make her grandchildren work for it. The cousins’ relationships were quite relatable, as families tend to drift apart with age, but the banter between them was playful and downright hilarious at times. When they finally learned what their grandmother had been hiding for all those years, I was shocked but in the best way. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more from Tanya Rumford.

*Thank you to NetGalley and Cut & Run Press for providing a copy of this book to review.*

This was fantastic to read. The author has now become a new favorite of mine. The characters were all extraordinary. I can't wait to read what is next.

This book has such a cute title and let's be honest here it's the reason I chose it along with the cover.
I loved this journey of the four cousins. They reminded me so much of me and mine when we were growing up that this adventurous novel brought back many memories.
Cousins are awesome. At least mine were.
Along with the many twists and turns that I didn't see coming I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I finished it in one afternoon.

A Darling Lovebug Summer, needs to be read by EVERYONE! Such a fun and heartwarming story! This is a story about family, love and friendship. I laughed, I cried, I even gasped a few times (yes! this does have some suspenseful and thrilling elements) and I felt everything Rumford wanted me to feel. I can't wait to read more from this author. Highly recommend this book!


Thank you NetGalley and Cut & Run Press, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion.

I just recently finished this book and it was one I couldn't put down! 4 cousins on an adventure of a lifetime with clues given by their dearest Gram after she passes away.
I enjoyed reading the story through the different perspectives of the characters in the story. Each one had their own personal view point on their experiences.
The cousins spent every summer together at their Gram's lakeside house, creating so many wonderful memories. As they grew older they all drifted apart, caught up in their own lives and struggles.
Gram's passing brought them all together, all focused on solving the mystery she left for them.
I totally didn't except the twists and turns in the story!! It added the right amount of mystery and intrigue.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book!

Wow! This book was a journey that I loved reading. All of the main characters had great character development throughout the book. I thought this was a great story with mystery and romance.

Thank you NetGalley for the advance copy!

Easy read. Did take me a while to get into though.

I enjoyed the different points of view from the different family members throughout the book. Very relatable family dynamics. The ending was just the best. I cried happy tears.