I received an e-Arc of the book a couple of years ago and started reading it before putting it on hold. It is only when the ALC also came up for request on NetGalley that I finally completed reading the book. The format/structure of the story, the writing, and all the interactions and dialogues between the characters can best be enjoyed by listening to the audiobook.

Melissa Connell does a wonderful job bringing the story, the characters and their emotions to life as we see Cat Rossi and Will Henderson strike up a friendship and learn to navigate their lives, hopes, dreams, disappointments and feelings for each other throughout the sixteen summers they meet at Cat's father's marina.

This is also a kind of story I feel would make a perfect coming of age, romance movie.

I received both an e-Arc and ALC by the author Camille Hart and the publisher IBPA Members' Titles/Audiobooks via NetGalley.

2.5⭐️
This story was interesting, but it dragged on far too long for me to actually enjoy to the fullest, I had to forward/skip certain part to get to the end.
The whole miscommunication trope enhanced how toxic they were,, i mean they claimed to be best friends but I beg to differ. They were so many red flags between them.
The MFC, in my opinion, was pretty annoying, i found her not likable and didn't really care about her.
This was suppose to be an epic love story, but it wasn't. It was just a regular love story with toxic people.

People who love sloweburn and miscommunication trope will enjoy this more.

Thanks to NetGalley, Author abd publisher for this audiobook.

I love a heartfelt coming-of-age novel so this book was right up my alley! I really loved both the nostalgia of the 1980s timeperiod and the sweet summertime vibes. Childhood friends to lovers is my favourite romance trope so I really adored this one (even if I could have done without the miscommunication trope).

The audio narration was well executed and was nice to play alongside the book.

Thank you NetGalley for the e-copy in exchange for an honest review

Unfortunately, I won't be providing feedback on this book. Whilst I've had it downloaded for months I simply cannot have it grip my attention enough to fully immerse myself into it. This isn't so much a reflection on the book, just my own attention span when it comes to audiobooks, if I'm not immediately hooked I simply cannot get into it. This book still sounds promising and I believe a better fit for me would have been to read it rather than try to listen to it which I now know for the future.

I loved the yearly approach for this novel. Getting to know Cat and Will as they grow up and fall for each other was a fantastic journey. The novel had you rooting for them through the years and navigating their relationship.

Thanks to NetGalley for a copy in exchange for this review.

4.5 stars. I found the beginning a little bit slower, but around 30% in, I was invested. I was rooting for Cat and Will every year and didn’t want to stop listening.

Loved that the chapters were different years with a little background on what the big events of the U.S. in each year. All of the characters were likeable and relatable. One of the cutest summer love stories.

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for the ARC.

This is a great coming of age book. I loved how you got to feel them fall for one another over time. Such a great slow burn.

I enjoyed the beginning of each chapter. It was a great touch to add in things going on that year. I just wish I had loved it beyond that. Maybe it was the narration but it felt so dry and I lost interest in everyone pretty quickly. I listened to the end but I didn’t walk away feeling glad that I kept going. It was fine. It was background sound at times but it was easy to go in and out.

DNFed at 35%
The story was not going everywhere. It was toxic even though the relationship hadn’t even started. It was repetitive as hell. The amount of time it says “he grins” made me nauseous. I can’t continue listening to this audiobook anymore.

For the summer … beautiful. The story is well written, the narrator has a voice I could listen to. 4/5

Growing up in her dad’s Arizona marina, 11-year-old Cat Rossi is used to the revolving door of summer friends who come and go. When she meets Will Henderson, they bond, and he vows to come back the following summer. Every year, Cat waits for Will to return, and their friendship grows and gets tested by the growing up and spending the majority of the year apart. Cat feels torn between continuing her family’s legacy and longing for what could be beyond the small town where she has always lived, and she must decide what she is willing to give up for her dreams.

I absolutely loved this story; it is one of my favorite books I’ve read this year. I was surprised to see this is the author’s debut novel. I hope she will come out with more in the future! Melissa Connell did a fantastic job narrating the audiobook. I liked that each chapter covered one summer and started with a reminder of a few of the big events from that year to help set the scene.

Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an audio ARC of this book.

I had a lot of fun listening to this one! The first half of the book moves quickly from summer to summer and doesn’t spend too much time describing when the MCs are apart, pining over each other. The book takes place through the 80s and 90s, and the touch of nostalgia adds to the light, young love feeling I think the author was going for. The on-again-off-again relationship of the MCs seemed to get a little monotonous about 3/4 of the way through. The narrator did a great job and I’ll definitely want to listen to her again.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of For the Summer by Camille Harte!

I enjoyed this fun and easy to listen to audio book. It was enjoyable to see how Cat and Will’s relationship changed and progressed over the years. With the book being told in the format of each summer. I especially liked how each chapter started with the year and some facts from that year. Being about the same age as the characters in each of the years really tugged at my memories. It may have felt like a very nostalgic read for me, but I enjoyed this one and loved the happy ending that they got.

A cute story of young love... friends-to-lovers, right-person/wrong-time tropes.
This book will definitely appeal to a larger audience, but it wasn't for me... The writing felt very YA, and I didn't feel like the female main character showed much growth. I will say, the author did a excellent job narrating.

Thank you NetGalley and Camille Harte for allowing me early access to the audiobook edition of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

From 1983 to 1999 we follow Cat and Will's relationship as it develops from their early teens as they meet each summer. References to films, music and news in each of these years add to the story. A fairly predictable, but thoroughly enjoyable, read with excellent narration that helps to bring it to life. Thank you to Net Galley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Reminiscent of The Summer I Turned Pretty in that we have kids from two different families, two separate towns who come together each summer developing romantic feelings between Cat and Will.

I love how the chapters only reference the Summer over several years and we follow them as kids grown into preteens and through their early 20s.

There was so much great nostalgia but I wish it had been told more in the story of as normal, casually as they occurred. Instead, any 80s/90s references felt more forced and mentioned as if to meet a quota. Narrator would reference a video game rather than share the experience of playing instead.

Overall, a sweet and quick read for reminiscing of young crushes/love!

For The Summer was a cute story. Narrator’s voice was good. I did not like how Will kept acting like a stereotypical boy/man and expected Cat to always forgive his actions, but she never received the same grace.Thanks to NetGalley for this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Dive into the sun-soaked world of "For the Summer" by Camille Harte, a tale that unfolds like a warm breeze carrying the scent of nostalgia. Eleven-year-old Cat Rossi's life at her dad's marina takes an unexpected turn when she meets Will Henderson, the charming son of a wealthy doctor. From ice cream to boat rides and pinky promises, their connection blossoms into a friendship that weathers the changing tides of adolescence and adulthood.

As the years unfold in the vibrant backdrop of the 80s and 90s, Cat's anticipation during the off-season becomes palpable. The annual reunions with Will become a touchstone, testing the limits of their connection amidst the challenges of growing up. "For the Summer" beautifully explores the delicate balance between family obligations and forging one's own path.

Harte's narrative is a tapestry of emotions, weaving a tale that is as authentic as it is compelling. Fans of romance, especially those captivated by works like November 9, will find themselves enchanted by the laughter, tears, and achingly beautiful moments within these pages. This summertime love story transcends its setting, leaving an indelible mark on the heart. Prepare to be swept away by the warmth and timelessness of a love that unfolds against the backdrop of sun-drenched summers.

I. LOVED. This. Book!!!
Absolutely experienced ALL the feels in this one!

We open up in 1983 with Cat (Catherine) feeding the fish in the river when a “paycheck” (Will) approaches her and she almost decks him!
She is 11. She is tough. She has an older brother who taught her how to take care of herself…
But then, she sees Will’s Mom….and she’s so happy she didn’t punch him. His Mom is BEAUTIFUL!…until she opens her mouth. Once she does, Cat feels awful for him… She. Is. Mean!

Cat lives with her Dad and brother at the marina/resort that her Dad owns. They all ‘work’ there for the summer, and year round…but the “paychecks” only come in the summer. That is when everything gets rented out and people come from all over to spend time on the river. And that’s how she met Will. They spend the entire summer together. But then he has to go home…but he promises he’ll be back next summer.

But Cat’s seen more than her share in her short life…and she trusts no-one.
So when he actually does return the following summer she is shocked, and so happy! They spend the summer together again.

And the book goes on for almost two decades. And we watch these kids from very different backgrounds grow up…and face all their fears and anxieties…throughout the years.

And, it’s AMAZING! You can feel the anguish of the young love they begin to feel. And the desperation of separation. And all the hardships of the long months in between… We learn about their families…and their friends.

And then we see how sometimes, life can get in your way. And priorities begin to shift…and life goes on…even when you don’t want to even get out of bed.

I laughed. I cried (sobbed is more like it…) And I felt my heart expand and contract with the love these two felt through the years…

If you have not read it, please consider putting it on your list! 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me…which is rare!

Thanks to #NetGalley and #IndependentBookPublishersAssociation for an ARC of the audiobook. I thought it was being released in November…but no, it’s being archived! It was released in 2021! 😮 And surprisingly, I had not heard of it before! Well worth the read, imo.

#ForTheSummer by #CamilleHarte.

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Happy Reading! And, let me know your thoughts! 📚📖

If you love a little angst in your books, this one might be for you!

Overall For the Summer was just a good, fun read. The characters were likable. You follow them from their early pre-teen years all the way into adulthood. Cat and Will become immediate friends and their relationship spans decades through, a family death, divorce, and many young relationships. And throughout it all they remain friends, not always close, but ultimately life brings them back together.

I listened to the audio version of this book and the narrator did a really good job!

***Thank you Netgalley and Camille Harte for an ARC copy for an honest review ***