This book had everything I could hope for in a summer beach read/second chance romance. I really enjoyed the concept of this book, and the alternating timelines. However, I struggled with the pacing of the book a bit, the character depth, and there were a few plot holes too.

I felt like I didn’t get enough of the FMC and MMC’s backstories, or really get to know who each of them were. There was a lot of back and forth, with significant gaps in time, and I was confused as to what transpired in that time away, or how each character had changed. Because of this, I found it a bit hard to connect with the characters.

I really liked the twist at the end, and thought this was a great debut novel!

Thanks to Netgalley and Alcove Press for the ARC!

I really liked it but not loved it. I would still recommend but not reread. It was a cute beach story and pretty interesting but not really any wow moments

I loved this book!!! I really liked the past and present and the build up of the two timeline’s which made me binge read the novel. More than just a summer romance.

Really well written reunited romance.

No graphic sex scenes, just some suggested moments. So if you are looking for lots of spice this isn't the book for you. But if you are looking for a good story this is the place.

You will find love along with the main characters as we flash back and forth from current events to their past in Summer after Summer. The challenges they face in the timing of their love story is perfectly woven into the current events of closing up the family home for sale and saying goodbye to a ton of memories.

Will this be the time that they connect and live happily ever after? She's recently separated from a cheating spouse, but he's dating someone new. It looks like their timing as usual is not right, but maybe not........

Okay, I must admit that this is probably a book I would LOVE if I had read it at a better time. I did love the premise - coastal vibes are always a plus - and there was just the right amount of mysteriousness simmering beneath their love story, but I wish I didn't feel so bogged down by its redundancy. I'm definitely going to give it another read sometime in the future, but for now, this rating stays!

I received an ARC of this book from NetGally in exchange for an honest review.

I had a hard time getting into this book. In the end, I enjoyed some parts of it, but overall I didn't love it.

This storyline felt a little redundant. I did love the setting descriptions and the characters but It just wasn't my favorite romance. There were so mistakes I found in the book.

Summer After Summer is a book that deserves to be read on the beach. Olivia returns home to the Hamptons to lead the packing of her familial home as they prepare to sell it. Returning means reminders of the people she turned away from in the years she stayed away including her first love, Fred. The story moves back and forth in time between current day and her past interactions with Fred.

Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for this ARC.

I was all in for a modern re-telling of Austen's Persuasion, but Summer After Summer fell short on a couple of levels. The good: I loved the coastal vibes and the dual timelines. The most enjoyable, nostalgic parts of the novel were the teenage romance sections; Bailey really understood the assignment when writing a teenage love story.
The bad: Rich people being rich, minus the glamour. If I'm reading about millionaire WASPs, I want the DRAMA.
The ugly: SO. MUCH. TENNIS. This was also the least believable part of the novel. The main character just...casually reenenters Wimbledon every five years? ...Really?

This book has the makings of a 5-star review, but for me it fell a little short. Coastal vibes are always a win, and I liked the idea of a dual timeline to piece together the past while dealing with the present. It's not exactly a lighter read (like I expected being comped to Emily Henry), so that might have been what did me in.

For me, the pace wasn't as fast as I'd prefer, although there were moments the chemistry between Olivia and Wes were enough to keep me going. I could see this book going either way, depending on what expectations the reader has or the mood they're in. It's not a bad debut, just not fitting my mood at the moment.

Thanks to Netgalley and Alcove Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I love summer romance, lost love, rekindled love and this has it all! The couple meet while in high school but circumstances keep them apart for many years only meeting up every 5 years. You wonder if they'll end up together at the end and there's a little mystery involved simmering behind the love story. If you love summer romance you'll love Summer After Summer!

“Summer After Summer” by Lauren Bailey intricately weaves a modern retelling of Jane Austen’s Persuasion, offering readers a compelling narrative of love, loss, and second chances. As Olivia Taylor returns to her family’s Hamptons beach house, the novel unfolds the complexities of her failing marriage with Wes and the impending sale of her cherished childhood home. Bailey adeptly explores themes of resilience, maturity, and the enduring nature of true love. The dual timelines, shifting between past and present, unravel the history of Olivia and Fred’s relationship, providing depth to their characters. The emotional baggage carried by both protagonists adds a poignant layer to the story, capturing the essence of their past struggles and the potential for a renewed connection.

While the initial part exudes a Hallmark movie essence and sets the stage for a predictable development, some reviewers express reservations. Plot holes, particularly concerning Olivia’s family’s financial situation, raise questions about the sustainability of their affluent lifestyle. Additionally, the reviewer notes Olivia’s pettiness and certain off-putting aspects, prompting a temporary pause in reading. However, the positive aspects shine through. The book’s exploration of inner struggles, real-life events, and the resilience of young minds resonates well. Bailey’s skill in simplifying complex psychological concepts ensures accessibility for a broad audience. The positive tone, instilling hope and empowerment, stands out as a strong aspect.

In summary, “Summer After Summer” is a solid debut, recommended for romance enthusiasts and those seeking a beach read. The dual timelines, various thematic explorations, and the positive tone contribute to an enjoyable and relatable narrative. Despite some reservations, the book offers a captivating journey of love, second chances, and self-discovery. Readers are encouraged to pick up a copy for a delightful experience in the realm of modern romance.

“Summer After Summer” is by Lauren Bailey. This book is what I’d call a “summer beach read” - especially as there’s a beach house, family dynamics, and a past love (possibly a second chance). This book is told in dual timelines - past and present. I found this book to be a bit slow in the build-up. I also had so many questions (Dad and sister don’t work - how can they stay in the house with their lifestyles?) that seemed like odd holes in the story (not related to the plot but more to character building). I didn’t know this was a retelling of a Jane Austin book - as I’ve never read the original book, I think some of the frustrations I had with the storyline would’ve worked so much better during Ms. Austin’s time - but not so well in the present time. This wasn’t my cup of tea (as the miscommunication trope is not my favorite) but I can see others really enjoying this book.

Olivia and her first love Fred meet summer after summer, in love always but never a perfect
Time. When her dad is selling there home and Olivia needs to come from the city to help pack up.. she finds Fred her first love has bought it. Angry and newly separated she wants to get it done and leave. But many lies come unraveling, and friendships amended. But what happeneds when her ex husband shows up?

This book was a lot on my brain, a ton of dialog. Past and present. Born and raised Long Island I always love a good story. It was cute but just alot to follow.

Summer After Summer is a bit slow to start, but makes up for it after it gets going. A modern-day version of Persuasion, it is just different enough to keep things interesting. If you enjoy classics revamped, contemporary romance, second chances, slow burn, or a little angst in your reading, this one is sure to please! 4 Stars!

Summer romance stories are one of my favorite tropes, and Lauren Bailey perfected it while adding more dimension at the same time. I could not put this book down! I loved the dual time lines and I felt like the characters were so fleshed out and REAL.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. A cozy romance with Insta love and second chances. A beach read for sure.

Thank you to Net Galley and Alcove Press for the opportunity to read and review this title.

The title and cover drew me to this book. I enjoyed the alternating timelines and how secrets are gradually revealed. I found parts of the stories far fetched and the main characters frustrating. When I got to the end, I read the epilogue by the author of how this book is based on Jane Austen's Persuasion. Now after reading the synopsis for Persuasion, the book is a modern retelling staying very close to a majority of the details.

Ideal for Jane Austen fans and those who enjoy instant love and second chance romances.

Summer After Summer is a debut novel , and I am all for this book. It was a enjoyable read, and I highly recommended. A second chance romance... Love, love, love...

So sweet. For me a really good start. 4 stars.

I'm game for any Jane Austen retelling, even more when it's of either Persuasion or Pride and Prejudice. You can guess at my excitement when I discovered this book!

There are several things I liked about Summer After Summer, the first being the interpretation of Anne's resilience and quiet strength. This is shown in Olivia being a professional tennis player who had to overcome challenges in her career. I liked that there was another avenue to express these attributes besides negotiating relationships.

Secondly, the tension and chemistry between Olivia and Fred are palpable throughout the book, something I feel was integral to the plot of origin. Thirdly, I appreciated the relationships Olivia had with her sisters and dad. There were differences of personality and opinions, for sure, but love still undergirded everything.

Now the thing that didn't quite sit with me was the length of time over which the plot covers. Meeting once every 5 years for some 20 years feels a bit too long. Because of this, Olivia and Fred's conflict began to feel overdrawn and petty in the grand scheme of things, and didn't fit with their supposed strengths of character.

Overall, though, as a modern interpretation of Persuasion, it was a job pretty well done and I believe readers should give it a chance.

I received a complimentary copy of the book via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.