Long-simmering affection that takes place over two decades in the glamorous Hamptons with an interesting twist late in the story that reveals the true colors of several of the characters. Breezy read.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

3 stars

This novel is about Olivia and Fred who met and fell in love as teenagers in the Hamptons only to meet again years later when Olivia is helping her family move out of their Hampton home. The story is told in two timelines and I felt that I enjoyed the timeline when Olivia and Fred first meet more than the timeline of the present. In the present, Olivia and Fred don't exhibit much chemistry and their banter is rather weak.

I can see this as a decent summer read but not something that is going to change your world.

Im a sucker for second chance romances between teenage first loves. It's my favourite trope so I had to grab this one. It's advertised as a modern retelling of Persuasion - my favourite Jane Austen novel as well. It has everything I love in this trope - a beachy summer house setting, teenage love, a past and present timeline that slowly reveals the complicated history of the main characters. I enjoyed the story and read it in a day ! - my only critique is that it was more like a 5th chance romance. These characters came together and broke apart so many times it made me sad for all the wasted time. Definitely a great summer read for 2024!

Lauren Bailey is a debut author who packs a punch, a wonderful story about family, loss and taking another chance on love!
The main character is failing at her marriage, facing the loss of her family home and also confronting her past.
The storyline is cleverly written to give intriguing detail of the character’s history and emotional connections. I particularly enjoyed the personal growth, the relationship evolution and the very real emotional struggles faced.
Readers will enjoy the journey of second chances at love, trust and happiness, a wonderful must read!

Congratulations to the publisher, NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this wonderful debut story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you NetGalley and Alcove Press for the ARC!

I like the idea of this book, and enjoyed the alternating timelines. However, most of the characters (including the FMC and MMC) frustrated me, and I was not a fan of their personalities or actions, which put a damper on the story for me.

There are some plot holes, mistakes (I spotted a couple of instances where names were switched around), grammatical issues and spelling error, but hopefully those smaller things will be fixed before the public release.

Overall, I think this book was a bit slow, and the banter wasn’t my favourite (but I’m usually not a fan of insta-love, so maybe that’s why). Story has potential and I loved the tie in with tennis… gave me Carrie Soto vibes! While I didn’t quite enjoy the book overall, still have to congratulate the author for her debut novel… it’s a big accomplishment!

This book started off slow. I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to finish it, slow.

Thankfully I kept going because about 3/4 of the way through the book it took off and I couldn’t read fast enough!!

This book takes you on a wild ride of betrayal, love, romance, loss, and rekindled love.

I loved the character development but I feel like the back and forth with the will I be with Wes or Fred was just too slow and went on for too long. There needed to be something more to the story in the beginning/middle to keep the reader engaged.

I adored this book! What a fun and engaging read! I got a little bit of whiplash at the end when everything quickly tied up, but I enjoyed the stories and the characters!

I adored Olivia and Fred’s story. The flashback style for writing their story perfectly wove their history together with the present. You cannot help rooting for the two of them to finally get their timing right. The other characters add a depth to the story. The added twist at the end was a perfect cherry on top of this delightful romance. It was a quick read and a lovable story.

I loved this book! I will definitely recommend it. Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

This book is a retelling of Jane Austen's Persuasion and I can say it was pretty good even though I've not read Persuasion. The things that did not really work for me was the length of it as it started to feel quite long and not that engaging.

Summer After Summer was a romance novel with just enough suspense I couldn't put it down. The story follows Olivia through the present day, as she deals with her family home being sold, but also jumps back to specific points in her past where her life connects with her first love, Fred. At the end of every chapter I didn't know where we'd jump to next, in Olivia's life, but I knew I wanted to know more. Lauren Bailey weaves a beautiful and intriguing story of lost love, fate and what it means to truly love someone. The characters are relatable and lovable and draw you into each page.
I highly recommend to any romance lover.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

A romantic story about a love which keeps coming back for more every 5 years.
If you’re looking for a book to take to the beach and read I definitely recommend this one. You really can’t help but enjoy the characters and fall in love with Fred himself. A solid 3.5 stars

This was a wonderful debut book from Lauren Bailey. I was instantly pulled in by the gorgeous cover, but the characters in this book will have you captivated. It takes place in the summer, and you definitely will feel like you're right there in the Hamptons with Olivia. I loved how the story evolved and the ending was great. I This book was incredibly satisfying: engrossing plot lines, very spicy romance, and characters with depth and layers. I absolutely enjoyed this book and could not put it down. I look forward to seeing what the author produces next. This book was incredibly satisfying: engrossing plot lines, very spicy romance, and characters with depth and layers. I absolutely enjoyed this book and could not put it down. I look forward to seeing what the author produces next.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Alcove Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity.

Summer after Summer, beautiful name for a beautiful story. Olivia and Fred meets every Summer after 5 years for two decades and felt the intense connection with each other. Their chemistry was amazing from the start but it deepened with time. Loved all the characters, and the setting was beautiful. Olivia is a sweetheart and her character's progress throughout the story is dealt incredibly. The dual timelines makes the book more intriguing and engaging. The ending is perfect, and well written with a twist. An emotional story of love, loss, hope and possibility of happiness.. highly recommended.

This was a wonderful debut book from Lauren Bailey. I was instantly pulled in by the gorgeous cover, but the characters in this book will have you captivated. It takes place in the summer, and you definitely will feel like your right there in the Hamptons with Olivia. I loved how the story evolved and the ending was great. I cant wait to read more from this author, 4.5 stars!

Such a terrific novel of love, of loss, and of the relationships that happen. Olivia and Fred-you wish for them everytime they reconnect, hoping all will endure. They always seem to meet up after five years pass and it is the sale of her family home that brings them together once again. Told in phases of their relationship set against the current day, their experiences will mark your heart.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is one of The Summer Beach reads of the year I just know it. This is one of the best summer romance books I've read and had been looking forward to. I could not put it down. Hands down this is going to be in the top 5 books of this summer. It is a love story that you can't miss!

I just reviewed Summer After Summer by Lauren Bailey. #SummerAfterSummer #NetGalley
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Summer After Summer is the debut novel written by Lauren Bailey.It tells the story of Olivia who leaves her husband Wes and their New York apartment because of his affair.She is going to the Hamptons to her childhood home to help her sisters Charlotte and Sophie and their father empty it out for the new owner.She is surprised to find out the new owner is her high school flame Fred.Told in alternating timelines the novel tells the story of past and present relationships.You will enjoy how this story plays out!Thank you Lauren Bailey and NerGalley for allowing me to read this ARC ofSummer After Summer!

"Summer After Summer" by Lauren Bailey is a captivating and heartfelt story that explores the complexities of love, loss, and second chances. The novel follows Olivia Taylor, a woman whose marriage is falling apart, as she returns to her family's estate in the Hamptons to help with the packing. As Olivia navigates the emotional turmoil of leaving behind her childhood home, she also finds herself confronting the ghosts of her past, particularly the memories of her first love, Fred. Bailey skillfully weaves together the present circumstances of Olivia's life with flashbacks to her earlier relationship with Fred. The author beautifully captures the nostalgia and bittersweet longing that Olivia experiences as she reminisces about their youthful romance. Through her vivid descriptions, Bailey transports the reader to the idyllic beachfront property where Olivia's memories were born, where her mother passed away, and where her love story with Fred began. The character development in "Summer After Summer" is exceptional. Olivia's growth throughout the book is palpable, as she evolves from a woman trapped in a failing marriage to a confident individual rediscovering herself. The author expertly portrays Olivia's inner struggles, showcasing her strength and vulnerability in equal measure. Fred, too, undergoes his own transformation, making him a compelling and multi-dimensional character. The chemistry between Olivia and Fred is electric, and readers will find themselves rooting for their reunion. What sets "Summer After Summer" apart is its exploration of the theme of second chances. As Olivia and Fred cross paths once again, they both grapple with the idea of whether their love was simply not meant to be or if fate has brought them together for a reason. The novel delves into the notion that individuals can change over time, and with personal growth, relationships can evolve and stand a chance at lasting happiness. This underlying message is a source of hope and inspiration for readers who have experienced their own share of heartbreak. Bailey's writing style is engaging and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the Hamptons' scenic beauty and the emotional landscape of the characters. The pacing of the story is well-balanced, keeping readers hooked from start to finish. The dialogue feels authentic and adds depth to the characters' interactions, allowing readers to truly connect with them on an emotional level. In conclusion, "Summer After Summer" is a mesmerizing tale of love, growth, and the power of second chances. Lauren Bailey's storytelling prowess shines through as she crafts a narrative that tugs at the heartstrings and leaves a lasting impression. This novel will resonate with readers who appreciate well-developed characters, poignant reflections on the past, and the possibility of finding love when least expected. "Summer After Summer" is an absolute must-read for anyone seeking a heartfelt and captivating story that lingers long after the final page.

Great as always. Loved the character development. I enjoy her books and this was no different. Cute story line.