This book broke me so many times. There was finally a point where I was happy and thought it was the end and my heart broke again and again still. I loved the writing, I felt deeply connected to all the characters. It felt like a true love story, the way it would happen in real life. Would love to read more of this authors writing

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest book by Paige Toon. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Six summers ago, Lilv and Finn meet while she's working at a bar on the Cornish coastline and he was a fill-in singer for the band. Their first night together ends in tragedy and binds them forever. However, Finn's life is in LA and Liv's is in Cornwall. They make a promise that Finn will return every year. If they are both single, they will spend the summer together. This summer, Live meets Tom and begins to fall in love. Can she trust herself enough to commit to him and leave Finn in the past?

Just like Toon's previous book, Only Love Can Hurt Like This, this is not a rom-com. This is a story about grief, family ties, second chances, love. I liked how the story told us what happened all the previous summers, alternating with the present-day story of this summer. It was the perfect way to meet and really understand the characters. And I loved all these characters. To have friends like these, who are there for you and wanting only the best for you, and family that you were completely loyal to. I also really liked how the characters were passionate about their work, no matter whether it was working at the bar or sculpting. This book had me feeling so much - I'm already anxiously awaiting anything else Toon writes. This is a must read this summer!

When you look at this cover, it screams fun beach read, but prepare to have your heart strings tugged with this one. There's no lack of tragedy and deep emotion going on here.

Liv and Finn connected seven summers ago in their small coastal town. The two went to high school together, but Finn moved away after losing his mother and has returned back to visit family. The two hit it off, and Finn becomes a rock for Liv when she loses her own parents, but when Finn makes the inevitable decision to return to LA, they decide to go no contact.

So begins a series of summers - Finn returning home, the two rekindling their spark, and Finn inevitably breaking Liv when he decides to leave again. Liv puts her life on hold every year, desperate that one year Finn will finally decide to stay. She's denied every man that enters her life - until Tom comes along. A fellow artist, the two connect on a deeper level. But Tom's own secrets and Finn's return threaten to ruin that connection for her once again.

The unfortunate reality of this book (besides it NOT being the fun summer read that I wanted) was that the plot was just a bit slow. I felt like I was waiting the entire time for something big and important to happen, and I didn't get that "big" moment until the freaking epilogue.

I just wanted more from this book. There's big emotion, but I don't really feel the pain that the characters should've been feeling. I think this book was alright, but it wasn't delivering on what I wanted from it sadly.

I liked the flashbacks that we got between Liv and Finn as it helped you as the reader understand their growth as characters on page. Their romance felt like everything at once; tragic, bittersweet, and heartwarming. I loved that they were destined to be together despite the mess that seemed to stay between them.

Paige Toon's writing is lovely and this is what keeps readers engrossed in the story. Her ability to pen Liv's and Fin's feelings on page is amazing.

The pacing in Seven Summers, however, dapered much of my interest. For the majority of this book imo, the author drags much of this story, and as much as I liked the tension and emotions rolling off page from its characters. It did feel like a repetitive rollercoaster without a lot of movement. In short, much of this reading felt stagnant.

For the most part, Seven Summers has potential and if you're looking for a summer beach read that may get you in your feelings from time to time despite some bumps, then I would recommend adding this one to your reading list.

This book is not for the faint at heart. It ripped my heart apart and put it back together again so many times. This book stole a piece of my heart I don't think I'll ever get back.

I was completely hooked by the first page. I was addicted and entranced by Liv and her story. You come to love this girl and want to protect her with every fiber of your being. Her journey is heartbreaking and a punch to the gut. Her growth was amazing.

You will come to love two men in this story and find yourself switching between who you want for Liv. I teared up so many times throughout this book and had to stop reading multiple times.

This book is devastating but also ends so beautifully. You will not feel the same after reading.

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

WOW! I really truly enjoyed this book! It had the perfect amount of heartbreak, romance, and longing that a great love story should have! It has elements for a love triangle but none of the drama that goes along with it. I would highly recommend if you like romance and love stories with not so perfect happily ever afters, you need to read this book! 5+ stars!

I absolutely loved Paige Toon’s Only Love Can Hurt Like This and was thrilled to be approved for the ARC of Seven Summers.

I flew through Only Love Can Hurt Like This and yet, I felt as though I just could not immerse myself in Seven Summers, until the last quarter of the book. While Seven Summers sounds like a lighthearted beach read, and there is romance, there is sadness, too.

As a sibling of someone with special needs, I enjoyed Michael’s character, especially his determination to be independent.

I recently lost a parent, so I was able to relate to Liv’s grief and how hard it can be to find joy and move on with life.

I was cheering for Liv and Finn.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

#SevenSummers

I was first introduced to Paige Toon last year when I read Only Love Can Heart Like This. Seven Summers blew me away. It is so beautifully written, I felt like I was right there with Liv and Finn. The scenery was so descriptive I could picture the town and where everything was. I enjoyed learning about Liv and Finn, I do wish there was a little more about Finn growing up. The inclusion of Liv's brother Michael was beautiful.

What would you do if you loved someone but only saw them once a year during the summer? This was beautifully written and the growth of their relationship as well as individuals was wonderful. Can a love like this last or is it just not meant to be. I wasn't sure what to think when Tom came along but that portion of the book was magical in a different way.

Are Liv and Finn meant to be together? I loved the seven summers leading up and the seven summers after. I did feel that the end was rushed and would have enjoyed more of the last seven summers.

Rating: 4.5
Anticipated Release Date: May 21, 2024

Thank you to NetGalley, PENGUIN GROUP Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons and Paige Toon for an ARC of Seven Summers for an honest review.

Liv and Finn meet six summers ago. After a fun night turns to tragedy, they are forever bonded. But life and commitments get in the way and they endure a long distance relationship until one falls in love.

This is a totally new author to me, but I can’t wait to delve into her backlog and anxiously await her next read. This beautiful, summery cover spoke to me, and the description sealed the deal. But the writing and storyline had me turning the pages, devouring the story. I loved the characters, especially the lovable Michael. I so appreciated the way the author portrayed Michael’s condition and fierce independence and Liv’s devotion to him. All characters and situations were realistic and relatable. I enjoyed seeing the characters mature and make some tough decisions. I read this with a lump in my throat and a tissue in hand. This book gave me all the feels…loss, family and always love at the center.

Thanks to Putnam Books and NetGalley for this ARC. This is my honest opinion.

Thank you for the advanced readers copy of Seven Summers. What drew me in was the beautiful cover and title that reminded me of Morgan Wallen. I love exploring new authors, particularly romance, because I am most open to new ideas, settings, characters.

Unfortunately, something just didn’t click for me with this one. I have been in a bit of a romance slump, so that could be contributing to it. This wasn’t bad, I really thought the FMC was cute and reminded me a bit of myself.

I just can’t do tell not show romance. You are really thrown into an instant romance with absolutely no slow burn. I think what my ultimate issue with the book was the light theme beginning & then abrupt grief loss that was not fleshed out. Also, let’s meet every summer like nov 9 (Colleen Hoover) gave me the ick.

All and all, I didn’t love but I would pick up another book by the author because the writing was good.

Seven Summers by Paige Toon is an edgy and emotional read that had me turning the pages to see what would happen next.

Liv’s art is her passion, but she has also had several love interests. I adored her love interests and how she evolved as a sister, a friend, a colleague, an artist, and more. Art and music are woven throughout, along with so many stories. There are beautiful descriptions of Cornwall, the book’s primary setting, and I could picture the locations in my mind.

The story had a good flow in the sections telling each summer’s story, but I was often disappointed since we flipped to the present and the past in no discernible order, which sometimes took a while to wrap my head around.

There was closure and a wonderfully deserved ending, with a better-than-expected happily ever after that was a long time coming.

Seven Summers is set in a small village on the sea of Cornwall and filled with art, music, and a core group of friends. Have a cuppa or another beverage and meet some wonderful people.

The review is posted on NovelsAlive.

Seven summers of undulated love, heartbreak and bittersweet happiness.

Thanks NetGalley and Putnam Books for the ARC!

Paige Toon! I can’t believe you did this to our hearts. 🥺We can only take so much. 💔

This book left me speechless and crestfallen. But what a brilliantly imagined story of love! I think this is Toon’s best yet!

Synopsis -

Cornwall - six summers ago, Liv and Finn are bound for life in both love and unimaginable tragedy. While Liv carries on living here with her brother, working at Seaglass, the beach bar, Finn’s music career is in LA, where he lives with his dad. But he returns every summer to spend it together with Liv (only if they are single).

In the present summer, Liv meets the newcomer in town, the tall & handsome Tom. She begins falling for him amidst the blooming sweetness of nature around them. May be this time the autumn won’t leave her heart aching? But Liv is in for a shock as she gets acquainted with Tom’s past and now must make impossible choices.

Review -

First and foremost, the setting! Oh, my goodness – I am so disappointed that I didn’t visit Cornwall when I went to the UK. If you follow Toon, you can see her reels capturing the footage of the beautiful Cornish coast, the bar that inspired Seaglass, the terrace where Liv and Finn kiss, even the beach cottage that was Liv’s home. I’ve immensely enjoyed seeing these and can only imagine how beautiful Cornwall might be.

Toon’s novels always involve a lot of emotional depth, poignancy and deeply drawn characters. I loved Liv – felt her agony, her pain, anguish and her immense loss. Nobody should go through what she does and I have no idea how she endured getting wrecked every single summer.

While my heart chose Finn, my head said it should be Tom for Liv and for once I was happy she chose to be selfish and put herself first. However life changing the present summer was for Liv, I was glad she found Tom. He was simply a gem.

The ending more than makes up for all the sorrow and heart shattering ❤️‍🩹. It is sure to leave you feeling overwhelmed yet joyfully sated. 🥹

If you enjoy complexly layered romance, then this is for you.

Seven Summers -a standalone and beautiful cover🏖️🩴🐚 !

By Paige Toon- I read Only Love Can Hurt Like This and gave it 5 ⭐

Setting: Cornwall, England

Page count📖 : 488

Publication date: 5-21-24 , read 5-20-24

Rating: 5/5 ⭐

🤷🏾‍♀️WHAT TO EXPECT:

✨ New Adult
✨ Women's Fic
✨ love triangle
✨ slow burn
✨ small town
✨ 2nd chance romance
✨nonlinear
✨grief

Summary: Olivia " Liv" Arterson lives in a coastline town in Cornwall with her parents and brother Michael who has Down Syndrome. There she reconnects with Danny "Finn" Finnegan -a former classmate- now a aspiring singer living in LA. After a passionate night together, tragedy strikes Liv's family. Her dreams of becoming an artist are put on hold, and she and Finn agree to a "summer romance" to hook up every summer if they are single. When Liv slowly moves on with her life she meets and falls for a new renter/ tourist Tom Thorton. A choice has to be made- a forever summer and new spring.

🥰 What I liked:

-Definitely a beach read
-An emotional rollercoaster
- coming of age for Liv and Finn

😞 What I didn't like: N/A

🤔My Thoughts : I loved that the story was told nonchronological. Watching a relationship grow over seven years and how each character changes, makes you root for them. It was emotional just like OLCHLT, and kept me engaged the entire read.

🙏🏿Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for this ARC 🩷! I voluntarily give my honest review and all opinions expressed are mine alone.

*4.5 Stars On My Instagram Account*

"It's complicated."
"When isn't it?"

"Don't ask me to stay, Liv."
"Then don't ask me to leave."

"I was never going to fall out of love with you."
"Love is not enough."

"He helped me to fly, only for another man to see me soar."

Just a few of the many quotes that ripped my heart out in the beautifully written Seven Summers by leaving you emotionally raw author Paige Toon.

Home for the summer from studying to be a sculptor Liv's life is changed walking into the Seaglass Bar and hearing the melodic voice of sexy singer Finn. Once their eyes meet their fates are sealed together...or are they?

Both have plans that don't include the other. At the end of summer Finn leaves this Cornish coastline small town for Los Angeles and stardom. Liv's heading back to conquer the art world. But they have the summer; that is until tragedy strikes and Liv's life is left buried in grief, guilt and sorrow.

She can't leave. He can't stay. But they promise if next summer they are single they will pick up where they left off. She wants no communication in between. It will be too hard on her heart. For six summers it works...sort of...and then Tom comes to town. He doesn't leave. He chooses Liv...Every Time. Hold up though, because it's not the story you think. It's not the break up you are thinking of and it's not the heartbreak you're expecting but it will break you and just barely put you back together again.

I finished this, life happens while you make plans, story, as the sun rose. Eyes swollen, cheeks tear stained and heart aching with sadness and joy. Written with the most descriptive prose, bringing the beauty of Cornwall to life, this writer has created fully drawn characters ready for the big screen. Seven Summers will be the romance of this summer.

I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via #NetGalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

This was a gut punch. I’m not sure how Liv and Finn deal with seeing each other only for weeks during the summer. I mean honestly they don’t but they have survived 5 summers so it must work for them. Until it doesn’t. Seven Summers is a story of love, loss, growth and learning to let go. It’s about being open to new things and while maybe never having the closure you seek.

Set in Cornwalll, this is another emotionally charged star crossed, wrong place/wrong time romance that takes place over several summers as two strangers connect and promise to keep meeting each summer until that promise gets too difficult to keep.

Great on audio and perfect for fans of books like Ever summer after. This one will make you swoon and cry and is sure to delight long time fans of Paige Toon. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

This was my first book by Paige Toon. It was such a beautiful story told over 7 summers filled with love, romance, and sadly, loss. I adored her heartfelt writing and beautiful emotions she poured into this book.

I really loved Liv's character. She really went through a lot with all the heartbreak she experienced throughout her life. I also loved the journey between Live and Finn. They always fell back to each other and were always there for each other no matter what was going on in their life.\

And Tom....the mysterious new arrival that randomly showed up in her town. He deserves so much credit for his understanding of Liv and Finn's relationship. He was so sweet, and I really loved his character.

And for the impossible decision Liv had to make, mu opinion changed so many times regarding what I think she should do, and who she should choose between Finn and Tom.

I really liked the alternative timelines. Starts I'm the present and then goes from the present to 1 summer, 2 summers and so on until 7 summers later.

And can we talk about how beautiful the cover of this book is?

If you enjoy emotional reads, small towns near the sea and a tale of true love, then you don't want to miss out on this beautiful story, Great summer read!

Thank you Net Galley, Putnam books and Paige Toon for my gifted e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Seven Summers

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pub date: 5/21/24

This truly is a beautiful raw and emotional book. It will tear your heart apart and put it back together. Liv meets Finn one summer while working at a bar in Cornwall. They connect on an even deeper level through an unimaginable tragedy. But his life is in LA with his band and she’s not willing to leave Cornwall yet . They make a promise that he will return next summer and if they’re both single they will reconnect.
I loved how there are alternative timelines. You’re in the present but then go back and forth between present and 7 summers and then 6, 5 and so on. I really liked this book but still not sure I liked the ending. I know a lot of people loved the ending. If you want to know why I didn’t you can message me. I don’t want to spoil this beautiful story for anyone!
This is my second book by Paige Toon and I really liked both so much!! I can’t wait to read more by her!!

Thank you NetGalley, Putnam books and Paige Toon for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

No spoilers. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you NetGalley, Paige Toon, and Penguin Group Putnam for this arc. Read via Kindle.

What a roller coaster of emotions. There are tragedies and drama to give this romance more than just the loving story. I loved the way Liv grew as a person over the years and following along over the years. This book was a fun fast read, perfect for a beach read this summer! I did not know how much more my heart could handle, and you will have to see if it was ever repaired when you read this book. The epilogue is longer than expected, but I absolutely felt like it was the perfect way to get your questions answered and not be left wondering. The fun adventures and storyline had me forgetting I was reading a book and like I was living in it.

Would I recommend this? YES. If this is not on your summer TBR yet, you need to add it immediately!

HAPPY RELEASE DAY!

The narrative's depth and rollercoaster of emotions, interwoven with themes of love, loss, and redemption, resonate deeply with me. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Cornwall, the novel expertly navigates multiple timelines and complex relationships, leaving the reader torn between two compelling love interests alongside the protagonist, Liv. As the story unfolds, heartbreak and hope collide, delivering a gut-wrenching yet ultimately satisfying journey that lingers long after the final chapter. With a well-earned place among the reviewer's most cherished reads of the year, "Seven Summers" heralds a triumphant return for Paige Toon and stands out as a standout addition to the world of contemporary romance literature.