Seven Summer Weekends by Jane Rosen
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After a disaster during a Zoom meeting, Addison is jobless and devastated. An unexpected inheritance from an aunt she barely remembers finds her off to spend the summer on Fire Island.
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What I liked:
-I loved how the situation that Addison was put in forced her to slow down. She suddenly has no job to go to everyday, and is on an island with a more relaxed community, she discovers how to be more present (with a little help from the guests).
-The Guests!!! Each weekend that Addison is there brings a new guest to stay in the rental on the property. I loved how each guest helped Addison in a different way. 💜
-I got really invested in the couple chapters about Addison’s friend Kizzy. I loved where things went for Kizzy.
-And the grumpy and irritating neighbor. 😁🥰 He was a great part of the story. I enjoyed the bickering and banter.
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4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I enjoyed reading this book whilst I sit here and wait for my inheritance from a vague relative…….I did google Fire Island and now hope to one day visit an east coast vacation destination during summertime.

Thank you @berkleyromance & @prhaudio for my complimentary copy. My thoughts are my own.

When Addison Irwin gets fired from her career in advertising, she suddenly finds herself at loose ends. Then, she unexpectedly inherits a beach house from a long lost aunt, so she decides to move to the house on Fire Island while she re-evaluates her life. While there, she rediscovers herself as she experiments with art, and interacts with the neighbors, weekend guests, and a few visitors sent by her aunt. She even falls in love with the neighbor, Ben, who turns out to be the handsome widower we met in FIRE ISLAND.

I wasn’t expecting this to be the touching and enjoyable novel it turned out to be! I didn’t realize who Ben was until later in the book, and at first, I wasn’t sure how I felt about it! But it was three years after his wife’s death and Ben and Addison’s story was perfect. I really liked Addison and her friends. I enjoyed the quirky residents of Fire Island, and I loved the beach setting.

The author added a note about writing a romcom, but, along with the members in my group chat, I really felt this novel should be categorized as women’s fiction rather than romance. Don’t miss this emotional story!

I sooo loved getting to see Ben find his HEA following the sudden death of his wife. This follow up to On Fire Island was so fun. I loved the different guests that came to stay with Addison as she recently inherited her estranged aunt's beach house on Fire Island. Full of female friendship, second chances, romance and summer fun, this is a perfect beach read and great on audio narrated by Emily Norman. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

Let's just skip ahead as keeping this book to myself has been one of my biggest challenges.

5 stars

I loved every ounce of this book instantly, the title, the cover and the description had me begging for an early approval.

I was in luck...

What I didn't know was within the pages, told a summer's tale I would think about for years to come.

Addison, wait.... don't I remember you?

Yes! Jane L. Rosen is back with our favorite crew of characters and I was so here for it . Addison has to be one of my favorite characters, raw, honest, quirky and lovable, this little chick will keep you on your toes.

The guests? Oh, well this is an eclectic group that will have you giggling out loud.

You'll fall in love and maybe even shed a tear or two.

Seven Summer Weekends, had me all up in my feels.

Check out this teaser:

A woman inherits a beach house, along with a series of weekend guests, while butting heads with the irritable (and irritatingly handsome) man next door, in this sparkling new escape from Jane L. Rosen.

When a Zoom disaster upends Addison Irwin’s decade-long career at a posh Manhattan advertising agency, things look bleak for the thirty-something mid-western transplant. But an unexpected inheritance from an aunt she barely remembers—a property on Fire Island, complete with guest house and artist’s studio—changes everything.

While debating whether to stay or sell, Addison learns that she’s also inherited her aunt’s list of eclectic guests, tying her to the island for seven summer weekends. Eager to convince Addison to keep the house rather than let a new buyer build a monstrosity in its place, the neighbors welcome her to their laid-back community. Well, all except the moody guy next door, who seems intent on glowering his way through life.

Steadfast in her path since college, Addison is determined not to let this detour on Fire Island throw her off track. But soon, between the revolving door of weekend visitors and the up-and-down relationship with her neighbor (and his adorable dog), she finds herself in unfamiliar territory. Should she try to pick up where she left off—or embrace entirely new possibilities?

Seven Summer Weekends by Jane L. Rosen is a new contemporary romance novel. While Seven Summer Weekends is not listed as a series book this one really is a continuation of the author’s last novel, On Fire Island. One of the central characters here is returning from the last book with some other secondary characters making appearances too. However, that being said Seven Summer Weekends really could be read as a standalone but of course since some characters have appeared before you do get a deeper connection to them by reading both books in order.

Addison Irwin has found herself suddenly without a job after working the last ten years in advertising. Without a clue what is coming next Addison also receives notice that her long lost aunt she barely knew has died and left her estate to Addison. Addison is sure she’ll probably need to sell the property on Fire Island but due to her aunt leaving stipulations for Addison inheriting she decides to spend the summer on the island before making that decision. After arriving on the island Addison begins to enjoy the close knit community around her with the one exception of her infuriating neighbor, Ben.

Well Seven Summer Weekends is the second book I’ve read by Jane L. Rosen having read On Fire Island before picking this one up and boy do both books feel completely different but somehow the same. Yes, we are returning to the charming small island with it’s eccentric characters but this time around there isn’t a supernatural narrator like there was in the first book, and I kind of missed her. However, this book did concentrate more on just a straight forward contemporary romance without a lot of extra the first book had so in a way I did enjoy this one more overall getting to know these two characters and becoming invested in them more. When finished with this second novel by this author I definitely find myself intrigued enough to read more from her in the future.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

Seven Summer Weekends was a surprise sequel to a book I absolutely adored last year, On Fire Island. I'll be honest, my book memory is horrible so I didn't make the character connection until my buddy read discussion with and just knowing that made it even better.

It obviously stands in its own, but I highly HIGHLY recommend reading On Fire Island because that book is something special and makes you realize just how special this book is too.

These are the only 2 books I have read by Jane Rosen and I have to read more. She is a special author who writes special books with amazing characters.

Addison solely inherits a beach house from her unconventional, talented artist aunt whom she barely remembers from childhood.
The surprise inheritance seems to happen just in time! Addison has just suffered a humiliating loss of her Manhattan job when she accidentally shares what she thought was a private message to the whole corporate group during a Zoom meeting. 😳
Her intention to expediently sell the house gets sidelined by a seven week rotation of guests who are booked into the guesthouse. Each one shares a special bit of her aunt with Addison.
There’s also an irritating (handsome) neighbor that completes the enemies to lovers conundrum.

I didn’t read On Fire Island (although it was on my “want” list) but I had no problem whatsoever in reading this follow-up sequel. I loved that it was divided into sections by each of the seven weeks! I truly enjoyed the story, it’s a perfect beachy, poolside or Summertime read - pick it up!

I really enjoyed this one! Addison just seems to have a string of bad luck. When she unknowingly inherits her long lost aunts house of Fire Island, she is faced with a tough decision. Does she try and stick to her life long plan or embrace new beginnings?

I love the small town vibes of this one a lot. Addison's view of her aunt's house was jaded at first, but the longer she stayed there and became friendly with the town, she starts to envision the possibility of a new life. Not to mention, she starts to fall for her neighbor. I liked how the author depicted the struggle between old Addison and new Addie (if you read the book you'll understand the significance of the names). It's a great representation of trying something new and accepting that sometimes don't always go to plan and sometimes, it's even better than you could have imagined.

Addison Irwin loses her job as an art director at a New York City ad agency by committing a major faux pas on Zoom. With no job and no love life to speak of, Addison is anchorless. She learns that her aunt, an artist who had been estranged from her family, passed away and Addison has inherited her Fire Island beach house complete with guest house and studio. In her will, Aunt "Gicky" asked for Addison to spend the summer in the house whether she chooses to sell it or not. A revolving door of interesting weekend guests her aunt had arranged to stay in the guest house provide some eye-opening experiences. But nothing compares to Ben, the handsome neighbor next door. After a poor start, is this a romance in the making?

Seven Summer Weekends by Jane L. Rosen is pure enjoyment. This could be viewed as a continuation of Rosen's last novel, On Fire Island. I was all set to read her last book about a man (Ben) who loses his wife to cancer (not a spoiler as this is told upfront). But sadly, when the book came out last year, my life paralleled the story too closely and I couldn't read it. I was happy to read Rosen's new book, which is upbeat and fun (aside from knowing Aunt Gicky passed away). It's filled with wonderful characters, a cute dog, and it stands on its own. There are no huge surprises in rom-com land, but the journey will put a big smile on your face.

Rated 4.25 stars.

After committing a HUGE Zoom faux pas, Addison finds herself without a job and without direction. Shortly thereafter, she receives news that she had inherited her estranged Aunt Gicky's home on Fire Island. Addison heads there to regroup, but she finds a lot more than just a house. Who knew a mistake would lead her to finding happiness.

I joined team Rosen right after finishing my first book by her. I found her characters delightful, her storytelling full of charm, wit, and warmth, and her books always left me happier than they found me. When I added this book to the TBR, it was based solely on my adoration of the author. You will never understand how excited I was when I started reading and realized that we were going back to the world of On Fire Island.

On Fire Island was bound to deliver some heartbreak regardless of the other elements present. It was about a husband and community grieving the loss of a woman who died way too young. There was warmth and humor and hope in that tale, but I still wondered about Ben, the husband. Apparently, Rosen knew I needed this book, and she gifted it to us readers. What a treat! It was so lovely to be back in Bay Beach, catching up with old friends while accompanying Addison on her summer of self discovery.

I have been blathering on about On Fire Island, but I believe this book can be read on its own. There is enough background woven into the story, so you will never feel lost. And as much as I loved the romantic elements and Ben's part in this story, I did feel that Addison was the star.

Addison had been plugging away at a job that would never love her back, and regardless of how it happened, she now had the time and space to find her happy. Being in Gicky's house allowed her to get to know the aunt she hardly remembered, but she also had weekend visitors who helped her learn even more. What a beautiful thing that her aunt was helping Addison from the great beyond. She had arranged so many things from her deathbed which all contributed to Addison finally finding her anchor and her path to happiness.

Overall, this was a beautiful story about new beginnings, love, family, friendship, and being true to yourself. It was told with humor and warmth with a stellar ending that had me brimming with joy.

Book Review: "Seven Summer Weekends" by Jane L. Rosen
"Seven Summer Weekends" by Jane L. Rosen is a delightful and heartwarming read set on picturesque Fire Island. Addison Irwin's unexpected inheritance of a beach house and a series of weekend guests offers a charming backdrop for her journey of self-discovery and healing. The book starts with a hilarious Zoom mishap, which had me laughing out loud and hooked from the beginning.
Rosen’s vivid descriptions of Fire Island and the vibrant community add a unique charm to the story. Addison’s interactions with her eclectic guests and the grumpy neighbor, Ben, provide entertaining and touching moments. I particularly appreciated the themes of family and personal growth woven throughout the narrative.
While the multiple perspectives and frequent shifts in viewpoint were sometimes a bit jarring, the overall story remained engaging. The romance element felt secondary but still added a sweet touch to Addison's journey.
"Seven Summer Weekends" is a perfect beach read with its blend of humor, heart, and healing. It’s an enjoyable escape that captures the essence of summer and new beginnings.

Very grateful to the publisher for this copy , opinions are my own

SEVEN SUMMER WEEKENDS was a story I very much enjoyed. I felt all kinds of emotions reading this one. If you like stories that include learning about family members. You will like this sweet story. highly recommend!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for my gifted copy.

This is a perfect summer read!!!!!!!! Enjoyable, happy, and happy ending. I enjoyed this book so much!!!!!!!

A huge thanks to Berkley for an advanced copy of Seven Summer Weekends by Jane L Rosen.

I absolutely loved On Fire Island last summer and so many of Jane's books so was SO excited to read Seven Summer Weekends. Set on Fire Island, this book is about a woman who inherits a beach house along with some weekend guests and an irritating next-door neighbor.

When Addison's great-aunt passes away, she inherits a house on Fire Island. She doesn't really want to keep it, but decided to spend the summer since she is at a crossroads. There will be 7 weekends worth of guests her aunt has invited to stay and I loved seeing how she learns from them and her neighbors to get used to the Fire Island life.

I didn't realize until I was a few pages in that we get some of our favorite characters from On Fire Island, so I highly recommend reading that first to get to see Ben and Shep, plus there are lots of references to the book, which had me laughing!

I loved this book -- the author has such a way with characters, emotional scenes and writing amazing books!



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Overall, I think I would give this book 3 stars.
I found myself flip-flopping a lot whilst reading this book. There were times where i really enjoyed it and couldn’t wait to read more, but then others where it brought me out of the story. I haven’t read On Fire Island, so maybe having read that would’ve boosted my enjoyment of this one, but I just didn’t connect to the character of Addison (or Ben, really). For a 35 year old she was remarkably childish, as was Ben (miscommunication/running away from problems and feelings… please no). Rosen has a way with words and I found myself inhaling parts of her writing, but I also struggled between the constant shifting of viewpoints. Characters would often make appearances as the ‘narrators’ for a chapter, before the book went back to Addison’s POV. Their chapters weren’t distinct enough to where I could automatically guess that it was somebody else narrating/thinking on the pages. I also feel like a lot of the side characters (‘Addie’s’ friends, parents, and those who helped her at the beach house, etc) were very surface level. I would have loved to see more of Gicky’s friends, and their true impact on Addison. It would have been nice to see her make deeper connections with them as well—having a couple more chapters of them spending time together would have made it a tad more heartfelt. The ending also seemed a little too perfect for me, and it was extremely fast paced, or even rushed. It didn’t give me a feeling of finality, as it was wrapped up so quickly, and frankly, anti-climatically. Obviously, it’s a rom com that has a happy ending, but maybe their relationship just didn’t tug at my heartstrings the way I thought it would when they had just met. Ben as the love interest intrigued me, because it’s not often you see such a loving husband portrayed in these kinds of books (aside from their relationship with the leads). I appreciated the consideration of grief, both of loss and grieving the feeling of ‘leaving’ the person that passed by moving on. It was a nice touch that added some depth to the narrative.

I really liked the setting and the vibes of Fire Island. Having been to New York just this past month, I’ve been craving the feeling I got when I was there. This wasn’t quite exactly that, as it was removed from the hustle and bustle of the city, but it was a nice relaxing beach read.

Thank you to NetGalley, Jane L. Rosen, and Berkeley Publishing Group for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.

“Love truly was the thread of creativity. In order to create beauty, you need to have a warm heart.”

This book starts out with a laugh out loud funny zoom disaster that sends Addison’s previously successful advertising career into a downward spiral. I have actually heard of this happening in real life and oomph that’s a whoops if ever I’ve heard one. 😬🫣

The rest of the story is a bit heavier as it deals with loss and healing. Although touted as a romance, that is almost more of a side note. Also important to note is that this is the follow up to On Fire Island, which I haven’t read and didn’t know when I started it, so I think it works just fine as a stand alone. I loved the Sex And The City references, too.

Overall Seven Summer Weekends is an enjoyable summer read with a stunning cover!

Thank you to Netgalley, Berkley Publishing, and the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.

The author's passion shines through in this book. It's a lovely premise of healing and connection. However, I didn’t connect with it or the characters like I wanted to. That's a reflection of me as a reader and not the book! It has great potential to appeal to other readers and I encourage others to try it out! Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book.

In Seven Summer Weekends, after getting dramatically fired from her job, Addison finds out she has inherited a beach house on Fire Island from her quirky aunt. And of course there is a handsome and single neighbor next door with whom she butts heads. Last year I loved On Fire Island and this sequel by @janelrosen was just as heartwarming, funny and emotional. I loved how the book itself was structured - with the book broken into weeks and different houseguests arriving each weekend throughout the summer to stay with Addison. Each guest reveals a little more about Addison’s aunt but also makes Addison engage in self reflection and brings her one step closer to finding happiness and being true to herself. I loved the quirky cast of characters on the island, I loved the beachy vibes, I loved the bantering between Addison and her friends and I loved that the characters were so realistic and relatable. And I love an enemies to lovers trope. It warmed my heart and brought a smile to my face. A perfect summer beach read.

Seven Summer Weekends by Jane L. Rosen is a delightful story that explores the profound impact of love, the invaluable support of friendship, and the transformative essence of time spent by the ocean. This was the prefect addition to my day at the beach.

Spoilers:

Thirty-four-year old Addison Irwin, poised to become the youngest and first female art director in her firm, instead finds herself fired after accidently accusing her boss of being a nepo baby on a company-wide Zoom call. Immediately on the heels of this devastating news, she learns that her estranged Aunt Gicky, who she hasn’t seen since she was a child, has died and left Addison her home on Fire Island. After disembarking from the ferry and being met by the real estate agent, she learns that she has renters at the guesthouse for several weekends, giving her seven weeks to make the decision either to sell or keep the property. What she never expected was that the quirky villagers would be so welcoming (except for grumpy, rude widower Ben Morse, her next-door neighbor) and that getting to know her aunt through both their eyes and from Gicky’s old friends who come to visit would endear her to the place her aunt called home. As the summer winds down, the feelings between Addie and Ben ramp up, and her buried passion for sculpting reignites her creativity, she must decide which iteration of herself she wants to pursue moving forward.

I struggled to finish this book for two reasons. I found the two romantic leads insufferable throughout most of the story. Both Addie and Ben are very quick to jump to the wrong conclusions about each other and then make rude comments and impulsive decisions based on jealousy rather than logic. Addie struck me as being very immature, gossipy, borderline puritanical, and judgmental and Ben, more than three years after his wife’s death, is still mourning her. So, it’s hard to have any faith that their eventual relationship will flourish.

I also found the writing to be choppy, which disrupted the flow of the story. There were several characters introduced, but they lacked any depth other than either filling in Gicky’s life story or providing Addie with a sounding board. Just over the halfway mark, I was tempted to not finish it, but felt I owed it to the author and publisher to finish it. The conclusion didn’t sway my opinion, I’m afraid.