“All the Summers in Between” is by Brooke Lea Foster. I have really mixed feelings about this book. I found this book very slow moving - especially in the beginning. This book is about Thea and Margot and told in two timelines - 1967 and 1977. In 1967, Thea finds a dog and, eventually, knocks on Margot’s door. They become fast friends - with both working at the same record store. The 1960s are in full swing - and Ms. Foster brings those times (from food, fads, clothing, and music) very much alive. Something happens later that summer and the two don’t see each other for ten years. In 1977, Thea celebrates her 30th birthday, wishing to see Margot - and the next day Margot appears in Thea’s house asking for help. Both women really annoyed me - Thea for constantly craving excitement and never seemingly to have a backbone, and Margot for her manipulative nature. I found myself skimming this book a lot wishing that the insides of this book lived up to that fantastic and eye catching cover.

This is a deep an thoughtful look at friendship, marriage, youth, maturity....and all of the forces that shape us and change us. This story is told in two timelines, ten years apart. There are elements of mystery here (what caused the separation of these two friends, why is one showing up now asking for help, why are they trying to keep their reunification a secret...), but this is not really a mystery. Rather, it is a rumination on character, choices, and who we hold in our heart. Because of this, it is not fast-paced or plot driven but is meant to be devoured in small bites to appreciate all that each has to give. I enjoyed this and the reflection it allowed on my own childhood friendships and how different, but no less meaningful, they are today. Thank you NetGalley and publishers for providing a digital ARC for review.

I love historical chic lit and All the Summers in Between delivers! Set in dual timelines, 1967 and 1977, the tale follows the friendship of Thea and Margot. The story does drags a bit. The big reveal happens later in the book. The dual timeline helps keep the reader interested. Fun musical references add some retro charm. Well developed flawed characters and a wonderful setting make this a great summer read.

Margot is a rich girl from Manhattan who is in East Hampton for the summer. Thea lives in East Hampton year-round. Her mother passed a year ago and she's taken up the role of mother to her sister and maid to her stepfather. The two young women meet and an instant friendship is made. The summer is full of first romances, intense friendships and parties in wealthy homes. But by August, the two women have a dark secret about a terrible night. Margot leaves, with no good-bye, no note.

10 years later, Margot arrives at Thea's dock and asks for her help. Her husband has gotten into some mob trouble. No...Margot is the one in trouble. Wait....no, it's her husband. (See what's happening here.) Thea is married to her first love and has a young daughter. She is a typical housewife. Margot showing back up throws Thea's life into chaos.
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All the Summers In Between is a bit of a misleading title. This is dual timelines, 1967 and 1977, the 'summers in between' are not really explored.

This is the story of a talented artist and the woman who is a succubus. Thea is a wonderful character, it was easy to connect with her. Margot seemed like a wild child and just....a giant a-hole.

Still, I really enjoyed every single page of this story. Maybe I just like toxic friendships.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review.

All the Summers In Betweenis a captivating tale of friendship, secrets, and the enduring bonds that withstand the test of time.
The author skillfully weaves between dual timelines, immersing readers in the nostalgic charm of the 1960s and the introspective atmosphere of the 1970s. Through rich prose and vivid imagery, she paints a vivid picture of the Hamptons, evoking a sense of longing for a bygone era.
At its core, this novel is a poignant exploration of friendship, loyalty, and forgiveness. As Thea grapples with the complexities of her past and present, readers are drawn into a world of suspense and intrigue, unable to resist the allure of uncovering the truth alongside her.
All the Summers In Between is a poignant and thought-provoking read that will linger in the minds of readers long after the final page. The author's masterful storytelling and nuanced characters make this a compelling journey worth taking.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

I thought that this would be a light fun summer read and I was wrong. Have you ever known a person who seems to say and do all the right things but yet there’s something off? That is how I felt reading about the friendship between Thea, a married mother of 1 who is a year round resident of a beach community, and Margot, her best friend 10 years ago that she hadn’t seen in that long and just showed up in her home one summer day. Thea desperately wants to believe her friend is sincere and needs her help and to me there were so many friendship red flags that I found it uncomfortable at times to read about their interactions.
There’s a lot going on in this book and I will continue to think about it, but I will not miss the characters.
Thank you Netgalley and Gallery Books for the digital ARC.

All the Summers In Between spans from 1967-1977, told in dual timelines, with a lot of fun musical references packed in.

Decent, easy read that will be sure to pop up at many a poolside.

This one was a decent read and set in a location that's interesting to me, and yet for some reason I had a hard time really getting into the story and appreciating the characters. The "big secret" that caused a mysterious estrangement was revealed long after I had lost interest in the plot. Once it came to light, it was almost anti-climactic. And then, it seemed to me, the book ended.
I read two other books by Foster and enjoyed both of those more than this one - I didn't hate it and I would not push others to read it like I would to read ON GIN LANE or SUMMER DARLINGS.

Had so looked forward to this book, especially given the setting and plot.
Unfortunately found the story dated & predictable featuring one-dimensional characters.

With thanks to NetGalley & Gallery Books for this e-ARC.

In 1967, Thea finds a lost dog and goes house to house in East Hampton to try and find the owner. When she knocks on the door of an expensive mansion, she meets Margo. Although Thea is from a poor family the two girls instantly bond and become fast friends. Thea works at the local record shop and soon Margot is working there, too. Margo is impulsive, creative and a free spirit. Thea is responsible for looking after her little sister because their mother has died and her step father expects her to help. Meeting Margo brings fun into her life. However, after a devastating event the girls part.
Told in alternating timelines with lots of musical references, All The Summers In Between is a story of friendship, marriage, music and how far we will go to help a friend, despite the danger. I have read Brooke Lea Foster’s previous two books Summer Darlings and On Gin Lane and enjoyed them, as well. Overall, I enjoyed this one but I think the characters could have used a little more substance. Everything felt...flat. I struggled to get through it and had to push myself to finish it. The "twist" was predictable, and it didn't add much to the plot for me. If there had been a bit more play into the mystery of what happened between the friends, I think I would have enjoyed it more.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary e-galley; all opinions in this review are 100% my own.

In 1967, Thea finds a lost dog and goes house to house in East Hampton to try and find the owner. When she knocks on the door of an expensive mansion, she meets Margo. Although Thea is from a poor family the two girls instantly bond and become fast friends. Thea works at the local record shop and soon Margot is working there, too. Margo is impulsive, creative and a free spirit. Thea is responsible for looking after her little sister because their mother has died and her step father expects her to help. Meeting Margo brings fun into her life. However, after a devastating event the girls part.

Ten years later, Margo shows up in Thea’s life again. She is in trouble and needs help. Thea is now married and a mother but she feels unfulfilled. Seeing Margo again reignites all of the ambition and feelings she had when they were best friends but she has trust issues with Margo. What is really going on and why has she suddenly come back into her life after all those years?

Told in alternating timelines with lots of musical references, All The Summers In Between is a story of friendship, marriage, music and how far we will go to help a friend, despite the danger. I have read Brooke Lea Foster’s previous two books Summer Darlings and On Gin Lane and enjoyed them, as well.

All The Summers In Between will be published on June 4, 2024. Thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the advanced Reading copy.

I always enjoy reading historical fiction and in this regards, the book perfectly captured the 1960s & 1970s. However, it took a lot of perseverance to finish the book. The characters were well developed, it poses the question how far would you go for friendship, but it took the author a long time to get to the end of this story.

This story just fell flat for me. I had a hard time getting into it and it was a struggle to finish.

Unfortunately this was a DnF for me.
I hate doing that to a book but I just couldn't get into it. I tried.
I will recommend this novel for anyone who loves chick lit novels.
I did love the 50's and 70' s settings though. And I did like Thea.

I'm always intrigued by historical fiction novels that take place in the 1960's and 70's so I requested this one immediately. Overall, I enjoyed this one. I think the characters could have used a little more substance but overall feelings for the novel were positive and I enjoyed the read.

Thank you NetGalley & Gallery Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. This review is also posted on Goodreads.

I have...mixed feelings about this book. I was very intrigued going into it - the promise of a split time line between friends, and the air of mystery of what happened between them all those years ago. However, I was left unsatisfied with the plot and the characters. The "vibe" and setting of the book was great. Summertime in the East Hampton's during the 1960's and 1970's, with a big focus on music. This was what warranted two (1.5) stars for me.

Thea and Margot haven't seen each other in ten years, when Margot suddenly shows up in Thea's house asking for help. Thea, although reluctant at first, can't help but give into Margot and help her hide out from authorities (so Margot claims). Thea is quickly back under Margot's spell. As Thea grapples with what to do, she constantly refers back to "what happened all those years ago", bringing in this almost sinister feeling.

As the story continues, we jump from 1977 back to 1967, learning how Margot and Thea came to be best friends. Thea has been experiencing some extremely tough, down on her luck times when she meets Margot, the rich summer socialite. Thus begins Thea's adventures with Margot. She is totally entranced with Margot's zest for life and big ideas, that she doesn't see Margot is ultimately not a good person & continuously uses her.

Overall, I thought there was not enough substance in the plot or between the characters. Everything felt...flat. I struggled to get through it and had to push myself to finish it. The "twist" was predictable, and it didn't add much to the plot for me. If there had been a bit more play into the mystery of what happened between the friends / a livelier lead up to the twist, I think I would have enjoyed it more.

* I was given an ARC in return for a fair and honest review.
I just couldn't finish this one. It sounded interesting, but just turned out to be fluffy chick lit. If you like chick lit I'd recommend it. Lots of descriptions of clothing and focuses on friendship between women. If this is your thing, you'll love it. I need more substance from a book.

A perfect, charming, Summer read with hints of history, glitz, glam and suspense. The writing is rich in detail, making you feel as if you're there along for the ride with Thea and Margot. A must-read this Summer!

This is a fun, sparkling read that will be perfect for summer beach bags.

The friendship between Margot and Thea is immediately compelling, and the author does a wonderful job of evoking the time period. The rupture of the friendship is a dramatic moment -- and they don't see each other for 10 years. When they reunite, they're not sure they can trust each other, which adds to the tension and keeps the reader turning the pages. Ultimately this is a coming of age story. It should appeal to fans of historical and women's fiction. It's a pretty light/frothy story, and I definitely enjoyed it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary e-galley; all opinions in this review are 100% my own.