A Novel Summer by Jamie Brenner is a beautifully written, soul-soothing story about second chances, forgiveness, and the power of books. What I love about Brenner's writing is how she captures the emotional depth of her characters. Shelby’s journey is one of growth, redemption, and finding balance between her career and the people who matter most. The Cape Cod setting only enhances the story, adding a layer of nostalgia and warmth.

If you’ve loved Jamie Brenner’s backlist books (I loved Blush and Guilt), A Novel Summer will not disappoint. It’s the perfect blend of emotional depth and summer charm. I couldn’t put it down. Highly recommend!

A Novel Summer by Jamie Brenner is called a beach read, as is the book that its main character Shelby publishes. Shelby’s characters seem to resemble her friends, which causes rifts in some of her oldest friendships. She returns to Provincetown to help her friend run her book store and tries to make amends with those she has hurt. This story is told from various viewpoints including Shelby’s friend Hunter (a woman named Hunter was confusing to me…), her ex boyfriend Justin, and Justin’s mom Carmen. There were a few subplots and my favorite was the one about Justin’s sister. While this does include a bit of a second chance love story, that is not the main focus of the book. As a light read, this one served its purpose!

Three years after abruptly leaving her friends, boyfriend, and local town in order to pursue a career goal, SHelby Archer finds herself back in Cape Cod. Now a successful author working on her second novel, Shelby is not prepared when she finds some hurt feelings in those she loves, as they feel she used their private lives and personal stories to fuel her first novel's plot.

I would consider A Novel Summer by Jamie Brenner to be a "coming of age" novel however I had issues with how Brenner wrote the characters. Almost every character was so self absorbed in their own problems it was distracting to the reader. I understand much of the personality traits were used as plot points and illustrations of how the women in the novel grew and matured; but it was insulting to the intelligence of the audience in the way Brenner believed the reader would just understand and sympathize with Shelby.

Jamie Brenner has written many good books in my opinion. This was not one of them.

A Novel Summer by Jamie Brenner is a mixed bag for me. While there are elements of the story that are engaging, it ultimately falls short in several key areas, leaving me with a sense of disappointment—especially given my appreciation for Brenner’s other works.

The premise is promising: a bestselling author, Shelby Archer, returns to Provincetown, the place that inspired her first novel, to reconcile with old friends and manage a local bookstore. Unfortunately, the execution didn’t live up to the potential. The book feels disjointed, with too much focus on descriptions, while the character development of the three central women—Shelby, Colleen, and Hunter—feels underdeveloped. I really wanted more depth and insight into their relationships, especially Colleen, who was a central part of Shelby's summer but had very little voice in the narrative. Their friendship felt flat, and I was disappointed by how little time the characters actually spent together. Instead of meaningful interactions, they often texted or barely communicated—particularly Shelby and Colleen, who, despite being best friends, didn’t seem to connect in a way that felt authentic.

The plot is also driven by the "miscommunication" trope, but this was frustrating more than it was compelling. There was very little direct dialogue between the friends, and much of the conflict could have been avoided with more open communication. It's difficult to fully invest in a friendship storyline when the friends spend most of their time apart or texting each other.

That said, A Novel Summer has its redeeming qualities. The character arcs, particularly Hunter’s, did provide some emotional payoff by the end, and the story does wrap up in a satisfying way, albeit predictably. There are some sweet moments, and I appreciated the overall sense of hope and second chances. It also serves as an easy, breezy beach read, making it a perfect choice for those looking for a light summer novel.

The setting of Provincetown, which could have been a character in itself, sadly didn’t get the love it deserved. The town could have been anywhere along the northeastern coast, and that was a missed opportunity. In contrast, authors like Carley Fortune are experts at making their locations feel like integral parts of the story, and I would have loved to see more of that here.

That said, A Novel Summer does have its strengths: it’s an easy read, offers some good character arcs, and wraps up with a decent ending. For readers looking for a beachy, feel-good romance with some drama and a few good moments of growth, this book will likely be enjoyable. For those familiar with Jamie Brenner’s other works, however, this may not be as strong a showing. It’s definitely a letdown compared to her previous books, but I’m hopeful that future releases will return to the level of storytelling I’ve come to expect from her.

Overall, this is a good read for a light beach vacation, but don't expect the depth and charm that the premise promises.

📖 BOOK REVIEW

📱 A NOVEL SUMMER by Jamie Brenner
4 stars

Genre: contemporary fiction
Did I cry: no
Published in 2024

💭: this book was the perfect summer beach read🥹 i absolutely live for a cape cod beach-town setting, and the idea of a local author moving home to help run/save the local independent book store while mending broken friendships and relationships i mean come on!! couldn’t have been better. the characters were great and the plot was great. I don’t think the book particularly wowed me, but then again it’s rare that i feel that way towards contemporary fiction. It was just enjoyable for what it was! Def recommend for a light, fun summer read.

Let’s book made me happy for so many reasons. As an elementary school librarian, that would love to own my very own book shop and write a book of my own, it just hit all the connections for me. I love the storyline and relationship dynamics.

I have read and enjoyed this author before and definitely enjoyed this one.

Would be a great beach read. Three women, Shelby, Hunter and Colleen were college friends. They spent summers in the same beach town. After graduation their lives took different paths.

Shelby, now an author, returns to the beach town to promote her book. Some of her friends aren't happy with the book and that they may be portrayed in it. She also encounters her ex boyfriend, who she parted ways with to move away and pursue her writing.

This was a fun read!

Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin for an eARC.

This was a sweet beach read! The story, set in beautiful Provincetown, captures the charm of summer and self-discovery. Though the dialogue is sometimes a bit slow ,the characters and their journeys kept me hooked. A heartfelt, scenic read for anyone who loves stories about friendship and second chances

Thank you to NetGalley for this advanced reader copy. A Novel Summer is definitely a simple beach read. A little romance, a bit of friendships and family drama - all things that make a good book.

I loved the setting but overall this book didn’t really engage me much :( i had high hopes it just wasn’t my cup of tea. Overall a really cute story and setting though!’

Absolutely beautiful writing style. Perfect summer vibes! I loved the rival bookstore owners trope so so much. It makes me wish for summer days to come back again.

I FINALLY got around to reading this one in October! hahah! I absolutely loved the setting of this book, but it was missing something for me to really love it. 3.5 stars overall! Thank you NetGalley for my ARC!

I enjoyed this read and felt like it was a good summer book. Janie Brenner kept my attention with the story and the evolution between all the characters. I also enjoyed the plot conflict with the MC and how she resolved it at the end.

Jamie Brenner is an auto buy author for me. I love her writing. It's soulful, colorful and relateable. A Novel Summer is the perfect heartwarming summer read. Add to your summer reading list ASAP.

I enjoy stories about women, their friendships and their lives. This is exactly what Jamie Brenner delivers in A Novel Summer.

Readers meet three young women as the story opens in Provincetown on Cape Cod. They include Colleen who has grown up on the Cape. Her parents own a bookstore (and one that I would like to visit). Shelby grew up moving around as her family was a military one. She dreams of being an author. Hunter has grown up in a family (and a wealthy one) that has deep roots in Boson. Despite not having to work, Hunter wants meaning in her life. The three become good friends.

Soon after the book opens, we move forward with these characters. Shelby has written a best seller; a rival bookstore wants to open; Hunter is at loose ends.

What will happen to each of these women? Will they find happiness? Romance? Will their friendship survive? Find out in this read that will speak to those who enjoy women’s fiction.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.

Such a cute and delicious read perfect for the summer time! It would be down right amazing and perfect to be sitting on a beach, drinking a nice fruity drink, enjoying the sunshine while reading this book.

Three friends drift apart after college and then meet up again 3 years later. They're all in different places, Shelby is a writer planning a book tour and a reunion with her friends, Hunter does something in the literary field - never quite figured out what exactly. And Colleen works in the local bookstore. The friendships fell seriously flat for me and I found myself skimming more than I read just because the dynamics were missing something vital.

The beach town and the interesting side characters kept me reading!

Thank you to Netgalley, and Jamie Brenner for the e-Arc in exchange for an honest review.

A Novel Summer is a wonderful beach read, about...a beach town! Set in Provincetown, MA, it tells the story of three strong women who have known each other since childhood. Growing up in a small, close nit town, they promised no matter what to return to P-
Town every summer to be together. But, what always seems to happen, life and lives change and sadly friends go their separate ways.

So, when they finally do reunite you would hope the reunion would be special. But unfortunately, that is not the case with these three beloved friends. What does happen is they air their differences which include jealousy, heartbreak and tension. But this is also a very moving book about how friends who have become lost to each other can somehow, not easily, resolve their differences, move past obstacles and come together during crisis and even apologize and admit to past mistakes. And of course, there is romance!

When Shelby's best friend Colleen, whose parents own the only bookstore in town, which she manages, called Land's End implores Shelby to come home to help her, Shelby, an author with her first book out, living in New York City goes to her friend's aid. You see Colleen is pregnant with twins and has been told she must take it easy.

Shelby has not been back to Provincetown for a few years and is hesitantly excited to go back. She realizes she has left some unfinished business behind. But, Colleen is more important. Unfortunately their friend Hunter, who herself is in publishing and is living in town is not very pleased with her return. Hunter is embarrassed as she feels Shelby used her life and secrets in her new book and everyone in town knows it. She wants nothing to do with her.

On top of all this, Shelby has a second book coming due and she has a bit of writer's block. Oh and she now has to face her high school boyfriend, Justin whom she left to go to the Big City to become a writer. She realizes she has a great deal to make up for. but will they all be able to fix what is obviously broken, and also help keep Colleen calm?

But, there seems to be many obstacles at work which will keep them from obtaining their goals. With each, their lives begin to fall apart rather than come together. A Novel Summer is a sweet, second chance story, in so many ways, with romance, deceit, forgiveness and love.

Thank you #NetGalley #ParkRow #ANovelSummer #JamieBrenner for the advanced copy.

A Novel Summer is a light and enjoyable read, perfect for fans of breezy, feel-good stories, but it doesn’t stray far from familiar territory. The plot, centered around a summer romance between two unlikely individuals, is charming yet predictable. While the setting—sunny beaches and lazy afternoons—provides an idyllic backdrop, the story itself lacks the depth and complexity that would make it truly stand out.

The characters are likable but not particularly memorable, and their development feels somewhat rushed. The romance, while sweet, follows a well-trodden path, with few surprises along the way. The writing is pleasant and captures the warmth of summer, but the narrative doesn't delve much beyond the surface.

For readers seeking a light, escapist summer read, A Novel Summer will hit the mark. It’s an easy, enjoyable story, but for those looking for more emotional depth or originality, it might feel a little too safe and predictable. A fun read, but ultimately forgettable.

"A Novel Summer" by Jamie Brennen is a delightful and heartwarming story that follows the journey of a young woman who finds herself at a crossroads in life. As she spends a summer in a picturesque town, she discovers love, friendship, and the power of storytelling. Brennen's writing is engaging and relatable, capturing the essence of self-discovery and the importance of pursuing one's passions. The novel beautifully blends romance and personal growth, making it a perfect summer read that leaves readers feeling inspired and uplifted.

Shelby, Colleen and Hunter were best friends growing up spending summers together on the Cape. When they went to University/College, they moved on with Shelby becoming an author, Colleen working in her family's bookstore in Providence and Hunter becoming an editor in a small publishing house. Shelby has published her first book, based on her life on the Cape, Hunter has just lost her job and returned to Providence and Colleen is hoping to prove to her mothers that she can fun the bookstore. Shelby is doing a book tour and has set up her first stop at Colleen's bookstore. She didn't expect the anger and upset from some of her old friends, especially Hunter. She leaves, angry and unhappy, but returns to help Colleen out when she gets a desperate call for help. Can she reconcile with those who are angry with her? Will the three friends become close once again?

A Novel Summer is my first book by Jamie Brenner, but it will not be my last. Yes, this is a summery, beach read, but it is also a story of reconciliation, new beginnings, dealing with change and friendship. All three of the women are dealing with changes in their lives and need to make a lot of decisions. Will they be able to help one another? There are several secondary characters who play an important role in this story, especially where Hunter's and Shelby's relationship is concerned. I really liked the setting of this story, a small town that is trying to rejuvenate itself, but also stay true to the Cape feel. There is some romance, old beaus, new beaus and some feelings that are reawakened. Throw in a company that wants to move in and bring a resort, a new book idea that might cause more anger, and women who are independent, but need each other as well and you have an enjoyable summer story, all set in Cape Cod.