Until Next Summer by Ali Brady is a new standalone contemporary romance novel. The story in Until Next Summer is one that does change the point of view between the characters in the book to give all sides of the story.

Growing up Jessie found the one place she wanted to spend the rest of her life in Camp Chickawah where she spent her summers. Jessie thought her best friend Hillary also had the dream of them one day becoming counselors at the camp with each counting down the days until summer began and they could return to their friendship and the camp. However as they got older Hillary found other interests and took an opportunity away from the camp and their friendship ended.

Now Jessie is hanging onto her Camp Chickawah dreams by the thinnest of threads being head counselor for the last several years now but has just learned the owners want to sell. If this is going to be her last summer at her beloved camp Jessie wants to make it memorable and invites all past campers for an adult camp and one last hurrah which Hillary decides to attend to rekindle the friendship they’d lost.

I just have to say first off that with Ali Brady being the pen name of authors Alison Hammer and Bradeigh Godfrey that this pair has certainly found magic in writing together. Until Next Summer is the third book the duo has penned and I have loved each and every encounter. I’m a sucker for a summer camp setting even still picking up young adult in that vein so Until Next Summer immediately drew my interest and pulled me right into the story. This one is a double romance for readers too with both women finding someone as they repaired their own relationship and I was rooting for everyone every step of the way. Great book that I’d definitely recommend!

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

4.5 stars!

As I kid who went to summer camp sessions for several years, and was a Girl Scout Camp Counselor in college, I get living ten months for two, as does Jessie in Until Next Summer. Camp Chickawah is her home away from home and provides stability after her parents divorce and form new families: sleeping in the same bed, until of switching every week per the custody agreement, is a luxury. She becomes a CIT and then a counselor and when the book opens, she’s employed year round as the director. The previous director/owners have passed and their children want to sell and develop the land. Heartbroken, and low on early enrollment, Jessie scraps tradition and decides to operate an adults-only camp for returning campers, grouped by age. She hires a skeleton crew to help run the place, hoping to maximize any profit to give a significant bonus to Dot, an administrator of many years, and Billy, a handyman/caretaker with even more longevity. Hillary, the bestie Jessie had a falling out with when Hillary betrayed Jessie by choosing not to return as a counselor, comes back to run the arts & crafts program; Hillary’s first kiss, Cooper, returns as the chef; and Luke, the counselor Jessie had a massive crush on rents a cabin for the summer to work on his next novel. It’s a motley crew, with unfinished business.

Chapters alternate between Hillary, on a break from her almost-fiancé with permission to have a summer fling, and Jessie, trying to present an upbeat demeanor while coping with heartbreaking loss and trying to crack through Luke’s grumpy persona. The friends pull together to come up with an alternative plan to save Camp Chickawah for good.

This novel is so evocative of summer and the camp experience, it practically stinks of sunscreen, lake water and insect repellent. I feel like I can give the characters permission to revert back to some teenage-like immature behavior: miscommunication, insecurity, being a little tone deaf. By the end, each has become accountable and vulnerable—playing roses and thorns, something my family incorporates into Shabbat dinner some weeks, is a clever mechanism.

The camp sessions focus on universal experiences: color war, pranks, putting on a play, etc. Catering to adults means wine at dinner, condoms in the canteen, and late-night skinny-dips. The evil inheritor Jack adds drama though it’s not clear why his sister Mary, who doesn’t seem to be in agreement, doesn’t stand up to him. The sophisticated menus Ben presents are mouthwatering—so not your average camp fare!

My only criticism is that of a missed opportunity: why not a Jewish summer camp? Ben and Hilary are coded as Jewish by their names. There’s a technology ban except for the directors cabin. Camp runs Mon-Sun to allow for not traveling on Shabbat. Jessie mentions shiva. One of the two authors gives gratitude for Jewish book circles, indicating Jewish roots, in the afterward. It would have deepened the story to have this cultural layer. Perhaps there was concern over limiting the audience or even facing outright anti-Semitism? For me, it would have added a lot for the meals to be kosher, to see havdalah at the lake, and for the campers to craft hamsas and mezuzot in the arts & crafts lodge.

I borrowed a print copy of #UntilNextSummer from my local public library, and it was no less charming having read it over a sunny October weekend.

Thank you to @netgalley @berkleypub and @berkleyromance for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Until Next Summer by Ali Brady is a nostalgic and heartwarming novel that takes readers back to the cherished days of summer camp. This story follows Jessie and Hillary, former best friends who reunite at an adults-only summer camp to save their beloved Camp Chickawah from being sold.

What I Loved:
Character Development: Jessie and Hillary’s journey from estranged friends to allies is beautifully portrayed. Their personal growth and the rekindling of their friendship are central to the story, making it both relatable and touching.
Setting: The vivid descriptions of Camp Chickawah and the nostalgic camp activities create a rich and immersive setting. The adult summer camp concept adds a unique twist, blending childhood memories with adult experiences.
Themes: The novel explores themes of friendship, forgiveness, and the importance of preserving cherished memories. The emotional depth of these themes adds a layer of poignancy to the story.

Overall, Until Next Summer is a delightful and evocative read that will resonate with anyone who has fond memories of summer camp. Ali Brady delivers a story full of love, laughter, and nostalgia, making it a perfect read for fans of contemporary romance and women’s fiction.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

#books #bookishlife #booklover #readingisfun #iowabookstagrammers #iowabookstagram #netgalley #berkleypub #berkleyromance #berkleybuddyreads #ltbreaderteam #berkelywritesstrongwomen #untilnextsummer #alibrady

10 for 2 is a new motto to me, and fits my life perfect as a teacher who spends 2 months of the year away from home. When a book hooks me with that from the outset and I'm reading at my 2 month spot I've got high hopes. And my high hopes were absolutely met!

This was such a perfect lakeside read. I loved the second chance at friendship and, of course, the second chance romances. But as always with me, the found family is always going to be one to have my heart.

The camp setting with the camp games and the camp pranks made it fun and the perfect summer read.

I love these authors and was super excited about this book but I didn’t enjoy it as much as I was hoping to. While the plot and premise are unique, the story itself dragged out for me. I also found a lot of the conversations between the couples to come out of left field in relation to what was going on in the chapter. Overall, an easy summer read

Jessie and Hilary were camp besties years ago. now Jessie works at the camp and when she discovers it will be sold, she invites all the campers back for a summer together.

Apparently camp romances are my thing. This is my second one this year and I enjoyed them both. This is not steamy but flirty and fun. This was like two romances for the price of one as both girls are falling in love with two different guys. It may have covered more tropes in one book than one would think is feasible.

Friends reunite for one last time at Camp Chickawah, a childhood camp that is now being sold. Love, humor, adventure, and a cast of messy characters who would truly make camp fun. Bonus: You don’t have to be a lover of the outdoors to adore this one. Thank you NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Alison and Bradeigh have done it again!!!! I loved this book so much! It had all the summer camp vibes with the dual romances PLUS the dual POV!

I loved the different perspectives of Jesse and Hillary and their different romantic collection, but I loved their friendship reconnection even! Yes this story is a romance but it’s also about female friendship and how important it is and I thought that made it so special!

I went to sleepaway camp for a couple summers and actually hated it but this book really made me wish I went to camp chickawah instead!

Ali Brady have written some AMAZING summer books but I think it’s time for a Christmas Romcom… hint hint.

This book brings out all the feels and nostalgia if you were a summer camp kid. If you didn't attend camp, then you will understand what it's like to live ten months for two. This is my second book by Ali Brady and I plan to read more in the future. She has a great ability to pull you into the story and immerse you in the story she tells. It's chick-awesome!

This story is about Jess, the camp director, of a summer camp that is about to sell. She decides to make the most of the last summer at camp and holds an adult summer camp for all the adults who attended over the years. Hillary is the other main female character. Hillary returns to camp to relive the glory days as well as make amends with her old BFF, Jess, with whom she lost touch over the years. This book is really about the relationship between these two friends, in the place where their friendship began and how to work together to mend the friendship and try to save the camp at the same time. Each main character has her own journey throughout the book, which of course includes a love interest with a former camper. Cooper and Luke. Both men go on a bit of a personal growth journey as well. It was so enjoyable to go through all the emotions with each character while also reliving my days at camp. If you enjoy Broadway musical references, summer camp, and a little bit of spice, then this book is for you!

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for an advanced copy.

Until Next Summer is a great rom-com that was so hard to put down.

If you are looking for a book to take with you on vacation or read by the poolside, this book is for you. Any bookworm who went to summer camps as a child will devour this story. I wasn't one of those bookworms, but I still found myself enjoying the story and the setting. The characters in this book are relatable and it was great getting to watch them go on this journey of trying to save this camp that means so much to them. I love a book that has an interesting and engaging family element to it, and this book had that in spades. For romance bookworms out there, you will be delighted to know that this is a grumpy sunshine love story (my favourite trope).

Until Next Summer is perfect for those bookworms looking to escape the world for a few hours.

I absolutely love this author duo, Ali Brady! If you only read one summer themed book this year, make it this one! The characters are easy to love and I was completely invested in how they planned on saving Camp Chickawah! There are elements that will make you miss your days at summer camp, even if you’ve never been!

Jessie and Hillary were camp besties but grew apart as adults. I love that we get to watch this story unfold from both points of view. It’s hard reconnecting with someone who used to be your person and the authors show this perfectly with points of hesitation, nervousness, and self reflection.

This book is fun, flirty, and perfect to read poolside or on vacation! It definitely made me want to visit camp as an adult and I can’t wait to see what these ladies cook up for us next!

Ali Brady writes friendships so well. Set at Camp Chickawah, it follows former best friends Jessie and Hillary as they reunite during an "adult summer camp" before its final closing.
It's a second-chance friendship, you could say! I found the reasons behind their past fallout a bit irrational, especially on Jessie's part, but I did empathize deeply with the sense of loss they both felt. I loved the example of platonic soulmates and enjoyed watching Jessie and Hillary mend their relationship to unite and attempt to save their beloved camp.
Both romances were incredibly sweet, too. Hillary's unexpected summer fling with the camp chef (my favourite of the two romances) and Jessie's bickering with the reclusive guest writer both made me so giddy!
A fun summery read, for sure. Though, l've realized I don't care for the silliness and pranks often associated with camp settings. I totally get the nostalgia that can bring out a natural sense of childishness, but I do think it hindered my overall enjoyment just a tad.

This last hurrah at summer camp for these now grown-ups is full of Broadway musical and Young Adult bestseller namedrops that will take many a reader on a trip down memory lane as the two narrators attempt to save their “Chicka-awesome” teenage getaway while rekindling respective romances with their old crushes (please be warned the smexuals are most definitely not in the fade-to-black category). Unfortunately for me, I never attended a sleepaway camp so there was no nostalgia to be had. My only experience came from watching the CITs of North Star on an endless loop during my pubescent summers off.

I will die on the hill that no fluff piece like this will EVER require 450 pages so this was a true 2.5 Star for me. Alas, no halfsies on the Goodreads so I’m rounding down rather than up.

Good news is, if this doesn’t work out for you, maybe The Beach Trap will be a better fit like it was for me : )

ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

The perfect combination of summer feels and nostalgia for the childhood sleep away camps, but this time from the perspective of the staff. Through the stories of Jessie and Hillary we got not only one love story, but two. Or three (if you count the friendship), or four (if you count their love for the camp). Basically, it's the story that keeps on giving!. I devoured this one quickly, and would definitely recommend for someone looking for a little escapist, summer read!

Thank you to Berkley Pub @BerkleyRomance and Netgalley @Netgalley for my e-ARC, all thoughts are my own!

I really enjoyed Ali Brady's The Beach Trap and so I was super excited for another summer novel that was just lighthearted and fun. I love the premise of an adult sleepaway camp where old friends get to reconnect and there are new relationships and such.

However, this one fell flat for me. I didn't feel as though Jessie and Hillary were flushed-out characters. They both seemed rather one-dimensional with their struggles and future love interests. I found that Jessie was acting like a teenager most of the time instead of an adult. How can you stay mad at someone for changing their mind? And you didn't even care enough about them to have a conversation?!

I think the relationships were a bit too drawn out and there was no need for this to be 400 pages. 350 is the max for a contemporary for me personally and I think this one could have been edited to 320.

This book was chick-amazing!!! I absolutely LOVED the summer camp setting. It brought back so many nostalgic memories of my own camp experiences. The friendship between Jessie and Hillary was a beautiful thing and I enjoyed each of their love stories too.

Jessie and Hillary were best friends for years at camp and were supposed to return to become counselors together. Jessie is shocked when Hilary does not return with almost no explanation. Now, years later, Jessie is still working at camp as the director when the owners' children decide to sell the camp.

Jessie decides to have one last amazing summer at the camp with all the former campers invited back for a reunion. Hilary knows that this is her last chance to have the summer she always wanted and rekindle her friendship with Jessie. But just like kids have camp drama and relationships, the adults are no better!

This book about summer camp reminds me so much of my childhood at camp. I was laughing so hard while reading this book, I had tears streaming down my face. This is a perfect summer read for anyone who went to camp.

#UntilNextSummer: ⛺️🛶☀️⁣
⁣
Thank you @prhaudio @berkleyromance for my free copies! #PRHAudioPartner #BerkleyPartner⁣
⁣
“I think we ask ourselves if the journey is worth taking. And if the answer is yes . . . then we go for it” ⁣
⁣
I know I’m the first to belt about Augtober and spooky season, but let me soak up the last few days of summer by enjoying Until Next Summer.⁣
⁣
I feel like this would be a 5 🏃‍♀️regardless just because two of my absolute favorites, Brittany Pressley and Karissa Vacker narrate this book as the besties Jessie and Hillary. There’s no way I would have missed the chance to listen on audio, and yes, it’s as wonderful as you can expect.⁣
⁣
This book is full of nostalgia, but also really about rediscovering yourself in a place where you truly could be yourself when you were younger. Hillary’s journey was really this and I loved seeing how camp truly brought out the best in her. Jessie’s was more of mending broken relationships, which gave me all the feels. I loved the romance, the friendship, and the camp feels. ⁣
⁣
Overall, I sighed, I swooned, and yes, no shocker I cried. ⁣
⁣
Out now, definitely grab this before summer slips away from you!

I enjoyed this story about friendship and romance. It was cute, fun, and kept my interest. I loved the twist and how it was resolved. I've read every book by these authors and can't wait to see what's next.

Huge thank you to @berkleypub @berittalksbooks @thephdivabooks @dg_reads and @netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. This book is so much fun! I have always wanted to go to summer camp but sadly I never went. I felt like I was at camp in this book. This author duo did such a great job of transporting the reader to summer camp as an adult!
.
Jessie and Hillary were the best of friends at camp but when a falling out led to them not talking for years it left a hole in each of their hearts. Hillary moved on to a career saving failing businesses and Jessie never left camp becoming the camp director. As the camp prepares to close one final time Jessie gets the idea to spend the summer inviting past campers and having an qdult summer camp. (How amazing would that be?!) Not only does it allow campers to revisit their youth, but Jessie and Hillary inadvertently reconnect, find love and in the process allow their dreams to come true. This book is simply a summer delight!
.