I was hopeful for a magical island and crafting but I was so bored. The characters were so surface level and the story so slow.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is very much like a Christmas story only on a tropical island. I loved how Eloisa helps everyone who arrives on the island get a chance to change the directions of their lives and learn something from it. There is a wonderful romance between two people who went in to different directions twenty-two years ago and meet each other on the island. There is a lot of soul searching and discoveries among the guests on the island that make their lives happier. I loved all the avenues that are opened to help people on the island that helps someone find peace but also activities that are fun and creative. I love how warm and fuzzy all the island inhabitants are and how giving they are and they are always ready to help.
It would be nice if an island like this actually existed and help others heal. It's just a wonderful and loving story.

I want to thank Avon and Harper Voyager | Avon and NetGalley for an advance copy of a very uplifting story.

Hobby Island sounds like a magical place I want to visit for my next holiday. The descriptions are so well written and vivid. Lori Wilde does an amazing job of creating pictures through her writing.

This three generation story of women who have all faced terrible heartbreak was so well woven together. Each woman finds exactly what they need to help repair their broken hearts. The quilting contest was a fun reason to bring them all to the island, but they gained so much more throughout their summer together. Finding the strength to move forward can be scary and overwhelming. Working together as a family can help us through a lot of tragedy.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

What first drew me into this book was the vivid description of Hobby Island. Colors come alive as the jacaranda trees, the town, and character’s outfits are described. This book is about the complex relationships between mother and daughter and about believing in yourself. it is also about healing and forgiveness. It was an easy read and I thoroughly enjoyed the story.

Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for the opportunity for review. My review opinions are my own
This book was has a very intriguing and compelling story. A wealthy woman has a private island reserved only for crafters. The entire island is on reserve for only those who obtain a ticket to visit and stay. The theme of the island is goodwill and kindness but some are not so interested in incorporating into the good vibes of the island. A grandmother receives a ticket and takes her daughter and granddaughter who are recovering from tragedy and stress. The relationships are a large part of the book and how they evolve on the island.

This was a enjoyable read. I like the authors writing and how she created such a interesting story. The book has drama, a theme of growth and adjusting to change in one's life. Family is a large part of the book and how a family should support one another. I like the complex characters, the setting and the pace of the writing.

This is a new-to-me author and I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I really enjoyed reading this one!

The story follows Jeanie (grandmother), Luna (middle aged daughter), and Artie (teen granddaughter). Jeanie wins a two-month trip to Hobby Island and Luna and Artie come along for the ride. They can all use the escape from the stressors they are carrying. They all have some healing to do and a contest to (hopefully) win to improve their financial situation. Luna has major trust issues (understandably so) due to some things that occurred with her parents, her former husband, and her high school sweetheart who she unexpectedly reconnects with on the island. The characters are facing challenges with forgiving themselves and others, trusting others, letting their walls down, and letting go of fear-based living.

This one's for you if you enjoy a cozy and entertaining read that balances lightheartedness with some deeper topics (some about impacts of intergenerational trauma on relational dynamics). As I was reading it, I kept getting vibes similar to the quirky characters in Stars Hollow (Gilmore Girls), except this takes place on an island.

The pacing was a little off, but it did not significantly detract from my reading enjoyment. The love story immediately picking up after over 20 years felt a bit sudden but also was not the complete focus of the book, so I was able to set that aside.

Overall, solid 4 stars and I do recommend it! I am interested in exploring this author some more.

Thanks to Avon / Harper Voyager (via NetGalley) for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Pub date: April 22, 2025

This was an emotional ride. Jeannie, her daughter, and granddaughter are gifted a stay on a small island. While there, they will face old hurts, heal some lingering wounds, and find peace with their relationships. Overall a beautiful story about forgiveness and healing.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

3.5 stars! What I would give for a trip to Hobby Island! This was such a beautiful story of growth and forgiveness and overcoming our traumas. Lori captured the bond between a mother and daughter perfectly! If you're looking for a good laugh (and a good cry) with the smallest sprinkle of spice, I absolutely recommend this one!

Jeannie her daughter Luna and granddaughter Artemis are gifted with a two month crafting holiday on a small Island. There they will heal old wounds, have a second chance at love, and come to believe in the magic of the Island. Wonderful characters. Lovely story with an added mystery to solve.

*The Summer That Shaped Us* by Lori Wilde is one of those books that feels like a cozy summer hug. Set on the enchanting Hobby Island, it’s a heartfelt story about family, healing, and the chance to start fresh, all wrapped up in the beauty of a magical retreat. It’s the kind of book that leaves you feeling warm inside, like the lingering glow of a summer sunset.

The story follows three generations of women—Luna, her teenage daughter Artemis, and her mom Jeanie—each dealing with their own struggles after a series of emotional blows. When Jeanie gets invited to a crafting retreat run by the mysterious Eloisa Hobby, they head to the island together, reluctantly at first. What follows is a summer that changes all of them, forcing them to face their pasts, confront their grief, and repair the bonds between them.

What really makes this story special is the way it handles relationships. Luna, Artie, and Jeanie are so different from each other, yet their love is undeniable, even when it’s messy or strained. Luna’s down-to-earth approach to life contrasts beautifully with Artemis’ fiery teen spirit, and Jeanie’s artistic, sensitive nature gives their dynamic a layer of tenderness. Watching them grow and reconnect over the summer is emotional, satisfying, and very real.

Hobby Island itself is magical. Lori Wilde paints the setting so vividly you can almost feel the sand under your toes and hear the waves crashing in the distance. The crafting retreat, run by Eloisa Hobby, is a beautiful mix of nurturing and whimsical, with Eloisa herself adding a touch of mystery and wisdom to the story. She has this subtle way of helping her guests find clarity and hope without forcing anything, and it’s so lovely to watch.

That said, the pacing of the book can feel slow at times. Some parts of the dialogue and story felt repetitive, which occasionally pulled me out of the otherwise immersive experience. But even with that, the heartfelt relationships, emotional growth, and cozy charm kept me invested.

One of my favorite parts was the friendship between the teenage girls. Artie’s budding connection with the other girls on the island felt so genuine and sweet—it added an extra layer of warmth to the story. The crafting scenes were also a unique and fun element, giving the book a creative and comforting vibe.

In the end, *The Summer That Shaped Us* is a story about finding healing in the most unexpected places. It’s about the power of family, the beauty of second chances, and the hope that even the messiest lives can bloom into something beautiful.

If you love stories about personal growth, emotional family dynamics, and a touch of escapist magic, this book is a perfect choice. It’s not a fast-paced read, but it’s one that will stay with you long after you finish, reminding you of the power of love, resilience, and the little things that help us heal.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)

Sometimes, a book feels like a warm breeze on a summer evening, and The Summer That Shaped Us is exactly that. Lori Wilde delivers a beautiful, heartfelt story of healing, family, and second chances, all set against the magical backdrop of Hobby Island—a place where the food tastes better, the colors are brighter, and life’s wounds find unexpected remedies.

The story follows three generations of women—Luna, her teenage daughter Artemis, and her mother Jeanie—each grappling with their own struggles in the wake of loss and emotional turmoil. When Jeanie receives one of Eloisa Hobby’s golden tickets to her exclusive crafting retreat, they reluctantly embark on a journey to the island. What follows is a summer of self-discovery, love, and the kind of healing that only comes when you confront life’s challenges head-on.

What makes this book so special is its tender exploration of relationships—between mother and daughter, grandmother and granddaughter, and even strangers who become family. Luna’s pragmatism, Artie’s teenage fire, and Jeanie’s artistic sensitivity make for a beautifully layered dynamic. And Eloisa Hobby? She’s a fascinating presence, equal parts mysterious and nurturing, with a knack for gently nudging her guests toward the light without forcing it.

The island itself feels alive, a character in its own right. Its magical energy, combined with the charm of Eloisa’s crafting retreat, made me want to pack my bags and escape there myself. Lori Wilde’s descriptions of the island, its vivid beauty, and the comforting community it fosters are immersive and utterly enchanting.

Thank you to Lori Wilde, Avon and Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for this touching journey. The Summer That Shaped Us is perfect for readers who love stories about resilience, personal growth, and the messy, wonderful relationships that make us who we are. It’s a reminder that even when life feels broken, there’s always hope for something beautiful to grow again.

I was attracted to this book with its unique premise magical island, and lots of quilting and crafting! However, I felt the writing was slow in some places, and the dialogue was repetitive and other places. I did care about the characters however, and enjoyed the love story And the details about the island and the crafting. I especially appreciated the friendship between the teenage girls.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced reading copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review

The Summer That Shaped Us by Lori Wilde is a charming, feel-good read that mixes family drama with a touch of magic. The story follows Luna, her daughter Artemis, and her mother Jeanie as they spend a transformative summer on a healing island retreat. I loved the relationships between the characters—each one had a unique perspective that made their growth throughout the novel really satisfying. The setting was perfect, and Wilde really captured that summer-vibes magic.

That being said, the pacing was a little slow for me in parts, and I wished the plot had moved faster. Still, if you're a fan of emotional family dramas with a bit of a cozy, escapist vibe, this one's a great pick! Rating: 3.5 stars.

Family dynamics have a funny way of becoming ingrained in you. Three generations of women who embark on a quilting competition to an island where secrets are revealed. The main characters are likeable and you’re rooting for them to succeed. Overall a light hearted read. Thanks NetGalley for an ARC.

A Magical Tale of Healing, Creativity, and Reconnection⁣
The Summer That Shaped Us by Lori Wilde is a heartfelt, enchanting story that invites readers to step into the vibrant, magical world of Hobby Island—a private haven for crafters in the Gulf of Mexico. ⁣
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From the first page, Wilde draws you into the island’s unique charm, where the colors seem brighter, the food tastes better, and every moment feels like a chance for renewal.⁣
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At its core, this is a story about family, healing, and rediscovery. The characters—Luna, her teenage daughter Artemis, and her sensitive mother Jeanie—are brought together by tragedy and an invitation to the island. Their journey of learning to trust, reconnect, and lean on one another is beautifully written, with plenty of heartfelt moments and touching insights. The eccentric yet wise Eloisa Hobby, the island’s founder, adds a touch of mystery and magic, guiding her guests with subtle wisdom.⁣
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The crafting element adds a unique layer to the story, making it feel tactile and grounded even amidst the emotional upheaval. Through weaving, painting, and creating, the characters find not only a sense of purpose but also themselves. As someone who loves stories about creativity and passion, I found this aspect of the novel super cute and uplifting.⁣
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What truly makes this book shine is its balance of poignant emotions and lighthearted moments. Wilde captures the complexities of mother-daughter relationships, grief, and second chances with depth and tenderness. At the same time, the island’s charm and the joy of creating make it a delight to read. There’s a little bit of a mystery to solve so I loved that element as well. ⁣
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If you’re looking for a feel-good story with a lot of heart, The Summer That Shaped Us is a must-read. It’s the kind of book that stays with you long after the final page, leaving you with a renewed appreciation for the power of connection, creativity, and the magic of new beginnings.⁣
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Thank you NetGalley for the e-arc! ⁣
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#bookreview

Thank you NetGalley for getting a chance to read this ARC.
The premise of the story of the dynamics of three different generations of women on a won trip to Hobby Island. The description of the island was descriptive and sounded peaceful and gorgeous.
The past traumas of Jeanie and her daughter Luna intertwine with their present. Add in a teenage daughter and arts and crafts and island with no outside WiFi or commotion and you have a good story. 3.5 ⭐️

Welcome to Hobby Island, a beautiful, colorful, whimsical island created exclusively for crafters! Those granted a golden ticket receive the honor of coming to the island to heal and create with the ever kind Eloisa Hobby. We meet Jeanie, the talented quilt maker, invited to join the annual crafting competition in hopes of winning the grand prize of $100k! Facing her own financial troubles, this is a godsend for her current situation and she is desperate to win! Her daughter, Luna, is facing troubles of her own and moves in with Jeanie along with Luna's teenage daughter, Artemis. As they make their way to and around Hobby Island we encounter moments of growth and healing among the little family of three and other we meet along the way!

While I will say it did take me time to get into this story, I grew to enjoy it. I so loved Hobby Island and wish so badly it existed IRL cause I want to go! It sounded so beautiful and really set the scene nicely. I loved walking through Luna, Jeanie, and Artemis' little adventures on the island alone and together. It was beautiful to watch them heal and grow together.

There was definitely times when I was frustrated with the characters and confused with their actions; however, obviously that's real! I was also utterly taken aback with one of the events that happened near the end of the book.

I was happy with the ending and overall, I did enjoy this read and would probably look into more books from this author.

Thank you to NetGalley and Lori Wilde for allowing me to read an ARC of this book :)

The Summer That Shaped Us is a cozy story that combines a little mystery, a touch of romance, and a dash of fun locale. Makes fir a light and breezy read- three and a half stars!

*I received an advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A great multi generational family story about growth and healing. I love the idea of an island escape. But there were so many slow portions of the story at times I was so close to DNF’ing this book.

The Summer That Shaped Us follows the story of Jeanie, who has won a golden ticket to Hobby Island, her daughter Luna, who is trying to piece her life back together after her husband’s death, and her granddaughter Artemis, who is trying to figure out who she is. They embark on a two month long stay hoping to win a crafting competition winning the grand prize of $100k, which Jeanie owes the bank after being scammed out of all her money. Jeanie also hopes that their time on the island can bring them all closer together and allow them to heal from all life has thrown at them.

The story is told from four different perspectives - Jeanie, Luna, Artemis, and Eloisa, the owner of Hobby Island. For the most part, the story cover the first couple of weeks they are on the island and then basically fast forwards to the last couple of days. During that timeframe, the three main characters (Jeanie, Luna, Artemis) tackle their issues almost head on. Jeanie finds the courage to open up to her daughter, Luna reunites with her high school love and learns secrets about their past that shaped who she is today, and Artemis faces her anger head on & works to overcome it.

I felt like all three characters definitely had growth and development throughout the story. While I was able to see a lot of Luna’s perspective, I also found her maddening during certain situations and wishing someone would go up to her and be like are you serious right now lady. Her story with Paul was showed a lot of her growth and also allowed Artemis’s story to tie into her anger very well.

Now the downside, the beginning of the book made it seem like it was going to be a mystery type story which I was very excited about but that really wasn’t the case. The mystery part was literally in the first chapter and then nothing until the end. Definitely disappointed but other than that, I enjoyed the book.

Overall 3.5 ⭐️

**Thank you #NetGalley and Avon for providing me with an ARC of #thesummerthatshapedus for my honest review**