The Summer That Shaped Us
by Lori Wilde
Pub Date: Apr 22, 2025
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
From New York Times bestselling author Lori Wilde comes her newest story about three generations of women, an island with an air of mystery and magic, and one summer that changes everything—perfect for fans of Jill Shalvis and Susan Mallery.
Enjoyable read with likeable characters. I just didn't get into the romance which was more tell than show. Actions speak loudly.

Quilter Jeannie wins a golden ticket to participate in a craft contest on Hobby Island. She is about to lose her house due to financial difficulties, and the grand prize of $100,000 could change everything for her. Jeannie is allowed to bring two guests, so she brings her recently widowed daughter, Luna, and her teenage granddaughter, Artemis.

Hobby Island is so much more than Jeannie and her family anticipated! It is a magical place filled with eccentric characters, a place for introspection, and a place for personal growth. Issues that have been swept under the rug for too many years are drawn out, causing pain, but eventually leading to forgiveness, freedom, and a better understanding of each other and themselves.

The Summer That Shaped Us was a delight to read! The main characters are likable and their stories are relatable. The island residents are quirky yet good to the core. Some sentences had an abundance of adjectives which took away from the story a bit, and some of the phrases used by the teenagers in the story sounded outdated, such as barf-o-rama and describing someone's shoes as too cool for school. All in all, I enjoyed the book and will read more by this author.

Thank you Netgalley and Avon for the opportunity to read this advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.

*The Summer That Shaped Us* by Lori Wilde is an enchanting novel set against the backdrop of a private island near South Padre, where magic, creativity, and healing coexist. This beautifully woven tale centers on three generations of women—Luna, her teenage daughter Artemis, and her mother Jeanie—who find themselves navigating deep emotional wounds in the wake of family tragedy. The heart of the novel lies in their journey to Hobby Island, an exclusive retreat for crafters, where billionaire heiress Eloisa Hobby provides more than just a creative sanctuary; she offers a path toward emotional restoration.

Wilde excels at bringing the charm of Hobby Island to life. The island, with its bright colors, tantalizing food, and refuge for wildlife, feels like a character itself—almost magical in its ability to soothe and nurture. This idyllic setting contrasts with the characters' inner turmoil, providing a perfect escape while also acting as the canvas for their healing.

The novel masterfully explores themes of grief, family dynamics, and the ways in which creativity can mend broken hearts. Luna is a pragmatic mother struggling to rebuild her life after losing her husband, while her daughter Artemis, a fierce and independent teenager, copes with the loss in her own rebellious way. Jeanie, the grandmother, is a sensitive artist with her own set of struggles, adding depth to the multi-generational narrative.

What truly sets this novel apart is Wilde's deft hand at portraying complex relationships. The tension between the women is palpable at the start, with Luna and Artemis feeling skeptical of Jeanie's eccentric nature and the mysterious Eloisa. But as the summer unfolds, they each learn to lean into their vulnerability, slowly coming to trust each other again. The gradual healing and reconnection between these women, against the backdrop of Eloisa's unobtrusive mentorship, are both heartwarming and realistic.

Eloisa Hobby is an intriguing character, serving as a quiet, almost mythical guide who gently steers the women toward their emotional breakthroughs. The golden ticket invitation is symbolic of the chance for a fresh start, and Hobby Island becomes a crucible for personal growth. Wilde's subtle inclusion of crafting as a metaphor for rebuilding one's life—stitching together the pieces of a fractured heart—adds a meaningful layer to the story.

Overall, *The Summer That Shaped Us* is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the power of creativity to heal. Lori Wilde has crafted a touching, atmospheric novel that reminds us of the importance of family, forgiveness, and finding beauty in life’s most difficult moments. This book is perfect for readers who enjoy heartfelt stories of emotional growth set in a magical, escape-worthy setting.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It reminded me so much of a TV show I used to love, “Fantasy Island”. It was very easy to get caught up in the lives of these characters and I could not wait to continue reading to see how the story progressed. The story was so much about second chances, and finding the power of forgiveness. it was a very enjoyable book. Thank you NetGalley!

Lori Wilde always amazes me with how beautifully done her books and stories are always written. The characters feel like friends, the setting feels like home, and the storyline just pulls all of your heartstrings. It was just such a darling story. I highly recommend!

This was such a wonderful story with such well developed characters. It made me smile, laugh, cry and feel sad. It was a well written with a wonderful plot that developed beautifully as the book progressed.

Billionaire heiress Eloisa Hobby, built Hobby Island, a resort for crafters of all kinds. Her aim is to be a guide for people who are struggling, so she sends out golden tickets to people she wants to help.

Jeanie receives the golden ticket unexpectedly, so she takes her daughter Luna and granddaughter Artemis (Artie) with her for the two-month vacation. Jeanie has recently made questionable decisions that may cause her to lose her home. Luna, who recently lost her husband, is broke. She found out her husband had a huge gambling problem that caused her to lose everything, so she and Artie are living with her mother. However, Jeanie hasn’t told Luna she may lose the house.

Everything comes to light in their stay on Hobby Island. There is a $100,000 prize being awarded for the best artistic achievement contest, and Jeanie does her best to win so she can save her house.

There is so much going on in this book, but it all works, and I really enjoyed it.

Thank you to Avon Publishing, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

First time with this author. Took some getting used to. Interesting cast of characters each had their own voice. Looke& at past and present. All in all a good read. Author has been to the island before and has set up future visits.

Jeannie get invited to a quilting competition on Hobby Island, she takes her daughter and granddaughter. lovely setting and good characters.

From the first page, I was transported to the magic of the island, Hobby Island. I want to move there myself! This book was simply magical. The themes of forgiveness and coming together as women tend to do was what drew me to this book. A a fan of Lori Wilde, having read other books of hers I knew I was in for a treat. But I admit, this may be my top favorite book of hers. Can't wait to go back to Hobby Island.

this was a cute cozy quick read luna and paul are really good characters the book has a good theme. so sweet and uplifting thank you so much net galley

This book did not hold my interest , while I find that it would probably be a great read for some. I did not find the characters relatable and the book did not hold my interest with the writing style. I did go into this book blindly as most do with arcs but struggled to stick with it. The book is about a grandmother , quilting competitions, character growth and bonding. Great cozy read for someone , Just not my cup of tea.

Jeanie gets invited to an island to compete in a quilting competition and brings her daughter and granddaughter along with her. This book takes you on a journey of this family and growth in their characters and relationships.

I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters growth and story line was really sweat.

Minus 1 star because the relationship between Paul and Luna because Lunas love was more tell than show. Luna and Paul constantly said they had feelings for each other and love each other but there wasn’t many moments that showed Lunas feelings.

I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys reading cozy books.

Thank you to NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review!

Lori Wilde is a favorite author of mine. Her latest novel, The Summer That Shaped Us was just what I needed.

Wow, what a cozy summery gem! The Summer that Shaped Us by Lori Wilde is like sipping a refreshing glass of lemonade in a blooming rose garden—pure bliss! This delightful read dives deep into self-discovery and personal growth, and it had me feeling all the feels.

Jeanie’s story really struck a chord with me. As a recovering people pleaser, I completely related to her journey. Watching her learn to prioritize herself and embrace her true self felt like a warm hug! I couldn’t help but cheer her on, along with all the other amazing women in the story.

The overall vibe is sweet and uplifting, making it the perfect escape. The characters feel like friends you want to root for, and their journeys are both relatable and inspiring. If you're in the mood for a heartwarming read that will leave you feeling uplifted, this is it! Grab a cup of tea, cozy up, and prepare to lose yourself in this charming story—you won’t want to put it down!

I am surprised by how much I enjoyed this sweet book. As I started it I didn't know if I would continue on. It seemed like it was not my style. But I am glad I did. It was like reading a Hallmark movie. So many great messages and themes. A quick enjoyable read.

The setting is enchanting, with its vibrant colors and mystical charm adding a magical touch to these characters’s transformative summer. And, as usual Wilde’s storytelling is both heartwarming and inspiring, making this a must-read for anyone who loves a story about finding hope and connection in unexpected places.