This is a sweet romantic read with plenty of twists and turns.
A summer of healing and moving on sends Josh and Maddy on an unforeseen path chasing down a look-a-like.
The relationship issues are very genuine and past traumas must be dealt with.
Healing takes time and this read takes that into account.
The characters are well developed.
I received a complimentary copy of the this book. My opinions are my own.

I absolutely loved this book! It was so good, I stayed up late to finish it! I just had to know how it ended! There were so many twists and turns, no wonder Maggie was confused when she saw her deceased husband’s doppelgänger in the crowd at the NC amusement park! Her husband’s brother, Josh, her supporting friend for so long, helps in the search for the mysterious man. There are so many questions and surprises along the way! I never figured it out! There is mystery, grief, angst, faith, romance and so much more! I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the complimentary ARC of this e-book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Maggie sees a man at a carnival she thinks is her husband who died in the war 5 years ago. She teams up with her brother in law who has always carried a torch for her. They try to determine if he somehow survived the bomb and how he has showed up. They explore every opportunity and fall in love along the way.

Folks, this one was not for me. It started out slow and dragged a lot getting to the big reveal. No spoilers, but there was a bit of an "ick" factor for me in Maggie and Josh's relationship since he was her husband's brother. The Will storyline I also found to be a bit unnerving. Didn't love this story, but I really enjoyed the character of Maggie's daughter, Zoey and her conversations with her mom. It is hard to write kids' dialogue well and this was excellent. I would have loved more Zoey.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson fiction for the ARC. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Denise Hunter's latest book was a book that was hard to put down. There were elements of mystery, romance, and drama, not to mention plot twists that kept the reader engaged. The drama was well written with some interesting side characters.
It's hard to say too much without spoilers, so I'll settle with it's a book you will want to read. I have put it on the order list for the library and will be recommending it to readers of Christian fiction.

This beautiful book is one that you will find hard to put down. Maggie is processing the loss of her husband 5 years prior while raising their daughter Zoey. While at the fair she is shocked to see a man that looks exactly like him. This story will keep you guessing the entire time!

I loved Maggie, Josh and Zoey! This book definitely kept me guessing. There was the perfect amount of romance, mystery, and emotions surrounding losing a loved one. I think the romance storyline in this book was perfect. It seemed very realistic. I really need to check out other books by Denise Hunter.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading a romance book without the spice. Also if you enjoy found family this story is for you.

Thank you to the publisher for letting me receive and ARC copy of this heart warming book.

Really enjoyed reading this book. I was unable to put it down. The family issues covered were so true to life and much I have experienced. A real encouragement to keep walking forward step by step.

Another Denise Hunter 5 star book for me! I loved this sweet story, the raw and flawed characters with normal fears and hesitations. I loved that Denise didn't push characters together unrealistically, but showed an accurate picture of a slow burn, friends to lovers, and where therapy can be needed amongst all that for a strong foundation. The mystery guy and how that plot works out and wasn't predictable was an added touch- I could not put this book down!

Considering the main point was how Josh pined for Maggie since he was a teenager, and Maggie seeing someone who looks eerily similar to her late husband, the book was quite on the underwhelming side.
I expected angst and drama, instead, it was just endless streams of support and hidden feelings from both characters.
The romance was seriously lukewarm, they were both interested and there was really no valid obstacle. Ethan, the dead husband, died 5 years ago, for God's sake!!
What made the book enjoyable was the mystery element of who Maggie saw in the beginning. I can't believe I couldn't guess it from the start, but it really took me by surprise.
Some side characters were pretty infuriating. Maggie's mom was a B, and I really didn't like Josh's father. I don't know why he was left off the hook easily but I hated how he insecure he made Josh feel.
I wanted to love it more, especially with this beautiful cover, but it wasn't meant to be.
*I received an ARC of this book through netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

I’ll start by saying I love Denise Hunter’s books but this one fell a little short for me. It was very slow in the middle and probably could have cut some of it out. Also, I’m used to her books having more Christian faith in them. I really think there are ways she could have included Him more in the book.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

Denise Hunter, this book was absolutely darling! I can not get over how precious it was. I loved the main characters and the sweet moments they shared. I had all the feels, and couldn't put it down, but also didn't want it to end! Highly recommend any book by Denise Hunter.

five years after her husband's death Maggie returns to Seabrook, North Carolina to find closure. she doesn't realize her brother in law has been in love with her for years. will they have a happy ending?

I loved this book. I loved the plot and plot twist and I was hooked from the beginning. This author reminded me of Katherine Center (who I love!) and I hope to read more from her! There are a few editing errors in the book that need to be fixed but it’s a great story.

When Maggie's husband dies in combat her life is turned upside for her and her infant daughter. Will she ever be able to heal from her grief of losing her high school sweetheart. It isn't until a few years after his passing she is at the carnival with her daughter she spots her husband. she thinks she must be going crazy and in an instant he is gone. Could he still be alive? Maggie spends the summer trying to find answers and finally healing from the past. I loved Before we were us so when I saw this new book I was so excited and it did not disappoint!

The Summer of You and Me is the newest release by the best selling author Denise Hunter. While I don't choose contemporary fiction as a favorite genre, I do tend to enjoy Denise Hunter's offerings. This book deals with the emotions of moving on after a loss and a love that won't let go.

Maggie is a widow with a young daughter who has come back to her husband's hometown in order to finally have a memorial for him and release his ashes into the ocean he loved so well. Finally getting the closure she is so ready for.

Josh is her husband's brother and he's...well in many ways a hot mess because he's been in love with Maggie since he was basically 13 years old. And because of that he's had a failed marriage and endless failed relationships. He'd love nothing more than to be with Maggie, but knows being her husband's brother will be a hard obstacle to get past.

While at the boardwalk with her daughter, Maggie snaps a photo that she is sure has a picture of her husband in it--the dead husband!

So over the course of the summer, Maggie with josh's help try to figure out who this person is who looks so much like her husband--and navigate the tumultuous attraction they clearly feel for each other.

It was okay. I really wasn't down with the whole "I've been in love with you since I was 13 and have a string of endless failed relationships because no one is like you" thing. it just didn't jive with me so I couldn't connect to the characters.

I felt the mystery behind the man in Maggie's photo was worked out nicely.

Just 3 stars for this one. Excellent writing, but that one character things just prevented me from enjoying it. I rolled my eyes wayyyy too much.

*Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for an ARC of the book to review. All opinions are 100% my own.

A lovely story about unrequited love finally fulfilled, “The Summer of You and Me”, by Denise Hunter (Thomas Nelson Fiction), is also about family, grief and hope, and has an intriguing twist with a mystery young man.
Josh and Maggie have familial bonds, are very good long-time friends and feel comfortable around each other. It’s an easy relationship.
In the beginning, we watch wistful Maggie still grieving, yet slowly healing as loss and the memories of Ethan become more tolerable.
Josh has always been a steady, supporting presence in her and Zoey’s life, offering friendship and comfort.
The hero is genuine and endearing, with a charming personality despite a hard childhood experience.
I liked how the author handled the discomfort, uncertainty and difficulties within the family because of Ethan, Josh and Maggie’s bonds and relationships and the shift happening between them.
I also appreciated the way the author addressed the late husband and brother’s memory and the fact it’s not a “taboo subject”.
I loved the suspense and mystery with Will, who is such a likeable, sweet young man; although we, readers, don’t know the whole of the story initially, the intrigue factor around this character is fascinating.
I was completely captivated by him and how well he fits in. The growing romance is also interesting.
This plotline made the story much more compelling.
Sometimes I felt that Josh was too generous and tolerant with Maggie and that perhaps she took advantage of his unspoken devotion.
As for Maggie’s mother she must be the most obnoxious female character I’ve come across recently.

I enjoyed reading it, but I felt like the book contained several different plotlines rather than one major one joining it all together.

This is a closed door romance with a little bit of mystery, a little bit of heart break, a little bit of Maury, and a lot a bit of drama.
It was cute, for sure. It didn’t super draw me in, but I didn’t dislike it. It did take me a little longer to get through, than my usual, but I wouldn’t say I was bored. I just wasn’t EXCITED, if you get what I mean.
There’s not a lot I can say without spoiling it, but it’s a decent read. I wasn’t expecting it to be so Jesus heavy, though, and maybe that’s my fault and I missed it mentioned on netgalley.
I could see this being a Hallmark movie.

⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️Random notes from my read: CAN BE CONSIDERED SPOILERY⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️



* Poor Josh
* I feel like the lymphoma came out of no where cause an explanation was needed
* “It takes more than compatibility to make a relationship.” I mean….its what makes a relationship last vs burning hot and fast before flickering out. It’s a pretty important foundation.
* Wow, her mom reminds me of my mom. Hate that for me
* Mags, you’re being a self destructive idiot
* How did this happen and there wasn’t a huge lawsuit??


Many thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me with an ARC and allowing me to provide my honest review

Another epic story from Denise Hunter. The characters and their story were so real that they felt like old friends. This is what I have come to enjoy about Denise and her storytelling. If you prefer what could be real versus mushy gushy with no real story behind it, this story is for you.

I received an advanced reader’s copy from Thomas Nelson and Netgalley. Opinions are my own.

This book has quite the emotional and surprising plot twists! Hunter is a master at carefully and sparingly dropping hints, and even when she did, I didn’t figure out the implications! There’s lots of swoony romance, fun at the beach and the carnival, cute kids, and more. I didn’t want to stop reading to go to bed, and could easily have stayed up all night reading this book.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own." #TheSummerofYouandMe #NetGalley

This book was a quick read, taking just a few hours, but it packed a powerful emotional punch. In a short span, the author takes readers on a journey through grief, betrayal, love, and loss. I was particularly moved by the way the love story unfolds amid the heartache, creating a beautiful balance. The twist at the end caught me completely off guard, tying everything together perfectly. With its heartwarming and tasteful storytelling, this closed-door romance deserves to be a Hallmark movie.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.