Can your greatest regret become your greatest romance?

Jill Francis, I just want to swoop you up and spin you around. Your book is quite literally, my love language.

I love all things "beachy" so with a cover like this, Francis made an entrance right into my soul.

Ellie and Cristiano (Cris)... these two, they are VERY real and will come to life right before your eyes. You will feel every tear, every stomach squish and every last kiss.

Don't mind me, I'll be swooning over here for a bit.

Check out this teaser :

A beachy romance following a woman re-evaluating her career and sense of self in light of a late neurodiversity diagnosis while reuniting with her first love, who’s dealing with an identity crisis of his own, set on the gorgeous Italian coast.

Ellie Beltrami and Cristiano Conte have known each other their entire lives. Both families hail from Chiavari, a small city on the Italian Riviera. Their grandparents are friends. Their parents are friends. They were friends. And for one brief moment fourteen summers ago, they were almost more than that.

After years apart, Ellie and Cris are headed back to Chiavari as generations of Beltramis and Contes gather for the unlikely second marriage between her grandmother and his grandfather. But while everyone’s celebrating, Ellie is reeling from the very public implosion of her career as the host of a sports talk show, plus overthinking her past and perceived flaws in light of a recent neurodiversity diagnosis. Cris, a newly retired elite swimmer, also arrives adrift after being accused of using a banned substance.

Reunited in a place where summer dreams come true, Cris and Ellie make a deal: an exclusive interview with Cris to fix her career, and an appearance on Ellie’s show to clear his name. Soon they’re picking up where their teen romance left off—but if this second chance can last, they’ll need to finally confront what drove them apart all those summers ago.

Can your greatest regret become your greatest romance?

The Summer You Were Mine was a super cute second chance, childhood friends romance in the beautiful setting of Italy. I enjoyed how the FMC Ellie was a strong, no-nonsense woman who was direct and prestigious character in her own right with a famous podcast show. Ellie is recently diagnosed as neurodivergent, and as a ND person with an adult diagnosis as well I absolutely resonate with the feelings Ellie is experiencing. The MMC Cris is dealing with a doping scandal as a recently retired swimmer while Ellie is dealing with a hot mic scandal - they agree to help each other revive their careers while in their family summer vacation spot in Italy.

The romance was slow burn and beautiful - you could tell both characters absolutely treasured one another. The inclusion of the extended family characters (siblings, parents, grandparents) really enhanced the warmth and you could tell they are surrounded by a lot of love. I would absolutely read a spinoff about any one of the extended family members as they were all great characters in their own right.

Thank you St Martins Press, Jill Francis and Netgalley for the advance copy.

Ellie and Chris are lifelong friends, who once had a romantic relationship. they haven't seen each other in years but are brought back together for a family wedding.

Cris and Ellie’s love story is exciting - as long-time family friends, they shared a kiss one summer but fate got in the way and they didn’t speak for years. When both of their lives blow up due to personal scandal, they use their grandparents’ wedding to explore partnerships both professional and personal.

While I related a lot to Ellie and felt like I was in Italy, it felt like the conversations were stilted. The Italian sometimes took paragraphs before context was given for the non-Italian speakers, and so much would have been avoided with a conversation. The ending was also abrupt and could have been more thought out.

This was a great summer read if you can overlook some of the flaws. Beware, you’ll be looking up flights to Italy!

A stunning cover had me desiring to know what this book would be about. It was a fascinating read that takes place in a gorgeous location! I was whisked away while reading this story. Check it out and get your friends together for a book club to discuss. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

The plot is fun - an esteemed (until a few days ago) podcaster known for interviewing professional athletes reconnects with her childhood friend who happens to be a handsome and recently retired swimmer.

I loved the opening chapter and glimpse into Ellie's professional life going awry. This had a lot of promise but I felt like the chemistry between Ellie and Cris was awkward instead of romantic. There is also the fact that their grandparents are marrying each other...Still there is plenty to like including the setting on the Italian coast and Ellie grappling with what her autism diagnosis means to her.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a copy.

Ellie always wanted to be a therapist how she ended up hosting a podcast/youtube show with athletes is kinda on- 1 day, very frustrated with her career bath, she makes a huge mistake in forgetting to turn her mic off. And maybe, being a little too truthful about how she feels about her job. It's a good thing. She was scheduled for vacation. Because she definitely needs it. She is off to Italy for her grandmother's. Wedding To the place where she spent all her summers growing up.
The problem is her grandmother is marrying Cris's grandfather- that hris, the one she spent every summer with growing up the one that she hasn't spoken to in over 10 years the one she hasn't seen in 4, and that was purely an accident. He is a world famous swimmer who also happens to be in a little bit of trouble.There's some rumors tarnishing his legacy once they get to Italy and start talking, they realize maybe they could help each other out. She could interview him.And possibly save her career, and he could get the true story out there's also a healthy dose of family drama with Ellie's mom and dad and her brother sounds absolutely fabulous. And Cris's brothers are hysterical, the main character of this story, though, is Italy, the author does amazing. Amazing job Describing it and talking about it. I've never wanted to go so bad. Definitely, recommend. This is going to be a good summer. Read it. Pick it up

Thank you, net galley, for the arc. In exchange for an honest review, I think they cannot stand

I loved that the summer romance book shed some light on neurodivergence. It made me love the story and characters even more! A must read.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Thank you to NetGalley and publishers for this ARC! I love the summer modern vibe from this book, and am loving it so far! I love how the beginning kind of just throws me into Ellie’s chaos. I also love Jill’s writing style, as I find it very engaging and immersive. It almost feels like an effortless sort of vacation book that is great romance read for any season and wherever the reader is. I can’t wait to read more from Jill!

Indeed, this book presents a poignant exploration of the human experience, delving into the intricacies of love, loss, and personal growth. From the outset, I was captivated by the narrative of two individuals navigating the complexities of relationships while grappling with the fragility of their emotions. The characters were expertly crafted, exhibiting a depth and relatability that rendered them tangibly authentic. The palpable chemistry between them was undeniable, yet it was the unflinching honesty of their emotions that truly resonated - a sentiment echoed in the universal human experience of being overwhelmed by one's feelings. Jill Francis has skillfully captured the labyrinthine nature of heartbreak, juxtaposing the nostalgia of past experiences with the uncertainty of embracing the unknown. The small-town summer setting provided a picturesque backdrop, replete with vivid sensory details that effectively transported me to the scene - the sweltering summer nights, serene lakes, and breathtaking sunsets that imbue life with a sense of possibility. I found myself thoroughly invested in the narrative, fervently rooting for the characters as they navigated the complexities of their emotions. The Summer You Were Mine is a profoundly moving and romantic read, eliciting a wide range of emotions - from laughter to tears and ultimately, to a profound sense of connection. At its core, this novel is a thoughtful exploration of forgiveness, timing, and the enduring power of love. If you are an aficionado of second-chance romances, this book is an absolute must-read, although I must caution you - it is an emotionally charged journey, and you may find yourself in need of tissues and a stiff drink to navigate its twists and turns.

This romance is absolutely adorable, set against the stunning backdrop of Italy! The picturesque Italian setting adds a layer of charm and beauty to the story, making it all the more enchanting.

The characters' chemistry and the delightful interactions make for a heartwarming read that will leave you smiling. If you're looking for a cute and captivating romance, this book set in Italy is a perfect pick!

This book was everything it needed to be. For someone who worked with people on the spectrum more books like these needs to be made. Great story to show what it is, what it looks like for some people.

This was a cute story about rekindling relationships. I loved the fact that a large portion of the book took place in Italy and I loved the Italian sprinkled throughout the book. However a lot of the dialogue between the FMC and MMC felt really forced and sometimes a little cringy. I think this has the potential to be great but was just okay.

Unfortunately I didn't finish reading this book because I felt it was too similar to other books and too bogged down in detail and I became bored.

The summer you were mine is an epic romance, that takes you back to the days of your perfect romance story - a captivating journey filled with emotion. Two lovers who navigate life, loss and love and reconcile that forever love. A second chance love story in a small town that is absolute perfection for summer!

I really enjoyed this book. Ellie and Cris were childhood friends who grew up around each other while vacationing with their families in Italy over the years. Both of their grandparents lived on the same little village all this time and they were re- united to celebrate their grandparents wedding to one another. Their fathers were best friends, their families remained close and everything about their life was enmeshed until painful circumstances came between then and created a wedge that spanned over a decade. The characters may come together to celebrate in their grandparents union and an escape from their messy realities but the healing and support that they find from family, friends, and one another is so sweet.
Jill Francis writes excellent characters and shines a light on grief and neurodiversity that is so real and such a good representation. The family members and friends are great and you can feel the warmth and love that comes from their homeland and the rich culture there. The conflict towards the end was good, it was notable and not too over- the- top.

Possible triggers:
Cheating
Alcoholism/ partying
Spousal neglect
Divorce (not MMC/FMC)

I just finished a beautiful book with a beautiful location and a beautiful cover. The Summer You Were Mine by Jill Francis will leave you warm inside.

This book just made me realize how much I love summer; especially in Italy? Sign me up, it’s everything you need in a summer romance. The relationship between Ellie and Cristiano is very relatable. I’m not a fan of second chance trope but it is safe to say this book changed my mind. I highly recommend it, it’s the perfect summer read.

Jill Francis’s The Summer You Were Mine is everything I love about romance—a nostalgic, emotional journey packed with longing, second chances, and all the feels. From the very first page, I was hooked on this story of two people navigating love and loss while figuring out if what they had was truly meant to last.

The characters felt so real and relatable, like they could walk off the page. Their chemistry was undeniable, but what really stood out to me was how raw and honest their emotions were. Jill Francis perfectly captured the complicated mess of heartbreak, growing up, and deciding whether to hold on to the past or take the leap into something new.

The small-town summer setting was the perfect backdrop, filled with vivid, sensory details that made me feel like I was right there—sticky summer nights, quiet lakes, and the kind of sunsets that make everything feel possible. It had me completely wrapped up in the story, rooting for the characters every step of the way.

The Summer You Were Mine is such a heartfelt, romantic read that had me laughing, crying, and swooning. It’s a story about forgiveness, timing, and finding your way back to the person—and the love—that feels like home. If you’re a fan of second-chance romances, this one’s for you.

Had me at "Italy," and kept me entranced with its swoony romance and engaging characters. I love beach reading in winter and found The Summer You Were Mine a perfect choice to do so. Italian Riviera, here I come!