It took me two chapters to get into this but once she got on fire island i was completely enthralled, giddy even! this book is so cute and quippy and the two main characters are absolute perfection! the two main supporting characters are just as wonderful! This is my first 5 star of the month! love it! I want more from this author! kudos!

Maggie May Wheeler had a great life! She had loving parents, a steadfast best friend, and lots of music, but at30, she finds herself at a crossroads. Maggie feels like part of her is missing, and her birth mother may be the answer. The search for her birth mother brings her to Fire Island where she is quickly swept up in its charms and embraced by its residents.

I will always be excited about a new Jane L. Rosen book, but I was ecstatic to have another chance to return to Fire Island. I have been such a fan of this community since my first trip there, and it was such a pleasure to catch up with friends, old and new.

As with the previous books, Rosen flips perspectives. Maggie's search for her birth mother dominates the story, but there were some great side plots as well. As someone who has read the other two Fire Island books, I was thrilled to learn more about Shep's daughters, and to see Matty take center stage. I feel like I have watched him grow up!

Maggie was such a great addition to this Fire Island family. She fit right in, most noticeably with Matty. They both shared a love of music which contributed to their fantastic banter. I was glad he was there to guide her through this BIG moment in her life.

As expected, I laughed, I cried, my heart exploded - these are things I expect when reading a Jane L. Rosen book, and she always delivers. There were a plethora of heartwarming and moving moments that had me wiping my tears, and I could not help but be filled with joy for everyone involved.

Overall: Another memorable trip to Fire Island that left me with a warm heart and huge smile on my face.

Maggie May Wheeler owns the record shop that was her parents before they both passed away. Now, before she gets engaged to her childhood best friend, she wants to find her birth mother. The search leads her to Fire Island, where her mother is a guest at a wedding. She wants to find out more about the women who gave her up.

When she arrives at Fire Island, a local invites her to the wedding as his date, and the two have immediate chemistry. Maggie is immediately torn between her feelings for this new man and the man at home, who is family to her.

Meanwhile, on Fire Island, we get to visit with old favorites like Ben, Addison, and Shep, and meet some wonderful new characters like his two daughters, Beatrix and Victoria.

Why Jackie loves it
I love Fire Island and the characters, and this book did not disappoint. The book is perfect for the beach with a storyline that is full of heart, but never too much. My favorite touch is that each chapter is the title of a song and there are fantastic tracks. Someone created a Spotify playlist, and I highly suggest putting it on while reading the book. It is literally the soundtrack of summer!!!

Jane Rosen with another lovely novel! I love her writing style and the characters she writes of. I like how they’re family/friends orientated and together the characters paint the bigger picture of the story.
I like how this story was part of a stand alone trilogy of characters from her other books. I like seeing what the characters from the other books re up to now. If you enjoy reading a sweet, beach read about family/friends and a little romance - this one is for you you.

Thanks to Netgalley & Berkley Publishing Group for the E-ARC! Beautiful story. Loved the characters & the setting. Will definitely read more from this author.

Maggie Mae Wheeler lives in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, above her family's record shop, which she runs following the deaths of her adoptive parents. At thirty, she enjoys her life and her lifelong friendship with Jason. The two decide to take things to the next level and quickly go from secret lovers to being engaged-to-be-engaged. However, before Maggie can make it official, she needs to fill the void in her heart by finding her birth mother. Upon discovering her identity, Maggie travels to New York's Fire Island, where her biological mother is set to attend a wedding. She chooses not to reveal herself immediately, opting to observe her first. When Maggie meets Matt, the charismatic son of the bride, he agrees to take her to the wedding as his date.

Songs of Summer is the third installment in Jane L. Rosen's The Fire Island Trilogy. The characters are endearing, the storyline is moving but never gets too heavy, and Fire Island is a great setting. Rosen adds a delightful musical element to the book. In addition to Maggie's music store, Matt works as a writer for Rolling Stone. Each chapter is a song title, which is perfectly picked for what will take place. I couldn't help but smile each time I read the song choices, especially ones by some of my favorite artists: The Beatles, Jackson Browne, Carole King/James Taylor, Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, Squeeze, Cat Stevens. While part of a trilogy, this enjoyable book can be read as a standalone. With its heart, humor, and playlist, pack this book in your beach bag.

4.25 stars.

This book hit at just the right time, when the weather is getting warmer and I want some low stakes, wacky family, and a really cute semi-central love story. Thank you Berkley and NetGalley for the ARC of this breezy book.

📖 Book Review 📖 What were your hopes and dreams for your future self growing up? Is your life anywhere close to how you envisioned it? Since I was a teenager I dreamed of becoming a mom, particularly growing my family through adoption. And as I am now in the throes of the teenage years with four children coming of age themselves. What a strange circle life is.

Jane L. Rosen’s absolutely beautiful novel Songs of Summer spoke directly to my heart in what felt like the most poignant and heartfelt connection and conversation with long lost friends. Life was an easy slow song for Maggie May until she discovered that she had been adopted and that knowledge coincided with a move that rocked her life. But with change comes some good and she meets the boy across the street, a connection that runs deep through their thirtieth birthday. But before their relationship can go any further, Maggie May feels compelled to find her birthmother and will go to extraordinary lengths to discover this missing part of her identity.

Arriving on Fire Island, Maggie May finds her whole birth family and takes them in from afar like a sociological experiment, resonating like a familiar tune that you recognize but cannot quite name. Songs of Summer is such a heartfelt and complex novel that is beautifully cathartic.

Thank you to Berkley Publishing for the gifted ARC!

This book sang to me in all the right ways. Songs of Summer is the third book in the Fire Island Trilogy, but I hadn’t read the first two (yet!) and still absolutely adored this story—it stands on its own beautifully and now I’m dying to go back and experience the other two.

Told in multiple POVs, this warm, heart-filled novel is packed with themes I love: family, love, taking chances, breaking free of the familiar, and discovering where you really belong. The characters are so lovable and well-drawn, and I especially appreciated the beautiful exploration and celebration of Jewish culture woven throughout the story.

And for my fellow music lovers—this book is an absolute dream. I loved all the references to songs, artists, and the emotional power of music. It adds such richness to the story and made me want to put together a playlist right away.

Maggie Mae’s journey—equal parts emotional and romantic—hit me right in the feels. Watching her navigate grief, identity, and unexpected new beginnings was deeply moving… and yes, I was full-on sobbing at the end (in the best way). Everything wrapped up perfectly, leaving me with that warm, satisfied, "hugged by a book" feeling.

Publishing on May 20 — add this one to your TBR now! Perfect for fans of emotional escapes with heart, humor, and a touch of Fire Island magic.

What a really pleasant way to pass the time. This is my first Jane L. Rosen novel but it certainly will not be my last. The premise is one of sheer delight. Spending time on Fire Island, who could wish for more. The integration of all the families can make one jealous. Do not pass up the opportunity to read this book. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Maggie Mae is a brilliant young woman with a "best friend" who goes on a quest to find her birth mother. She finds much more than her mom.

Thank you to @netgalley and @BerkleyPub for this ARC. Maggie Mae finds out in her teens that she adopted. It is a good thing, her best friend Jason is there to help easy the pain. Fast forward to their thirty year, they have vowed to be together forever....that is until she finds her biological mom who will be home on Fire Island for her best friend's wedding. Maggie decides she needs to go "see" her mom before she actually meets her. She quickly finds herself now as the fake girlfriend of the bride's son and not sure how she will get out of this one. Sweet, sweet, sweet story! #SongsofSummer #JaneRosen #BerkleyPub #May2025

The wrong review was posted, will be corrected and updated ASAP.
I want to thank Berkeley and Jane L Rosen for the opportunity to read this eARC!

My first book by Jane L. Rosen and I fell in love with her multiple point of view style of storytelling immediately. It is written extremely well and structured perfectly to leave you wanting more after every chapter. This story draws together a family, both blood and made, through both extraordinary and ordinary circumstances to Fire Island, a picturesque setting to enhance the captivating plot.

The story was a perfect blend of hopeful, sweet and nostalgic for each and every character. Some of which were a little zanier than others but every single person added color and depth to the book. The story highlights the complexities and complications of family dynamics and relationships expertly leaving the reader wanting more and more of each of their stories and back stories. The romance sprinkled throughout adds a beautiful element to the story as well about finding oneself while understanding another person and the chemistry you create. It's a perfect read for summer.

Dear Berkley Publicity Team,



I wanted to take a moment to thank you for the opportunity to read an early copy of Songs of Summer by Jane L. Rosen through NetGalley. I absolutely loved this book—the nostalgic song references, the meaningful connections between the characters, and the dreamy beach setting (with a ferry!) made it such a special read for me. And the Ohtani mention? That was just the cherry on top!



I’ve posted my review on Goodreads, which you can find here: [

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7229077202]. I’ll also be sharing my thoughts on my Instagram @beachreadswithnanc


Please let me know if you need any additional information from me. I truly appreciate the chance to read this ARC and look forward to future Berkley releases!



Thank you,
Nancy Aguilar

Songs of Summer should be on everybody’s summer reading list, packed away in beach bags and carryons so that they can lose themselves in these characters and their stories. I was entranced by the deliciously complicated relationships in this book. The characters were so finely crafted, that within just a few sentences or paragraphs, I felt like I knew who they were, there most intimate feelings exposed. Although romance is a wonderful part of this story, we are also treated to the complex relationships between friends, sisters, and parents and children. The setting of Fire Island lends itself to the intimacy, providing a backdrop of long histories between the characters, as well as a locale where everyone is in close proximity, which lends itself to everyone being in each other’s business (both good and bad!). As connected as I felt to this entire cast of quirky, imperfect characters, my heart felt its deepest connection to Maggie and Matt. Their story touched me in so many ways, as they struggled with their own growing feelings, along with a deep moral sense of right and wrong. But their interactions felt so genuine, so raw, so filled with comfort and longing. I highly recommend this book, and I do truly hope that readers will venture to Fire Island, so that they too, can experience the joy, the heartache, and especially the love that is tucked away in its pages. I received an advance reader copy of this book.

Maggie Mae Wheeler inherited a vintage record shop from her adoptive parents and has started a fling with her lifelong best friend that feels natural but not earth shattering. When he proposes off-the-cuff, she can't think of any reason to say no, except that she wants to find her birth mother first.

Her search leads her to a little place called Fire Island and a quirky bunch of people she learns are her blood-related family. There's a wedding on-island, and a chance meeting with one of the insiders gives her a way to observe them without divulging her relation to them. The festivities are full of the kind of drama only close-knit passionate families can produce, and despite the chaos and sheer volume of crisis that occur while she's there, Maggie finds herself drawn in by this family she's never had the opportunity to know.

This book was like a breath of fresh air. It's not so much about Maggie's romantic relationships, but about all of the relationships she cultivates, both old and new. It's about friendship and family and chosen family and the messy webs of relationships we find ourselves caught up in. Humans are messy and complicated and passionate, and that leads us to do sometimes strange things and make mistakes. But with love in our hearts, things eventually turn out right again. Usually.

Songs of Summer is filled with a quirky cast of characters you won't soon forget and a playlist of songs you'll find yourself bopping to without meaning to. I really connected to Maggie's story, and I can't wait to see what else is to come in this trilogy by Jane L. Rosen!

Note:: I received an early copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Maggie May Wheeler found out she was adopted at age nine, and by the time she turned thirty, both of her adoptive parents—who had taken her in later in their lives—had passed away. Grieving their loss, Maggie clings to the most enduring relationship in her life: her childhood best friend Jason and his warm, loving family. Their bond spans decades, and Maggie starts to wonder if Jason might actually be her soulmate.

But everything shifts when she begins searching for her birth mother and uncovers a whole new family. With them comes a different world, unexpected opportunities, and the possibility of a new kind of love.

I really enjoyed this book—it’s set on Fire Island and filled with a chaotic, soap opera-esque cast of characters. The small-town and family dynamics add a dramatic flair that kept me engaged. My biggest struggle was the shifting points of view in each chapter—even from minor characters we barely know—which I found a bit disorienting. I wished the narrative had stayed more grounded in Maggie, Jason, Matt, and Bea’s story. As the plot progressed, the increasing chaos and emotional intensity from every direction caused the story to lose some of its shine.

That said, it’s a perfect beach read—you definitely won’t be bored.

Maggie grew up an only child having been adopted by an older couple who owns a record store in Ohio. She has loving parents and a great childhood, but has always felt that something is missing. Growing up, much of that void is filled by her neighbor, Jason, who becomes her best friend and whose family becomes an extended part of hers. Fast forward to adulthood, and she and Jason are still inseparable. When Maggie’s parents pass away, she inherits the record store and, for the first time, feels free to look for her birth mother. She does an online genetic test and the results point her to a professor at a college in the same state. Jason is with her all the way and drives with her to the campus so they can track down this woman. They learn that she will be leaving on sabbatical for the next school year but will first be going to Fire Island for a wedding.

Jason and Maggie have loved each other since they were kids and Jason asks her to marry him, but she feels she can’t move forward in her life until she resolves this issue with her birth mother. Alone, Maggie goes to Fire Island to see if she can find the woman and then decide if she wants to meet her.

While on Fire Island Maggie meets Matt, whose mother is best friends with Maggie’s birth mother and whose wedding they are all there to celebrate. With Matt’s help, Maggie is able to meet her birth mother and other family members without anyone realizing who she is. In this way, Maggie is able to get to know them without the stress of anyone else knowing her identity. Along the way, she falls in love with all of them, including Matt, who is perfect for her in every way.

This was a sweet story about different kinds of love—family, romantic, best friends—and the complications that can be a part of all of those relationships…but also how things in life fall into place once you find where you belong. I also loved the musical references and how the author carried that theme so seamlessly throughout the book. My favorite parts of the book came through the scenes with the variety of supporting characters. They added so much humor and flavor to the story and I found all the woven pieces thoroughly enjoyable.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is definitely a summer read. Cute story. Loved the family dynamic. I loved that the book didn’t waste any time and got right to the point. But I also felt that at times it was a bit rushed. overall it was an enjoyable read.