This book was exactly what I was looking for- a refreshing, light read. I flew through it in just a day. It had family drama, romance and humor, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Although it could be considered "chick-lit", there were some big issues included in the book from adoption from both the birth mother and child's point of view to the chemistry needed for a romantic relationship. I think it will be a great book to read on vacation and possibly to discuss in a book group. Highly recommended!

All I got to say is fantastic!
I loved everything about this novel. Once I got started I couldn’t put it down.
Who wouldn’t like this story?! It’s got all the right ingredients in it to keep you turning the pages.
Family dynamics are definitely strong here. A battle between two sisters was intense. Neither could forgive the other which was sad.
Your heart will break for these characters. I know mine did. I was really hoping they would find a way to get along.
I simply couldn’t put this book down it was so very good. A few twists and turns that I didn’t see coming but those are the best parts of the story.
5 stars for a very special and entertaining story that kept me hooked until the end.! I highly recommend it.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine

Maggie May found out she was adopted at 9 and she didn't search for her birth mother until her 30th birthday. When she received the results of the DNA test, she follows her mother to Fire Island and crashes her mother's best friend's wedding festivities. This wedding weekend has the chance to turn Maggie May's whole world upside down. How will she react to everything as she starts to peel the layers back on her biological family?

Overall, I would rate it 4 stars, it was a really cute story. This book covered some pretty heavy topics, such as adoption, friendship, betrayal, and loss, but it was written in a lighthearted and heartfelt manner. This book would be a great and easy summer read. I enjoyed seeing things from multiple POVs, it almost felt like watching a movie play out. Jane Rosen did an amazing job capturing the instant chemistry between Maggie and Matt and I loved how she weaved in music and lyrics throughout. This book needs to have a playlist associated with it!

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC!

Rosen is one f my favorite authors. This novel absolutely lives up to my expectations for a delightful Rosen Read!
Maggie May, an adoptee who has lost her parents begins a search for her birth mother. With the help of a DNA test, she locates her, teaching in a nearby Ohio university. Happily for the reader (especially me) we travel with Maggie to Fire Island where her birth mother is attending a family wedding.

So, Maggie gets to see her entire genetic family in action, real family craziness, before introducing herself to Beatrix, her birth mom. Oh, so much fun and so many twists and fibs along the way. I was laughing and crying as this delicious tale unfolded!

I am a devoted reader of Rosen so I was delighted to have her give me an update on two very special characters from her previous novel, Addison and Ben. Maggie and the reader also get to see young Matt and his older mentor Shep play significant roles in Maggie’s life.

I highly recommend this novel as a must beach read. In fact, pre-order this as a Christmas/Chanukah gift for friends! I know this will appear on all the 2025 lists for best romance/summer read.

Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read and review this novel written by one of my favorites.

This is a delightful fun book, not a boring page in it. Maggie May has always known she was adopted. She is 30 years old when she and Jason, her childhood forever friend, decided to search for her birth mother

Beatrix has not spoken to her sister in 30 years. Matt an Dylan are both 30 year old best friends from childhood, who are wondering if their relationship will change now that his mother is marrying her father.

Sounds chaotic, I know, but the author skillfully weaves these characters

.A surprise for literature today this book has an ending solving all issues and relationships. The frequent references to song lyrics vibes almost makes the book feel like a musical.

This is definitely a beach read. It’s light and somewhat entertaining in the beginning. But then it becomes very formulaic and trite. I would give SONGS OF SUMMER a “meh” rating.

Songs of Summer by Jane L. Rosen is a beautifully woven tale that sings straight to your heart. With its perfect blend of humor, warmth, and emotional depth, this story sweeps you off your feet and onto the sandy shores of Fire Island, where love, identity, and second chances collide in the most unforgettable way.

Maggie May Wheeler is the kind of protagonist you can't help but root for—she’s relatable, complex, and charmingly flawed. Her journey begins with a whimsical letter from her teenage self but quickly transforms into an exploration of family, self-discovery, and courage. Watching Maggie navigate the chaos of her biological family while balancing the comfort of her current life is both heart-wrenching and heartwarming.

The setting of Fire Island is nothing short of magical, serving as the perfect backdrop for a story brimming with romance, intrigue, and personal growth. Rosen captures the essence of summer with vivid descriptions, evoking the salty sea breeze, sun-drenched afternoons, and the timeless melodies that linger in the air.

Maggie’s chemistry with her charming local “fake date” is electric and swoon-worthy, adding layers of romance that will have you smiling and kicking your feet. The emotional stakes are high, and the themes of belonging, love, and the courage to chase what truly matters are masterfully executed.

Rosen’s prose is lyrical and evocative, much like the love songs Maggie treasures. This is the perfect read for anyone looking for a getaway that will make you laugh, cry, and believe in the magic of love and self-discovery.

Songs of Summer is more than just a story—it’s an experience, a melody you’ll want to replay over and over. It’s a must read for fans of heartfelt, character driven novels with just the right amount of romance and whimsy.

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Thank you to NetGalley, Jane L. Rosen, and Berkley for the eARC of this book.

Songs of Summer is a fantastic continuation of Jane L. Rosen’s Fire Island series. It’s not necessary to read the previous books to enjoy this one but I’m sure you’ll want to read them all.

The whole series are perfect summer beach reads and this one is my favorite. I loved the story, all of the characters, especially Shep, and the setting is wonderful. I hope the author continues this series as I will gladly devour each one.

The perfect book for summer! All the feels of emotions. You have family drama, love and some humor along the way for Maggie on her journey. Jane L. Rosen knows how to write a book and tell a story and I will keep reading everything she keeps writing.

This is a sweet novel and Jane Rosen never disappoints. It's funny to read a summery book in the depth of winter, and I think I may make a habit of it!

Moving and beautifully crafted story; I recommend it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for this review.

Jane L. Rosen has crafted a captivating five-star novel that is the perfect summer read! "Songs of Summer" weaves together several compelling plotlines, each filled with rich character development and unexpected twists that kept me eagerly turning pages until the very last moment. I devoured this book in record time, and to be honest, I found myself wishing I could have savored it in one sitting, because I was so invested in the intricate storyline and the colorful cast of characters!

"Songs of Summer" blends elements of women's fiction and romance, creating an emotionally charged narrative that resonates long after the final page is turned. The themes of love, friendship, family, and self-discovery unfold beautifully, making it a delightful escape into a world where emotions run deep.

Every year, I eagerly anticipate the chance to recommend my favorite summer reads, and this year, without a doubt, "Songs of Summer" will secure a top spot on my list! Its fantastic stoyline and relatable characters will surely enchant anyone looking for a wonderful book to dive into during the sunny months ahead.

Oh my goodness, this book captured my heart from the beginning. I was in love with the story and couldn't wait to see what Rosen had written for these characters. The book is entertaining. Rosen's writing is perfection, and she tells a story in a heartfelt and authentic way.

Maggie found out she was adopted when she was in elementary school, but was in such a loving family, she had no interest in finding her birth mother. Both of her parents, who were older, died by the time Maggie was only 30. This wonderful novel is about Maggie’s search for her birth mother. It was a delight, I finished in one day. Loved getting to go on this journey with Maggie. Highly recommend.

Songs of Summer by Jane Rosen is a heartfelt book that captures the essence of love and second chances. Maggie Mae Wheeler’s journey to uncover her roots leads her to Fire Island. The mix of family drama and personal growth is perfect for this uplifting story, but Maggie’s struggles with identity and belonging will tug at your heartstrings. I anticipate this author’s new release every summer, and this year is no different. Definitely a must add to your summer reading list!

Jane L. Rosen’s latest novel is an absolute gem, blending heartfelt emotion, humor, and just the right touch of romance. Maggie Mae Wheeler’s journey to Fire Island in search of her birth mother is both relatable and deeply moving. The book captures the essence of self-discovery and the courage it takes to seek out the answers to life’s biggest questions.

The Fire Island setting is pure magic, and Rosen brings it to life with vivid descriptions that made me feel like I was right there, soaking up the sun and the drama of the wedding weekend. Maggie’s internal conflict—between staying true to her safe, content life or embracing the unknown—is so beautifully written that it was impossible not to root for her every step of the way. And the romance? Absolutely swoon-worthy. The chemistry between Maggie and her fake date was electric, and their banter brought so much charm to the story.

What stood out most for me was how the book balances its lighthearted moments with deeper themes of family, belonging, and love. While a few plot points were a tad predictable, the emotional payoff more than made up for it.

Just turned 30 and Maggie May is on the cusp of getting engaged to her lifelong best friend and new boyfriend Jason. But Maggie doesn’t feel quite ready to tell the world about their relationship. She tells Jason that she needs to understand where she came from before she can know where she’s going. So she does just that. Maggie does a DNA test and goes in search of her mother. Only problem is her Mom has taken off to Fire Island for a wedding. So Maggie goes in search of her to hopefully regain a little piece of her identity.

This books is third person, told from multiple povs. It’s deeply emotional with an emotionally stunted fmc. I struggle with characters who lack self awareness at 30 since I personally am painfully self aware. But it’s a sweet story about uncovering your past to learn more about yourself. The writing is very captivating.

Thanks netgally and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

A beautiful story of love, forgiveness, and self-exploration. The cover drew me, but the writing and story-telling kept me. I loved this one!

4.25/5.0

Maggie goes in search of her birth mother and finds her soul mate along the way. The story alternates between two timelines, Maggie’s story in the present and her mother Bea’s story in the past. I felt like this is more women’s fiction than romance but I enjoyed the romcom moments. (The references to the movie Say Anything are fun.)

Maggie is thirty years old and when she finds out who her birth mother is through a DNA test she decides to try and find her. She finds out her mother, Bea, will be at Bea's friend’s summer wedding on Fire Island and decides to travel there with hopes of meeting Bea. When she arrives, there are lots colorful characters that are part of the wedding party. After she sees some family drama between Bea and Bea's sister, she is ready to give up and go home. But then she meets Matt (whose mother is the bride) and she tells him her story - why she is there. He encourages her to stay and he introduces her to everyone as his girlfriend. This way she can meet her birth mother and her family and then decide if she wants to share her identity with them. Matt is a journalist for Rolling Stone Magazine and loves record stores while Maggie owns her family’s vintage record store (and loves it) so they have a lot in common. There is also Maggie’s best friend Jason, who she just became engaged to.

I thought the story focused mostly on Bea and her angsty family drama but it was fun to see Maggie find her HEA and I loved the sweet grand gesture at the end. Thanks to the author, Berkley and NetGalley for the ARC.

This story is a warm, emotional journey of self-discovery, with Maggie searching for her birth mother. The writing is heartwarming, with a perfect balance of humor and real heart. I couldn’t help but root for Maggie as she navigates the tension between her old life and the new one she’s discovering. The chemistry between her and Matt was amazing. It’s a classic fake relationship trope, but done so right, compelling, funny, and full of those sweet, awkward moments we all love in rom-coms. The setting on Fire Island just added to the magic, making this one of those books where you can’t help but get swept up in.