Firstly - this cover is simply stunning. The colors mixed with the boldness of the title which also holds a fairly incredible double meaning? So well done!

Now, let me just say - going into this book and knowing it's going to center around a political campaign? That threw me for a bit of a loop - I found myself questioning if I even wanted to give it a try because well - politics and I are currently not friends. So, I had doubts. However, the setting being what it was - I mean, Virginia? There aren't many books set there, and this cover, and just really wanting to read this work by this author - I gave it a chance and boy am I glad that I did.

This book was not political on either side - it was a story about the candidates themselves, their pasts, and just a really beautiful look at both the state (all the landmarks mentioned are really enjoyable!) and into the behind the scenes of a governors race. The dual POV with the alternating timelines kept me engaged and eager to continue reading as it was just so beautifully written. I found myself wondering about the backstory that led to their choices and decisions, and then to receive that backstory made for a truly immersive type of read.

I can picture this book being an excellent one for book clubs - so many topics to discuss, and what a way to have a really enthralling conversation. I know that for sure I look forward to discussing this one closer to pub day!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Zibby Books for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

While I’m not sure I see the connection to West Wing (other than politics) this was a sweet political read. The main characters are deeply flawed and I never knew quite who to root for. More of a dark family drama than anything.

Teenage Tess and her mother have struggled all their lives so when an opportunity arises for her mother to have a permanent job on a posh estate, Tess knows that she'll have to be on her best behavior so she doesn't blow this chance for her mom and herself. What she doesn't count on is being hired by the neighbor to tend to her fabulous gardens and meeting her 18-year-old son, Grant. A summer romance that ends in a spectacular blow up which will haunt both Tess and Grant for the next 20 years. Fast forward and 20 years later, both Grant and Tess are running for Governor of Virginia. Grant has been eased into the race by his wealthy and controlling father who has paved the way for his son to one day become President. Tess has scrapped and clawed her way through tough situations to finally be able to attain her goal. But facing off against each other brings back memories of that summer so long ago. Deciding to keep their past a secret, Grant and Tess hit the campaign trail only to find that a mysterious email has arrived at Tess's headquarters containing a photo of her and Grant together. Is it time for major damage control or do they confess that they once were a couple? And how will they cope if the truth comes out?
Both Tess and Grant are fully drawn characters. Grant's past is more complete and issues of abuse are seen through the eyes of a teenager. Grant's father was such a forceful character, even into Grant's adult life, so when he just disappears at the end of the book, it raised questions with this reader. Overall an enjoyable read. A sequel would nicely wrap up Tess and Grant's story.

*I was given an ARC through NetGalley.

I was intrigued by this book after reading the description. I got through Chapter 2 and had to stop. I didn't like the main character, Tess. Her mother annoyed me even more and the other characters introduced were also annoying. They reminded me of Gilmore Girls with the banter, so if you like Gilmore Girls, you might enjoy this. I would personally edit the descripton. It comes off as a maybe second chance romance but the main characters, are married and I personally do not like cheating. I didn't get that far to know but just the thought of it, I didn't like.

Audrey Ingram ,has written a wonderful engrossing novel.I was immediately caught up in the story the well written characters kept my attention.Surprising moments excellent story line will be recommending.#netgalley #zibbypublishing.

3.5 ⭐️

Thank you to Zibby Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC! This was such a unique story and I loved that part of this story had to do with politics, the polarizing topic of abortion and how it affected the FMC and MMC story.

The title of this book was perfect! I enjoyed the Dual POV and bouncing back and forth between the 90’s and current day. I thought the characters were well developed, but something within this story fell kind of flat for me. I did like the way the story ended though and how it wasn’t your typical HEA!

3.5 ⭐ THE SUMMER WE RAN by @audreyingramwrites is a sweeping story about young love, difficult choices, and the truth that painful secrets will always catch up to you.

Tess and Grant share an unspeakable past, which is where they'd both like to leave it.

When they become their party's respective candidates for Virginia's gubernatorial race, they must not only fight for the position they wish to hold, but face the truth embedded in the last time they saw each other, over 25 years ago.

Ingram’s vivid descriptions of summer landscapes add a bucolic backdrop to the complicated romance, making it a great beach read.

If you enjoy stories that blend heartache with hope and passion with introspection, keep your eyes peeled for it's June 3rd release date.

Thank you @zibbypublishing for sharing an advanced copy of this book!

Loved this interesting novel from Audrey Ingram! The characters are well developed and the plot line interesting with a few different scenarios I didn’t see coming. The premise is believable and Ingram uses current topics to add to the reality of the book. Satisfying ending but nit the one I anticipated.
Thanks for the opportunity to read this, Net Galley! Recommending to all my book club friends.

Don't wait pre-order this fantastic story by Audrey Ingram today. She knows how to tell a wonderful tale, with a didn't see coming spin. The Summer We Ran is what happens when your past catches up to you, just when your dreams are taking off. Teenage love lost and grownup responsibilities that no teen should have to experience weaves into present day where Tess is faced with it all in her big moment. The people who she let down, not being her true self, and the past she wanted to keep hidden collide in this well told book. Audrey Ingram is fantastic and deserves all the readers! Looking forward to what she comes up with next, she never disappoints.

Thank you to Zibby Books for the Net Galley early copy.

This story was quite interesting and engaging. I really enjoyed reading about two opposing gubernatorial candidates who have a past they are both trying to protectively hide. Toggling between past and present, we follow the coming of age story between Tess Murphy and Grant Alexander coupled with the current challenges in their adult lives as a result of the betrayals and secrets from the past. It was a rich boy/poor girl type trope with a lot more flavor and intrigue sprinkled throughout. Audrey Ingram's writing was fluid, structured excellently, and evocative. I look forward to reading more of her titles as she's a new to me author. Great way to kick off a new year of reading.

Oh! This is a good one to get wrapped up in. It spans between a young couple and their love all the way to adulthood and careers. I liked how Ingram developed the main characters and moved the action along. I was entertained throughout. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

“If you get what you want, I lose.”

First off, this title is perfection with its double meaning. You have to read the book to know why, but trust me, it’s perfect.
I was a little skeptical to read a book that centered around a political campaign, but I needn’t have worried. The book doesn’t center on any one side of politics, it’s truly about the candidates themselves and each of their pasts. I’m a sucker for dual POVs and alternating timelines, so this book was made for me.

Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Read if you like:
Multiple POVs
Alternating timelines
Behind the scenes of campaigns

I was very excited to get the opportunity to read this book so far in advance of publication. Thank you Zibby Publishing for this opportunity.