We’re all driven by something. For Lucy McBride, it’s getting at the truth, righting a wrong. With her father, Mick McBride, in prison for the last 15 years, she’s had plenty of time to think and concludes that something just isn’t right about her father’s conviction in Lucy’s friend’s death. She returns to the small town where she was raised and begins campaigning and investigating on Mick’s behalf.

I enjoyed the look at small-town life; the allegiances and the willingness to paint everyone with the same brush. I applauded and cheered on Lucy as she faced everyone to find answers. The chemistry and connection with Ford Wagner added to the story.

This was a great balance of love, suspense and family dynamics.

I was gifted this story by Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

this was my first book by this author but i enjoyed my read!! i found myself fighting at first to get into the book but about 70 pages in i was hooked and ready for it to never end

Romantic suspense is one of my favorite sub-genres, and I always find myself thoroughly hooked by Brenda Novak’s captivating storytelling! Therefore, I was absolutely thrilled to dive into her latest novel, “The Summer That Changed Everything”! The story centers around Lucy Sinclair, who, after leaving her hometown fifteen years earlier, returns to confront the ghosts of her past. Her father was convicted of a horrific crime—murdering three people—and Lucy is convinced that there’s more to the story than what everyone believes.

Upon her arrival in the town that still whispers her family’s name, she discovers that her high school boyfriend, Ford Wagner, is also back for a brief visit. Ford was not only her boyfriend but also one of her good friend, yet he shattered her heart the moment he turned away from her, siding with the community that ostracized her after her father’s arrest. Now, with Ford in the midst of a difficult divorce and Lucy determined to unravel the truth behind her father's shocking actions, they find themselves in a complicated emotional web where they both could use a shoulder to lean on.

As the tension builds, I was completely on the edge of my seat, excited to see how Brenda Novak would weave these two complicated backstories together. The way she masterfully blends the elements of mystery, suspense, and romance is truly remarkable! I believe she doesn’t receive enough recognition for her incredible talent in crafting nail-biting mysteries that keep readers guessing until the very end. “The Summer That Changed Everything” is a compelling five-star novel that deserves a top spot on your summer reading list— very highly recommended!

This is my first time reading a book by this author and I absolutely loved it! I look forward to reading more of her books in the future. Thank you NetGalley and Mira for this advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review.

This gripping novel by a must-read author pulls you in from the first page and doesn’t let go. Lucy Sinclair returns to North Hampton Beach after 15 years to prove her father’s innocence. At just 17, her world was shattered when her father was convicted of murdering three people, including her friend Aurora. The entire town turned against her, but now, Lucy’s back with questions about what really happened that night—and she’s determined to find answers.

Lucy isn’t alone in her search for the truth. Her ex-boyfriend, Ford Wagner, has also returned to town, escaping a crumbling marriage. Though wary of Lucy and her mission, Ford soon finds himself drawn back into her life. Together, they work to uncover the secrets the town has buried for years, enlisting the help of a private investigator to dig deeper into Aurora’s death. But as they close in on the truth, they realize there are those in this small coastal town who will do anything to keep the past hidden.

The characters are complex and compelling, and the chemistry between Lucy and Ford is electric. Their shared history and growing partnership add an emotional depth to the suspenseful plot. The author does an excellent job of building tension, weaving in twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end.

The atmospheric setting of North Hampton Beach, with its small-town secrets and haunting past, adds to the story’s intrigue. Lucy’s determination to clear her father’s name and confront the truth about Aurora’s murder is both inspiring and heartbreaking, making her a protagonist you can’t help but root for.

This novel is a perfect blend of mystery, romance, and drama. It’s an emotional, edge-of-your-seat thriller that will have you racing to the final page. If you love stories about digging into dark secrets, confronting the past, and second-chance romance, this one is not to be missed. I always recommend any book by Brenda Novak, one of my favorite local authors.

you can never go wrong with a Brenda Novak book. I read in two sittings. the story is about a father who killed three people. His daughter thinks there is more to the story.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin for the opportunity to read The Summer that Changed Everything by Brenda Novak. A new book by Brenda Novak is all i need as an excuse to stop everything to settle in for a nice long reading session. This one is terrific!

Another great book by Brenda Novak. Lucy's father has been in prison for the last 15 years and she is starting to doubt his guilt. With help from an old flame they start to put the pieces together to uncover the truth. Highly recommend.

When I see a book by this author, I do not even read the synopsis I dive in headfirst.

Lucy returns to North Hampton Beach after leaving 15 years ago.
Her father is in prison for a triple murder, and the entire town turned their back on her when she was 17,
In spite of it she has made her way and is back because all the pieces of the puzzle don’t fit.

She’s not the only one who’s back her ex-boyfriend from that time Ford is back also, and soon they begin working together to clear her father’s name.

I loved every page, I got so invested in this story and in Lucy and Ford! This is one you will not want to miss

I was given an ARC copy of this book in return for a review.

Another great read from Brenda Novak. Pick up your copy in June 2025.

Lucy's father is in jail for the murder of three people. Lucy believes that he is innocent of one of the murders and she returns to her hometown to try and find out what really happened to Aurora the night she was killed. Ford (her boyfriend at the time of the murders who abandoned her at the time) is also back in town and hires a private investigator to help solve the mystery of Aurora's death. Pick up this novel to find out if Mick (Lucy's dad) really killed Aurora or anyone for that matter and if not, who did.

Another great Brenda Novak book. Lucy’s father has been in jail for over 15 years and she hasn’t seen him. But now she has doubts that he committed the murders. With the help of an old flame she begins to investigate. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommended it

This talented, favorite author has written a page turner. Even the title is intriguing. Realistic characters keep the story moving quickly. Family and friends...secrets...curl up in a comfy chair and be whisked away to that summer that changed everything...Thanks Netgalley