A coming of age story set in 1979.

At fifteen, Aurora doesn't have enough fingers to count all of the towns she has lived in. And they always leave suddenly- usually when one of her mother's relationships falls apart. They go back to stay with Aurora's grandmother for the summer, after her husband passed. As Aurora settles in, she feels a sense of contentment. She feels home for the first time in her life. But her mother, Laine, is up to her usual antics- she begins an affair with the married mail man. Aurora knows it is only a matter of time before they run away again, but she doesn't want to leave.

While I overall enjoyed this, it stretched on for far too long in the middle centering more on Laine than Aurora. I know Laine's behaviors directly effect Aurora, but it made the story less coming of age to me. And took away from it.

Renee Dorian narrates the audiobook.

I received an advance audio copy in exchange for an honest review.

Teenage Aurora has never really had a proper home because her nomadic mother Laine, who has long been somewhat estranged from her own parents in the town of Monroe, Indiana has never settled down anywhere since she departed her original hometown.

But that might be about to change. Because the death of Aurora's grandfather has changed the equation. Now she, her grandmother and her mother are living in an uneasy and increasingly fraying truce of sorts. And as Aurora suddenly realises, she has no desire to resume their peripatetic lifestyle - even after her mother and grandmother have their inevitable blow up...

This is an interesting and relatable story about family dynamics, deep seated misunderstandings, and second chances.

This beautifully written, heartbreaking story will have you rooting for 15 year old Aurora. Living a nomadic lifestyle with her selfish and extremely self centered mother Laine, Aurora longs for a stable home life.

This stunning debut coming of age novel is narrated extremely well by Renee Dorian. The narration perfectly matches Aurora’s telling of her story.

I look forward to reading future books by Paige Dinneny.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of this novel in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This was an equally sweet and heartbreaking book to listen to over the span of a few days. Narrated by Renee Dorian, this book takes you into the world of teenager Aurora Taylor and her story of being more or less "on the run" for her childhood. What are they running from? Life's hardships courtesy of her own mother who chooses to flee when life gets tough instead of work through it... Agh.

Parts of this book I loved- you can't help but root for Aurora and it was amazing to see her develop a relationship with her grandmother as a result of the novel's circumstances. The setting of a small Midwestern town with the varying personalities and elements of small-town gossip were phenomenal and brought the story to life.

I absolutely could not stand Aurora's mother- Laine- as a character and she was a serious annoyance for me. Her actions and behaviors painted her into a broken, sad woman that was responsible for a lot of Aurora's problems. She was always there to mess things up when the plot started building positively for Aurora- but that's part of the book that makes it great to read.

You're not really chasing a plot in this book as much as you are being witness to Aurora's teenage life and experiences with the friends and family around her. It makes for a great women's fiction read or listen for anyone who enjoys a little slower storytelling rather than fast-paced, or gripping, novels. I recommend this one- a good summer read or rainy weekend companion.

By the summer of 1979, 15-year-old Aurora has moved 18 times with her mom, Laine, around the state of Indiana. When Aurora's step grandfather dies, she and Laine go back to Laine's hometown of Monroe for the funeral and decide to stay for a while with Aurora's Gran. But for how long? When Laine starts dating a married man, life gets complicated again and Aurora wonders where they'll end up next. But she's finding reasons why she'd like to stay.

After having read a lot of dark and heavy books lately, I really enjoyed this one even though it wasn't exactly a fairy tale either. I'm not a big reader of contemporary type fiction anymore, but this one felt like an escape. I enjoyed the writing, and I fell in love with Aurora and Gran. The small-town elements of the setting felt very realistic, both suffocating and comforting at the same time. Supporting characters like Charlotte and Harry absolutely leaped not exactly off the page but...into my ears?

I'm knocking half a star off my rating, only because Laine's selfishness pissed me off through most of the book.

The narrator was a perfect choice for a story told by a teenage character. Very earnest and hopeful vibes in her tone.

4.5 stars.

A multi-generational story - that of 15-year old Aurora, her nomadic Mother Laine and her alcoholic Gran. In Aurora’s 15 years, her and her mother have moved 18 times, never settling down, leaving friends behind and her mother getting caught up with unavailable men everywhere they go. With the passing on her grandpa, they soon find themselves moving back to Monroe to support her gran.

Both Laine and Gran are fighting their own addictions and both have their secrets, which Aurora is aware of and has been internalizing and taking it upon herself to keep things secret too, but as she finds herself yearning to stay in this town, no longer wanting to move around, also finding her first love, she starts to gain her own voice and thinking of things differently.

I enjoyed watching Aurora come into her own and really find her voice, finally standing up to both her mum and gran and raising her wants in life. She should never have had to carry such guilt, for her mother’s actions especially. I also enjoyed watching Aurora and her Gran’s relationship grow and change, they really did become such positive supports for one another.

My only issue was that the whole story was told from the POV of 15-years old Aurora and was a bit to Young Adult for me - this story really could have benefitted from additional POV’s from the mother and the gran.

Thank-you NetGalley, Dreamscape Media and Paige for a Digital Advanced Readers Copy, in exchange for an honest review.

I think this book is so fantastic. It even brought some tears to my eyes. This is the debut novel for this author and I will happily read anything she writes.

The characters were richly written, so much so that I could easily relate with them even though I had never been in those situations.

Give me more!!! 5 stars!

Many thanks to Net Galley and Dreamscape Media for an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

One of the best coming of age stories out there. This book explores many different complex themes in a realistic, yet compassionate ways. The author will have you rooting for each of the characters in their own messed up way, knowing not everyone can have a happy ending.

Fifteen-year-old Aurora has spent her life moving from town to town with her single mother, Laine, who always runs when things get tough. When Laine returns to Monroe, Indiana, after her father’s death, Aurora expects another short visit, but things soon change. Laine starts an affair with a married man, and while her mother falls for someone she can’t have, Aurora begins to fall in love with the town. She forms real connections, making friends and even catching the eye of the pastor’s son. But as Laine’s unstable relationship grows more consuming, Aurora fears her new life will end in heartbreak. Laine’s choices threaten to burn everything down, leaving Aurora’s future in jeopardy.

The beginning of this book was a little slow paced for me and I was worried I wasn’t going to like it but as I kept listening, I became more interested and invested.
Overall I think it was a great book and would recommend.

I loved the relationship between Aurora and Gran and was happy with the ending.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Release date 2/11/25

It’s only the beginning of March but I’m nostalgic for those long summer days.
This story leaves me emotional. A main character that wants something solid. Something, someone, anything that will stay put & be there for her!

Rating: ★★★★ (4/5)

End of August is an atmospheric and introspective novel that blends history, mystery, and personal transformation. The book’s rich prose and layered storytelling make for an immersive read, pulling readers into its evocative world.

The protagonist’s journey is compelling, and the themes of memory, loss, and resilience are thoughtfully explored. The author’s attention to historical detail adds depth, though some narrative threads feel slightly underdeveloped. While the story builds toward an emotional payoff, a few moments don’t land as powerfully as they could.

That said, the writing is undeniably beautiful, and the novel lingers in the mind long after the final page. Fans of reflective, character-driven storytelling will find plenty to enjoy here.

A Beautifully Written Coming-of-Age Story Full of Heart and Reckoning
Paige Dinneny’s End of August is a poignant, emotionally rich coming-of-age novel that explores the complexities of family, love, and belonging. Aurora Taylor is a deeply compelling protagonist, navigating the push-and-pull of a life spent in motion and the yearning to finally put down roots. Dinneny captures small-town life with vivid detail, weaving a story that is both heart-wrenching and hopeful. With beautifully drawn characters, lyrical prose, and a narrative that tugs at the heartstrings, End of August is a must-read for fans of bittersweet, character-driven fiction. A stunning debut that lingers long after the final page.

Title: End of August
Author: Paige Dinneny
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 3.75
Pub Date: February 11, 2025

I received complimentary eARC and ALCs from Alcove Press and Dreamscape Media via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #Gifted

T H R E E • W O R D S

Nostalgic • Layered • Complex

📖 S Y N O P S I S

1979. Fifteen-year-old Aurora Taylor’s single mother prefers to leave when things get hard. She’s spent years abandoning bad boyfriends and dead-end jobs, without so much as a glance in the rearview mirror. After fifteen years in the passenger seat, Aurora needs more than two hands to count the towns she’s lived in. She’s learned to live small—it’s easier to leave when you don’t need to say goodbye. So when her mother Laine shows up at school with the car loaded, Aurora assumes her latest fling has run its course. Instead, it’s her grandpa Jay’s death calling them back to the town Laine has spent fifteen years running from.

Every visit to Monroe, Indiana ends in an explosive fight. Her mother and her Gran are oil and water, and it doesn’t take Aurora long to realize Gran has fallen off the wagon—again. With Gran drinking, and Laine’s discomfort in the little blue house, Aurora gives their visit a week, tops. But when Laine begins an affair with the town’s married mailman, everything changes. While her mom falls in love with a man she can’t have, Aurora has time to fall in love with the town. Her life begins to feel full—she has a friend to call her own, a gran who loves her, and a picture-perfect pastor’s son who sees Aurora as more than “Laine’s daughter.” It’s everything she never let herself dream about.

As the summer months march on, and her mom’s happiness becomes even more dependent on her unstable new relationship, Aurora worries the dream she allowed herself will end in heartbreak. This isn’t just another map dot on their endless journey, and Laine won’t just burn a bridge this time. Her choices threaten to light the town on fire, burning Gran’s hope, Aurora’s future, and her own chance at redemption to the ground with it.

💭 T H O U G H T S

The synopsis for End of August caught my attention, so I was grateful for the opportunity to receive a copy ahead of publication. It took me a bit longer than I expected to get to, but there are so many books and only so much time. The fact this is a debut novel was another bonus, as discovering and supporting new authors if something I strive for.

Set in 1979 in the small town of Monroe, Indiana, the narrative follows the complex dynamics of three generations of female characters. There is Aurora, the 15-year-old daughter; her nomadic mother, Laine; and Gran, who is grieving the death of her partner and struggling with alcoholism. The characterization is fantastic. The intricacies of weaving together the complexities of each relationship between mother/daughter is well plotted and Aurora's self-discovery thread is laced in nicely.

Dinneny does a wonderful good job capturing the realities of small town life and the essence of the time period. I have heard stories of my own mother sitting with her grandmother to watch the soaps, so that aspect felt so wholesome. I also appreciated the sobriety storyline, there appears to be a trend in this trope of late.

The audiobook narrated by Renee Dorian kept me engaged and interested. She was able to capture the emotion and voice across each of the characters. The pacing and clarity of her voice made for an enjoyable listening experience.

End of August is one of those quiet, slow paced novels where the characters wiggle their way into your mind. Part coming-of-age story, part family drama, it is the relationships which really make the story. The writing could have used some additional fine tuning, it remains a solid debut from Paige Dinneny and I will look forward to reading more from her down the road.

📚 R E A D • I F • Y O U • L I K E
• Ask Again, Yes
• multigenerational stories
• complex family dynamics

⚠️ CW: toxic relationship, domestic abuse, child abuse, abandonment, death, grief, alcohol, alcoholism, mental illness, infidelity, sexual content

🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S

"The sadness she carried with her was hers and hers alone."

"Not that you can plan for death, really, but this was her life taking a hard right when she was hell-bent on it going straight."

Very seldom do you find a good book that doesn't fit in a certain genre. You have your thriller, romance, horror, and inspiration readers and they usually don't like to venture away from their favorite genre I have had a couple library patrons say that they would like just a really good genre free fiction book. I have never had many to recommend . I can now add another one to that very small list . Great job Paige Dinneny!

this was a lovely read! thank you netgalley for the advanced audio book copy. this departed from my usual suspense but i’m so glad i received this. it was perfectly descriptive and really immersed me in the story. loved it.

I can’t believe this was this author's debut novel. It was fabulous and I can’t wait for what may come next. We meet three generations of women. Gran, Laine and Aurora. They’ve lived hard lives, but at their core love each other. Leaves one to wonder if that is always enough. Gran has just lost her beloved husband so Laine and Aurora yet again pack up their lives to see her. Laine is a woman in constant search of love and validation from a man and any man will do. Aurora wants nothing more than to stay in one place and have more than a few cartons of belongings that fit in their broken down car and make some real friends for once in her short life. It’s a beautifully written story about them all figuring out how to co-exist, find their way and figure out what they each want. This was a spectacular book. The narration was wonderful and added to the experience of the story.

End of August introduces us to 15-year old Aurora, her mother and grandmother. Aurora is very wise for her years having grown up surrounded by her mother’s fleeting relationships and her Gran’s alcoholism. But despite this, Aurora herself is a likeable character who has her head screwed on. She wants more from life and she wants a place to call home.

I loved the close bond that Aurora shares with her Gran and the way in which they comforted and confided in each other. The audio narration by Renee Dorian kept me engaged with the story. I was very aware of how she portrayed the emotions of each character so well, across the family generations and between the genders.

Whilst I liked the concept of the story and the excellent characterisation, I found the pace of this book a little difficult. It was a slow read and felt rather drawn out, waiting for action in the plot and the impact.

I received a complimentary audio copy of this book from the publisher, Dreamscape Media. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

End of August by Paige Dinneny

End of August is a heartfelt and evocative story set in a small town in Indiana during the 1970s, delving into the complexities of multigenerational trauma and the resilience of family. The novel centers around fifteen-year-old Aroura, who, along with her single mother, Lane, is on the move yet again. As the story unfolds, we witness Aroura's longing for a "normal" life, something she hasn’t quite known, thanks to her mother’s tendency to leave whenever things get tough. This summer, however, brings the duo back to Lane’s childhood home, where they are welcomed by Lane’s mother, Gran.

The summer is marked by new friendships, first loves, and moments of self-discovery. But there’s also a deep undercurrent of tension, as Lane struggles with her repeated mistakes, finding herself drawn into yet another toxic relationship. Throughout it all, Aroura and Gran form a beautiful bond, united by love and the shared goal of keeping the family stable.

The novel is beautifully written, with a narration that feels as though Aroura herself is sharing her story. The author captures her sweetness, her kindness, and the subtle but profound way she sees her family — flawed but undeniably full of love. It’s a portrayal of family life that many can relate to, especially those who’ve grown up in less-than-perfect circumstances but still hold onto hope and affection for each other.

End of August resonates with readers who have experienced similar struggles, offering both a mirror to their past and a sense of comfort. The complexities of family dynamics and the themes of personal growth and resilience are handled with grace, making this a truly moving read.

Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an advanced audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars

Aurora Taylor is 15 years old and has lived in 18 places with her mom Laine. Laine was a young teenager when she had Aurora.

The two of them go home after the passing of Taylor’s step grandfather and they stay for the summer. Taylor likes living with her grandmother and getting to know the town and actually making some friends. Her mom starts an affair with a married man. I loved the character of Aurora. Great audiobook. I highly recommend it.

This is an interesting coming of age, multigenerational woman-focused book that explores many typical family dynamics. There are moments I enjoyed, and overall I enjoyed the plot and the story. I felt some of the descriptions very…specific? Almost like someone would be describing a scene in a play, versus really IN the story if that makes any sense. I never felt transplanted into the story and didn’t feel any depth to any of the emotions, which should have been overflowing with the type of difficulty and tragedy all the women were experiencing. Perhaps that’s why this was overall just OK for me. I think the narrator did a good job, I could definitely hear the “teen” in her voice! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to provide my honest review.