A trip to celebrate a wedding of two senior citizens is the backdrop for a romance. To rekindle a friendship to so much more. A heartwarming story of love, family and all the drama that a family gathering can create. The setting is one that makes us all wish we could travel to the seaside of Italy. The book was a good one. I enjoyed the story.

Great slow burn, second chance romance! Perfect beach read to make you want to go to Italy. Very sweet.

**ARC Review: *The Summer You Were Mine* by Jill Francis**

If you love second-chance romances, messy emotions, and the ultimate Italian summer vibes, *The Summer You Were Mine* is about to be your next obsession.

Ellie and Cris had that “almost something” fourteen summers ago—before life pulled them in completely different directions. Now, thanks to a very unexpected family wedding, they’re stuck back in their hometown on the Italian Riviera. Ellie’s career is in shambles after a viral TV disaster, and Cris, a world-class swimmer, is facing retirement with some serious baggage. To save face, they agree to fake a PR-friendly friendship—but, of course, the sparks never really faded.

This book is peak *enemies-to-lovers* meets *forced proximity*, with all the drama, longing, and sun-soaked tension you could want. Ellie is a sharp, neurodivergent queen navigating a world that doesn’t always get her, and Cris is the broody, secretly-soft athlete who never quite let her go. The banter? Top-tier. The romance? Slow-burn perfection. The Italian setting? So vivid you’ll practically feel the ocean breeze.

Jill Francis absolutely *nails* the balance of swoony and emotional, making this the ultimate beach read with real depth. If you’re into Emily Henry, Elena Armas, or anything that makes your heart ache in the best way—grab this one. *The Summer You Were Mine* is out July 1, 2025, and trust me, you won’t want to miss it.

**Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity 💕**

The story follows the journey of Emma, a young woman who returns to her hometown for the summer to care for her ailing mother. As Emma navigates the challenges of her past and present, she unexpectedly reconnects with her childhood friend, Jake. Their rekindled friendship blossoms into a tender and heartfelt romance, but it is also fraught with complications and emotional turbulence. Jill Francis’s writing style is both lyrical and evocative, capturing the essence of a small-town summer and the deep emotions that come with it. The characters are well-developed, with Emma's growth and introspection being a central focus. Her struggles with family dynamics, personal aspirations, and the complexities of love are portrayed with authenticity and sensitivity. One of the strengths of the book is its exploration of the impact of past experiences on present relationships. Emma and Jake’s journey is not just about romantic love, but also about healing, forgiveness, and finding oneself. The chemistry between them is palpable, and their interactions are filled with genuine emotion and heartfelt moments. The supporting characters, including Emma’s mother and the townspeople, add depth to the story and create a rich tapestry of interconnected lives. The setting itself, with its charming and nostalgic atmosphere, plays a significant role in shaping the narrative and the characters’ experiences.

The setting of this book influenced my next Italy trip! I loved the history between Ellie and Cris, their jobs/careers were very relevant to today's culture and the slow burn chemistry as well as the friends to enemies to lover trope tied it all together for a lovely rom-com that I'd recommend to any romance reader!