⭐⭐⭐⭐ Was I hooked by that book? Yes, mostly. The Summer Book Club intertwines three different and lovely stories leading to love, forgiveness, redemption, and second chances.

Besties Laurel and Paris are excited to welcome Cassie to the group. This year, the book club is all about fill-your-heart reads, an escape from the chaos of the everyday, running a business, raising a family, juggling a hundred to-dos. Even the dog is demanding (but the bestest boy). Since Laurel’s divorce, she feels like the Worst Mom Ever. Her skepticism of men may have scarred her vulnerable daughters. Cassie has an unfortunate habit of falling for ridiculous man-boys who dump her once she fixes them. Paris knows good men exist. She’s still reeling after chasing off the only one brave enough, and foolish enough, to marry her. Inspired by the heroines who risk everything for fulfillment, Laurel, Paris and Cassie begin to take chances, big chances, in life, in love. Facing an unwritten chapter can be terrifying. But it can be exhilarating, too, if only they can find the courage to change.

MY THOUGHTS

I have mixed feelings about this book. While I wanted all three women to find happiness and peace for themselves, I didn’t feel a strong draw to their respective romances. The hardships and past mistakes that plagued Paris, Laurel, and Cassie were given plenty of depth and feeling and I enjoyed their up-and-down journeys.

Paris and Jonah’s second chance at love grabbed me the most. Their unresolved guilt and emotions were apparent in every word and interaction and had the biggest impact. I’d say Jagger (Laurel’s daughter) was my favorite. Everything she felt about her father and her parent’s divorce was very realistic and I was impressed by the way she stood up for herself.

As with all Susan Mallery’s books, this is mostly a story about women’s struggles and dreams, with some sweet romance added. See what other readers are saying on Goodreads.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Were you hooked by that book? Let me know in the comments below.

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Women’s Fiction
Published: February 13, 2024
Sensuality Rating: Subtle, maybe a little bit warm