Set in Glasgow and Las Vegas, One Day In Summer is a riveting read. The drama is ramped up by focusing on the lives of three characters over the course of just 24 hours. And when you add to this the lifechanging events that unfold, this eBook is a thrilling ride.

I especially warmed to the central character, Agnetha, who has certainly been through the mill in her life. But despite this, the author is careful not to make her seem downtrodden. Far from it, because Agnetha comes across as a spirited, smart, caring woman, who I for one would like to have in my life.

The other characters are also strong, and I kept turning the pages eager to find out what would happen to them next.

Without giving anything away, I was pleased to find a few twists along the way, which made the story deliciously unpredictable.

Shari skilfully drips in what happened in the characters’ earlier lives, teasing the reader rather than giving everything away at once.

Plus, before the story opens, she has written a message to explain that the day the book is set, 30 May 2020, is far different to the real-world 30 May. Shari’s tale (thankfully) makes no reference to the coronavirus pandemic, lockdown or social distancing. And that’s another reason why I enjoyed this book immensely – it took me away from the endless Covid-19 news coverage.

So, if you’re looking for a read that keeps you gripped and takes you away from the real-world drama, get yourself a copy of One Day In Summer.

One day in summer is an incredible book encompassing 24 hours and the life of Hope, her family, her family, and her familie's family (with a few side trips in to visit the past). Full of twists and turns and surprises that you don't see coming. Deceit and deception, acceptance and forgiveness, starting over and starting back at the beginning. This thoroughly enjoyable book will lift your spirits and make you smile 😁 I'm so looking forward to reading more from Author Shari Low!

Well if this gorgeous cover doesn’t want to make you grab this book and dive right into everything that it has to offer, then I don’t know what will!

It’s Agnetha (Aggs) McMaster’s 45th birthday and she’s promised herself that from today she’s taking back her life. After devoting far too much time to others, she’s decided that now is the time for her to spend some time giving back to herself! Not that she isn’t happy with her life … it’s just that she’s realised the time has come to think of herself first. She’s managed to move on after the death of her mother, difficult though it’s been, and she’s way past over her divorce from Mitchell ten years ago. They’re even on pretty amicable terms now, although the same can’t be said for her and his current wife, Aggs’ ex-best friend Celeste. She loves running the family business – a thriving coffee shop – with one of her daughters, and she may even have a budding new relationship on the horizon.

Hope McTeer thought she’d never see this day arrive: she’s about to meet her biological father for the very first time. She never had any intention of seeking out her birth parents and has been content all her life with her adoptive parents and sister Maisie. But now something’s cropped up that’s caused her to go looking for some answers, and as she waits, she has no idea what’s about to unfold.

Told from different points of view and in two alternating timelines – Glasgow in the present and LA in 1997 when Aggs and Celeste were young and carefree – Shari Low skilfully weaves a story of friendship, relationships, betrayal and deception. Without delving into psychoanalysis or anything too scientific I found this to be a thoroughly interesting look at how one’s upbringing directly affects one’s perception of self, and how this might influence a person to feel such a desperate need to manipulate people and events to suit oneself with little or no regard as to how others may be affected.

Readers will quickly become invested in these wonderful characters. The banter between Agnetha’s twin daughters is absolutely laugh-out-loud delightful, as is the hilarious chatter between Hope and her sister Maisie! Mitchell, despite all his failings is actually quite lovable and more than once I wanted to give him a hug. The supporting cast of characters, especially from the bereavement group are all quite lovely and add to the backbone of the story.

This is a thoroughly enjoyable 5-star read.

Firstly, I’d like to thank the wonderful Rachel from Rachel’s Random Resources for inviting me along to take part in the blog tour for Shari Low’s One Day In Summer. This story caught my eye from the get-go with its gloriously sunny cover and I couldn’t wait to dive in, and with the beautiful weather that we’ve been blessed with lately, I felt that there was never a more fitting book for the occasion! I was completely intrigued by the tag line on the cover also, which in turn had me feeling that there was a lot waiting to be discovered within the pages. The butterflies and the flowers and the strawberries all worked together fabulously in ensuring I wanted to slip into this story and spend hours reading away, while the sun shined on and the hours ticked by.
One Day In Summer by Shari Low is an enchanting, charming and wonderfully written novel focusing closely on the lives of a handful of characters and set in Glasgow. Writing of love, friendship and family, this is a heart-warming story which I’m sure will hold something relatable for readers from all walks of life. It was incredibly easy to lose myself within One Day In Summer, simply because it was so busy and lively with the lives of the characters and I willingly allowed myself to be led away from reality into a world entirely different from my own. Shari Low writes confidently and leaves little chance for the reader to lose interest . There was always something exiting taking place in this story, the characters’ lives all so full and bursting at the seams with activity and emotion. It was such a joy to be wrapped up in and I’d happily read more of Shari Low to experience this feeling again and again.
What I found most fascinating of this story though, was how skilfully it was structured. Rather than set out over months or years, One Day In Summer is set in just a single day. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book written quite like this so this was absolutely a breath of fresh air and had me excited to be experiencing a brand-new way of storytelling. Shari Low executes it in the most striking and memorable of ways and I loved it. I loved how the author managed to incorporate all of these separate bustling & hectic lives into a single 24 hours without leaving me wondering what on earth was going on. It was achieved so fluidly that it had endless appeal to me and I would certainly recommend this to anyone out there who enjoys a family-focused novel that is rich with life and emotion.
This truly was a one-of-a-kind book in my opinion. It’s not like I’ve anything I’ve read before and it gave me endless enjoyment while my nose was stuck between the pages. Shari Low is quite clearly an accomplished writer who knows just how to keep the reader invested in the story and the characters’ lives. This was such a beautifully uplifting and captivating novel, written with warmth, skill and heart. I absolutely won’t be hesitating in reading more from Shari Low in the future and I’ll also be taking a look at her previous novels, too.

Told through past and present narrative, the present is set over the course of one single day with the flashbacks taking place during Aggs' younger years.  One day in Summer weaves the stories of 3 individuals and creates a wonderful tale of love, loss, family and starting over. 

I was immediately drawn into this novel and identified with Aggs in a way.  She hadn't always lived the quiet life and I loved her back story showing what a colourful and free living young woman she had once been.  As I read on, I realised the other characters were just as likable in their own ways and I couldn't put the book down.  As one chapter came to a close I desperately wanted to continue reading about their journey but was so conflicted as I also needed to see what was happening for the other characters.  This is definitely a one sitting novel.   

The narrative alternates between Aggs, Hope and Mitchell as we experience the day through their eyes, each one confronting their pasts and learning new things.  The threads of their stories weave together beautifully and create a tale that has some real emotional moments that leave you with a lump in your throat but also had an uplifting feel.

I adore Shari's writing style and her ability to create real characters who the reader can become invested in.  This is a great read that will leave you will all the feels.

Sometimes the 24 hours of the day pass quickly, without even noticing them, but sometimes this 24 hours are so important in our life that it can change it forever. Ready to discover One Day In Summer?
This is the story of Agnetha McMaster, Mitchell McMaster and Hope McTeer. For better or worse their lives will never be the same, but don’t worry you’ll be on their side on their ups and downs.
Agnetha is the typical mother who has sacrificed all her life making happy the ones around her, will she be able to take a step ahead and start a new life? On the other side, there’s Mitchell, he is Agnetha ex-husband, he cheated on her with her best friend, but now he suspects that she is cheating on him. Karma? Then we have Hope, she is looking for her birth parents, but why? And how all these characters are connected?
Yes, there are so many questions in this plot! But the story is so complex that you just can’t stop reading! Because even if you don’t like all of the characters the reader feels compelled to know more about their stories and how their 24 hours will end.
This had been an emotive read, sometimes light and refreshing, sometimes with really deep emotions that will make the reader take a deep breath and think about their own life; and that’s what will make this book special and to be remembered.
One Day In Summer is a very interesting read, a way to remember the reader that love, friendship and forgiveness is what’s important in life.

This was a fantastic, easy read. I found Shari to be a wonderful writer and the storyline to be rather enjoyable

One day in Summer follows the story of Agnetha, who runs a small business,has two lovely daughters but has a troubled love life thanks to her ex-best friend Celeste, who is currently married to her her ex-husband Mitchell! This book has a little bit of everything, love, laughter, loss and second chances.

This book is an ideal easy read perfect for lovers of chic-lit and looking for a little escape. Well worth the read and fill you with hope that second chances really are possible!

Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for a copy of this book in an exchange for an honest review which I am happy to give.

I found this to be quite compulsive reading as strand after strand of the intricate web of the story is revealed. The author cleverly sends the reader in different directions and I was second guessing constantly until things eventually fell into place.

The characters are well drawn and although the story is told from several points of view, every one is separate and distinct. I also loved the idea of the timeline taking place over one day, with the odd foray into the past so bring the whole thing together. It was a great piece of plotting.

I read it in one day, when I also had several other commitments, and I can usually gauge how much I enjoyed a book by the speed at which I eat it - this one was gobbled up!

BRILLIANT! BRILLIANT!! BRILLIANT!!!

I have no idea how she does it. But author Shari Low does it every single time. A story set in 24 hours with characters whose lives intertwined in the past, bringing together the most joyous of relationships, the kind that unfurled excitement deep in me just to see how they came together in the present.

Agnetha's kids were grown up. She was 45 now, she needed to reclaim her life. Mitchell her ex-husband who married her ex-best friend Celeste, had karma showing its effects on him. Hope was meeting her biological father Aaron for the first time. These characters were linked by a lifetime of Secrets.

Oh, how I love this author. Her words made my day brighter. Just trying to think about the various ways the characters could be linked together via their secrets made me giddy with happiness. Relationships were never beautifully portrayed as in her books. Every emotion was felt by me including betrayal and sadness. And anger.

The lives of the characters caught me in its web, and I settled right in. Nothing could have stopped me from reading it at one go. The mystery surrounding them kept me hung in the air, but that was the beauty of One Day In Summer. Each chapter brought me closer to truth, each page revealed a facet of the characters. I loved Agnetha especially. A book of feels was this.

The writing was superfluous in the story, the drama was at point without going overboard. The emotions maintained their dignity and space. I loved everything in this book. Serendipity and kismet brought this author's works into my life; her books kept me sane during insane moments. My go-to author when I am down.

This is a heartwarming story, focusing on three individuals, one day in Summer. It's a story of family, loss and love. How life changes you until sometimes, you don't recognise the person you've become.

The story takes place in a day with flashbacks to the past. Family life, marriage breakdown, betrayal and love are explored, through the eyes of Agnetha, Mitchell and Hope. The multi-person point of view, over a set period, is part of the author's unique style, and it works well.

The characters are believable and relatable. The emotional day takes the reader on a rollercoaster of ups and downs. There's an uplifting ethos despite the setbacks which gives you hope that there's always a second chance if you're brave enough to take it.

I received a copy of this book from Boldwood Books via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

I knew before I began that this was a book I would enjoy; Shari Low has a dry wit which makes me laugh every time!

Agnetha McMaster has spent her life caring for others; now, on the day she turns forty-five it is finally her time and she intends to make the most of every single moment. Her ex-husband Mitchell, married to the woman he left Aggs for, suspects that his wife is cheating on him, whilst elsewhere in the city a young woman called Hope McTeer has finally managed to track down one of her adoptive parents and is about to meet her father. Over the course of a day, 24 hours, we follow all three and get so much more than we bargained for . . .

I love how this is written; beginning with the present day and slipping back to the past now and then to explain when necessary. Shari Low is the queen of creating realistic characters who can quick-fire ripostes with the well-known Glaswegian humour, and I burst out laughing more than once whilst reading her latest novel but this is also a heartwarming, touching read. The story plays out beautifully; the writing flows smoothly and easily and the outcome is everything I would want it to be. Aggs is the best friend, lover, mother or daughter anyone could have, and this shines through every page. A highly recommended first-class read which earns all five glittering stars!

My thanks to the publisher for my copy of the novel and to Rachel's Random Resources for my spot on this tour; this is - as always - my honest, original and unbiased review.

This was a book I couldn't put down: engrossing, heartwarming and poignant at the same time.
I loved the well crafted plot, the fleshed characters (Agnetha in primis) and the setting.
I think this author is a good storyteller and I liked her style of writing.
It's highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

This book is well and truly a whirlwind of a read! There are so many characters in this story whose lives intertwine in ways you’d never imagine. It kept me guessing all the way through!

The story is told on the day of Agnetha’s 45th birthday bash. Her daughters have set up a surprise birthday party and invited friends and family members to make the day as memorable as possible. Needless to say, there are more surprises in store than Agnetha ever thought there would be!

I was interested as to how this story would pan out. It’s told from multiple viewpoints and it’s a slow burn to discover how all of the characters are linked. Initially, it took me a while to get into the story because of how many viewpoints there were (four in all). However, the story intrigued me enough to keep going!

This book is well and truly character driven. It’s full of emotion and loveable characters, I really felt for Agnetha throughout the story and despised another particularly strongly! I think that because the characters were so equally strong, it made the book all the more enjoyable.

From friendships, heartache, love and plenty of laughs along the way, this is a story of discovery and a real rollercoaster of a read.

Thank you to Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books and Shari for my gifted digital copy and the opportunity to be on this blog tour for One Day In Summer.

As the title suggests, the story takes place in one day. And, we follow the characters during the events of this particular day.

Firstly, we meet Agnetha, it's her 45th birthday on this One Day In Summer. For twenty years she has been caring for others, her daughters who are now adults are forging out lives for themselves. Her father and mother have passed away. To fill the void left in her life, Agnetha has been attending The Wednesday Club. A bereavement group for people to come together to chat and socialise.

We also meet Mitchell, who is Agnetha's ex-husband. He became her ex due to the fact he was cheating on Agnetha with her so called best friend, Celeste. Mitchell and Celeste come across as the power couple, but is Mitchell going to get a taste of his own medicine.

Finally, we meet Hope. Who is about to meet her biological father.

As we get to read about each of these three characters, and their developing stories through the day. We get a past narrative back when Agnetha and Celeste were in their twenties and travelling. I liked reading this as we see a more carefree nature to Agnetha, plus we get to see the relationship that the two friends had and wonder how it all went wrong for them.

One Day In Summer is my first book by Shari Low. It most definitely won't be the last as I really enjoyed her writing style. The effortless way she weaved a multi character storyline, and how those stories entwined themselves together.

Shari shaped the characters well, breathing life into them with elegant style. It was easy to connect with each character and get an understanding of who they were.

One Day In Summer is a story about being able to overcome obstacles in life and making the best of second chances.

You can tell from the start that Shari Low is a great storyteller. As the book progresses, you are able to follow the different story threads due to the superb plotting. Taking place over one Summers' day, the story alternates between the present day and decades earlier and you are given the true story in dribs and drabs. This is a story about family secrets.

I must admit, not all the characters are likeable and it is no surprise to find out that Celeste is not my favourite person. Nevertheless, the author brings out her vulnerable side. so that you almost have some sympathy for her- well almost... Family affection runs through the story and I loved Agnetha's twin girls' relationship. Agnetha's character is the most interesting as she faces her 45th birthday and resolves to make some time for herself. This is a great escapist read with plenty of well-drawn characters and skilful plotting.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book

*scratches head*

Right! Here goes...

Two things I’ve said about Shari Low’s books in previous reviews:

1. She is an exceptional storyteller

And

2. Reading her books may (read: will) induce bouts of stress-eating.

With me so far?

*nods along with you*

Well, firstly I want to retract that first statement...

For the love of all that is holy! Will you give a wummin time to finish?

*looks around*

Okay to continue? Are you sure? (*mutters to oneself* I didn’t know I was going to need battle armour today – sheesh!)

As I was saying, I want to retract my first statement. Shari Low is more than an exceptional storyteller. She is the Queen of Storytelling.

*snorts* See? I told you you shouldn’t have interrupted.

Now to my second point – We. Are. In. A. Lockdown, peeps! I’m shielding with my mum. I’m already struggling with the excessive snacking and then I pick up Shari’s newest release. Uh-huh! Hullo love handles!! *palms face*

What can I say? The struggle is real!

Anyway, enough of my prattling on. To the story itself! I must confess to having to talk myself out of flipping to the end to see how it would all turn out. With every revelation, and ‘OMG’ uttered (or unladylike equivalent), I could feel the temptation rising. Yup, I am that impatient. In fairness though, I just wanted all the happy for these characters who had come to mean so much to me.

Actually, scrap that. I shall reserve that for a select few characters. Aggs primarily. Personally, I think there is a special kind of hell reserved for the Celestes of this world *harrumph*. Can you tell my hackles were engaged?

And my Val was there. I so wish I could hug that woman. Everyone needs a Val in their life. Ssh! *wags finger* don’t even say the word f-i-c...

According to my mum, aka The Mommy, I have a slate loose. One minute she said I was laughing, the next crying, *coughs* shouting expletives the next, then smiling like a maniac. *shrugs* I regret nothing!

I could bore you all by sharing my favourite quotes/scenes, but we’d be here all day and I know you’re getting bored of me already.

I’ll sign off now by sharing one, ugh maybe two (I can’t help myself!), of them:

“You know I think the people that aren’t with us any more are still around.”

Lastly, two words – electric probes *winks*.

Nope, that’s all you’re getting *laughs evilly*...

With books such as This Is Me, Shari Low has perfected the art of the multi-character storyline and achieves the same feat with One Day in Summer. It has the same structure as previous novels, such as One Day in Winter, with the events taking place over the space of one eventful day, albeit with the occasional trip back into the past.

Set in Glasgow, like many of the author’s other books, readers familiar with the city will have fun spotting places and landmarks mentioned in the book. Those who have read previous books will be pleased to see return appearances by a few characters. And all readers should look out for a couple of ‘close encounters’ between characters in the different storylines.

After recent traumatic events, Agnetha has many reasons to be thankful for the situation in which she finds herself. She has two lovely daughters, a successful business, a support group who understand exactly what she’s been through and the possibility of a new man in her life. She deserves today, her forty-fifth birthday, to be a good one.

One would have to be in a generous mood to wish her ex-husband, Mitchell, the same, although I did start to feel less hostile towards him as the book progressed. At least, he has the humility to be aware of his own shortcomings and to recognise the concept of karma. I wish I could say the same about Mitchell’s current wife, Celeste. You may, like me, have a wish to develop the superpower that enables you to shoot invisible laser darts that will set hair extensions on fire, explode face fillers and pierce silicon boob implants.

More serious issues are woven into the storyline, such as family breakdown, illness and bereavement, but never in such a way as to overwhelm the message that you should never give up the hope of second chances in life.

As the day draws to a close, like pieces of a jigsaw, things finally slot into place. But will it show the picture you were expecting? In the epilogue, which cleverly echoes the prologue, the reader finds out whether Agnetha decides to forgive the mistakes of the past and respond positively to the plea, “take a chance on me”.

As one character observes, “This was the most bizarre day. One minute stressful, one minute sad, then funny, then loving, then easy, then hard…” One Day in Summer is the ideal one day binge read; a skilfully crafted story of love, loss and new beginnings.

I can't believe how much this book affected me. I was filled with dread with each turn of the page piecing everything together and coming up with a trainwreck of a story.

Agnetha McMaster is a divorcee, a mother, a friend, a business owner, and a loving human being. However, she has had her share of heartache. Losing her father, having her husband, Mitchell, leave her for her best friend, Celeste, and then losing her mother. But being the kind and respectable woman she is, she picks herself up and sets aside her anger and makes sure her twin girls are raised in a fairly normal life sharing custody with their dad. And now that her daughters are grown and her parents are gone, she is ready for a change which, to her surprise, happens to fall on her 45th birthday. Let's just say life happens when you least expect it.

Hope McTeer is adopted and looking for her biological parents. What she finds places her in a tangle of love, secrets, and betrayal that eventually lead her to Agnetha McMaster's birthday party and a revelation that her life will never be the same again.

Aaron Ward fell hopelessly in love with her 20+ years ago and unfortunate circumstances tore them apart. Now his life has brought a wonderful surprise into his life that brings him full circle to the woman he lost so long ago.

All of Ms. Low's characters are wonderfully crafted. I fell in love with Agnetha who is in no uncertain terms a class act and a freaking saint. Her life is so heartbreaking and her calm reserve under the worst of situations is to be commended. She deserves happiness and peace and the way her story is unfolded is so worth the anger and frustration I felt when it came to reading about all of the obstacles in her life. Hope is another character who grabbed my heart with her search for her biological parents and the important and very personal request she poses to them. Other supporting characters such as Agnetha's independent and outspoken twin daughters, Isla and Skye, and Hope's hilarious adoptive sister Maisie are such a delight as well as the Agnetha's friends from the bereavement group. As for the men in this story, their bad choices are heinous, but they seem truly remorseful and need to work hard to make things right. As for Celeste, Agnetha's selfish and vile ex-friend, karma is a bitch!

I had such a visceral reaction to this book. I was literally picking up and putting down this book every few chapters just to take a breath so I wouldn't throw my book across the room. I don't think I have ever despised a character so much in my life, and I don't think I have ever respected a character so much in my life.

Overall, this is one of my favorite books of 2020. It's a story of secrets and betrayal and love and hope. It's about regrets and most importantly a testimony to a love that spans all time. If you like a story that will make you laugh, cry, hope, swear and just root for the heroine, give this book a try. It's a book you will not forget. Recommend highly!

Thank you to Ms. Low for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

I have just spent a couple of blissfully reading hours - almost 4 🙈with this gorgeous book and a cup of tea.

When I opened the book all the characters were mentioned and explained and I didn't like that very much :/ so I postponed my reading. And I am very glad that I stick to it because it was such a wonderful surprise.
We follow the story of Aggs on the day of her 44. birthday. We follow her thoughts, her family, all the aches and sorrows and happiness that has happened to her in the last 20 years or so with occasional glimpse to the past where so much has happened.
I just immediately loved all the characters that this author created, the good ones and their opposites. I loved how their fates intervened and how everything erupted in that one evening.
The feeling of suspense and nail biting nerves are usually reserved for thrillers but this book has so much suspense and tension building that it was such an extraordinary setting in a story about 'regular folks' someone might say.
I especially liked the feeling that all the characters seem so genuine and that this story might have really happened to someone I know and know I am listening to it.

This was a very enjoyable read, filled with drama, love, tears of joy and sorrow as well as excellently written characters that somehow grow to your heart and you can imagine them and want to follow their story once more and see what the future brings for them.