Cover Image: Summer in the City

Summer in the City

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

I must firstly apologise for the amount of time it has taken me to provide a review of this book, my health was rather bad for quite some time, something that had me in hospital on numerous occasions and simply didnt leave me with the time I once had to do what I love most.

Unfortunately that does mean I have missed the archive date for many of these books, so It would feel unjust throwing any review together without being able to pay attention to each novel properly.

However, I am now back to reading as before and look forward to sharing my honest reviews as always going forward. I thank you f0r the patience and understanding throughout x

Was this review helpful?

A surprisingly fun and poignant #netgalleyarc about a father and daughter who missed out on a lot of life because of their reliance on one another to live a simple life away from the public eye. When Prue is mistaken for having witnessed a public transportation tragedy she is offered the opportunity to have provided therapy sessions. The therapist knows that Prue is faking having witnessed the tragedy but offers her #lifechanging advice. Instead of succumbing to her #lowselfesteem and using her blind father as an excuse to hide at home, Prue should be her father’s eyes and help both of them live life to the fullest. This is the story of their shared summer of adventure in London that ends up also allowing the pair to rekindle family and friend relationships. There are plot points that are hard to believe, but overall a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read that is available now from @fionacollinsauthor and #randomhouseuk. 📚📚📚 #summerinthecity #netgalleyreads #netgalleyreview #londonreads

Was this review helpful?

A very heartwarming and heartbreaking story with interesting characters and some deep emotions as well. I can only imagine what the author had to learn through all the research about blind people and how they have to live life day in day out.
I loved that they both are dysfunctional in the eyes of society but will also bring more awareness that it’s ok to be different and still live a normal life.

Very enjoyable story that many people will adore as much as I did

Was this review helpful?

I was tempted to read this book purely by the gorgeous cover and knowing that I have enjoyed Fiona Collins light hearted rom-coms in the past.

What I didn't anticipate having not really read the blurb was just how impressive this book would be, and just how much depth there is to it.

It's the story of a re-awakening for both Prue and her father Vince. They have both been floundering for many years and not really living at all, just barely existing and barely communicating. Prue has a birthmark on her cheek that makes her self conscious and really effects her confidence and self worth. Vince, became blind when Prue was only 10 years old, and is allergic to dogs, so can no longer have a guide dog.

Slowly they start to go on days out into London together with various effects. And the change in both of them is gradual but its great character development, and felt realistic.

We learn about some horrible things that have happened in Prue's past which contributed to her trying to hide from the world. We discover just was happened to her mother too. There is a rebuilding of emotional connections and there is the possibility of love if she is brave enough.

Certainly an eye opening account of what life with a blind person could be like, and I can only guess that large amounts of research were involved.

This is a touching and heartwarming book and it completely captured my imagination and got me thinking.

Thank you to Transworld and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

Was this review helpful?

The beautiful relationship between Prue and her father is just lovely in this book,. They both head to London , with Prue now acting as her father's eyes, describing everything to him.

Such a lovely idea for a book, not only do you feel this wonderful father daughter bond, but you get to feel London with them. Just gorgeous!

Was this review helpful?

This book seriously has all the feels.
I didn’t want this to end.
Prue is on her way home one day and she “witnesses” a suicide on the train tracks.
She is handed a counsellor’s card to help with her ordeal. Off Prue pops to the counsellor, even though she didn’t actually witness anything.
The counsellor speaks to her about her life and sets Prue on the right path to save her from her life.
Prue lives with his dad, who is blind. Neither of them leave the house daily, and are so stuck in their routine.
After speaking with the counsellor, Prue decides enough is enough and promises them the best summer.
They both set off on their own journey this summer and as a reader, I was delighted to live this summer with them.
I had such high hopes for them both and loved reading about their journey.
This book is such a feel good book and made me feel so warm inside.
It learnt me so many valuable lessons as well and I thank the author for this. I cannot recommend this book enough.

Was this review helpful?

Even if I liked the setting and the style of writing I couldn't care for the main character and the story fell flat.
Not my cup of tea.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Was this review helpful?

Prue has a large red birthmark on her cheek and feeling ugly, she has shied away from life. Staying indoors caring for her blind father, Vince, Prue's life is the same every day. When the two are forced to venture out for daily outings, they each have to face their fears. Vince, to venture into a world without sight and Prue to love and be loved in return.

Summer in the City was a delightful book, filled with emotion. So much better than I anticipated it to be! I loved both Prue and Vince as the main characters and was rooting for them both to find happiness. This is a fantastic story focused on family and facing your fears. Highly recommend this one!

Was this review helpful?

What a lovely read this is! Prue has a counseling session after a young woman commits suicide from the Tube platform where she was waiting for her train. Both the event and her discussion with the counselor make her realize that she's been shut up with her blind father Vince for too long. The two of them begin, tentatively at first,, to take trips around London. She learns that the birthmark on her cheek has kept her inside and he learns that it's possible to enjoy life even though he's blind. I really enjoyed this for London- if we're ever traveling again I have a whole new set of places to see- but the characters and the plot are terrific too. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. a good read.

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoyed this book, although parts of it were heavy. London was definitely a character, and Fiona's descriptions made me feel like I was back there again. The writing is excellent, as is the character development.
Trigger warning: suicide and two incidents of sexual violence.

Was this review helpful?

Unfortunately I found not finish this one. I so much wanted to love it, as I really enjoyed You, Me and the Movies by the same author. I just couldn’t connect with the characters.

Was this review helpful?

Fiona Collins's Summer in the City is a vibrant, fun, summer novel. It's filled with curiosity and self-discovery. Prue is a wonderfully written character and I adored her and her story and development. I would really recommend checking out this one

Was this review helpful?

Super cute book with an easy to read story and lovable characters. You will find this book easy to fall into and hang out with. The story doesn’t ask much more of you than to enjoy it.

Was this review helpful?

I enjoyed it. Like others have said if you’re looking for inspirational and something relatable I.e mental health issues then this book maybe for you.

Was this review helpful?

Heartfelt and heartwearming - this is a recommended purchase for collections where lighter WF and contemporary romances are popular.

Was this review helpful?

Prue is a deep complicated woman, holding many secrets, desires and dreams. But has been hurt and discarded so many times she is afraid to try, to be seen.

Summer in the City is a story of family, of strength and love.

Pru and Vince push themselves to come out of their shells, to stop hiding and remember what life was like.

If you are looking for an inspirational story that touches on love, mental health, family issues and social inequality then this is one for you.

Was this review helpful?

Fantastic description of characters and setting I could imagine all described so well. I found myself wanting to speak out loud to the book when I was frustrated with pru. A brilliant read and definitely recommended!!

Was this review helpful?

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read the book. Sadly it wasn’t one of my favourites. I struggled to connect with it though I did continue reading to the end. I think this could also be a book you need to be in the right mindset to read. It’s a little heavy.

Was this review helpful?

This book didn't cut it for me. The main character didn't sound appealing and the style felt overwritten.

Was this review helpful?

I received this copy from NetGalley and the publisher in return for an honest review. I’m afraid the book was a little too slow for me. I found myself skipping through pages waiting for something to happen. Too slow a read for me. ⭐️⭐️

Was this review helpful?