Cover Image: An Island Summer

An Island Summer

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

A perfect summer read that makes you root for everyone. I thought the pace was a little slower then other books I have read by her but enjoyed the characters

Was this review helpful?

A story about second chances, new beginnings, and unearthing secrets of the past in order to find your future. This one kept me guessing, and it was a fun read. Meghan leaves New York City after her dreams of being a chef don’t pan out, and she returns to the cottage in the Outer Banks where her grandfather raised her after her parents were killed in a tragic accident. Soon after arriving, an elderly man named Rupert seems to recognize her, but he thinks she is a woman named Hester Quinn. Meghan finds that Hester Quinn was an actress from the 1950’s, and finds some local connections to Hester. Meghan spends more time with Rupert because she can’t help but wonder about how Hester was connected to her grandparents and to Rupert…despite the fact that Rupert’s grandson Toby isn’t terribly happy about it - despite the fact that he is also drawn to Meghan!

I received a copy of the book from NetGalley; all opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

This one was just OK for me. It never really captured my interest and felt really slow at times. It was hard for me to buy into the romance too. It was still decent, though.

Was this review helpful?

This was a perfectly cozy romance that was just right as a palate cleanser after several other amazing reads. Low stakes but with an element of a mystery, this was exactly what I needed at the right moment!

Was this review helpful?

Thanks to NetGalley and Jenny Hale for giving me the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Unfortunately, I did DNF this book about 1/3 of the way through. I found the writing very stilted and very tell, not show, which I found frustrating. I also struggled with the whole woe is me attitude of the main character and she and her best friend really irritated me. I think with a little more editing and some more character development this book could be quite good, but it was just not for me.

Was this review helpful?

This is an excellent summer read and it stuck with me long after summer ended.

After Meghan's beloved Pappy died, he left her the house where she had grown up where she had so many wonderful childhood memories that she hadn't touched for years. He also left with her a single manila envelope that contained a mystery. Meghan spends the summer making special new friends, realising her dream and finally solving the mystery that her grandfather had left her which ultimately changes her life. This is a beautiful story of love, loss and really believing in yourself. Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.

Was this review helpful?

This was my first book by Jenny Hale - I was drawn to it because I love the cover design.

I loved this book - the perfect summer beach read. Light and easy, I sped through it and finished it in a few hours

Was this review helpful?

I have absolutely loved reading this story from start to finish, such a joy. It was superbly written, but then I wouldn’t expect anything less from the author Jenny, as she does write such wonderful stories. What I loved most about this story, is how it had some historical element to it, secrets lost in the past but now to be uncovered/discovered as we turn the pages of the book. Highly recommended.

Was this review helpful?

A brilliant read and one I really enjoyed. The characters are loveable and varied, the plot is one that is engaging and medium paced. I found myself completely drawn into the story and enjoyed the writing style.

Was this review helpful?

This book war really nice to read. If you are looking for a cozy book of a girl going back to hometown in order to find her place and in the find love as well, this is the book for you! But in this book there’s so much more (the mystery and the drama).
Description:
Meghan Gray decided to go back to her hometown where her grandpa “Pappy” had raised her to find a new start. Her grandpa had died ten years ago and she finds a letter that he left for her.
Here she finds Toby Meyers a local businessman ❤️

Was this review helpful?

Another fabulous summer read by Jenny Hale! An Island Summer is the perfect escape read, whether you're reading it with your toes in the sand or cuddled next to a fire while dreaming of warmer temps. The setting near the Outer Banks was so vivid, I could picture it in real life and the characters were so relatable that I found myself thinking about them long after I turned the last page. I also loved that there was a hint of mystery involved, which made the story that much more bingeworthy. Can't wait for Hale's next book!

Was this review helpful?

Summer on the Outer Banks. If you can't be there in person this story will transport you in a great summer beach read. Meghan is returning to her Grandfather's cottage to be near his memory. She meets Toby and a summer romance does begin. But there is family secrets, a mystery picture and trust issues all wrapped up in this book.

Was this review helpful?

Unfortunately this book didn't do it for me. I struggled to get into it and therefore didn't finish it

Was this review helpful?

Oh how I love Jenny Hale! I've only ever read her Christmas books so to read a Summer book was a nice change. And once again fell in love with Jenny's writing. She writes in a way that makes it feel like the story flies by quickly, but not too quickly that you feel unfulfilled. There was way more depth and emotion than I expected, but in the most positive way. It was so heartwarming and beautiful. And it truly makes me wish that I could visit Hatteras Island.

Was this review helpful?

This one was a lovely read. I really enjoyed reading this one. I just love this kind of books.
3.5 stars read for me

Was this review helpful?

I loved this book. It is well written and kept me engaged throughout. It is a great summer read and the descriptions are so vivid you can almost smell the ozone. A beautiful story.

Was this review helpful?

This was a heartwarming easy read which I really enjoyed. A feel good read and made me feel very summery.

Was this review helpful?

~~~ I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review~~~

I always enjoy Jenny Hale's books. An Island Summer is another one to add to your summer/vacation list! I love the setting (Outer Banks!) and the plot. Hale has written an original storyline surrounding a couple of young woman (Meghan) who takes over her grandfather's cottage on Hatteras Island with her best best friend (Tess). Together they face many struggles and uncover some big secrets regarding Meghan's family along the way--- and of course, she meets a nice man (Toby). This is a story of family secrets, friendship, love, and living your dream. Enjoy and happy reading!

Was this review helpful?

A beautifully written book. Difficult subjects are handled sensitively and the storyline is amazing.
Strong characters the reader engages with, locations which become real and a storyline which draws the reader in from the start.
An enjoyable read which this reader didn’t want to end , highly recommended
Thank you to Netgalley, Bookoutre and Jenny Hale for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review

Was this review helpful?

Strong start but the pace slows a bit in the middle as things become a little formulaic. Nice setting and likable characters but was ultimately one I had to push though by the end.

Was this review helpful?