Thematically similar to My Dark Vanessa, a teenage girl is seduced into a summer love affair with a much older man. Years later, still remembering the episode as the love of her life, she finds other girls had the same experience. A satisfactory but unexceptional beach read.

3 stars

This book was kind of dark, a little slow-paced, and definitely intense, I am not sure I could actually fit this into the thriller category probably because there isn't really many mystery or suspenseful moments that hold this story together.

it has a dual timeline at the beginning that goes back and forth between the past and the present showing Kate's state of mind at the moment and during that summer.

This book covers topics like predatory behaviors, grooming, and the sexual exploitation of girls. The descriptions in the book are well done it made me want to go visit Greece and see the sites the girls were seeing.

I docked stars because I had a hard time finding where it was actually a thriller which is kind of what it was pitched to me as.

"The Girls of Summer" by Katie Bishop is a captivating and emotionally resonant novel that celebrates the power of friendship and the enduring bonds of sisterhood. Set against the backdrop of a charming coastal town, the story follows a group of friends who reunite after many years apart.

Katie Bishop's writing is beautifully evocative, painting a vivid picture of the idyllic seaside setting and bringing the characters to life with depth and authenticity. The narrative effortlessly weaves between the past and the present, unraveling the secrets and memories that have shaped the women's lives.

The heart of the novel lies in the strong and complex relationships between the characters. Each woman has her struggles and vulnerabilities, making them relatable and endearing. As they navigate their personal challenges and confront past regrets, the bonds between the friends strengthen, proving that true friendship stands the test of time.

The themes explored in "The Girls of Summer" go beyond friendship, touching on love, loss, forgiveness, and the pursuit of dreams. The emotional journey of the characters is powerful and moving, leaving a profound impact on the reader.

The novel's pacing is well-crafted, keeping the reader engaged and invested in the characters' lives. It skillfully balances heartwarming moments with moments of heartache, creating a rich and compelling reading experience.

"The Girls of Summer" is a heartfelt and beautifully written novel that will resonate with readers who appreciate stories of friendship and personal growth. Katie Bishop has crafted a touching and memorable tale that reminds us of the importance of cherishing our connections with others and the strength we find in each other during life's highs and lows. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone seeking a poignant and emotionally satisfying read.

Character-driven, reflective, thought-provoking and cautionary, this story told in alternating timelines was not what I was expecting but I was transfixed by it nonetheless. The writing is fantastic and intoxicating, it’s easy to be consumed by it the same way Rachel was by Alistair and feel transported to an alluring, transformative summer in Greece. Rachel, as a main character, is infuriating at times but you can’t help but root for her as she confronts her traumatic past. Highly recommend, though it does explore heavy topics so you may want to check trigger warnings beforehand. I alternated between the audio and e-book and enjoyed both formats.

A fun, exciting and disturbing read! I saw the comparison to White lotus and was sold. A total summer, beachy, thrilling time.

I... did not like this. And I expected a lot with the way this book was promoted. But it fell super flat for me and was incredibly predictable.

This book really had my emotions all over the place. It deals with alot of issues you find really going on in the world. Rachel was groomed by Alistair at 17 while he was so much older than her. The book bounces back and forth between past and present with an ending that just left me speechless. You can easily tell how appealing Alistar is to Rebecca, and how much he used her. Rebecca being so young was in love with love. Her summer ended in tragedy, but her present self is not fully over it all. Rebecca comes face to face with things she blocked out. What a great read!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book!

This book was definitely not what I was expecting! I was expecting a light, easy read to dive into. Instead I found a deep, though provoking story.
The story takes place on a beautiful Greek island, a popular destination for young travellers that want a little fun and excitement before returning home and to a school and other responsibilities.
Rachel, a naive 17 year old girl, travels with her friend Caroline out to this island. Their last stop before heading home. There they meet other young women working in a bar and sharing their experiences. To Rachel, it all sounds so exciting and exhilarating, especially when an older gentleman named Alistair takes a special interest in her.
For years she hangs onto this great love of her life even when you fast forward 16 years when Rachel is a married to Tom and he is wanting to start a family with her.

This story discusses sensitive topics such as predatory behavior, grooming, drugs, alcohol and sexual exploitation of vulnerable young women.

After Rachel insists on taking a vacation to the same island with Tom, Rachel meets someone from her past and her version of that summer is slowly chipped away.

This story was an eye opener as it touched upon those sensitive topics and I felt for the women in the story. I had hoped that Rachel would come to the realization that things weren't as they seemed to be, especially when her eyes were opened, but a part of her continued to hold onto the past as the naive girl she was.

“The Girls of Summer” by Katie Bishop was not what I was expecting but I couldn’t put it down. I was attracted to the beach vibes and the beautiful cover and got much more than a “beach read.” I really enjoyed the plot even though the main character bugged me at times however, that is completely my opinion and not a reflection of the writing.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martins Press for digital arc in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed The Girls of Summer by Katie Bishop! In this novel, Rachel relives the time she spent on a Greek Island with the "love of her life." This book deals with some dark content, but the author does an excellent job of covering it. This is a great summer read!

I enjoyed this story, especially the different timelines and the setting. Greece is definitely a bucket list travel place for me. Although the relationship was hard to read about at times, I enjoyed the flow of the writing and found it easy to stay engaged in the story. Although I didn't think the story was perfect, I will look to pick up more Katie Bishop stories in the future.

Wow. This was such a moving read! With plenty of comparisons to the real life Jeffery Epstein saga, The Girls of Summer truly shines light on what young girls in similar situations possibly go through - both mentally and physically.

What I thought the author did really well, was how she described the difficult scenarios within the plot. It seemed like she chose her words very carefully as not to cause triggers for the reader, while still getting her her points across. There are definitely a few moments within this book that are not the easiest to read scenario wise, however it casts a realistic view on a very real world problem. Kudos to Katie Bishop for finding such an elegant way write this story.

As for the main character Rachel - not particularly a fan. She definitely went through some traumas during her time in Greece when she was young, however not much she does during her adult life makes her likable to the reader. She certainly made her fair share of questionable choices both in the past and present, however I still can’t get behind her.

Overall, I did really enjoy reading this book and think it is worth the read! I would recommend it to anyone who wants a bit of a mystery/thriller read, and who also would be okay reading content similar to the Jeffrey Epstein case.

Thank you to and Netgalley for providing me with an electronic copy of the ARC, in return for an honest review.

*Content Warnings - dm me if you have any questions*

This book is not what I was expecting. It is not really a thriller. I feel like if you like a slower paced book this one is for you. It just wasn't for me.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the arc.

I was really looking forward to a thriller set abroad, but this is not that book. After reading nearly 40% of the book I was still wondering what was thrilling about it? The character development feels stunted (which makes sense after reading several other reviews which claim the growth of the MC happens in the 11th hour) and the pacing is super slow. I was expecting something similar to One of the Girls based on the synopsis and marketing, but I was disappointed to find out I was wrong to expect that. This book seems to me mismarketed in my opinion, and I just can’t seem to connect enough with the storyline or the MC to finish.

A surprisingly heavy story that didn’t shy away from important topics like grooming, sexual exploitation, vulnerability and predatory behaviors. I can understand the frustration that some may have with the MCs decisions and way of thinking especially as an adult, but I found it realistic and impactful, clearly showing how the experiences of the past can impact the future. This story mirrors some high profile experiences we’ve heard in the media, but that didn’t impact my enjoyment at all. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author soon.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for the arc.

This one is going to be a dnf for me. I just couldn’t get into the storyline or connect with any of the characters, so I was never really interested in picking it up. Since I didn’t finish, I will not be rating it or sharing a review on my platforms. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review though!

15 years ago when Rachel was just 17, she fell in love. And from there, things spiraled out of control, so much so that even in the present day, Rachel struggles with her life and the nightmare of what might have been.

This is one of those novels that digs under your skin. When you're reading it, you're engrossed in it. When you aren't reading it, you can't stop thinking about it. I was very much like Rachel at 17 - unsure about what my next steps would be, wanting to find love and adventure, enough to write a novel about it. I could understand how Rachel fell not just under Alistair's spell but also the spell of the island she found herself on.

There is an obvious theme with this novel revolving around the Me Too movement, and it comes up in such a nuanced way that you can't help but feel for the women in this novel. As things go on, I almost found myself angry with Rachel for not realizing what she went through but also understanding why she may not see it for herself.

Very well done. Amazing read.

This book was definitely not what I expected based on the cover and title but it was very captivating! Katie Bishop weaves a captivating narrative that delves into the complexities of love, obsession, and the enduring power of past memories. Set against the backdrop of a sun-drenched Greek island, the story follows Rachel, a woman torn between her present-day life and a long-cherished summer romance that has haunted her for fifteen years. As the story progresses, readers are treated to revelations about her time working for an enigmatic and powerful man, whose influence loomed larger than she could have ever imagined. These revelations add an intriguing layer of mystery and suspense to the narrative, heightening the tension and propelling the story forward.

It is a compelling exploration of love's enduring impact, the consequences of obsession, and the power of buried truths. Bishop’s nuanced portrayal of Rachel's emotional journey and the complexities of her relationships make for an engaging read. This book will appeal to readers who enjoy character-driven narratives filled with mystery, nostalgia, and a touch of bittersweet romance.

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an e-ARC of this book in exchange for my opinion.

While the cover sells a fun beach read, this is quite the opposite. This is a dark book dealing with topics of sexual abuse, drug abuse, rape, human trafficking, and suicide. Told in a dual timeline POV, I struggled with Rachel's choices as an adult. While it's important to see the teenage versus adult version of the main character, it bugged me that the adult version of Rachel couldn't clearly depict her youth and see it for what it was. I wanted her to be angry, early on, at the man that manipulated and altered her life, but that didn't happen. For most of the book, she was stuck in the past.

With this book centered on topics around the #MeToo movement, I wanted more from this character so it left me a bit underwhelmed.

A provoking book set in Greece following Rachel as she first travels to the island when she was 17 with her friend Caroline. On the island, she meets an older man named Alistair and I'm sure you can tell where that goes. It can be an uncomfortable read at points but I appreciated the dark and slowburn nature of this psychological thriller.