The Love of Summer by Susan Mallery wasn’t quite what I expected going in—the title had me ready for a sunny, beachy romance, but instead I found that Summer is actually the name of a character, not the season. Once I adjusted my expectations, I settled into a heartfelt, if somewhat predictable, story.

This is a feel-good novel about resilience, growth, and—most of all—women supporting women. I appreciated the strong, emotional arc that the characters went through, and the message of empowerment and female solidarity really resonated with me. It’s always refreshing to read a story where the strength of the women shines more brightly than any romantic subplot.

That said, something shifted for me about halfway through with the narration. The tone or rhythm didn’t quite hold me the way it did at the start, and I found myself less engaged than I’d hoped. Still, it’s a sweet and ultimately satisfying read, especially for those who enjoy stories about overcoming challenges and finding strength in community.

Thank you to Mira Publishing and NetGalley for the digital review copy.

Love a good Susan Mallery book! I loved everyone but Peter love a good summer read keep them coming!

This was not what I was expecting out of this book, however, I truly enjoyed it. For the Love of Summer takes you on a ride from start to finish, with the strong connection between the main characters. The bond these strong women really pulled me in.

Susan Mallery knows how to deliver a book that will hit you with all the feels. For the Love of Summer is a beautiful story of family and friendship. The story follows Erica, her daughter Summer, Summer's stepmother Allison, and her husband Peter. Peter ends up in prison when Allison is 6 months pregnant, on the verge of losing her home and without money, and at the urging of Summer, Erica has Allison and her son move into their home, despite Erica not wanting any part of it. I loved watching Erica and Allison's relationship evolve through the book, and how they all turned into a family.

A wonderful and emotional story.
Thank you HTP Books and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

I rather enjoyed this sweet little book, though I can’t say I feel like many split couples would’ve come together as they did. But this definitely was a good beach read and one I’d recommend picking up!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to everyone.

What would you do if your ex-husband, the father of your child, Summer, got arrested? Would you take in his new wife who is currently pregnant and her young son? That is what Summer asks her mom, Erica, to do.

I’m not sure that I would’ve been able to do what Erica did. This was a great women’s fiction novel.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced digital copy.

I want to Thank Netgalley, the publisher and author for giving me a chance to read this book.

I love her as an author and really didn't know how to rate this one

Cute story but was a bit redundant and seemed to drag on for awhile.

For the Love of Summer by Susan Mallery is a heartwarming and emotionally rich story about family, friendship, and the complicated relationships that define us. The novel centers around Erica, the successful owner of a popular Seattle salon, who is struggling with the fear that her teenage daughter, Summer, is drifting away from her—especially as she grows closer to her stepmom, Allison.

Allison’s life is upended when her husband, Peter, is arrested, leaving her pregnant, broke, and facing an uncertain future with a toddler in tow. With nowhere else to turn, she reluctantly seeks help from Erica, the woman she once saw as her rival, and the very last person she wants to ask for support. But as their lives become more intertwined, Erica and Allison begin to see each other in new light—recognizing that, despite their complicated history, they both need something from each other that neither expected.

Mallery’s writing shines in her portrayal of complex emotions and relationships. The dynamic between Erica and Allison is layered and authentic, with moments of tension and vulnerability that create a deeply compelling narrative. As the two women navigate their past with Peter and learn to support one another in unexpected ways, For the Love of Summer beautifully explores what it means to redefine family and find connection when you least expect it.

This book will resonate with readers who enjoy stories about personal growth, family dynamics, and the power of unlikely friendships. For the Love of Summer is a touching and uplifting read that shows how even the most challenging relationships can evolve into something meaningful and life-changing.

The concept of this novel was great but the execution wasn't well done. This novel is unnecessarily long, it felt like there were 10 false endings and it just kept going on and on. Finally, I was annoyed with both main characters the entire story and couldn't help rolling my eyes with how gullible the women were.

Ugh so disappointed as this has been on my TBR for months.

For the Love of Summer by Susan Mallery is a delightful and uplifting contemporary romance that will transport readers to the charming coastal town of Fool's Gold, a setting beloved by fans of Mallery’s work. This novel is a perfect blend of light-hearted romance, emotional depth, and the magic of summer, making it an ideal read for those seeking a warm, feel-good escape.

The story follows Carly, a successful and independent woman who has been keeping her distance from romance and personal connection for years. Carly has always prided herself on being in control of her life and not letting emotions or relationships get in the way of her career. However, when she returns to Fool’s Gold for the summer to help her aunt with a local charity event, she unexpectedly crosses paths with Evan, a man who challenges everything she thought she knew about love and herself.

Evan, a kind and grounded man, is dealing with his own emotional baggage, having suffered the loss of a loved one and struggled with personal setbacks. As Carly and Evan form a connection, their relationship unfolds slowly, allowing readers to watch as they each face their own insecurities and learn to open up to the possibility of love again. The chemistry between Carly and Evan is undeniable, and their emotional growth makes their romance feel genuine and earned.

Mallery does a fantastic job of building a strong emotional core in For the Love of Summer, with themes of healing, vulnerability, and the importance of allowing love to flourish. While the romantic relationship is central to the plot, the author also explores deeper emotional journeys, as both Carly and Evan must confront their pasts and come to terms with their fears before they can truly commit to one another.

The small-town setting of Fool’s Gold is as much a character in the story as the people themselves. Mallery’s vivid descriptions of the town’s warm, welcoming atmosphere and the sense of community create the perfect backdrop for Carly’s and Evan’s personal transformations. The friendships and bonds that are formed in Fool’s Gold are heartwarming and add an extra layer of depth to the narrative.

In true Susan Mallery fashion, the secondary characters in the story are just as engaging as the main characters. Carly’s aunt and the quirky townspeople of Fool’s Gold bring humor, warmth, and a sense of belonging to the story. These relationships provide lighthearted moments and emphasize the importance of community and connection.

While For the Love of Summer is a romance at its core, it’s also a story about finding happiness and peace within oneself, learning to trust again, and embracing the beauty of second chances. Mallery’s writing is engaging and thoughtful, and her ability to craft relatable, multidimensional characters makes this book a truly enjoyable read.

**Thank you to the author and publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Ahhhhhhh this was a good one!!! I've been reading Susan Mallery's books since the Fools Gold era. I love that she has shown that she is a multi talented author and has started writing more emotional, tug at the heart strings, people and their messy relationships type of books. This is such an interesting premise with an ex wife, her daughter and the new wife of her ex who is now in prison. You need to read this book!

Erica had been badly hurt by her husband divorcing her and shattered her confidence in men. Allison discovered that her husband was a criminal. An unlikely friendship developed between the two as they worked through Allison's dilemma. Also finally Erica was able to admit her feelings for Killian. A fantastic novel by Susan Mallery and a highly recommended read.

I enjoyed reading this, though I didn’t feel it to be too real/relatable. As someone who has split from a husband, despite the love I have for my children, I wouldn’t find myself offering this much for his new wife. That being said, I really enjoyed the story line and thought it was a great story overall.

Susan Mallery’s For the Love of Summer is a beautiful ode to the magic of summer, love, and new beginnings. Set against the sun-soaked backdrop of a charming small town, this novel is everything you could hope for in a perfect summer read—full of heart, warmth, and characters you can’t help but root for.

This was such a sweet book! I loved the characters and how they were all there for each other. this was definitely a tear-jerker.

This was a sweet read, but it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. I usually look forward to Susan Mallory’s books, but this one wasn’t a favorite. Despite the summery title, it doesn’t have the light, breezy vibe I’d expect for a beach read. At times, the story felt a bit drawn out and repetitive. However, I did appreciate the focus on women supporting one another, which added a nice touch. Overall, it’s a pleasant read, just not one that stood out for me.

Susan has become one of those authors I can turn to when I need a story with a little drama and some steamy love vibes, I instantly felt I was right on the beach and back in summer. I love the dynamic between all the women. So beautiful.

Great summer read and one of Mallery’s most likable leads. Read this if you want to get good Seattle codes and connect to the characters on a deeper level. Honestly any fans of Susan Mallery will love this one.

I love Susan Mallory, and everything she writes! The perfect summer read, and the perfect characters, at the perfect setting! Loved it!