I enjoyed the cute, whimsical vibes of this book, especially the mystery elements surrounding Rex’s identity and the sabotage of Jeanie’s quilt. However, I felt that some aspects of the story were rushed. For example, we definitely brushed over the fact that Jeanie sent an innocent kid to jail. I was also worried that Nanette stealing Luna’s designs would go unresolved, but I was relieved that it was addressed in the end.

Another issue I noticed was that all the characters shared a similar voice, which felt unnatural given their different ages and backgrounds. For instance, I wouldn’t expect three women from different generations (or Paul) to all use the phrase “loosen the apron strings”—a phrase I’d never heard before this book, but suddenly everyone’s saying it! It made the dialogue feel overly formal and robotic at times.

Finally, am I supposed to know who Demetra is or was that a setup for a sequel?

This book had its charms, but these issues made it a bit harder for me to fully connect with the story.

Overall this was a cute, simple read! At times I found myself bored, or not as interested as the story should have been, but I enjoyed it overall!

This is a story about family, love, forgiveness, and second chances. It takes place on a beautifully described private island. I enjoyed the crafting aspect and contests. I liked the women supporting each other aspect even though not everyone was good natured. For the most part, the book had likeable characters with current everyday problems. This book is a quick, easy, and enjoyable read.

Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

Fun read! It kinda gave me Jenny Han vibes with the setting. The characters were super likable and i have honestly no criticisms.

The Summer That Shaped Us had some engaging elements but ultimately fell a bit short for me. The story explores the lives of three generations of women, each facing their own struggles. I appreciated how the book tackled themes like forgiveness, growing up, and coming of age, weaving them through the characters’ arcs. The second-chance romance added a layer of complexity, and the mystery subplot helped to keep the narrative moving.

That said, while the themes and tropes were interesting, the execution left something to be desired. The pacing dragged in parts, and I didn’t feel as connected to the characters as I hoped to. While I enjoyed aspects of the story, I wasn’t fully invested in the outcome.

This is a book I might pick up again if I were in the right mood, but it wouldn’t be at the top of my list. If you enjoy multigenerational stories with a mix of romance and mystery, it could be worth a read, but it didn’t quite hit the mark for me.

I enjoyed this book, it was a quick read.
I love the showcasing of complex relationships between mother and daughter. The description of the island and the people was well thought out and immersed me into the book.

It’s definitely a cozy and entertaining book for the summer!

Get ready for a 'Wilde' adventure as fans of Lori's books will enjoy her latest read. Traveling to Hobby Island, guests will be swept away by the shelter the retreat provides. As adult 'Golden Ticket' winners, the summer season will be a quilter's paradise.

Luna's family is struggling to make ends meet. Jeanie was a victim of a catfish scheme that swindled her savings. Winning the $100K would afford the family to keep their home. Growing up without a solid foundation, Luna finds it difficult to connect with and trust people. When she learns of Paul's sacrifice, will she give love another shot?

Thank you to the #NetGalley and the publisher for an early edition of #TheSummerThatShapedUs in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed the family dynamics and life lessons the island provides. While I understood why Luna was so prickly, she was unlikely character. I found myself rooting more for Jeanie and Artemis rather than the protagonist.

The Summer That Shaped Us is a charming story about three generations of women who are invited to spend the summer at a quirky artist’s private island. The invitation is too good for Jeanie to pass up as she has fallen victim to a scam and she takes her daughter, Luna, and granddaughter with her. Luna and her daughter, Artemis, are devastated and looking for a way to start over and move on after Luna’s husband passes away and they lose their home. The island is filled with the most intriguing characters and tons of activities to keep them occupied. Things heat up when Luna’s past and present collide which adds to the debate on if fate exists. The idea of the island having the power to heal what ails you is inspiring and intriguing. It was an enjoyable story, but I feel like it was missing that hook that would normally keep me reading nonstop.

I was hopeful for a magical island and crafting but I was so bored. The characters were so surface level and the story so slow.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is very much like a Christmas story only on a tropical island. I loved how Eloisa helps everyone who arrives on the island get a chance to change the directions of their lives and learn something from it. There is a wonderful romance between two people who went in to different directions twenty-two years ago and meet each other on the island. There is a lot of soul searching and discoveries among the guests on the island that make their lives happier. I loved all the avenues that are opened to help people on the island that helps someone find peace but also activities that are fun and creative. I love how warm and fuzzy all the island inhabitants are and how giving they are and they are always ready to help.
It would be nice if an island like this actually existed and help others heal. It's just a wonderful and loving story.

I want to thank Avon and Harper Voyager | Avon and NetGalley for an advance copy of a very uplifting story.

Hobby Island sounds like a magical place I want to visit for my next holiday. The descriptions are so well written and vivid. Lori Wilde does an amazing job of creating pictures through her writing.

This three generation story of women who have all faced terrible heartbreak was so well woven together. Each woman finds exactly what they need to help repair their broken hearts. The quilting contest was a fun reason to bring them all to the island, but they gained so much more throughout their summer together. Finding the strength to move forward can be scary and overwhelming. Working together as a family can help us through a lot of tragedy.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

What first drew me into this book was the vivid description of Hobby Island. Colors come alive as the jacaranda trees, the town, and character’s outfits are described. This book is about the complex relationships between mother and daughter and about believing in yourself. it is also about healing and forgiveness. It was an easy read and I thoroughly enjoyed the story.

Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for the opportunity for review. My review opinions are my own
This book was has a very intriguing and compelling story. A wealthy woman has a private island reserved only for crafters. The entire island is on reserve for only those who obtain a ticket to visit and stay. The theme of the island is goodwill and kindness but some are not so interested in incorporating into the good vibes of the island. A grandmother receives a ticket and takes her daughter and granddaughter who are recovering from tragedy and stress. The relationships are a large part of the book and how they evolve on the island.

This was a enjoyable read. I like the authors writing and how she created such a interesting story. The book has drama, a theme of growth and adjusting to change in one's life. Family is a large part of the book and how a family should support one another. I like the complex characters, the setting and the pace of the writing.

This is a new-to-me author and I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I really enjoyed reading this one!

The story follows Jeanie (grandmother), Luna (middle aged daughter), and Artie (teen granddaughter). Jeanie wins a two-month trip to Hobby Island and Luna and Artie come along for the ride. They can all use the escape from the stressors they are carrying. They all have some healing to do and a contest to (hopefully) win to improve their financial situation. Luna has major trust issues (understandably so) due to some things that occurred with her parents, her former husband, and her high school sweetheart who she unexpectedly reconnects with on the island. The characters are facing challenges with forgiving themselves and others, trusting others, letting their walls down, and letting go of fear-based living.

This one's for you if you enjoy a cozy and entertaining read that balances lightheartedness with some deeper topics (some about impacts of intergenerational trauma on relational dynamics). As I was reading it, I kept getting vibes similar to the quirky characters in Stars Hollow (Gilmore Girls), except this takes place on an island.

The pacing was a little off, but it did not significantly detract from my reading enjoyment. The love story immediately picking up after over 20 years felt a bit sudden but also was not the complete focus of the book, so I was able to set that aside.

Overall, solid 4 stars and I do recommend it! I am interested in exploring this author some more.

Thanks to Avon / Harper Voyager (via NetGalley) for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Pub date: April 22, 2025

This was an emotional ride. Jeannie, her daughter, and granddaughter are gifted a stay on a small island. While there, they will face old hurts, heal some lingering wounds, and find peace with their relationships. Overall a beautiful story about forgiveness and healing.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

3.5 stars! What I would give for a trip to Hobby Island! This was such a beautiful story of growth and forgiveness and overcoming our traumas. Lori captured the bond between a mother and daughter perfectly! If you're looking for a good laugh (and a good cry) with the smallest sprinkle of spice, I absolutely recommend this one!

Jeannie her daughter Luna and granddaughter Artemis are gifted with a two month crafting holiday on a small Island. There they will heal old wounds, have a second chance at love, and come to believe in the magic of the Island. Wonderful characters. Lovely story with an added mystery to solve.

*The Summer That Shaped Us* by Lori Wilde is one of those books that feels like a cozy summer hug. Set on the enchanting Hobby Island, it’s a heartfelt story about family, healing, and the chance to start fresh, all wrapped up in the beauty of a magical retreat. It’s the kind of book that leaves you feeling warm inside, like the lingering glow of a summer sunset.

The story follows three generations of women—Luna, her teenage daughter Artemis, and her mom Jeanie—each dealing with their own struggles after a series of emotional blows. When Jeanie gets invited to a crafting retreat run by the mysterious Eloisa Hobby, they head to the island together, reluctantly at first. What follows is a summer that changes all of them, forcing them to face their pasts, confront their grief, and repair the bonds between them.

What really makes this story special is the way it handles relationships. Luna, Artie, and Jeanie are so different from each other, yet their love is undeniable, even when it’s messy or strained. Luna’s down-to-earth approach to life contrasts beautifully with Artemis’ fiery teen spirit, and Jeanie’s artistic, sensitive nature gives their dynamic a layer of tenderness. Watching them grow and reconnect over the summer is emotional, satisfying, and very real.

Hobby Island itself is magical. Lori Wilde paints the setting so vividly you can almost feel the sand under your toes and hear the waves crashing in the distance. The crafting retreat, run by Eloisa Hobby, is a beautiful mix of nurturing and whimsical, with Eloisa herself adding a touch of mystery and wisdom to the story. She has this subtle way of helping her guests find clarity and hope without forcing anything, and it’s so lovely to watch.

That said, the pacing of the book can feel slow at times. Some parts of the dialogue and story felt repetitive, which occasionally pulled me out of the otherwise immersive experience. But even with that, the heartfelt relationships, emotional growth, and cozy charm kept me invested.

One of my favorite parts was the friendship between the teenage girls. Artie’s budding connection with the other girls on the island felt so genuine and sweet—it added an extra layer of warmth to the story. The crafting scenes were also a unique and fun element, giving the book a creative and comforting vibe.

In the end, *The Summer That Shaped Us* is a story about finding healing in the most unexpected places. It’s about the power of family, the beauty of second chances, and the hope that even the messiest lives can bloom into something beautiful.

If you love stories about personal growth, emotional family dynamics, and a touch of escapist magic, this book is a perfect choice. It’s not a fast-paced read, but it’s one that will stay with you long after you finish, reminding you of the power of love, resilience, and the little things that help us heal.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)

Sometimes, a book feels like a warm breeze on a summer evening, and The Summer That Shaped Us is exactly that. Lori Wilde delivers a beautiful, heartfelt story of healing, family, and second chances, all set against the magical backdrop of Hobby Island—a place where the food tastes better, the colors are brighter, and life’s wounds find unexpected remedies.

The story follows three generations of women—Luna, her teenage daughter Artemis, and her mother Jeanie—each grappling with their own struggles in the wake of loss and emotional turmoil. When Jeanie receives one of Eloisa Hobby’s golden tickets to her exclusive crafting retreat, they reluctantly embark on a journey to the island. What follows is a summer of self-discovery, love, and the kind of healing that only comes when you confront life’s challenges head-on.

What makes this book so special is its tender exploration of relationships—between mother and daughter, grandmother and granddaughter, and even strangers who become family. Luna’s pragmatism, Artie’s teenage fire, and Jeanie’s artistic sensitivity make for a beautifully layered dynamic. And Eloisa Hobby? She’s a fascinating presence, equal parts mysterious and nurturing, with a knack for gently nudging her guests toward the light without forcing it.

The island itself feels alive, a character in its own right. Its magical energy, combined with the charm of Eloisa’s crafting retreat, made me want to pack my bags and escape there myself. Lori Wilde’s descriptions of the island, its vivid beauty, and the comforting community it fosters are immersive and utterly enchanting.

Thank you to Lori Wilde, Avon and Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for this touching journey. The Summer That Shaped Us is perfect for readers who love stories about resilience, personal growth, and the messy, wonderful relationships that make us who we are. It’s a reminder that even when life feels broken, there’s always hope for something beautiful to grow again.

I was attracted to this book with its unique premise magical island, and lots of quilting and crafting! However, I felt the writing was slow in some places, and the dialogue was repetitive and other places. I did care about the characters however, and enjoyed the love story And the details about the island and the crafting. I especially appreciated the friendship between the teenage girls.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced reading copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review