A lovely story about unrequited love finally fulfilled, “The Summer of You and Me”, by Denise Hunter (Thomas Nelson Fiction), is also about family, grief and hope, and has an intriguing twist with a mystery young man.
Josh and Maggie have familial bonds, are very good long-time friends and feel comfortable around each other. It’s an easy relationship.
In the beginning, we watch wistful Maggie still grieving, yet slowly healing as loss and the memories of Ethan become more tolerable.
Josh has always been a steady, supporting presence in her and Zoey’s life, offering friendship and comfort.
The hero is genuine and endearing, with a charming personality despite a hard childhood experience.
I liked how the author handled the discomfort, uncertainty and difficulties within the family because of Ethan, Josh and Maggie’s bonds and relationships and the shift happening between them.
I also appreciated the way the author addressed the late husband and brother’s memory and the fact it’s not a “taboo subject”.
I loved the suspense and mystery with Will, who is such a likeable, sweet young man; although we, readers, don’t know the whole of the story initially, the intrigue factor around this character is fascinating.
I was completely captivated by him and how well he fits in. The growing romance is also interesting.
This plotline made the story much more compelling.
Sometimes I felt that Josh was too generous and tolerant with Maggie and that perhaps she took advantage of his unspoken devotion.
As for Maggie’s mother she must be the most obnoxious female character I’ve come across recently.

I enjoyed reading it, but I felt like the book contained several different plotlines rather than one major one joining it all together.

This is a closed door romance with a little bit of mystery, a little bit of heart break, a little bit of Maury, and a lot a bit of drama.
It was cute, for sure. It didn’t super draw me in, but I didn’t dislike it. It did take me a little longer to get through, than my usual, but I wouldn’t say I was bored. I just wasn’t EXCITED, if you get what I mean.
There’s not a lot I can say without spoiling it, but it’s a decent read. I wasn’t expecting it to be so Jesus heavy, though, and maybe that’s my fault and I missed it mentioned on netgalley.
I could see this being a Hallmark movie.

⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️Random notes from my read: CAN BE CONSIDERED SPOILERY⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️



* Poor Josh
* I feel like the lymphoma came out of no where cause an explanation was needed
* “It takes more than compatibility to make a relationship.” I mean….its what makes a relationship last vs burning hot and fast before flickering out. It’s a pretty important foundation.
* Wow, her mom reminds me of my mom. Hate that for me
* Mags, you’re being a self destructive idiot
* How did this happen and there wasn’t a huge lawsuit??


Many thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me with an ARC and allowing me to provide my honest review

Another epic story from Denise Hunter. The characters and their story were so real that they felt like old friends. This is what I have come to enjoy about Denise and her storytelling. If you prefer what could be real versus mushy gushy with no real story behind it, this story is for you.

I received an advanced reader’s copy from Thomas Nelson and Netgalley. Opinions are my own.

This book has quite the emotional and surprising plot twists! Hunter is a master at carefully and sparingly dropping hints, and even when she did, I didn’t figure out the implications! There’s lots of swoony romance, fun at the beach and the carnival, cute kids, and more. I didn’t want to stop reading to go to bed, and could easily have stayed up all night reading this book.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own." #TheSummerofYouandMe #NetGalley

This book was a quick read, taking just a few hours, but it packed a powerful emotional punch. In a short span, the author takes readers on a journey through grief, betrayal, love, and loss. I was particularly moved by the way the love story unfolds amid the heartache, creating a beautiful balance. The twist at the end caught me completely off guard, tying everything together perfectly. With its heartwarming and tasteful storytelling, this closed-door romance deserves to be a Hallmark movie.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book is written by a talented popular author, a favorite. Family and friends come together to grieve a beloved husband and are wanting closure.
The husband’s brother lives his widow but trials happen. Red herrings kept me guessing and often,
hoping. Was her husband really dead? Is the mystery man her loved one? Questions waiting for answers. Enjoy.
Thanks Netgalley.

The Summer of You and Me was the second book by Denise Hunter that I’ve read. I loved it as much as her previous book.

THE SUMMER OF YOU AND ME by DENISE HUNTER is a most enjoyable romance novel with interesting characters and a clever story, with many twists and turns.
Maggie Reynolds and her four year old daughter Zoey are on holiday in Seabrook, North Carolina, a place which is full of bittersweet memories of her late husband, Ethan, the love of her life. Her best friend Erin, Ethan’s sister and his younger brother Josh live there, and, together with his parents Becky and Brad, they are planning to scatter his ashes on the fifth anniversary of his death, when the unthinkable happens! While at the fair Maggie sees Ethan’s double in the distance. Did the army make a mistake - could her husband possibly still be alive? Maggie and Josh set out to find the truth without involving the rest of the Reynolds family……
There is so much more to the strory as the author takes us through her characters’ emotions and relationships, but I am not going to tell you any more for fear of spoiling things for you.
I cannot recommend this lovely novel highly enough.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Thomas Nelson. The opinions in this review are completely my own.