First, I’d like to thank NetGalley, Jill Francis, and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for my honest review.

This story started out so strong, I was completely intrigued by Ellie’s situation and what would happen with her job. Once she arrived in Italy, the setting absolutely stole the show. The descriptions were stunning and immersive, painting such a vivid backdrop that I could practically feel the sun and smell the sea air.

One of my favorite aspects of the book was the cast of side characters. I adored them! Especially, the elderly family members, far more than I connected with Ellie herself (which I almost hate to admit). Unfortunately, I also struggled to connect with Cris. The chemistry between the two main characters just didn’t land for me. I found myself wishing for more tension, more yearning, more spark overall.

That said, I appreciated the way both characters faced personal growth and overcame their individual challenges. The story had heart, even if it didn’t quite sweep me off my feet.

Overall, The Summer You Were Mine is a solid summer read with a breathtaking setting and a charming supporting cast. If you’re looking for a light, scenic escape to Italy, this one might be worth packing in your beach bag.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this poignant and heartfelt novel in exchange for my honest review.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Italian Riviera, this second-chance romance beautifully blends family ties, personal struggles, and the bittersweet ache of first love lost and found again. Ellie and Cristiano’s story is both tender and real, exploring messy emotions, neurodivergence, and the pressures of public life with care and nuance.

I loved the vivid setting—Chiavari feels like a character itself, full of sun-drenched streets, family gatherings, and rich traditions. The chemistry between Ellie and Cris was palpable, and their dynamic felt authentic, especially as they navigated old wounds and new challenges.

The pacing was steady, though at times I wished for a little more depth in the secondary characters and a sharper build-up of tension. Still, the emotional resonance and thoughtful portrayal of mental health and identity made this a rewarding read.

Fans of heartfelt, character-driven romances with a beautiful setting will find much to enjoy here.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This book was only ok for me. I kept waiting for something, I'm not sure what, and it never came.

Ellie & Cris were a fun couple of characters, but their story felt forced. Not organic to the story.

I'd recommend this book if you just want something to take your mind off the world.

DNF REVIEW • The cover of the SUMMER YOU WERE MINE caught my attention when I was browsing NetGalley one day, and I was thrilled to see it was a Read Now option! I am always in the mood for a “beach read” and thought the Italian setting sounded right up my alley. Unfortunately, the execution left a lot to be desired. I quickly lost interest in the story — partly because it relied on two of my least favorite tropes (second chance and miscommunication). Those tropes can work for me if I believe in the connection between the characters and am invested in their relationship / its outcome, but I wasn’t in this particular story. Whether it was the character development or the overall writing, I decided to put this one down once I realized I was not enjoying anything about it.

The Summer You Were Mine had so much potential with its stunning Italian coast setting and a second-chance romance premise, but unfortunately it just fell flat for me. The pacing was incredibly slow and I found myself waiting for something to truly hook me. The Chiavari setting should have been bursting with life, sun, and nostalgia, but it was more of a backdrop than an active part of the story. I never felt transported the way I had hoped.

Ellie and Cris’s romance was also disappointing. I expected sparks, tension, and heartfelt moments, but most of their interactions felt repetitive and lacked emotional weight. There were too many conversations about the past without much growth or movement forward. While their shared history was explained, it never came alive in a way that made me root for them as a couple.

The side plots, like Ellie’s career struggles and Cris’s scandal, also dragged the story down instead of adding excitement. Neither storyline added much to the romance, and both felt drawn out without satisfying resolution. I kept hoping for more passion, drama, or even lighter moments that could make the book feel balanced, but the tone stayed flat.

Overall, the idea of a beachy second-chance romance on the Italian coast was wonderful in theory, but in execution it was slow, uneventful, and lacking in chemistry. I was never truly invested in the characters or their love story, which made this a disappointing read.

I didn't really enjoy this book...for me, the best part was that it was set in Italy during the Summer.

It was pretty boring, and in my opinion, I didn't feel like they were compatible. I also felt like the writing wasn't for me.

The cover was beautiful though, but the book was underwhelming.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

Ellie and Cris were almost something once—before life pulled them in different directions. Now, reunited in their hometown on the Italian Riviera for their grandparents’ surprise wedding, they strike a deal to help each other rebuild their reputations. But as old sparks reignite and buried feelings resurface, they’ll have to face the truth about what tore them apart—and whether a second chance is worth the risk.

This book was a cute, summer read and I enjoyed the overall storyline of it. I also enjoyed both Cris and Ellie, as well as the other side characters that appeared throughout the book. Having majority of the book set in Italy was so freaking cute and now I want an Italian Summer and some wine. I enjoyed the way that Ellie and Cris came back together and got their second chance, but I think something was just missing for me. I really wanted to love this but I just couldn't get there.

Don't let me dissuade you from reading this though- there were so many things to enjoy.. the characters, the banter, the plot and setting. It really was a cute summer contemporary romance and if that is something you are looking for- check this one out!

Rating: 3/5
Spice: 2/5

Tropes:
Second Chance
Friends to Lovers
Sports Romance
Italian Summer
Family Meddling

Thank you St Martin's Press, Jill Francis and NetGalley for this eARC. All thoughts are my own.

The Summer You Were Mine is the perfect nostalgic summer read. I wasn't sure if it was for me from the get-go, but I am so glad I saw it through! Ellie and Cris friends as kids in Italy through their fathers, the novel goes between young memories and present day in a very engaging way. I love love love Cris as a mmc, and I loved his connection with Ellie.

HEA for those who need to know before they read, and the ending is *chef's kiss*.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC and to Jill Francis for a great summer read!

What's better than a summer in Italy with family and friends? Well, if you are Ellie and Cris, you are coming into a sweet summer full of salty baggage, from losing face as a pro athlete to losing a job in the most public way.

As a summer romance book, this title just didn't do it for me. There are a lot of aspects of the book that, if you have ever summered in Europe, I guess you would enjoy, but not everyone. I stopped reading books about Paris because I just couldn't picture it, and Italy as a setting seems to work in the same way. Many writers just assume that their readers know what they are talking about.

Also, Ellie's neurodivergence needs to be addressed. No, like, the book needs to address it more than just dropping it in once or twice and then pretending it's not there. It's something that influences every thought and action Ellie has, yet it is avoided unless absolutely necessary.

Cris and Ellie were childhood friends, and while the book forces a spark on them, it actually doesn't feel like it's there from someone on the outside looking in. I wasn't rooting for these two, and by the end, was sure they weren't going to give it a try.

On paper, this book had a lot going for it - second chance love story, family involvement, Italian setting. I just didn't really connect with it at all. The backstory on Ellie and her show and then Cris's potential involvement with that just didn't make a whole lot of sense. I wasn't really invested in these characters. There were a TON of family members around and I wasn't always clear on who was who.

2.5 stars rounded up to 3.

“ A beachy second chance romance set on the stunning Italian coast” who could say no to that? Sounds right up my street. And it was, for the most part. It didn’t totally give me the vibes I was hoping for, but I still enjoyed the journey.
My biggest criticism would be with the FMC, Ellie, as she is a psychologist but she comes across as not very understanding and being as though they are reunited after many years, she still harbors resentment towards Cris, the MMC, who was her best friend/first kiss as their families were best friends and they grew up together. Now they’re all coming back together for a family wedding and Ellie and Cris will see each other for the first time in 14 years and their families dont know about what happened between them so they have to act like everything is fine between them for the summer. Shouldn’t be too hard, right?
While I appreciated Cris’ struggle with chronic pain, the fact that Ellie didn’t support him or take that factor into consideration when they were together was hard to get past. As a therapist, she should be trying to make people better, including herself, but that didn’t seem like it would be. Thats just one example. Maybe that’s just nitpicking but it bothers me.
Overall, it was a nice story in a gorgeous setting (though even that could have been brought out more imo) but it’s nothing super memorable.
Thanks to St. Martins Griffin and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Unfortunately, this one looks like it is going to be a DNF for me. I got about 20% through the book and just couldn't get into it. Something about the narrator's voices just didn't click with me,

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I really liked the premise of this book. It delivers on the placemaking and the description of the Italian Riviera, so much so that it makes me want to go there. It excels in the family dynamics. I could imagine the scenarios with Cris and Ellie's families. Definitely get a sense of what Italian families are like.

The romance however...I felt that Ellie and Cris were stuck in the past. They were stuck on the person that they knew in their childhood and I did not feel that they knew each other well enough as adults. They needed more time to re-get to know one another again rather than reminisce. I also did not think they resolved what happened in the past. Ellie was quick to understand Cris, whose explanation of 'Oh, I was young and grieving' felt lacking. The second half of the book, where the romance was front and center, dragged on. The first half was fine because Francis was building the setting and the side characters, who were so fun. I found myself more interested in them rather than Cris and Ellie.

A (generous) 3/5

The Summer You Were Mine is a heartwarming and introspective read that beautifully captures the themes of self-growth, vulnerability, and second chances. Jill Francis tells a story that reminds us how deeply rooted insecurities can follow us through life, but also how healing it is to have someone who believes in us unconditionally. Through moments of self-reflection and emotional honesty, this book gently explores the feeling of not being enough and the strength it takes to rediscover yourself. With a sweet second-chance romance at its core, it’s a feel-good reminder that it’s never too late to find love—or to believe in yourself again.

Thank you NetGalley, Jill Francis, and St. Martin’s Press for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

First I would like to thank NetGalley and St.Martin’s Press for the ARC of this novel.

When a book is set in Italy I am immediately drawn to it. I was excited when I got a copy of this ARC but unfortunately it didn’t totally work for me.

The setting was fantastic and I loved feeling like I was in Italy while I was reading. But I didn’t feel like the two main characters had enough chemistry and one of my least favorite troupes is miscommunication and this book just had too much of that for me.

3/5 stars for the setting, vibes and the secondary characters.

If you are looking for an easy, summer beach read, look no further. It was a cute story of second chance romance and was lighthearted. I did have times have a hard time staying focused, but overall enjoyed it.

☀️ arc review: the summer you were mine ☀️

🌟🌟🌟 / 🌶️🌶️

Thank you to St. Martin’s Griffin for the ARC of The Summer You Were Mine by Jill Francis! I really appreciate the opportunity to read and review this.

The Summer You Were Mine is a fluffy summer beach read you don’t need to put much thought into it, which can definitely be a positive. That said, I did find myself struggling to finish it. Honestly, that might’ve been more about my mood than the book itself (not blaming the book at all!!).

The premise centers on a *kind of* second-chance romance between a talk show host and a retired swimmer. Ellie and Cris grew up together and are reunited at their grandparents’ wedding. The story is packed with tension, pining, and reflections on external expectations vs. what you actually want out of life.

I really enjoyed Ellie’s POV, she’s neurodivergent and accidentally goes on a rant during her live TV show. She reminded me of myself in a lot of ways, which made her super easy to connect with.

Cris is a former swimmer caught in a PR nightmare over alleged doping. His story leans more into angst and grief.

Overall, I’d recommend this when you're looking for something light, summery, and easy to fly through!

Tropes:
second-chance romance
light summer read
talk show host x retired swimmer
neurodivergent rep

Thanks again for the ARC! 💛

The Summer You Were Mine is a second-chance beach romance that takes place on the beautiful Italian coast.

Ellie Beltrami is a sports talkshow host whose career just recently imploded after she made a huge mistake on air.

Cristiano Conte is a professional swimmer who has been recently accused of using a banned substance.

Ellie and Cris have known each other their entire lives, but something happened between them fourteen years ago that changed their friendship, resulting in Ellie and Cris to have not been in contact since. After all of these years, they’re finally going to be reunited after her grandmother and his grandfather decide to get married.

After the wedding, Ellie and Cris decide to make a deal with one another in order to help both of their careers. Ellie will interview Cris to fix her career and Cris will be able to tell his side of the story in order to clear his name.

I really enjoyed the small town Italian feel of this book and the Italian phrases that were sprinkled into some of the chapters. I also loved the relationship that Ellie and Cris had with one another. Jill did an amazing job writing these characters personalities and showing why they were friends in the first place. I ended up reading this book on the plane when I went to Italy and I felt like I was immersed into the culture. This book is a the perfect light hearted Summer beach read.

Thank you Netgalley, St-Martin’s Press and the author Jill Francis.
I loved this romance set in Italy,
The couples were wonderful, the Italian in the book was so nice to read and brought back memories.
Even the Italian songs which I listened to when I was young brought back nice memories.
Love was totally in the air on the Italian seaside.
Highly recommend

Unfortunately I had trouble getting through this book. It might have been a me problem - I struggle to read about anything sports related, although I thought it would be a slam dunk (pun intended) because I also have a PhD in psychology. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this book.