A wonderful read!
This novel drew me in from the very first page and kept me hooked until the end. The characters were vibrant and relatable, the writing was engaging, and the story had just the right balance of heart and humor. Highly recommend!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

If you like hallmark movies and summer beach days this one is for you! While it may not be overly unique or memorable; it will give you all of the feels

Callie Jackson always wanted to be a star. Nashville bound, she left her family, friends and home in pursuit of her life long dreams.  Jesse Thomas had plans to go on to Nashville ahead of Callie and he was going to attend Vanderbilt University.  But the best made plans don’t always work out the way we want.   

Callie’s time in the spotlight was short lived.  And when Callie’s Uncle Lonnie forces her to return home to Big Dune Island, her world is about to change once again and in a major way.  

The Summer of Starting Over, authored by Savannah Carlisle, is a wonderful story that literally launched me to the sandy beach.  I loved everything about this story.  Once I started this book I couldn’t stop until I got to the very last page.  I loved Callie’s story and Jesse was perfect for her. 

If you are looking for a phenomenal beech read, this amazing second chance romance is exactly what you need.  This story of overcoming the past and having hope in the future is perfect in every way.  I love everything about Carlisle’s writing style and she is an auto-buy author for me….she never disappoints.  I highly recommend this book.

I really liked Jesse and Callies story. When their past catches up to them all bets are off with a lot of surprise a long the way. Second chances can be a wonderful thing.

The Summer of Starting Over is a light and easy story, perfect for a relaxing beach read. Being set in a small island town, the characters and their interactions were cozy. You develop a fondness for the town and the side characters which is a good sign for the second book that is due to be published in the same setting. Although the book deals with themes of mourning, loss and second chances, it is a very simple story. You get exactly what you expect with this book - you know the plot before it starts but aren't disappointed that it follows as you expect. It is a perfect palate cleanser and great if you just want an easy read. However, if you aren't a fan of a cliche or characters with no diversity, then this book is not for you.

As a Swiftie I can't stop myself picturing Taytay as Callie since that's her vibes (which is so cute) I like the fact that you can feel their love for each other right from the start of book and definitely the perfect book to read this Summer (good timing though it's summer now in my country hihi) this book will surely have its own space on my re-read list. Thanks to the book publisher and netgalley for the e-ARC (though kinda late review, sorry >_<)

If you're a Swiftie, loves summer season, and high school sweethearts trope; then I definitely recommend you to read this book. <3

The Summer of Starting Over is everything I want in a summer read: well-written, charming, and heartwarming—but it’s also so much more than a fluff romance. Savannah Carlisle has crafted a beautiful second-chance love story full of emotional depth, character growth, and a wonderfully immersive small-town setting that I didn’t want to leave.

From the very first page, the writing flows effortlessly. Carlisle has a way of weaving her words so that you’re instantly drawn into Callie and Jesse’s world. The dialogue is natural and snappy—every line feels real. There’s a warmth and wit to the narrative voice that makes you feel like you’re chatting with a close friend.

Callie is a former country singer turned pop star, hiding out and trying to rebuild her life in the last place she thought she’d return to—her hometown. Jesse is the high school sweetheart turned small-town contractor who never quite got over her. The chemistry between them is palpable, but what really makes their romance work is the history and longing that lingers between them. Their journey back to each other is full of vulnerability, slow-burn tension, and a few well-placed plot twists that had me glued to the page.

And while the romance is swoon-worthy, the supporting characters make this story sing. Austin and Gigi nearly steal the show at times, and the entire town feels alive with heart and humor. There are adorable Taylor Swift easter eggs throughout (which, as a fan, I loved), but they’re subtle enough not to distract if you’re not into it.

This book nails the balance between sweet and emotional. There’s a deeper plot about self-worth, healing, and choosing your own path, and it gives the story weight without ever dragging it down.

Perfect for fans of Emily Henry, or anyone looking to escape into a story of love, hope, and second chances. The Summer of Starting Over is the kind of romance that leaves you smiling long after you’ve finished.

Tropes you’ll find:
Small town romance
Second chance
Celebrity FMC x small-town MMC
High school sweethearts

This one is going straight on my summer favorites list.

This was a sweet and fun easy read romance.
This would be a great sunshine or beach read.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book so much. I'm adding this author to my auto-buy list!

Callie Jackson, a country music star is heading home to Big Dunne Island to clean out her parents’ home. She hasn’t been home since her parent’s funeral, so she is hesitant what will be waiting for her. She left as a young girl after being discovered and has been on the road since. She left everything behind, her family, her friends and her first love. Now she must face all the tough choices she made years ago.

One person Callie will have to face is Jesse Thomas, the boy she told not to follow her to Nashville. When she left, she took his heart with her. He stills lives in Big Dunne Island and has made his own choices since she left. Can Callie repair the broken relationships? What will happen when she finds out her friends and family have been keeping a secret from her? Will she run back to Nashville or finally stop running and stay home on Big Dunne?

I absolutely adored this novel by Savannah Carlisle. The characters in the novel pulled at your heartstrings and they were all so easy to love. The story is set in a small town, has amazing characters and is the first in a new series which is my favourite kind of book to read. The novel flowed seamlessly and I loved the little added twists and surprises. Thank you to Harpeth Road Press for my advanced copy which I voluntarily read and reviewed. Come join Callie and the residents of Big Dunne Island this spring.

This was such a beautiful easy read romance! I absolutely loved the second chance trope (which I don’t normally enjoy a lot) this was done so well and I loved every minute of it!

I felt like I was living in Big Dune Island and it was the mental vacation I didn’t know I needed!
Loved it!

It may be raining and dreary here, but Savannah Carlisle whisked me away to this lovely beach town in "The Summer of Starting Over". Callie Jackson immediately hooked me into the story and her return to Big Dune Island. I enjoy reading about people getting a second chance in all aspects of their life but especially in romance and the journey in this book was so sweet. I loved that even though Callie has been away, she still had the friend support group and that they only wanted what was best for her. Watching Callie have her growth and overcome her hold backs was inspirational, I couldn't put this book down! Thank you to Harpeth Road for an advanced copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own!

The Summer of Starting Over by Savannah Carlisle was a great, clean, heart-warming, hometown story.

I loved being in the coastal town of Big Dune Island with Callie and Jesse.

They were great characters that were well developed and relatable.

I loved the depth of the characters, it’s real and heartwarming, but understandable.

From the writing to the characters to the story, this book will have you hooked from the beginning.

It is a book that will grab your attention and not let you go. The author has an enjoyable writing style. Very fluid and easy to read but never bland or boring.

The Summer of Starting Over is a delightful reminder that life’s twists and turns often lead to the most meaningful experiences, leaving readers with a warm and contented feeling as they accompany the characters on their journey of discovery, family, love, and embracing the unknown.

I’m always left with a smile and knowing that I’ll be finishing with a heart full of love and emotions, I’m always up for whatever she will publish next.

Savannah Carlisle writes books that always touch my heart. I laugh, cry, and never want them to end. This is a rich, sweet, warm story.

I love when a writer captures the essence of a town. It’s especially enjoyable when the author captures the essence of the hometown you both share and that’s what Savannah Carlisle did with The Summer of Starting Over.

Carlisle introduces readers to Big Dune Island, its small town charm and its amazing cast of characters.

Callie Jackson grew up on Big Dune Island yet left when she was a teenager to pursue her music career. A decade later, she returns to Big Dune Island to face her past, deal with the grief of losing her parents, and dig deep into her soul to find out how to get back to her roots while forging a new path with her music.

Callie hasn’t stepped foot in her childhood home since her parents’ funeral in over a decade, yet imagine her surprise when she encounters her first love, Jesse, a successful contractor, working on her home. Her Uncle Lonnie has been the home’s caretaker and you can believe he has something up his sleeve!

The Summer of Starting Over could easily be a Hallmark movie. Will Callie and Jesse reignite their love? Will Callie leave her pop music path and return to her country roots?

Grab your beach bag, dig your toes in the sand, and enjoy a story of second chances, finding your true self and a few small town antics.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harpeth Road for the ARC.

This book made me long for summertime and the beach. The author does a great job of describing the scenery, to the point that I could almost feel the ocean breeze.

Callie Jackson left home as a teenager. She left her home and the love of her life behind. She is a huge music star now, but somewhere along the way her dreams have been tainted and changed by others who wanted to remake her. She needs a break, and there seems to be no better place to heal than Big Dune Island. Going back is not going to be easy for more than one reason, and the first person she encounters is Jesse, the one who go away.

This emotional story had so much depth. It wasn't a cheesy romance. It had sad moments and happy ones as well. Second chances and authentic, albeit complex, relationships made all of the characters likable and realistic.

This entertaining, page turner is a good book to sink your teeth into. If you enjoy a sweet, summer romance, you will love this one.

Thank you to Harpeth Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

📚 BookTok Review: The Summer of Starting Over by Savannah Carlisle ​

The Summer of Starting Over by Savannah Carlisle is a heartwarming second-chance romance set in the charming coastal town of Big Dune Island. The story follows Callie Jackson, a former country singer whose dreams of stardom have crumbled. Returning to her hometown to settle family affairs, she confronts her past and rekindles a connection with her childhood sweetheart, Jesse Thomas, who remained on the island to support his family. ​

What to Expect:
-Second-Chance Romance: Callie and Jesse's journey from estrangement to rediscovering love is both tender and realistic, exploring themes of forgiveness and personal growth.​
-Small-Town Charm: Big Dune Island's close-knit community and picturesque setting provide a cozy backdrop that enhances the narrative's warmth.​
-Emotional Depth: The novel delves into the complexities of returning home, dealing with past decisions, and finding one's true path, resonating with readers seeking a meaningful story.​

For fans of Denise Hunter and Debbie Macomber, this novel offers a delightful escape into a story of love, redemption, and the beauty of starting anew. ​
#TheSummerOfStartingOver #SavannahCarlisle #SecondChanceRomance #SmallTownLove #BookTokRecs

Thank you NetGalley and Savannah Carlisle for the ARC.

The Summer of Starting Over had my attention from chapter one. The story was so beautifully written and touched on first love, loss and second chances.

Callie has become a famous singer and returns to her hometown for the first time in a decade to pack up her childhood home and process the grief of losing her family. As she deals with struggling musically and the memories of her family, she is faced with her first love and the man he’s become.

As the story unfolds secrets are exposed and Callie has to finally face the past she’s been running from all these years.

Savannah has written such a beautiful story with a picturesque seaside small town as the backdrop. The characters and their friendships were so authentic that these characters seemed like real people you could bump into. Being from a small town myself I loved how immersive it was to read about Big Dune Island. There were so many moments I felt like I could personally relate to which made reading the story even more enjoyable.

The relationship between Callie and Jesse felt heartbreakingly accurate to a first love. Their interactions were filled with nostalgia, unspoken regrets and the prospect of second chances.

If you love small town romances filled with self discovery and second chances this is a must read.

Visit my blog for a full review and see why I found this book to be disappointing and a little "off brand" for Harpeth Road Press.

https://www.booknerdia.com/post/review-the-summer-of-starting-over-by-savannah-carlisle-has-its-moments

The Summer of Starting over is an easy and enjoyable read.

Although it was a predictable story, there was comfort in the journey the character’s went on and I would recommend this as an easy beach or holiday comfort read.

The Summer of Starting Over by Savannah Carlisle pulls you right into the world of the story from chapter one. In this moving and fun book, you'll read about second chances, rediscovery, and finding courage. The story takes place in Tennessee and the author’s descriptions of Big Dune Island makes you feel like you're there, walking on the cobblestone streets. Callie returns to her home, a place she hadn’t seen in years, to face the past including the loss of her parents and the love she had left behind. She's struggling to connect to her past which makes it difficult to move forward.
Savannah Carlisle’s prose weaves the emotions like a tapestry. Callie’s journey wasn’t just about rediscovering her love for music but about rediscovering her past, her family, and the amazing place that shaped her.
The love story in this book between Callie and Jesse was tender and Jesse became one of my favorite characters. I love how he helped Callie face the ghosts in her past.
I will be recommending this book!!
Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial publishing for an advanced readers copy.