Nora Jenkins a school counselor is counting down the days to summer vacation. She has a beachside resort calling her name. She and her grandmother are planning to relax and enjoy the sun. Nora is a little concerned what will happen with one of her students, Ivy Ryman when school is over. Ivy lost her mother and is still grieving. She has been acting out since having to live with her father she barely knows. Nora seems to be the only one that can help Ivy. Ivy’s father turns to Nora as well to help him navigate how to bond with Ivy. Now all Nora has to do is find Ivy a counselor she likes and she can go enjoy the sun and surf.

Vacation finally arrives and Nora and her grandmother head to the coast. Just as they start to relax, they get an unexpected visitor which throws their vacation into a spin. One visitor is enough, but when the next one shows up, it’s hard to resist when he is not only kind but also handsome. Can Nora keep her relationship with the Rymans professional or will she take a chance on love?

Author Jenny Hale has done it again. Another amazing novel filled with friends, family and a blossoming romance. I loved all the characters from the start and my heart broke for Ivy. The plot was so interesting, I couldn’t put the book down. I laughed, I cried and I thoroughly enjoyed the book. My thanks to Harpeth Road Press and the author Jenny Hale for my advanced readers copy which I voluntarily read and reviewed. This is the perfect summer read.

I always love Jenny Hale's books. This is one of my favorite books of the year so far! loved it! perfect summer time book

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.

Out of the Blue is a summer escape story not only for the characters but also for the reader. By Jenny Hale it is a serious look at learning to be a father to a teenage daughter, a teenager who has lost her mother and the guidance counselor who starts to love them both. Summer vacation from school is a time of great learning for Nora, Ivy and her father. There are hard times, grief to be recognized, the accepted and a journey to loving life, enjoying each day given. The final couple of chapters are somewhat over the top but most would actually just consider it a dream come true. Still the perfect escapism read, of course, while sitting by the sea.

I enjoyed reading Out of the Blue by Jenny Hale. You will fall in love with all the characters. I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely. Happy Reading!

This is a heartwarming, uplifting story that blends emotional depth with feel-good summer vibes. It is a charming narrative filled with hope, personal growth, and the power of unexpected connections.

Nora Jenkins, a dedicated high school guidance counselor, is instantly relatable with her caring nature and deep commitment to her students. Her much-needed escape to the Gulf Coast quickly turns into something more complicated—and more meaningful—when Blaze Ryman and his rebellious daughter Ivy show up uninvited. What unfolds is a tender, slow-burn story about second chances, healing, and opening your heart in unexpected places. The chemistry between Nora and Blaze is warm and believable, while Ivy’s transformation adds a touching layer of emotional payoff.

This is a wonderful summer read—hopeful, sincere, and cinematic in its appeal. Perfect for fans of Hallmark-style romance with a little more emotional weight.

In this book Ivy, an emotionally distraught teen, is acting out while she struggles with grief for her deceased mother and adjusts to living with her famous dad, Blaze, whom she believed abandoned them when Ivy was a child. Ivy bonds with Nora, her high school counselor, who lost her own parents at a young age and is able to understand and reach her. Blaze reaches out to Nora for assistance and an unexpected friendship develops between them. At the end of the school year, Ivy and her grandmother (one of my favorite characters) head to the beach to enjoy two weeks of stress-free relaxation and on the first day who shows up at their beachfront cottage? Runaway Ivy followed by Blaze in hot pursuit. This book demonstrates that sometimes the interruptions to our plans can change our lives for the better. In addition to the teenage drama and the appealing development of a new romance, this book posed existential questions—how can we best use the time we have on earth and what happens when our time is up? (no answers given for that second issue—this is a clean book but it is not faith-based). It will make you think. I loved the happy ending that is really just the beginning for all of the characters. Would be a great beach read! Rating 4.5 I received a complimentary copy thanks to Harpeth Road Press and NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

I really enjoyed this book!

Nora is a guidance counselor at a high school who lives with her grandmother. The two of them have a wonderful relationship, they absolutely help each other out by providing emotional support. While Nora loves her life and her work at the school, one student, Ivy, is special to Nora. Ivy recently lost her mother, which brings up feelings in Nora. Ivy acts out a lot and it seems to Nora that everyone else has given up on Ivy, including her own father.

Ivy's father Blaze is famous in the Nashville recording scene. He's always busy and doesn't quite know how to be the father that Ivy needs. Nora and Blaze start working together to find a solution for Ivy, and become friends. When something unexpected happens during Nora's vacation, choices are made that have an impact on all of them.

This was a fast read, clean, romantic and family oriented. Beautiful scenery and deep connections. Highly recommend.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

I received a complimentary copy of this book "Out of the Blue" and all opinions expressed are my own. This is a great summer book. An easy read with some things predictable. I thought the characters were really good and likable. I would have liked to see more about the relationships, the end seemed rushed. Overall I liked the book.

Beach read season is calling! Pack this gem in your beach bag — you won’t regret it!! Stuck at home this year? No worries! This story will whisk you away to a dreamy seaside escape, no sunscreen required!

⛱️Hale’s books always pack an emotional punch with a story that grabs you from start to finish — and this one is no exception! You won’t be able to put it down!

⛱️The story centers on Nora Jenkins, a devoted high school guidance counselor, as she works to help Ivy Ryman, a grieving teenager, cope with the heartbreaking loss of her mother.

⛱️Nora heads to the Gulf Coast for a much-needed summer escape with her spirited Gram. Not long after they settle in, Ivy shows up at their cottage door, running away from her famous father, Blaze Ryman, who she's now forced to live with after the loss of her mother. Blaze, overwhelmed and buried in work, struggles to connect with Ivy. Nora, who understands the weight of grief all too well, truly sees Ivy for who she is — and soon, Ivy finds comfort and solace in Nora’s presence.

⛱️Hale's vivid and descriptive writing makes the characters, Nora, Blaze, Ivy, and Gram deeply relatable. I felt as if I was part of this heartwarming found family, enjoying their beach vacation while wholeheartedly rooting for a happily-ever-after.

⛱️This is a great book for fans of feel-good romances and stories that explore the complexities of human connections. It's a great reminder of the power of love and new beginnings when you least expect them.

Nora Jenkins loves her job as a high school guidance counselor. One student in particular is taking all of Nora’s time and testing her patience. Ivy Ryman is new to Oakland High School. Blaze Ryman, Ivy’s dad, can’t seem to get control of his daughter. And now with the school year coming to an end, Nora is ready for the summer break.

Nora heads out of town and goes directly to the Gulf Coast. It’s her oasis, her happy place, and she is desperate to unplug. As she is basking in the sun, she gets two unexpected visitors. What are Ivy and her dad Blaze doing here, and how in the world did they find her?

Out of the Blue, authored by Jenny Hale, is an amazing and inspirational story full of hope. Nora is a wonderful character that has a heart of gold. I loved that she would do whatever possible to help her students and encourage them. She was such a great influence on them.

I was quickly transported to the toasty sand of the Gulf Coast. This amazing beach read was unputdownable. I was immersed in this book and heard the lapping of the waves on the beach. Hale is an amazing writer that always gives the reader more than expected. This little gem of a story would make a fabulous movie. I highly recommend this phenomenal book.

A totally sweet romance about finding love when it’s least expected. Nora Jenkins moved away after the man she was engaged to cheated on her. She is now a high school guidance counselor and although she loves her job, there is never enough time to help the many students who need her. One student, Ivy Ryman, seems to find her way to Nora’s office almost daily. Ivy is dealing with the death of her mother and living with the father that she doesn’t know. Not only does she not know him, but he is a famous music producer who doesn’t seem to have time for her. Nora is living with her grandmother and is looking forward to their summer trip, to the beach, when she finally meets Ivy’s father, Blaze. She finds herself enjoying time spent with him as she offers ways for him to bond with Ivy. A scare over her grandmother’s health and missing Blaze when he no longer needs her help has her wondering what is next for her. As she begins to move towards the next chapter in her life, will that chapter contain the two people that she has lost her heart to, Ivy and Blaze? I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (4.5, paytonpuppy)

Title: Out of the Blue
By: Jenny Hale
Pub. Day: April 29, 2025

Genre:
Fiction, Women’s, Romance, Beach Read

Summary/Review:
I’m a new lover of all Jenny Hale novels! This is my first narrative written by Hale and I read it in one sitting!!! Hands down an excellent novel!

Ivy’s mom has recently passed and now Ivy is forced to move in with her nonexistent, rich, producer dad. As a new student, Ivy is struggling to make new friends, and seeking attention at school by acting out during classroom instruction. Nora, Ivy’s high school guidance counselor, has the ability to reach her on a level unmatched by anyone else. Out of the Blue leaves an undeniable impression, especially for educators, by powerfully illustrating the profound and lasting influence an adult can have on a student’s life.

Thank you to Jenny Hale, BooksGoSocial, and NetGalley for the opportunity of an Advanced Readers Copy. I am voluntarily leaving my review.

#OutoftheBlue
#JennyHale
#reluctantreaderreads
#advancedreadercopies
#BooksGoSocial
#NetGalley

Reading a book by Jenny Hale is always an enjoyable experience and Out of the Blue was another successful story.
The characters all fit together in a way that made me feel like I was right there with them as they all navigated the ups and downs in their lives.
This is a perfect beach read.
Thank you NetGalley, Jenny Hale and BooksGoSocial for the ARC of the book Out of the Blue.
This is my personal review.

A warm, beachy setting with themes of healing and discovering love when you least expect it.

🥹​ Uplifting | ❤️‍ (Very) Slow-Burn Romance | 🇺🇸 Nashville / Florida

High school guidance counselor Nora Jenkins has her hands full. Her newest student, Ivy Ryman, has been wreaking havoc at Oakland High and is consuming all of Nora’s work hours. Ivy’s father, the wildly successful music producer Blaze Ryman, is too caught up in his demanding career to manage his daughter’s growing rebellion. Nora, however, has a soft spot for the troubled teen, who’s lost her mother and is now trying to navigate life with a distant, high-profile father.

When summer break finally arrives, Nora dreams of escaping to the Gulf Coast—of turquoise waters, sunny days, and cocktails on the beach. She’s just about to settle into her long-awaited retreat when Ivy and Blaze unexpectedly show up at her beachfront doorstep, bringing all the drama she had hoped to leave behind.

I’ve loved Jenny Hale’s books for years (especially her cozy, heartwarming Christmas ones!), so it pains me a little to say this… but this one just wasn’t for me.

As always, her writing style remains lovely—easy, uplifting, and perfect for escapism—but the story itself struggled to find its footing. The beginning felt slow and drawn out, but once the pacing picked up, it almost moved too quickly, rushing through important emotional beats. The biggest disappointment for me was the romance—or rather, the lack of it. The relationship between Nora and Blaze was barely developed; the focus remained almost entirely on Ivy’s struggles. I wanted to see a deeper, more natural build between Nora and Blaze, but instead, it felt like the story fast-forwarded to a neat, unrealistic ending where everything magically resolved. I needed more sparks!

I found myself frustrated with the lack of meaningful communication between Nora, Blaze, and Ivy, particularly when it came to working through their grief. Ivy’s constant rebellion, paired with Blaze’s inability to reach her, felt repetitive and exhausting. After so much estrangement, their sudden reconciliation felt unearned. A trip of a lifetime after barely speaking? It didn’t sit right with me.

I appreciated the exploration of Nora’s inner struggle—trying to find her purpose and reignite her passion. Also Nora’s Gram, June, was a wonderful addition to the story.

Overall, this was a slower, less satisfying read for me personally. However, I can still see how others might enjoy its warm, beachy setting and themes of healing and find love when you least expect it.

I kindly received this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much Netgalley, Harpeth Road Press, BooksGoSocial and Jenny Hale.

I really enjoyed this heartfelt beach read. The story follows Nora, a school counselor, who is dealing with new student, Ivy, who is acting out unable to deal with the grief after losing her mother. Ivy is now living with her father, Blaze Ryman, a successful music producer who is constantly away from home. Nora no stranger to loss herself connects with the young woman and knows Ivy needs someone to see her. Can Nora help Ivy and Blaze repair their relationship? When summer break comes Nora heads to the beach with Gram for a little rest and relaxation. But before Nora can begin to relax, a runaway Ivy shows up at her doorstep with Blaze not far behind. Can Nora help Ivy and Blaze connect? This was an enjoyable beach read. There is a touch of romance and I enjoyed the relationship between Nora and Gram. An overall feel good beach read .

Thank you to Netgalley, Harpeth Road Press and Jenny Hale for the advanced readers copy.

I’m not much of a romance reader, but decided to try this book as a recommendation from a friend. I enjoyed it and would pick up another book by this author if I need a light book to read. Thanks to #NetGalley for #OutOfTheBlue.

I really wanted to love this book but found it so hard to get into. This was my first Jenny Hale book and maybe it just wasn't the right one to start with?

Out of the Blue is the perfect beach read! I love Jenny Hale's books so much, and this was no exception. I absolutely loved the characters. They're very well-written, so I got attached to them easily. I felt so much heartache for Ivy who was trying to deal with the loss of her mom while navigating a new life with her dad. Nora brought out the best in her and her celebrity dad. Blaze is completely swoon-worthy, and he tries so hard to be what Ivy needs while having no idea what that was. I loved the summer beach vacation and seeing the characters develop deeper friendships. I'm so ready to head to the gulf coast now! If only I could rent that cottage... I highly recommend this book to those of you who love sweet, clean beach reads.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Everything is better at the beach. This book was a great escape, especially since a lot of the book was set at the white shores of the Gulf.

Nora Jenkins is a school guidance counselor. A student at the school, Ivy Ryman, keeps ending up in her office because of her different shenanigans. Some see Ivy as a troublemaker, but Nora sees a young woman who is in pain and just needs someone to see her. Ivy lost her mother and is now living with her father, Blaze Ryman. Blaze is a super successful music producer and is away from home a lot. These two need communication instead of avoidance, but it was if neither one knew where to start.

When Blaze and Ivy end up crashing Nora and her grandmother's beach vacation, none of them are prepared for the things that are about to happen to change each of their lives forever.

This book is a perfect beach read. It made me long for the white sandy beaches as the author described their little white cottage on the beach. Each character was special in their own way. Ivy was struggling mightily. I felt so sorry for her, but I also wanted to shake her at times. Being a teenage girl was hard enough for her, but also dealing with unprocessed grief was making her life miserable, and in turn she made everyone around her miserable. Suddenly the salty breeze, sunshine and sand are changing things for everyone in the house. I loved every single minute of this book. I smiled so much in the final 20 pages of this book that my face hurt. This author knows how to write a happily ever after story, but she also knows how to address real world issues with finesse.

Thank you to Harpeth Road, BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.