I've enjoyed other Jenny Hale books but this one was a little unbelievable for me. I've worked in the school system and the way she handled her job was not realistic. I probably would have enjoyed it more if I didn't know those things. It's a quick and easy read.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me a copy of the book to read.

Out of the Blue by Jenny Hale is a heartwarming, feel-good romance that offers the perfect blend of love and second chances.

The novel focuses on a teenager, Ivy, that has entered a new life following the death of her mother. Ivy must reconcile with her father, Blaze, who Ivy feels has abandoned her. Nora, Ivy's school counsellor, takes a leading role in helping Ivy navigate this new journey and the relationship that forms is heartwarming.


A romance, that is sweet develops between Nora and Blaze. The chemistry between them is undeniable, but it’s their emotional connection that makes their story so compelling. Both characters have baggage and insecurities, and their slow progression towards opening up to each other feels realistic and touching. What stands out is how their relationship doesn’t just serve as a romance plot—it’s also about healing, self-discovery, and learning to embrace the future with hope.


Overall, Out of the Blue is a delightful and refreshing read that will appeal to fans of contemporary romance. It’s the kind of book that leaves you with a smile on your face and a warm feeling in your heart. Whether you're looking for a light summer read or a story that explores love, healing, and new beginnings, Jenny Hale delivers a beautifully crafted novel that will surely leave an impression.

Out of the Blue is a lovely romance that is perfect to take to the beach and read for a escape from reality. Apart from the main character Nora they don't have much depth and I would have liked to learn more about Nora too. The plot is delightful and a storyline that is realistic. I enjoyed reading the romance and the emotional plot.

Out of the Blue was a light and fast read, perfect for the beach or as an escape from reality. I'd have loved to seen a bit more depth and POV from the other main characters aside from Nora, but overall, it was an enjoyable romance.
3.75 stars, rounded up to 4

“Out of the Blue” features a school counsellor with a student who is having trouble processing her mom’s death and ner new life with a father who she barely knows. Nora, the counsellor, also lost her mother at a young age and can identify with Ivy’s problems. The romance sparks when Ivy’s father enters the picture. After a stunt by Ivy, all parties end up in the same summer beach house. The characters are realisitically portrayed, all down to the description of the high school (former high school teacher here!) Ivy’s trauma and troubled behavior could have come direct from any high school. Readers will also identify with Nora as she questions her life and how it has turned out.
Highly recommended as your next beach read!

****Publishing April 29, 2025****

Nora is not only dealing with a broken heart, but working as a school counselor is not always easy! Nora is working with a delinquent teen, Ivy, and her dad, Blaze, to repair their relationship and help set up the services that Ivy needs. Can Nora help them both?

Nora’s grandmother is living with her and is pushing her to go on vacation with her as Nora’s job is stressful! Gram sees she needs a break! Will Nora take the time to relax and figure out what she wants in life?

Jenny Hale is an auto buy for me as her books are heartfelt, uplifting and, entertaining! Also, her books leave you feeling hopeful and satisfied. I love that Jenny Hale’s books are not only great to take on vacation, but also make great book club reads! If you need a heartfelt read with a happy ending, then I recommend this book!

Thanks to Harpeth Road Press for the gifted copy!

Out of the Blue by Jenny Hale is a delightful, feel-good read that will leave you with a smile. As a fan of Hale's work, I can confidently say this book is another great addition to her collection. The story is sweet and charming, perfect for a quick beach read or a light escape from everyday life. The plot flows quickly, making it an easy read, though there isn't much in the way of deep character development. At times the characters are a bit silly and overdramatic; however, it's a clean book—ideal for anyone looking to unwind with a light, enjoyable story. If you're in the mood for something breezy and light this one’s a winner!

Thank you for the free read in exchange for an honest review

To start, I love Jenny Hale. She does fantastic, light read romance stories that suck you in and make you crave the ocean/beach waves. This sotry was similar but also had a layer of emotional depth to it. Also, most of the beach novels of hers I have read are in outer banks but this one is actually where I go on annual vacations which was fun to see!

The characters were mostly good though I think that the instant connection between Nora and Blaze was a bit unbelievable simply because they didn't have many in depth conversations or interactions until the coffee shop.

The story itself was cute and fun to read a deadly I liked seeing the characters grow. I wish there was more written about the 30A beach area but was still thrilled to see my favorite florida location.

Cute simple little story. Loved the characters and their strong personalities. I would love to be mixed up with them in their community. Quick moving sweet story.

I mean the cover said beach read. It said sit awhile. It said rest. And that was what the contents of this books said to me,made me feel too.
All the characters had the foibles. They all had their issues. And they presented themselves in different ways and equally they were worked through in differing ways.
I felt for Ivy at the same time I wanted to shake her.
I liked NOra and her background just made me want to give her a big hug. But equally at times I wanted to shake her too.
And yup. The dad. I wanted to shake him alot too!
Haha but I also wanted to read more about these three and watch them love and grow and love again.lovely read.

I really wanted to love this story more. It was heartwarming but it absolutely felt rushed.

This is a great beach read and a good story to escape the world a bit. However, I found the whole situation with Ivy a bit tiresome because I think my being raised in a Latina household just could never allow Ivy to do what she did without facing some repercussions. 🤣 It just seemed to be a bit too unbelievable and the ending where everything just seemed to work out? I’m not buying it.

The relationship between Ivy and Blaze had lacked some depth. It felt like everything just kind of happened and then ta-da, let me take you on the trip of your dreams? After not talking for so long? Just not buying it.

A few moments I did enjoy: the grandma’s antics.

Thank you NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.

A great beach read! Nora has a problem teenager in her school job. Can this lead to her famous father and a chance at romance. Maybe a trip to the beach will bring it all together.

This is the first book by Jenny Hale that I’ve read I really enjoyed it. I loved the character development, writing style and descriptions of the gorgeous gulf coast. This is an uplifting story about love conquering the impossible. A cosy, feel good summer read that I’d recommend to anyone.

I love any of Jenny Hale’s books. I don’t know what it is. The story, the premise and even the book cover. Yes I’m probably one of those people who do judge a book by its cover. But honestly I sometimes can’t help myself. And this book was no exception. Although I’m going to ready any book by this author and probably love. When I saw this was available as an instant read I knew it was must to have on my kindle. I think I devoured it in one sitting on the train to work. And definitely helped to get me out of my reading slump.

I'm going to leave a long quote that sums up this story perfectly
“You know what I’d like to tell you about your life?”“What?”“Enjoy the moments when you don’t know what’s next. Be excited about them.”“Why would I be excited when I have no plans?”“Because those moments are the slip of time before God reveals your next big journey.” Gram’s words tingled down her spine. "I love that."
I think when we do spur of the moment things those times are the most special. At they are for me.
As Nora and I are learning God puts people in our lives at exactly the right time and place but He also let those people go on to their own journeys in life
I loved this story so much because I'm at the place where Nora is. God just yanked someone out of my life and I am learning to cope with it. It's not easy either.
It's hard losing someone to death or just them walking out of your life to move on.
Makes a person feel like they're stuck.
When I picked this book up I wasn't sure if I'd like it or not but I was pleasantly surprised. It seemed to hit my life head on leaving me to connect with Nora and Ivy.
By the way, I absolutely adored Ivy! Even at the beginning lol.
I feel passionately about this story because it touched me so. That's probably why I wrote such a long review I apologize!
Nora the peacemaker. I like that. That's what I am a peacemaker. Perhaps that's why God put me here. Who knows?
Thanks you for such a moving and powerful novel that I enjoyed very much!
5 stars for a job well done!!!!
My thanks for a copy of this beautiful story. One I won't forget anytime soon! I wasn't required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

An excellent read for any and all readers! Author comes at you with both barrels and knocks you out of your shoes! Great job fleshing out all the characters. I give this book FIVE stars! Definitely recommend!

Out of the Blue by Jenny Hale was a wonderful story about romance and love. I loved the characters. The characters had strong personalities.

Can't wait to read this expected publication date of April 29, 2025.

From the USA Today bestselling author of The Magic of Sea Glass, with over one million copies of her books sold, comes a heartwarming beach read, perfect for fans of Sheila Roberts, Jill Shalvis, and Debbie Macomber.

High school guidance counselor Nora Jenkins has her hands full. Her new student, Ivy Ryman, has been wreaking havoc at Oakland High and has occupied all of Nora’s work hours. With his busy schedule, music producer Blaze Ryman can’t get a handle on his daughter. But Nora has a soft spot for the girl who’s lost her mother and is now living with her mega-famous father.

When summer break finally arrives, Nora packs up and heads for the turquoise Gulf Coast to soak in the sparkling surf and sip on cocktails until she falls asleep, wrapped in sunlight on the warm beach.

She’s just about to get her wish. Until Ivy and her father unexpectedly show up at her beachfront doorstep.

An uplifting summer escape that will have you believing that love can conquer anything. If you enjoyed the TV movies based on Jenny’s books and want more feel-good summer romance, look no further!