Summer By The Sea by Jenny Hale | Book Review

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Summer by the Sea is a beautiful, heart-warming summer read about sisters, first love and not always getting what we want – but sometimes ending up with exactly what we need.
They say there’s always one summer that changes you.
For Faith the one summer she can’t forget is when she fell in love as a teenager – only for her sister, Casey, to steal her man. Now, at the request of her beloved ninety-year-old Grandmother, Faith has agreed to a family holiday – at their childhood beach house, where it all began.
Faith hasn’t seen her sister in years but is finally ready to forgive and forget, enjoy the sunshine and relive happy memories. What she’s not ready for is meeting Jake Buchanan – the owner of the beach house – or the long-forgotten feelings he ignites in her.
Can Faith overcome the hurt of the past, rekindle the close bond she had with Casey and make this summer THE ONE to remember?
What readers are saying about Jenny Hale…
‘Jenny Hale has done it again–written a great story about second chances at love with characters you really care about.’ Kim the Bookworm
‘A gorgeous novel with wonderful characters and such a meaningful plot, one which I think everyone can learn from.’ Reviewed the Book
‘a delightful read with a wonderful setting and cast of characters at its core; definitely recommended to chick lit fans!’ Spoonful of Happy Endings
‘This book is the epitome of everything I love about reading, about fiction and about romance. It was heart-warming, touching, upsetting, endearing, beautiful and one hundred other adjectives I could reel off… It’s an absolute must-read for any romance fan.’ Paris Baker’s Book Nook
‘A perfect romance read. Full of tension and heart wrenching feelings that have you biting your lower lip in either frustration or sadness. Have a lump in your throat, a tear in your eye or giggling like a schoolgirl.’ The Book Geek Wears Pajamas

Jenny Hale is one of my favorite authors to pick up for a Christmas romance. And so, I thought that would translate over into her summer stories. So, I had picked up Summer By The Sea hoping for a decent beach read out of the deal. As it turns out, Summer By The Sea wasn’t my favorite of all time. It was, however, a decent read. I am still willing to try more summer themed books from Hale. Although, they just aren’t at the level of enjoyment that I have for the Christmas books. Alas.

Summer By The Sea is set in the Outer Banks. Faith is heading to the Outer Banks for a two week vacation with her mother, grandmother and estranged sister, Casey. You see, it is her Nan’s ninetieth birthday and she wants her family altogether again. This hearkens back to Faith’s childhood where they would vacation to the Outer Banks every summer to the beach house her grandmother owned — until it got destroyed in a hurricane. Now there’s a new beach house built in the spot and it turns out they are renting it. Oh, and also there’s a handyman putting finishing touches on the cottage named Jake who Faith is very attracted to. At the same time, Faith has to come to grips with the betrayal that happened between her and Casey so long ago. She needs to put the past behind her in order to move forward.

I had hoped I would like Summer By The Sea more than I actually did. Overall though, I just felt like the book was kind of repetitive. Over and over we read about Faith feeling comfortable with Jake who is thoughtful and anticipates her feelings. She also does act kind of childish toward her sister Casey instead of opening her mouth and using her words to communicate like an adult. I did, however, enjoy the parts where she interacts with her Nan. Those bits were so sweet. On the whole, I thought Hale’s Summer By The Sea was a low key beach kind of read and one that was pleasant but ultimately forgettable for me. If you’re looking for a low stress, low stakes kind of book to read though, chances are you’ll enjoy this one.

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April (Books&Wine)

April is in her 30s and created Good Books And Good Wine. She works for a non-profit. April always has a book on hand. In her free time she can be found binge watching The Office with her husband and toddler, spending way too much time on Pinterest or exploring her neighborhood.

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