Same Time Next Summer

Lovely One Day Read.

As part of a readathon, I chose a variety of books covering different themes, one of which was seasons. For my summer read, I landed on this gem. This was my first experience with this author, and if their other works are anything like this one, I’m hooked. This book was a perfect remedy for my reading slump.

The protagonist, Sam, is a beautifully crafted character. An awkward, self-conscious teenager, she quietly falls in love with Wyatt over several summers at the beach. I usually find flashback scenes tedious, but the ones in this book were exceptionally well done. As we follow Sam into adulthood, reeling from a heartbreaking young adult relationship, the author vividly captures the feeling of being utterly lost and conflicted between one's desires and societal expectations. The reunion of Sam and Wyatt after nearly a decade apart was nothing short of perfect.

Each character in this story is imperfect yet deeply relatable. Even Jack, a character who could easily be disliked, is written with such depth and nuance that I found myself understanding his flaws. The author's skill in creating flawed but believable characters is impressive, making me invested in each of them. Although romance isn’t typically my go-to genre, I thoroughly enjoyed the concept and pacing of this story.

However, where this book lost a star for me was the ending. While I appreciated the conclusion, the last few chapters felt rushed, which in turn made the ending feel somewhat abrupt. Despite this, the book was a fantastic introduction to the author and explored themes of second-chance romance, small-town life, and an emotional beach setting.

If you’re intrigued by these themes, I highly recommend giving this book a chance. It’s a heartfelt summer read that beautifully captures the complexities of love and self-discovery.