Told in the first person POV, between the three main characters, each had a very distinctive voice and a more distinctive personality. What I liked most about the book, which someone else may not have was the subtle change in characters. Holly begins each chapter with the name of the POV character rather than a chapter number.
There really was no need as each one was quite different in her own outlook, internal reflection, voice and language. But, toward the end of the book, I actually had to refer back or re-read a time or two to see who was speaking. Generally, that would be considered poor writing, but in this case, I believe it was very clever writing, whether that was the intent or not.
They began so obviously different in the ways and their speech, but after a summer of 'bonding' which none had the intention of doing, they actually began to pick up on the other's moods, habits, feelings and even speech. And to me, THAT is the subliminal change people go through. We expect the obvious changes for any given situation, but it's the subtle, almost subliminal changes that separate a writer from someone who writes.
Very well done - and I just went out and bought 'One Week in December' and 'Tuscan Holiday' to follow up an excellent read!!
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Jun 13, Rebekah rated it it was ok. For a so called "easy read", I found this book incredibly difficult to get into I found the characters incredibly one dimentional, predictable and in most instances incredibly unlikable. I especially disliked the character of GIncy, who seemed lazy, scruffy, short tempered and generally mean and judgmental I usually like my main female characters to For a so called "easy read", I found this book incredibly difficult to get into I usually like my main female characters to be spunky or sassy, but this went beyond that, and I found myself hoping she'd get dumped on her arse by the mid point of the book!
Not an enjoyable read at all! Jan 15, Corby rated it it was ok. So I knew going into this that I was in for a chick lit ride, but I can handle that genre when it has some great character development, can evoke a bit of travelogue, and includes an interesting plot line. However the something path to self-discovery here was so poorly drawn that even the non-wealthy-down-homey main character was Just.
Nevermind the wealthy Long Island Jewish Princess and midwestern upper class Sandra Dee caricatures that were the other two main characters Of So I knew going into this that I was in for a chick lit ride, but I can handle that genre when it has some great character development, can evoke a bit of travelogue, and includes an interesting plot line. Of course they were going to grow by the end of the book -- they started out so damn low there was no place for them to go but to get more mature.
I think my 12 year old is more adult than these women. The Vineyard itself could have been it's own, separate character, but again the backdrop was just a set of location names dropped here and there shallow, again , with no regard for painting the summer scene for a reader with words. Two stars for an easy read that had a clear beginning, middle and end, but I'm pretty sure I'm going to forget all about this one in a month.
Jul 19, Meg Gornick rated it did not like it. I hated this so much that I almost didn't finish it, but I haven't not finished a book since my 9th grade summer reading assignment so I just had to power through. I don't think I will ever be reading another one of her books. The only character that didnt infuriate and bore me at the sa I hated this so much that I almost didn't finish it, but I haven't not finished a book since my 9th grade summer reading assignment so I just had to power through.
The only character that didnt infuriate and bore me at the same time was Rick, but even he was just not believable. Apr 20, Traci Wright rated it liked it.
The Summer of Us by Cecilia Vinesse
I almost gave up on the book, the start seemed slow and I really disliked all the characters for different reasons. I stuck with it though hoping it would get better, and it did. Not the best but not the worst and I at least ended up liking the characters in the end. Likely to try another Holly Chamberlin book. Oct 27, Sarah rated it liked it. Though the writing was still jarring at times, the story grew on me as I progressed.
I enjoyed the examination of the different girls' lives, though it would've been nice to have more of an "aha" moment for Danielle in particular. After reading a fair amount of pages, I had to struggle to reach the finish line. I liked the characters, but this one just wasn't for me. Oct 15, Stephanie Joines rated it really liked it. A fun summer fluff read. Feb 17, Denise rated it liked it. Easy beach read for my winter getaway Aug 07, Dyan rated it it was ok. A beach read about three very different women who astonishingly form a close highly unlikely friendship.
High drama and extreme behaviors. Nov 20, KW rated it it was ok. Feb 17, Lori Winslow rated it really liked it. I was looking for an easy to read, escapism book and this fit the bill. I loved being able to escape to the beach in the middle of winter. The story is about 3 young ladies who rent a beach house together and become friends over the course of the summer. My favorite character was Gincy, the hard edged girl who doesn't know she is looking at true love.
Clare was interesting as an engaged woman who realizes she isn't in love with her fiancee anymore, but she can't bring herself to leave a long sta I was looking for an easy to read, escapism book and this fit the bill. Clare was interesting as an engaged woman who realizes she isn't in love with her fiancee anymore, but she can't bring herself to leave a long standing relationship. Danielle was the character I related to the least, but she was a woman with a mission. All in all a good read. Aug 03, BA rated it liked it. I usually read books on my iPad, but was going on vacation so I needed a good paperback to take on the beach with me.
It started out slow and I wasn't sure that I liked it at first. The story is told from three different points of view of the three main characters: Gincy, Clare, and Danielle. Some of the chapters are really short, even as short as two or three p I usually read books on my iPad, but was going on vacation so I needed a good paperback to take on the beach with me.
Some of the chapters are really short, even as short as two or three pages sometimes. And when the chapter changes, the point of view most often changes with it. That being said, it started out a little choppy feeling and I had some difficulty getting interested in the story of three year old women who have no real friends of their own in Boston, so decide to go in on a summer rental together as complete strangers.
However, as the story progressed, it did become more entertaining. About halfway through, I became invested in the book and the characters. While I wished I would have gotten that feeling a little earlier on in the book, I was pleased with the end result. Aug 16, Christine rated it did not like it. Three strangers on the verge of turning 30 decide to rent a house together on Martha's Vineyard for the summer. Gincy an outspoken woman who resents her family and despises her hometown in NH , Claire uptight teacher who is in a loveless long term relationship with her college boyfriend and Danielle curvy girl from Long Island who is shopping for a husband are initially wary of each other but end up developing a lasting friendship.
I just didn't care for this book. It is written in alternat Three strangers on the verge of turning 30 decide to rent a house together on Martha's Vineyard for the summer. It is written in alternating narratives but it seemed like Gincy my least favorite character had more than the other girls. She is almost 30 and repeatedly calls her hometown ridiculous names like 'Armpit, NH'. Her maturity level was at a middle school level and the relationship she engages in with a successful single dad was completely unbelievable.
While the other girls weren't as cringe worthy as Gincy, they were all one dimensional and many of their conversations didn't sound like things actual people talk about. I was hoping for a light beach read in fact, I found this book at our condo on a beach vacation and while it was a light read, it was not enjoyable. Aug 14, Julie Barrett rated it really liked it. They only have the weekends and they find when they first get there they do not really have anything in common.
As time goes on they learn about one another to the point they help each other out. There are very short chapters, some as short as 3 pages long. A lot of life events occur and they deal with them in one way or another. They are all single, one engaged to be married and one can be her wedding planner. They all come from different backgrounds and religions. What they find on the island with the time they do spend together makes them as close as sisters. Really a good read about the under 30 aged women, its about pages long with an excerpt of Last Summer.
They come to also realize that they can see themselves in others and a change is needed, to risk it all, take the next step. I rate this a 4 out of 5 because of the friendship gained and how they got there, and all the descriptive travel. I have really been enjoying the latest surge in novels about relationships, especially those that deal with friends and how they interact with each other.
The Summer of Us fits nicely into that category and is such a wonderful story! This book totally captured my attention right from the start. As you read their story, you watch their relationship with each oth I have really been enjoying the latest surge in novels about relationships, especially those that deal with friends and how they interact with each other. As you read their story, you watch their relationship with each other grow and develop. And even though they refuse to admit it at first, they have become very close friends and learn to care about one another.
They finally realize they can turn to each other in times of need and times of joy.
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Feb 23, Frankie rated it liked it. This is definitely a summer, beach type of read and I chose to read it in February. I got it at target when I went to pick up the eleventh Sookie Stackhouse novel. I guess I read some pretty non-thought provoking books this winter. It's interesting, albeit the characters are quite stereotypical. The most interesting character development is Clare's, as she finally realizes something everyone around This is definitely a summer, beach type of read and I chose to read it in February.
The most interesting character development is Clare's, as she finally realizes something everyone around her practically screams in her face. I wish it could've had a bit more sustenance. It does start out very slowly, and then ended up being a pretty quick read. I finished this book! I finished a book! This definitely wasn't my favorite but I kept reading cause I was actually kinda interested with what was going to happen to the characters. Danielle, Gincy, and Clare were an interesting mix but I was happy with the mix of characters.
I liked Danielle the most but sometimes I was upset with her. Gincy was the most annoying character. She was rude and mean most of the time. I understand she had the most development in the book but some things she would sa I finished this book! I understand she had the most development in the book but some things she would say, I was shocked.
Clare was really nice to read about.
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She was actually really interesting as a character, going through a wedding disaster. The book was okay. I found it hard to like any of the characters in the beginning of the novel, although towards the end my favorite was 'outspoken'Gincy.
The Summer of Us by Lily Morton
In any case, it was a basic Chick-lit story that was all fluff. One thing is for sure, I have got my quota of chick-lit reads in for this year and I definitely will not be reading another one for a long time to come. So it's back to reading books that offer more challenging topics than deciding whether the right pair of shoes were chosen for t The book was okay.
Seriously, commas were MIA especially in dialogue. The present-tense first-person POV didn't help. I'm sorry Bella that was rude of me. Well you're not swan diving into an empty pool I guess the entertainment part of the afternoon is over. Let's get back to summing up just how much more work is actually involved than Charlie quite covered with his offer of a three month luxury holiday away form my troubles. Why did you stay John? We'll put it to one side shall we John? Yes I'll do that Matty. I know that's what they all say. Oh my God Matty that's so fucking good. You smell really nice babe.
Oh Johnny is it all getting a bit too gay for you? You've felt it babe, I know it. The writing got in the way of the story, and the plot didn't amount to much more than John and Matt hanging out at the villa and watching fireworks. There is the inevitable miscommunication, followed by a Big Misunderstanding. Once the MCs get together around 60 percent , the sex is hot and the ending is truly sweet, so I'm going with 2.
View all 39 comments. There was a good bit in this story to like, but it didn't entirely work for me, either. I liked both John and Matt, but the pacing was pretty slow, so the story felt soooooo looooong. I'm not a prude, but once I've had my fill of sex on-page, I'm looking for the fast forward button on the remote and pulling a big ole' commercial skip until that shit's tucked away again. I'm sooooo done with " stupid men saying stupid shit that they don't really mean " for a while. No ex-wives, either, thanks. And no marriage proposals, just for like 3 or 4 books.
Overall, I'd rate this one at around 3.
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View all 5 comments. I love slow burns but I think if you stretch it too much you just kill the sexual tension and when they finally get together the reader has lost interest. That's what happened to me. My 2 stars don't mean I hate the book. I thought it was ok, it was an easy read but I just didn't love it. There was some unnecessary drama that made me roll my eyes. I say this with all due respect but authors please do not create Disney villains.
Readers are smart, we don't need you to create a super horrible character for us to root for the MC. This pisses me off! Anyway feel free to ignore me, other readers have enjoyed it so it's probably a case of 'it's me and not you' View all 3 comments. There is very minimal angst in this read and I loved how the author beautifully writes the GFY part in the story.
The romance is very engaging and passionate. Both the MCs were very different characters but in a very base way were completely similar with emotional baggages and past hurts. I loved them both and rooted for them wholeheartedly. He does not have many friends he can trust in his life except for the guys of the band, who have included him in their inner circle completely.
Matt dislikes John from their very first meeting. They spend time together and finds out about each others past hurts and how those have affected them in their lives. They develop a kinship which is rare and freeing. Along with their developing friendship, attraction grows in equal measure. He wants a lover who will make him his number one priority and John being straight with an ex-wife he is trying to woo back, is definitely not the guy he should fall for. But similar feelings are plaguing John too. John has always been attracted to women so his intense attraction to Matt confuses him.
He is attracted to Matt and he is ready to go all the way and accept his new found sexuality if it means he can find happiness and true love for the first time in Matt. Matt is so warm and friendly with an amazing quality to make friends anywhere he goes. He is so lovable and awesome. Matt had a bad childhood when his parents betray him but he has found his family in Bram and the other guys from the band. He had been in relationships a lot but he has never found love.
He always came second to his lovers and this time he wants someone to make him their first priority. He falls in love with John but he guards his heart fiercely because he thinks John not reciprocating his love will break him. He had a lot of money and a successful career but love was starkly missing from his life. He was always felt unbalanced with Matt and strangely affected by the hot surfer.
Their vacation together finally shapes their relationship from enemies to friends and then to lovers of the forever kind. I want to be totally yours. Everything that you are is mine. Your arrogance, your vulnerability, your ability to make me laugh harder than anyone does, your kindness and your loyalty. He acknowledges his attraction and feelings for Matt without denial and unnecessary angst. His all-in attitude towards his love for Matt was amazing especially when he has been straight his entire life and falling in love with a man has never been on his radar.
The only thing that matters is that you are mine and I am yours. The gradual development of the friendship and then finally to being lovers is beautifully done. When they do act on their feelings, the act just felt seamless and natural. They were scorching hot together and their love making will make you flustered and content at the same time.
I have to mention the romantic and mesmerizing setting of this romance before I end this review. A villa in the hills around Cannes with an amazing view of the sparkling sea and heady scents of nature was just what completed this beautiful summer romance. The guys go on various trips around the neighborhood and I had a swell time enjoying the beautiful Cannes through them. Also the songs featuring in every chapter sets the tone perfectly for that chapter. I had my iPod out and I listened to every one of them while reading this book. It was a great experience. Overall, this read is a very nice and sweet GFY romance with very minimal angst.
I would recommend this book to all romance lovers!!! View all 7 comments. Aug 28, BR11 rated it liked it Shelves: Such a nice story ruined by bad editing. I cannot imagine how this was published like this. I think the author's and editor's laptops both were misding the comma key. Otherwise it's inexplicable how we ended up with this book. I really liked it! While I feel like there could be a decent story unfolding, the grammar and lack of editing is so abysmal, that I can't even continue. Jan 19, Meep rated it it was ok Shelves: Kept thinking I should like this more than I did.
It's a slow sweet story, but unfortunately I never connected making it a long read. I think a lot of the issue was first person present tense, being told by a character how they appear to others feels odd.
The Last Summer of Us
And a little repetitive. It's so slow-burn that the fizz was gone by the time they got together. In fact the frequently given chance for second thoughts were voiced so often I had second thoughts about the wisdom of it. And all the getting to know Kept thinking I should like this more than I did. And all the getting to know each other didn't seem to mount to much when they have their misunderstanding, because how could they both misread things so badly?
People kept appearing at the Villa - who doesn't have their own villa? Lots of beautiful rich people, even those who at one point had nothing seem to now be rich enough to have a spare house somewhere ideallic and the option to jet off for three months. Which is kinda yawn-worthy i prefer me some real people. Brand names dropped everywhere. And the boys own a number of different colour board shorts, we get each described. It's not bad, just lacked spark. Jan 21, Alex rated it really liked it Shelves: That was very, very sweet.
The GFY aspect totally worked for me here. It's often not the case as several things tend to piss me off in this kind of stories but not here. This was done beautifully! John and Matt were both adorable. The story was sweet and, as usual as I discovered with this author, The characters banter and quick wit were great and funny. I'm so glad I found this author. Aug 28, Chris rated it liked it Shelves: I can certainly see Lily's style now after reading two books in a row and the use of humour, sarcasm and sass is the main formula.
This was fun and somewhat light. Oct 06, Claudia rated it it was amazing Shelves: June I love this book. I think I loved it the second time around even more than the first. Nov 25, Mia rated it really liked it. Gonna write more review later. See Dani's review for reason to pass on this book.
Feb 09, Joyfully Jay rated it really liked it Shelves: A Joyfully Jay review. The Summer of Us has that intensity that comes from two people spending a long, hot summer together, building a relationship during that magical time away from their regular lives. I loved the connection between John and Matt and the way their relationship bloomed, moving from men who did A Joyfully Jay review. There is a bit of an opposites attract thing going on here too and I enjoyed seeing how despite their differences, Matt and John find a real connection.
But even more, I loved how many layers there are to John and how he is much more than he initially appears. Overlaying the growing relationship is the fact that John identifies as straight. I appreciated that John really takes his feelings for Matt in stride. It takes him a bit to fully recognize what he is feeling, but once he does, John never second guesses his attraction or whether he wants to be open about it. At times I wish some of the nuances were more careful here; for example, there is a sense that John used to be straight, rather than simply identifying as straight before he recognized his feelings of attraction for Matt.
Dec 20, Kyuteepie rated it liked it. It got a little on my nerves how often they called each other "Johnny" and "Matty". Also the talk about John's sexuality felt incomplete. Despite that I still enjoyed the story. Jan 09, Tina rated it it was amazing Shelves: I'm on a Lily Morton roll! Loved John and Matt so much. Dec 29, Pjm12 rated it really liked it Shelves: My last book of