Same Time Next Summer by Annabel Monaghan

I picked up Same Time Next Summer because the title and the description sounded intriguing. A second chance Summer romance? Sign me up! But while most second chance romances are very angsty, this one felt lower stakes. I found myself entranced by this story because the characters felt realistic and their emotions felt believable. Sometimes that’s all I want from a romance novel, you know?

But I think I’m getting ahead of myself. First, let’s discuss what this book is all about.

About the Book

Beach Rules:

Sam’s life is on track. She has the perfect doctor fiancé, Jack (his strict routines are a good thing, really), a great job in Manhattan (unless they fire her), and is about to tour a wedding venue near her family’s Long Island beach house. Everything should go to plan, yet the minute she arrives, Sam senses something is off. Wyatt is here. Her Wyatt. But there’s no reason for a thirty-year-old engaged woman to feel panicked around the guy who broke her heart when she was seventeen. Right? 

Yet being back at this beach, hearing notes from Wyatt’s guitar float across the night air from next door as if no time has passed—Sam’s memories come flooding back: the feel of Wyatt’s skin on hers, their nights in the treehouse, and the truth behind their split. Sam remembers who she used to be, and as Wyatt reenters her life their connection is as undeniable as it always was. She will have to make a choice. (from Amazon.com)

My Thoughts

I liked this book a lot because of how realistic it felt. Although it’s a second chance romance with a good bit of drama in it (or at least past drama) it didn’t feel too angsty. I appreciate that.

Sam and Wyatt’s romance is told through flashbacks and through alternating viewpoints and I really have to give it to the author for writing such a unique first love and unexpected breakup story. I really didn’t see it coming and it made this story stand out from all the other second chance romances out there.

I think part of why I liked this book so much was because of Sam. She’s such a sweet character. In the beginning she tries so hard to please everyone. She defers to Jack on most decisions in her personal life, and for the most part sticks to a plan when she’s at work. That is, until she snaps.

But more on that in the book! I don’t want to spoil it for you.

The best part about a summer story is the atmosphere. I loved reading about Sam’s family and their house. As a reader I could practically visualize Wyatt’s tree house as the description leapt off the pages. In my mind I could imagine the wedding venue tour and I could daydream about the cake tasting, when Sam dragged Wyatt along to check out flavors with her.

If you’re a fan of Summer love stories, I think you’ll find this one enjoyable. What started out as the story of Sam’s first love and eventual first heartbreak became so much more. Sam’s family went through so much and it was so enjoyable to read about Sam in adulthood, as she learned to make decisions for herself and figure out what would truly make her happy.

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Group Putnam for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I know this is a book that I’ll want to read again, and recommend to my best friend. Read more of my book reviews here!

xo Marian