Release Date: May 10, 2012
Publisher: Speak
Rated: YA 13+
Format: eGalley
Source: NetGalley
Buy: Amazon ❘ The Book Depository
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A great summer beach read filled with sunshine, cooking, and—of course—romance!
Elizabeth Margaret--better known as Em--has always known what her life would contain: an internship at her father's firm, a degree from Harvard, and a career as a lawyer. The only problem is, it's not what she wants. So when she gets the opportunity to get away and spend a month with the aunt she never knew, she jumps at the chance. While there, Em learns that her family has some pretty significant secrets. And then there's Cade, the laid-back local surfer boy who seems to be everything Em isn't. Naturally, she can't resist him, and as their romance blossoms, Em feels that for the first time ever, she is really living life on her own terms.
Elizabeth Margaret--better known as Em--has always known what her life would contain: an internship at her father's firm, a degree from Harvard, and a career as a lawyer. The only problem is, it's not what she wants. So when she gets the opportunity to get away and spend a month with the aunt she never knew, she jumps at the chance. While there, Em learns that her family has some pretty significant secrets. And then there's Cade, the laid-back local surfer boy who seems to be everything Em isn't. Naturally, she can't resist him, and as their romance blossoms, Em feels that for the first time ever, she is really living life on her own terms.
I only understood why the title of this novel was The Summer My Life Began at the end of the novel. Truly, this book is the definition of a perfect summer read– boys, secrets and of course, sun and the sand! I loved how the story played out, how the character's pasts are slowly revealed, because for such a short read, it's certainly packed with twists and surprises. Definitely not a book to miss.
Em! She's quite different from other YA heroines. She cooks for one thing! And gosh, my mouth was watering from all the things she makes in this book. I also felt bad for her. I mean, her family is so constricting, and she doesn't have the freedom which many teens in young adult books do.
Tilly was another fabulous character. I loved her and her son, Frederick. All the staff at her B&B were also a really great cast. And then of course, the guy in the lead: Cade. *SWOON*. Loved him, and I liked how his past was slowly unraveled, and in the end, it all turns out right.
The Summer My Life Began is a fab beach read, for anyone who wants a fluffy, sweet contemporary with a some profound depth to it. I'm highly recommending this for your summer reading list– Shannon Greenland has captured my attention in the realistic fiction genre, and it's most definite that I'll be reading more from her in the future.
If you like this, try...
- Welcome, Caller, This is Chloe by Shelley Coriell ◆ Goodreads
- Being Friends with Boys by Terra Elan McVoy ◆ Goodreads
- Kiss the Morning Star by Elissa Janine Hoole ◆ Goodreads
I read this one a while back and agree. Em is so different. I love her passion for cooking and her family was so constricting. It was nice to see her grow. Great review :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteThis book didn't really work for me but its cover does scream "SUMMER"-maybe I would have enjoyed it more if I had read it while lounging at the beach (what wouldn't I enjoy reading while lounging at the beach?)
ReplyDeleteI'm in dire need of beach reads, so I'm happy you enjoyed this book! I really like it when a book has depth to it and makes me think instead of just being all fluff. This definitely has a place on my TBR list. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteI was wondering about read the book! I like the cover, it's just like I spend my summers ^^
ReplyDeleteI'll try to read it soon.
Thanks for the review :)