Thank you so much to Putnam for an advance copy of this book!
Thank you so much to PRH Audio for the complimentary audio!

This book will be out on June 4th.

Annabel is one of my queen of summer romances! Three years in a row we have been gifted with easy, breezy romances. This one is no exception and now I think it is my new fave. I will say I feel like this one is the heaviest in terms of theme compared to her other books.

This book had all the things you could want in a book: heartwarming moments, a woman coming into her own, great friendships and of course love.

"You've known me for one week Scooter. You don't know what I'm made for."
"I've known you a long time."

Ariel is my new favorite female protagonist! She is a mother of 3 kids and is a year into separation with her husband and while dealing with that she is still reeling with grief after her mother's death. So much had happen at once that Ariel just kind of lost herself in the process. Then a chance encounter at the dog park has her face to face with the handsome Ethan. She is the pillar in her family's life and I feel like she is a great friend to Frannie as well.

Ethan Ethan Ethan. Ethan had me swooooooning. He always has had a crush on Ali and the timing of them meeting was by chance as he doesn't normally visit his hometown. He just was so understanding of the chaos that was going on in Ali's life. He knew she had children and a not so nice ex. He treated her so tenderly. He joked that once they kissed she was no longer a frog. And it really is true. He brought so much life back into her life. Everyone around her even her teenage daughter could tell the difference since Ethan came into their life. And who knew skateboarding would help bring the two together!

The relationship between Ali and Phyllis just melted my heart. Grief played a role throughout the book. Ali really looked to Phyllis as that mom figure that she needed in her life. One of my favorite quotes that i definitely will take with me outside of the reading came from Phyllis, "Spring is always coming. It never doesn't come." There was a moment that made my eyes a little wet and my heart just felt a lot of things.

I paired my reading with the audio and as usual Kristen DiMercurio knocked it out of the park! I was able to complete this in one sitting because of how enjoyable of a listen it was! She embodied Ali and made her really come to life.

One thing I can always appreciate with Monaghan's book is that even though they are short. You get a complete story. She does not over do it or makes you feel underwhelmed. It is just the perfect amount.

I didn't want this story to end! I just thoroughly enjoyed it from start to end. If you were a fan of her prior work, I feel like you will definitely enjoy this one! And if you have not read any of Monaghan's prior works, I highly recommend checking them out. They are super bingeable and the perfect poolside read!