Betsy_C

Thank you to NetGalley and BookBrowse for this advanced reader copy. Summer of Love is a fast, easy read. There are many enjoyable references to my home (wine country) and state as well as historical references that help ground the story in time. There was a little too much addiction/recovery focus for my taste. The book could almost have a subtitle: sponsored by Alcoholics Anonymous. I am not sure I would have picked it up if I had known that was such a focus, but it was an important theme that tied together and explained this multi-generational family drama. The characters are a bit trite: the good sister, the 'bad' sister, the child who inherits the family demons. We don't hear enough of the good part of Dawn's growing up to develop her character. I didn't understand the troubled relationship between Joan and Winnie. Finally I would have liked more info on what the Vineland books and chapter lead-in quotes had to do with the story. Overall an enjoyable read.

Thank you to Bookbrowse for this ARC. I had many questions when reading this book which makes me think it would be good for a book club discussion. The questions kept me engaged and reading but didn't satisfy me in the end. I had a lot of trouble believing the timeline which the author tied to the last two appearances of Halley's Comet. The Earthshine Soap storyline was interesting, but again I had so many questions that were not answered. Finally, I didn't care enough about the characters - especially as I won't comment on the ending. I think more background and character development may have helped improve this book.

I really enjoyed this book and I think it will appeal to many readers. It is not deep literature, but more of a cozy book to curl up with. I looked forward to coming back to it each day. The plot was somewhat predictable and there was not a lot of character development. Personally, I lost my husband a few years ago and really related to that aspect. The story touched on the different stages of grief, and the books pushed Tilly through. Being a voracious reader, the idea of a posthumous gift from the grave was tantalizing. At the beginning of each chapter I had to instantly look up all the Book Lane recommendations and added quite a few to my TBR list: Venetia by Georgette Heyer? Can't wait! I love that each book took the reader on the adventure with Tilly. A few of these trips are on my bucket list too. Thank you to BookBrowse and Net Galley for the ARC.