That Summer Feeling
Author: Bridget Morrissey
Reviewer: Sophia Rose
Rating: A-
What I’m Talking About:
Some books are called a summer read, but That Summer Feeling goes to the heart of summer with all the nostalgia, fun, and groans of the summer camp experience. A woman recovers from a divorce, explores a part of childhood she missed the first time around when she goes to camp, and is stunned to explore her sexuality as well when she runs into a previous crush and finds herself more into his sister.
This was my first experience with Bridget Morrissey’s books and I was not disappointed. Her writing drew me into the world of the story and took me back in my personal memories of summer camp as well as enjoying seeing the fun of this adult version. Where can I sign up? But, more than that, I was captivated by this journey of the heart that Garland experiences. She goes from the shock and devastation of divorce to exploring this attraction she has to new friend, Stevie.
Yes, this is typical of camp romance so it all happens in a week, but I was able to buy in to a certain extent. I felt Stevie was a catalyst and the isolation and close proximity of the camp setting did the rest of helping me buy into what rose up inside Garland and between the two women. Stevie was a solid heroine who let Garland come along as she needed and accepted her which of course increased the attraction showing Garland what and who she really needed. Time-wise it was quickly happening, but pacing of the book had it feel almost tender and slow burn.
The drama and rise of the story is mostly inside Garland as she figures herself out. It was low on angst or dramatic moments though poor Garland does have to deal with her ex again. This definitely hit the mood I was in as the summer camp events, some fun and funny moments, and life at the lake camp wound out.
On a side note, I loved the sibling connections and the surround relationships that built among them all as they had the time and activities together. Unplugging and getting away was doing wonders for them all.
All in all, I would recommend this one for those ready to relax by the lake with a summer-y character-driven mostly sweet with a little spice contemporary Sapphic romance.
My Rating: A- Enjoyed A Lot
Sophia Rose
About the Book:
Turns out you’re never too old for a summer camp romance. Or a change of heart. When a divorced woman attends a sleepaway camp for adults only, she reconnects with a man from her past–only to catch feelings for his sister instead.
Garland Moore used to believe in magic, the power of optimism, and signs from the universe. Then her husband surprised her with divorce papers over Valentine’s Day dinner. Now Garland isn’t sure what to believe anymore, except that she’s clearly never meant to love again. When new friends invite her to spend a week at their reopened sleepaway camp, she and her sister decide it’s an opportunity to enjoy the kind of summer getaway they never had as kids. If Garland still believed in signs, this would sure seem like one. Summer camp is a chance to let go of her past and start fresh.
Nestled into the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, Camp Carl Cove provides the exact escape Garland always dreamed of, until she runs into Mason–the man she had a premonition about after one brief meeting years ago. No matter how she tries to run, the universe appears determined to bring love back into Garland’s life. She even ends up rooming with Mason’s sister Stevie, a vibrant former park ranger who is as charming as she is competitive. The more time Garland spends with Stevie, the more the signs confuse her. The stars are aligning in a way Garland never could have predicted.
Amid camp tournaments and moonlit dances, Garland continues to be pulled toward the beautiful blonde outdoorswoman who makes her laugh and swoon. Summer camp doesn’t last forever, but if Garland can learn to trust her heart, the love she finds there just might.
Release Date: May 30, 2023
Publisher: Berkley
Series: Standalone
Genre: Contemporary Romance, LGBTQ
Format(s): paperback (336 pages), e-book, audiobook
Book Source: Publisher
Purchase Info:
Amazon (affiliate link)