I was first introduced to this author duo last summer with their fun beach read The Beach Trap. This summer we had to reminisce and dive into summer camp.
This brought back so many memories for me as a Minnesota kid. A fun heartwarming read perfect for your vacation! Check out my thoughts below.
Until Next Summer by Ali Brady
Publisher: Berkley (July 9, 2024)
ISBN-13: 978-0593640821
OVERVIEW:
Growing up, Jessie and Hillary lived for summer, when they’d be reunited at Camp Chickawah. The best friends vowed to become counselors together someday, but they drifted apart after Hillary broke her promise and only Jessie stuck to their plan, working her way up to become the camp director.
When Jessie learns that the camp will be sold, she decides to plan one last hurrah, inviting past campers—including Hillary—to a nostalgic “adult summer camp” before closing for good. Jessie and Hillary rebuild their friendship as they relive the best time of their lives—only now there are adult beverages, skinny dipping, and romantic entanglements. Straitlaced Hillary agrees to a “no strings attached” summer fling with the camp chef, while outgoing Jessie is drawn to a moody, reclusive writer who’s rented a cabin to work on his novel.
The friends soon realize this doesn’t have to be the last summer. They’ll team up and work together, just like the old days. But if they can’t save their beloved camp, will they be able to take the happiness of this summer away with them?
Until Next Summer by Ali Brady Review
Growing up in Minnesota, I spent all of my summers at a resort. My grandmother’s. With that came wonderful memories of the woods, forts, the lake, the cabins, and so many other pieces that were ingrained into me growing up, or as I grew up.
This book is a treat and brings back so many memories. Even though I never actually went to camp I could envision absolutely everything the authors depicted.
The location and descriptions brought to mind vivid smells like bug spray, a campfire, and that musty cabin smell when you first open them up after the winter. Not to mention the best friends that you make summer after summer.
This book is a journey of the devotion of your life to one particular job that brings out the best in you. Happiness and joy; smiles of children experiencing life and growing each year.
It’s also a journey of friendships that come and go but still have that deep connection that can be found again and healed. It’s a journey of opening yourself up to the possibility of finding love, and happiness, plus finding a way to make your dream job become your forever job.
I love so many aspects of the story between the characters they developed especially the memories they invoked. We are treated to pranks, humor, grief, anger, and love. One thing that did get me was the character of Luke. It seemed he took so long to be a likable guy. However, the ending made it all right.
Until Next Summer is a delightful story of the richness of summer, the strength of friendship, living your life for yourself and finding love when you least expect it.
4 STARS!!
Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free ebook so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.
Hi! I’m Chris! Just a Midlife Wife sharing about life’s journey; screaming and kicking through it while supposedly aging gracefully…
Focusing on healthy living, low carb & keto, things I am loving right now, and life in general.