This is the second book in the Seasons by the Sea series but can be read as a standalone.

A great book featuring a dysfunctional family, a slow burning romance and a possible happy ever after.

“A Seagull Summer”, by Jane Lovering (Farrago), is a story about finding love when you least expect it, with really original, different from the norm characters and a mischievous seagull.
The Australian dimpled hero, Brendon, and his crazy shorts and lack of taste in fashion, is such a refreshing protagonist. He’s unpretentious, even self-deprecatory, but very firm, cheerful but so determined to stand by Leah. I loved his troubled, funny relation with Roger, the seagull.
The socially awkward heroine comes with a lot of baggage and a very problematic family; the tendency to be a doormat is a bit annoying.
Good side characters, that grow throughout the story, and a touch of humor make this an enjoyable read.

Leah - PhD & Research Scientist comes from a dysfunctional family. A missing father, a mother who didn't grow up and a brother, whom her mother doesn't let him grow up. Her best friend died an year ago and the man she thought loved her didn't. Her work is her pillar and that is the only thing going for her. But her personal life in shambles.
Her research takes her to another place. Then starts the anonymous emails. She meets a stranger Brendon, who is there to find out about his great granddad. A place surrounded by Seagulls, serenity and a strange man, Leah needs to research on Seaweeds.
Joined by her assistant Tass, Leah begins her work, only to be interrupted by her mother and brother - Dylan who decide to join her as if she is on a holiday. There goes Leah's plans out of the window.

- Who is sending those mysterious emails?
- What happens with Brendon?
- Does Brendon succeed in finding about his great granddad?
- Does Leah finally fall in love?
- Does Dylan learn to spread his wings?
- Does Leah spread her wings?
- What does a seagull do in here?

Rating - 3/5 Stars
Recommendation - Moderate

Conclusion,
This book takes us through Leah's life. For someone who is socially awkward and silent, research is the only thing she knows. What happens when you finally meet that one person who changes your world for the better is what the crux of the story is. Like a trigger reaction, everyone begins to find a new meaning to life. Overall a good read.

Trigger Warnings - Nil

The connection between the main characters, Leah and Brendan, is appealing but the best parts of the book are the emails that Leah receives from an unknown sender. The emails give her sage advice about taking a chance and living her life, which she struggles to do after the death of her best friend. I enjoyed the ending and Leah learning how to spread her wings. Second best part of the book was the seagulls and when Brendan referred to them as something akin sea rats- hilarious!

A great read, the sory of Leah and Brendan. She is in Dorset to carry out a research project, and he is there to find out his family secrets. Life gets complicated when Leah's mother and brother turn up, but she has Brendan on her side if she will let him be there for her.

It is the second book in the series, but I don't think it matters if you haven't read the first book.

Sadly this one did not work out for me. I just could not connect to any of the characters and the plot did not hook me. I was initially intrigued by the plot but sadly did not connect with it. The romance and chemistry between the characters wasn’t there for me either. Overall I finished reading the story but I really did not like it as much as I wish I could have. I just found myself constantly frustrated with the protagonist and not feeling the connection between her and the love interest. The only person I actually liked was her lab assistant.

This book was very enjoyable. It had a diverse range of characters, most of whom were quirky and interesting. The story was one of a slow burning romance, in a seaside setting. A perfect, relaxing holiday read.