I loved Only Love Can Hurt Like This, but was less enamoured by Seven Summers. Great blueprint, going back and forth between the summers, but I felt frustrated by the characters. I was much more interested in the present day narrative (with Tom), rather than the historic summers with Finn.

Liv met Finn six summers ago, she was working at a bar right by the shore and had so much to look forward too but one night terrible accident happened that changed her life and their potential relationship forever. Finn went to LA to kickstart his music career and Liv had to stay in Cornwall but they promise too spend every summer together. Six years later Tom walks into her life and for the first time Liv is forced to make a decision.

I had a difficult time getting into this one at first. Not sure why, it’s quite easy to follow despite the dual timeline but maybe it’s because in the beginning I found Tom rather boring (sorry) and Finn was the guy leading her on for years (sorry). I mean that’s not the dream. It gets better, trust me. Especially with Tom he really grew in my eyes as his character developed.

The ending is so interesting, romance novels are usually fairly straightforward and easy to predict but not this one. It took me by surprise and I loved it. That’s reason enough to pick this one up.

I also loved the friend group, summer vibes and most importantly Livs story. Her dealing with the shockwaves after the accident and how she grew from it and is a stronger woman today despite everything she’s been thri. She lost the most important people in her life (TW) and is still standing. What an inspiration.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% my own

This book was good, but it was nothing spectacular. I liked the side characters, especially Michael, but I felt the main characters were a little bit one dimensional. It felt a bit like the author picked three key facts about each the main characters and left it at that.

I really liked the different timelines and it gave me good stopping points for breaks throughout the book. All the different ‘sections’ were appropriately lengthed and summarised exactly what they needed to.

I’m confused by other reviews which say that Tom’s character and his and Liv’s love story wasn’t necessary? This was a pivotal plot point for me and added another dimension to the book. I love a good love triangle, however, this one could have been explored more beyond one party.

I’ve also seen complaints about the epilogue. I thought this was perfect for rounding out the book and showing different sides to all the plot points.

What a beautiful book full of nods to the past (recent past, some nostalgic feelings there!) and long Summers. The characters are brilliant, with their own quirks and identities, bringing a great mix of humour and heartache to each chapter. And the descriptions! Oh! Each chapter will absolutely make you feel that you’re right there, in Cornwall, in both the past and the present day. Be prepared to have your heart broken by this one though!

Absolutely loved this book!

The authors writing style is amazing!

I look forward to reading more from them!

Unfortunately I just didn't get on with this book. I didn't click with the style of writing. I'm very clearly in the minority as I can see everyone else giving it 5 stars, so it clearly says more about me than the book! I'm sure if you've enjoyed any other Paige Toon novels then this one will be a hit for you.

Every time! Every time I read a book by Paige I am an emotional wreck! 😭 Finn and Liv’s rollercoaster of emotions had me sobbing and laughing and just so full of angst! I inhaled this book so quickly and really got annoyed when life got in the way and I couldn’t curl up and read this one with some tissues!

Thank you so much to the publishers for a copy of this book via NetGalley! I can’t wait for this one to come out in March so I can have a copy on my shelf and encourage everyone I know who reads to buy a copy and join me in my feelings! 🙌

Another fantastic book by Paige Toon, I have to admit that she is one of my favourite authors and as expected, this book didn't disappoint.
Set in Cornwall, the narrative unfolds over multiple summers, tracing the journey of Liv and Finn as they reunite each year under the agreement that if both are single, they'll spend the season together.
A truly beautiful emotional rollercoaster of a read!

This is the most beautiful love story. Paige Toon at her best . Set in Cornwall. Liv is an amazing character . She is brilliant with her brother. You just get drawn into her life. There is some real sadness . The twists that come I did not see and such a clever ending . Not what I expected . A must read of 2024

This was one of those stories that will twist your heart and make you feel everything. Honestly this story will twist your heart and break it, they have such a way with words and dealing with grief and sadness bringing a new light onto it, making you care for characters that you can’t imagine ever thinking you would want to care for. They bring you into the journey and make you a part of it the story. The beauty of the story will captivate you; it will sweep you up, make you imagine seeing Tom in his element with the classic cars, feel the sea breeze on your face as you celebrate birthdays by the sea, and watch the worry of the world float away on the tide. Liv is such a well written character that you could feel her depths and know her pain. This is a story that has depths and drama, as well as passion and joy, you need to pick this story up, as it will soon turn into one of the best stories you will pick up this year.

"Seven Summers" by Paige Toon is a heartfelt journey through the seasons of a poignant love story. The novel elegantly explores the lives of Sarah and the enigmatic, charming Matthew, as they meet every seven years. Toon's storytelling is a beautiful tribute to the passage of time, capturing the evolution of their relationship against the backdrop of life's changes. This bittersweet tale is a testament to enduring love and the enduring memories that shape our lives. "Seven Summers" is a poignant reminder that some connections remain etched in our hearts, no matter the years that separate them.

This gripped me, due to the intense emotion. I have to say though that the way Liv treated Finn did not sit well with me. I can't say too much here for fear of spoilers, but the direction Toon takes Liv in, well, I thought it was a bit off to be honest. Poor Finn. But that does not detract from this being a good read, and perhaps it is just my preference as a reader. One more thing, a longer epilogue would have been good. Too often the epilogues are afterthoughts. With thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Paige Toon is the queen of edgy romantic stories! Never veering into sappy but always heart warming.
The novel is set over 7 Summers (hence the title) and also in 'present day' - flicking back forth from the past to 'this summer.' Liv has just graduated from Art School with a bright future ahead of her in sculpting. She is desperate to head to the bright lights of London when her path crosses with Finn, who is visiting Cornwall from LA and they embark on a summer romance. Just before he heads back to the States, tragedy strikes and Liv finds herself inexorably connected to Finn for the next 7 years, but only for the summer.

Over the course of the book, lots of issues are explored in Toon's trademark upfront style; you never feel like it's an issue for the sake of an issue but a completely real and human experience.

I really enjoyed this novel and would highly recommend. Many thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for an advanced release copy in exchange for an honest review.

I must start by stating that I just love Paige Toon book's, I am yet to read an average one and this one keeps the same high standard you would expect by seeing her name on the front cover.

Set in Cornwall the story takes place over several summers and follows LIv and Finn as each Summer they come back together after agreeing that if they are both single they will spend each summer together. Both characters are likable and you find yourself really hoping that they will get their happy ever after, but to get there they must first overcome obstacles and other people and tragedy and life!

This story will make you laugh, cry and fall in love and once you pick it up you wont be able to put it down until you reach the final conclusion.

Another fantastic book by Paige Toon! This author never ceases to amaze me with her writing, the emotion and wonderful way she describes her characters and their lives is just beautiful. Really enjoyed this one, lovely characters and a will they won’t they plot had me routing towards the end. Would highly recommend and always an autobuy author for me!

Paige Toon is one of my favourite authors, and this book didn't disappoint. I read it at the perfect time after just arriving back from a break in Cornwall, so it was easy for me to picture the scenes that were set. I loved the dual timeline which gave you a real in depth understanding as to why the characters were in the situation they were in the present day. I absolutely was not expecting the pure heartbreak at the end, it got me. I want to read this book over and over again, a fantastic read as usual from Paige!

First need to give a massive thank you to NetGalley and Cornerstone for giving me an ARC copy of Paige Toon's Seven Summers in exchange for an honest review.

I have been a fan of Paige since 2007 with her firsf novel Lucy in the Sky and I can confidentially say she is one of the best authors out there. All of her books draw me in and I become swept away with the stories. I am also guaranteed to cry at most if not all of her books.

Now for my thoughts on Seven Summers. What a rollercoaster. This story broke my heart, mended it, broke it again and then mended it again. The central character is Liv who has recently returned to her home town in Cornwall having finished university and a recent art trip in Italy. She has big plans for a life as a sculptor and wants to leave after the summer ends. It is during this return to home that she meets Finn who is visiting from LA. Just as her and Finn fall in love tragedy strikes which means Liv remains in Cornwall while Finn returns to LA. Every summer Finn returns and they come together again. Until the current summer when Liv meets Tom and everything gets more complicated and heartbreaking.

I adored how Paige played the timeline with this story. We start in present time of Livs life before we go back to each summer since she met Finn. It was bizarre knowing how present Liv felt and getting to see the Summers in a build up of flashback chapters that helped you understand how she came to this point in her life and how important each summer has been. I fell in love with both Tom and Finn. Liv had two epic loves and whilst I cried like a wee babe (so much so my 3 year old came over to cuddle me) it was ultimately a beautiful story of grief, friendship, family and love. Paige doesn't shy away from the tough subjects but also doesn't shy away from the pure joy there is in life.

I loved all the side characters especially her older brother Michael. I also loved that one of her best friends is a bisexual called Rach who is described as her "loudest, most foul mouthed friend by far." And most my friends could say that about me! But that's where the similarity ends. I could not surf to save my life. I also loved the cameo/mention of Jessie jeffersons band.

This has easily jumped into the top 5 of my Paige Toon books and she has an impressive back catalogue so that takes some doing. I am still reeling from this book and can't recommend it enough. Make sure you preorder this. I will be preordering mine ASAP.

Uplifting, sad, funny, happy are all things about this book. The emotional rollercoaster is reel as it tells Liv's tale over the seven summers and beyond. The setting is beautiful and makes you want to be by the coast. The complications of life are laid bare and how one moment can change things forever is apparent. Lovely book.

strong statement incoming… one of the best books i have ever read!
the way this story was written just flowed so well and i was well and truly hooked.
it’s an emotional rollercoaster but what a ride. i fell in love with all the characters and will miss them now i have finished the book.
a must read

Seven Summers is Paige Toon's best book yet!
Emotional, heartwarming and breathtaking!

I loved Liv and Finn and thier love story. Love and attraction brings them together, pain and loss holds them together then love tears them apart only for loss to bring them full circle again.
It's a stunning story that completely captured me and took me on an emotional trip to Cornwall.

I can't wait to get my hands on this beautiful book (the cover is stunning) and re-read it all over again!