Enjoyed this - great character development. But wasn't a regular love story although the cheating plot point was deftly handled.

I flew through this!! It takes place in New York, in 1999. I think the cheating/affair trope is not something I would enjoy, but this was done well. The character development was great, but I just wish Sawyer had called things off with Charles earlier.

I would like to thank NetGalley and the author for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review. My problem with this book is not only the con plot, but also the main character. I can tell from the blurb; it is very clear that this is where the story is heading. My problem is that the main character is so annoying! No wonder she has no friends (except for one friend overseas). I think having a loser protagonist can sometimes be very sympathetic, but in this case, Sawyer is just bland and has no redeeming qualities. She just lets everyone walk all over her, whether it be at work, in her relationships, or even in regards to her own wedding. The only thing supposedly good about her is that she is “not like other girls.”.

"Summer Fridays" by Suzanne Rindell is a captivating novel that explores the allure and complexities of a seemingly idyllic summer season where the characters are drawn into the social whirl and intrigue of their surroundings. Rindell, known for her intricate storytelling and richly developed characters, delivers a narrative that is both atmospheric and thought-provoking, making it a perfect read for those who enjoy character-driven stories with a mix of drama and reflection.

The novel likely centers around a group of individuals or a close-knit community that comes together during the summer months, where "Summer Fridays" may signify a time of relaxation, leisure, and escape from the usual grind. However, as the story unfolds, these leisurely Fridays start to unravel secrets, reveal hidden desires, and challenge the relationships and perceptions the characters have of one another. Rindell’s characters are likely complex and multi-dimensional, each bringing their own pasts, secrets, and aspirations into the mix.

Set against a backdrop that could range from a luxurious coastal town to a bustling urban setting where summer Fridays offer a brief respite, the novel explores themes of ambition, jealousy, love, and the masks people wear in social settings. The dynamics between the characters might shift as the story progresses, leading to unexpected alliances, conflicts, and revelations.

"Summer Fridays" is perfect for readers who appreciate a blend of social commentary, rich character development, and a touch of suspense. Suzanne Rindell has crafted a novel that not only captures the essence of summer's allure but also delves into the undercurrents that lie beneath the surface of seemingly perfect lives. Whether you're looking for a novel to take on a weekend getaway or simply want to immerse yourself in a story filled with drama and intrigue, "Summer Fridays" promises to be an engaging and satisfying read.

I really enjoyed this story!

The book had some well developed characters that worked well together - they had some great interaction.

The book was a love story of a different kind.

I found that the story was really well written overall but I did find in places that there was a bit too much detail and it detracted from the flow of the story that the author had created and it did spoil it a little for me - it was still a great read but could have been a 5 star read

It is 4 stars from me for this one - highly recommended!

This was such a fantastic book. I honestly loved everything about it and didn't want it to end. The characters where amazing! Great story. So easy to read. Will definitely be recommending this! The Perfect summer read!

I loved this book I felt my face smiling whilst reading this. Sawyer is an editorial assistant who fiancé is a lawyer. They are invited to a dinner with some of Charles lawyer colleagues. Kendra is a colleague of Charles. After the dinner Nick reaches out to Sawyer after taking the mick out of her name. A friendship starts between Nick and Sawyer. This is like a New York bucket list . A highly enjoyable book and definitely a summer must read .
Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review.

Loved this book. When I read this description I was keen to read it. I was not disappointed!
Really liked Sawyer and Nick and enjoyed their interactions. Enjoyed their Friday's and tour of New York.
Also liked Autumn and the way she totally supported Sawyer.
It started 2021 then went back to tell the story which I likes then ended there again. Also liked musical references.
Kept me reading to the end. Loved the ending!

As much as I really enjoyed this...

A tumultuous summer of spontaneous Friday plans with a new "friend" while the fiance is busy working on his career.

I totally recommend as a great summer read, with moments that made me feel nostalgic.

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Not a happily ever after.

This was such a fantastic book. I honestly loved everything about it and didn't want it to end. The characters where amazing! Great story. So easy to read. Will definitely be recommending this! The Perfect summer read!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It is exactly the kind of book you want coming into the summer holidays and one I would recommend everyone to add to their TBR. One thing I will say is that a central part of the plot is focused on cheating/affairs which is not for everyone. So do have this in mind when picking up the book as it can be a very tough subject for a lot of people.

I thought the characters were very well portrayed, I really liked Nick in particular; no nonsense, it is what you get with him, which I think was a good balance for Sawyer. The dynamic and chemistry between the two of them was really endearing and Rindell managed to not go overboard or too cheesy with it which was great - I find a lot of these books can cross the line of cliche and cheesiness too early and then the whole thing becomes too predictable and same same as other stories. I loved their Summer Friday adventures together and felt like I was exploring a New York I didn't know with them - you could so clearly picture yourself spending those long summer afternoons with them.

I loved the fact the story was set in the late 90s/early 00s, what a throwback for those of us who were alive back then! You got a lovely sense of nostalgia with the instant messaging and 'You've got Mail' notifications. I did feel you sometimes forgot it was set back then though and it could have maybe been reinforced a little more. Honestly there are times when I feel it would be so nice to go back to when we weren't constantly connected and addicted to our phones, tablets and laptops. I found the setting around 9/11 a little random and not sure it really helped the story much but that’s only a minor thing.

With regards to the main plot, I felt very conflicted at times. My heart really went out to Sawyer, Charles clearly had checked out of their relationship and she didn't deserve to be treated like that. But then as things started to develop between her and Nick, I couldn't help but feel bad that I was rooting for them...at the end of the day, they were bonding over the fact that their partners were possibly having an affair. I would have liked to have had more from Nick's perspective, he was a really interesting character and even just small snippets from his POV would have been nice to break things up from always seeing from Sawyer's POV.

If you are a fan of You've Got Mail, the Wedding Planner and other books/movies that are about meeting the right person but not at the right time, then this is well worth a read!

Thanks to NetGalley and Bonnier Books for letting me read this before it was published.

I don't think I have the words to describe how much I enjoyed this book. I really didn't want it to end. It was unique and didn't read like a carbon copy of someone elses book.
Sawyer and Nick might've become one of my favourite book couples and this is definitely a book I'll be revisiting.

Thank you netgalley and bonnier books for the arc in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you to the publisher for the advanced copy from NetGalley!

⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

TW: mentions 9/11, death of relative (off page), cheating

There’s one thing I definitely didn’t expect going into Summer Fridays, and that was to have the AOL ‘you have email’ alert play such a vital part in Nick and Sawyer’s story. I also didn’t think that I even remembered what it sounds like, but apparently I do and it needs to be brought back.

There’s obviously a lot more to Rindell’s book than the wonders of AOL in the 90s. It’s summer in NYC, so for Sawyer, she’s got free Friday afternoons from working in publishing. Nick does too. He’s the boyfriend of the woman Sawyer’s fiancé is having an affair with. It’s obvious and it’s messy, which is why Nick suggests they meet up, and he immediately grates on Sawyer’s nerves. But somehow, they connect online, and he’s the only one she can talk to as her fiancé, Charles, works later and later, getting dinner and drinks with someone else. Talking online turns into meeting up every Friday, which turns into some complicated feelings and difficult choices.

Summer Fridays had such a good story, with lots of romantic potential, but by the time I hit the 50% mark, I don’t know if it was really for me. It felt like there wasn’t all that much keeping me interested, but I think this is very much my issue. I did initially love it, but the more I read, the less there was to keep me coming back. There was also a lot going on for Sawyer, the FMC: her relationship is breaking down, her job is becoming unsatisfying and she’s trying to figure out how she feels about Nick. There was just a bit too much going on - or at least not enough time was given to certain parts of the story, making me question whether this was really women’s fiction or romance.

Even being stereotypes of the overworked New Yorkers trying to make it, I think Rindell nailed the supporting characters. Charles, the fiancé, and Kendra, the woman he’s cheating with, were clearly playing their ‘roles’ but it was done without seeming too trope-y. Any romance would be remiss without a best friend to act as the voice of reason, and Autumn does just this for Sawyer. As far as Sawyer goes, I’m not as big of a fan. She started off as a good FMC but became slightly annoying by the end. Also, Nick is in a band in the 90s, talking about ‘real music’ - how am I supposed to take him seriously? Jokes aside, he was a strong MMC and was perfect for the story.

Summer Fridays had a lot of potential for romance and longing, which it mostly nailed. Where it fell short was the cheating, and it made a lot of the book uncomfortable so I just couldn’t get behind Nick and Sawyer. Nick ends things with Kendra reasonably early but Sawyer and Charles just go on. And on. And on. I get it’s more complicated because they’re engaged, but she’s still undecided about what to do when she sleeps with Nick. For this reason, Nick and Sawyer lacked a spark you want in a romance, which is part of why I struggled to keep reading.

Overall, Summer Fridays was good. Not particularly sparkling or witty, but mostly enjoyable. I don’t know if it’s a book that’s going to stick with me personally, but if you’re into an opposites attract, summer romance set in New York then this might be for you.

This is my favourite book I’ve read all year, seriously it’s so so good!

I know so many of you are the same as me and long for the days of real old school Nora Ephron romance movies, and this book is made for us!

It feels like a big sweeping 90s romance set against the back drop of NY, we’ve got email communication (you’ve got mail style…swoon) running all over New York together, complications on who to end up with…it’s all there!

Although this is technically set in the late 90s to the early 00s.

I need this made into a movie and I need the author to release a million books so I can only read stories from her from now on 😂 She’s set the bar just insanely high!!!

From the blurb -

Summer 1999: Sawyer is striving to make it in New York. Between her assistant job in publishing and her upcoming wedding, it feels like the perfect life could fall into place at any moment. There is only one problem: Sawyer’s fiancé has been working longer hours . . . with an all-too-close female colleague, Kendra.

When Kendra’s boyfriend, Nick, invites Sawyer to meet up and compare notes about their suspicions, the meeting goes awry. She finds Nick cocky and cynical, and he finds her anxious and overwhelming. But when Nick seeks out Sawyer to apologize, a friendship develops.

Over the summer, Sawyer and Nick start an unofficial ritual exploring New York City and they soon both begin to live for their Friday afternoons together.

But what happens once the summer is over?

*ARC from NetGalley and the book is out May 28th ✨

The best romance I have read for years!!! I adored this book!

Things I liked:
- Sawyer and Nick’s character development
- The relatability of Sawyer from the perspective of a reader in her mid-20s, I was rooting for her.
- It’s set in the late 90s/early 00s, with the nostalgia of AOL messaging.
- It’s more than just a romance, the book also explores employment in your 20s and touches briefly, but beautifully, on 9/11.
- The vivid descriptions of NYC, I took a trip down memory lane.
- The perfect summer read (the plot centres around summer Fridays in the city and reading this on my lunch breaks at work in the city as the sun has started to appear has made me so happy).
- I liked how Nick and Sawyer had to work for their romance. It kept me intrigued, I didn’t want to put the book down as I had to find out if it worked out.
- The ending

Things I didn’t like:
- Absolutely nothing.

This needs to be made into a movie!

Summer Fridays, by Suzanne Rindell, is gorgeous summer read. I found myself getting totally swept up in this one and simply couldn’t put it down.

Summer Fridays is more of a women’s fiction than a traditional contemporary romance as it deals with infidelity. To those who are put off by this in novels I would say to still give Summer Fridays a chance, it’s too beautiful a story to miss out on. It explores the messiness and complications of young relationships and figuring out who you are and who you want to be with.

It’s 1999 in New York where Sawyer is striving to make it in the publishing world, a job she’s always dreamed of. In October she’s due to marry Charles. The problem, however, is that Charles is spending increasingly long hours at work, and with his coworker Kendra. When Kendra’s boyfriend Nick invites Sawyer to meet to discuss their suspicions the meeting goes awry. Yet when Nick reaches out to apologise a friendship blossoms between them. As Sawyer and Nick begin to spend their summer Fridays together, they come to find that’s what they look forward to each week the most, but what happens when summer ends?

This is such a rich novel, in so many ways. It is a love letter to New York, wherein which Rindell totally transports us to the city during the sultry summer. It’s a celebration of the city and everything that makes it unique. Though I must note that the story is bookended by the aftermath of 9/11, though it’s dealt with deep sensitivity and respect.

The characters are so rich and so very real. I immediately liked Sawyer, and though Nick has a rocky start we learn that he is a deeply caring character. Their friendship is full of such much humour and joy, I too looked forward to their Fridays. I loved how Nick was there for Sawyer to talk to and how he helped to encourage her to press for the things she wanted and acted as her sounding board. Their relationship is complicated of course, but yet I totally rooted for them. It helps I suppose that we suspect their partners to be having an affair and that the moral complexities are dealt with well.

This really is a gorgeous story and the end of the century nostalgia added another richness to it. I really loved it.

Summer Fridays by Suzanne Rindell
Rating: 4/5
Release Date: 30 May 2024

In the summer of '99, Sawyer is hustling to carve out her place in the vibrant chaos of New York City. Juggling her role as an assistant in publishing with the anticipation of her impending wedding, she feels like she's on the cusp of the perfect life. Yet, there's a looming complication: her fiancé's growing closeness to a female colleague, Kendra.

When Nick, Kendra's boyfriend, suggests they meet to discuss their shared concerns, the encounter takes an unexpected turn. Sawyer finds Nick brash and cynical, while he perceives her as jittery and overwhelming. However, an apology from Nick sparks an unlikely friendship between them.

As the summer unfolds, Sawyer and Nick establish an impromptu tradition of exploring the city together on Fridays, finding solace and excitement in each other's company. But as the season draws to a close, they're left to wonder what lies ahead once the summer sun sets.

Suzanne Rindell masterfully captures the messiness and beauty of life, presenting Sawyer and Nick's journey as a tangled web of emotions. Their relationship is far from perfect, yet their magnetic connection keeps you invested in their story, eagerly awaiting each twist and turn.

Rindell's prose paints a vivid picture of summertime in the Big Apple, evoking a sense of longing and wistfulness that resonates long after the final page. With its blend of realism and romance, "Summer Fridays" offers a compelling read for anyone seeking an emotional rollercoaster with an unpredictable outcome.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Bonnier Books UK | Zaffre, and the author, Suzanne Riddell, for a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Title: Summer Fridays by Suzanne Rindell

Release Date: May, 30th, 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars

"Summer Fridays" is a nostalgic and charming tale set in the summer of 1999, reminiscent of "You've Got Mail" for a new generation.

Sawyer, a young editorial assistant in New York, finds herself facing a lonely summer as her fiancé grows distant. When she crosses paths with Nick, the boyfriend of her fiancé's colleague, an unexpected friendship blossoms. Together, they embark on a series of summer Friday adventures across New York City, discovering new places and uncovering hidden depths within themselves. As their bond deepens, Sawyer and Nick navigate the uncertainties of love, friendship, and the inevitable end of summer.

"Summer Fridays" is a captivating blend of "Something Borrowed" and "You've Got Mail" that keeps you hooked from start to finish. Suzanne Rindell crafts a story that's both messy and beautiful, much like real life. Sawyer and Nick's journey is anything but neat and tidy, and their complex situation makes it difficult to root for them at times. Yet, their chemistry and undeniable connection draw you in, leaving you eager to see how their story unfolds.

Rindell's writing captures the essence of summer in New York City as well as the occurrences during this time period that will forever tug at your heartstrings making this story even more realistic as well as, making it the perfect backdrop for this emotional rollercoaster of a novel. If you're looking for a story that's as unpredictable as it is heartfelt, "Summer Fridays" is the perfect choice.


Thank you to The Publisher Bonnier Books UK | Zaffre,The Author Suzanne Rindell & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

In the heart of 1999 New York City, Sawyer finds herself navigating the bustling world of publishing as a humble assistant, all while nurturing aspirations of her own in the realm of writing and editing. Engaged to Charles, a determined and ambitious lawyer, she stands on the cusp of a promising future. However, their relationship faces its first major test at a work event when Charles becomes entangled with a coworker, sparking suspicions of infidelity from the coworker's boyfriend, Nick.

Despite the initial tension, Sawyer and Nick find themselves drawn to each other, carving out precious Friday afternoons together against the backdrop of a city brimming with possibility, accompanied by the melodic soundtrack of the turn of the century.

What captivated me about this narrative was its embrace of messiness. Sawyer and Nick are entangled in relationships with others, even as doubts linger about the fidelity of those connections. While this may not resonate with all readers, I found the exploration of ethical dilemmas and the undeniable chemistry between Sawyer and Nick to be compelling. It's important to note that this isn't a traditional romance; rather, it falls within the realm of women's fiction. Unlike the strict boundaries of romance where infidelity is taboo, here we delve into the complex web of intertwined relationships and the tensions that arise.

What truly impressed me were the multifaceted layers of complexity woven throughout the story: Sawyer's triumphs in getting her poetry published juxtaposed with her boss's cynicism towards writers in the industry; her genuine fondness for Charles's father; the intricacies of Nick's Russian heritage, marked by his mother's defection from the USSR and subsequent struggles in academia; and the weight of commitment and expectations in the midst of wedding planning and her entire relationship with Charles. There's a richness to the narrative, peppered with moments of vivid humor that add depth and texture to the storytelling.

In sum, this novel earns a resounding five stars from me. Many thanks to @duttonbooks and NetGalley for the ARC, and for bringing this captivating tale to light.

We’ve all been there, right? Young, with hopes and dreams of making it big. Maybe even as well balancing this with a long-term relationship, that’s fraying at the seams while you both commit to your careers. Well, Summer Fridays by Suzanne Rindell follows Sawyer who is doing just that... okay, not just that, she’s worried her fiancé is having an affair too.

But she’s not alone, Nick, the other collateral damage from this apparent affair suspects so too. Summer Fridays couldn’t have come at a better time for these two, to get together and reflect on their assumptions and figure out their next steps. But as the temperature soars within New York, it seems too that things are getting a little hot in Sawyer and Nick’s friendship too.

Dubbed as You’ve Got Mail for a new generation, Summer Fridays by Suzanne Rindell takes us back to 1999 when dial up internet, emails and instant messaging was all the rage. And in true You’ve Got Mail style, after having read this book, I give you this: You’ve Got A 5 Star Book Incoming.

So here I am, having finished this book. I’ve read the acknowledgements, I’ve placed my kindle down, and I’m just staring into a blank space. My heart is calming down from being taken to ecstatic elation one moment to unbearable heartbreak the next and back again. I’m aware that I’ll being thinking of this story, Sawyer and Nick for time to come. And that’s how I know this is a 5-star read for me. No scratch that, a 6-star read. So, I made that pre-order purchase.

I relate to Sawyer, as a young adult struggling to assertively establish her place in the world, but her sarcastic, witty banter cemented my love for her. Nick, I grew to love too, after a rocky start, but I quoted so many of his words. Not only his wisdom, but his vulnerability and courage to lay himself bare too.

I live for lyrical, poetic writing and I am a sucker for quotes to take with me, and when I experience it it’s like the hit, I feel like taking the first bite of my favourite chocolate. Suzanne didn’t just give me a teasing first bite, not even a whole bar, she gave me the whole damn chocolate factory.

I think what propelled this story to a 6-star review, and one that I’ll keep close to my heart when I reread it again and again, is when we propel to the future to 2001, where New York is reeling from September 11th. I feel as though this sends home the message I received from the book, which is parallel perhaps to the character development we witness through Sawyer. To take that leap of faith, lead the life YOU want to live, not what you ought to do for others. But also, to know when you find home within a person, to be grateful that you have found that person and to hold and keep them close. Cause in that message, the fragility of life also lingers.

I thoroughly recommend this novel to others, and I am so grateful to have read Suzanne’s work. Suzanne has just gained another follower, a loyal admirer of her work. Thank you NetGalley and Bonnier Books UK for sending this book for review consideration.