Imagine Taylor Swift’s first non-country album had flopped, and you will have a good idea of the main character in “ The Summer of Starting Over.” Now imagine that she’s returned to her small homerown on the coast to face some things from the past and ends up meeting her former first love, who is fixing up her childhood house. Except instead of Taylor Swift, we have Callie, and her first love has bought her house but is too afraid to tell her he’s more than just the handyman fixing it up. The title is fitting. More than just a romance is starting over; careers and other decisions will be made here. If you like smalltown atmosphere and beach settings, this one is for you. It’s a perfect beach read; flows well, plot moves quickly, and there’s a satisfying ending. I stayed up late just to finish the novel!

Calling and Jesse needed to be together. And I'm.so glad I wasn't haven't to watch this book in real time.because then I'd have to see the heartbreaking intervening years of them breaking up, or should i say walkies protect breaking up with him. Plus, the then long painful years of them not being together!
It's awful how things get in the way of love. And miscommunication, white lies, or behaviour to protect those you love can just change everything.
When callie came home I was equal nervous. There had to be thst first meeting. And these get me all level of heart aching for the characters. There had to be her finding herself and the community again. There had to be just what her and Jesse would be now.
A great 2nd chance returning home read.

I had high hopes for this book but, unfortunately I was hugely disappointed and it only got worse as the book went on.

This was such a sweet book!

I love a good second chance romance! Callie & Jesse were so good together! I loved that the book was a closed door romance.

I was so excited to see that Gigi is getting a book too!!!! I can’t wait to read that story!

This book was good, it just didn’t have anything about it that really stood out. It was the story of a very famous pop star who comes home to her small beach town after being in Nashville for 10(?) years, and she slowly falls in love with her hometown again and reconnects with the people there. The romance was second chance, which was good in of itself, it was just soooo slow burn that I lost interest by the time the characters *surprise* get back together.

Thank you to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

Life has a weird way of doing things doesn't it? Especially when you say or plan on never.
Callie is a true character that I enjoyed in getting to know. I even found myself rooting for her as she learned to slowly find herself again with Jesse's help.
My heart broke for him throughout this story but I kept rooting for him too
I didn't like what Callie did to him. It was just plain wrong in my opinion.
2nd chance romances are right up my alley so I was excited for two reasons. One the setting was in Florida even tho im.an Ohio native I live here now. 2 of course the 2nd chances.
The cover honestly grabbed my attention so I just had to have it. I wasn't disappointed at all.
I couldn't put this beautiful story down!
So good that it deserves 5 stars from me.i highly recommend!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

As a true Florida girl, any book set in my state makes me giddy with anticipation. "The Summer of Starting Over" is the perfect beach read to make your heart sing, your toes curl and maybe even shed a tear or two.

I adored every character; the main characters and their besties just make you feel good as they struggle through dealing with the past and trying to make a better future. I also love how Callie's story is tied to music and her songs help tell it.

This was a refreshing read and I can't wait for book 2!

Thank you to Savannah Carlisle and Net Galley for an ARC for an honest review.

This is such a sweet book! It's such a happy, feel good story that is perfect for the summer. I loved the setting and the characters. Callie is a character you will truly be rooting for, I loved watching her find herself again. This book made me laugh and cry (happy tears of course). I absolutely loved this book and would recommend it to everyone!!

Set against the scenic backdrop of Big Dune Island, a charming coastal town with cobblestone streets and a close-knit community, the story follows Callie as she returns to her childhood home to clear it out after losing her parents.

She never planned on coming back, but life has a way of bringing us full circle when we least expect it. While sorting through memories she’s spent years trying to forget, she also comes face to face with Jesse—the boy she once loved but left behind to chase her dreams. Now working on her family home, Callie can’t ignore the emotions Jesse stirs in her, making her question the parts of herself she thought she had left behind. Meanwhile, Jesse is dealing with his own unresolved feelings and a secret that could change everything.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its characters, who feel so authentic, like people you’d meet in a small-town café, sharing stories over coffee. Their friendships feel warm and genuine, adding depth and heart to the story. Jesse, in particular, stands out—his kindness, loyalty, and quiet intensity make him impossible not to love. His relationship with Callie is full of nostalgia, longing, and the hope of a second chance, making every interaction between them both touching and bittersweet. It’s impossible not to root for them.
Beyond the romance, Callie’s journey of self-discovery is just as compelling. Watching her regain control of her life and career while navigating her grief is both inspiring and deeply emotional. The novel’s lyrical writing, especially its use of song lyrics, creates a dreamlike atmosphere that lingers long after the final page. I enjoyed this book and would recommend romance readers this book!

Savannah Carlisle delivers a beautifully heartfelt and uplifting story in The Summer of Starting Over, a novel about second chances, self-discovery, and the courage to embrace new beginnings. From the first page, I was swept up in the warmth of the setting and the emotional depth of the characters’ journeys.

The protagonist’s growth throughout the novel is one of its biggest strengths. Her struggles, setbacks, and triumphs feel authentic, making it easy to connect with her and root for her along the way. Carlisle’s writing is immersive and evocative, perfectly capturing the emotions of rediscovering oneself after life takes an unexpected turn.

The romance is tender and slow-burning, filled with just the right amount of tension and heartfelt moments. But what I loved most was that this book isn’t just about romance—it’s about healing, friendships, and the importance of letting go of the past to make room for a brighter future. The small-town setting adds an extra layer of charm, making it the perfect backdrop for a summer of fresh starts.

If you love stories about resilience, self-growth, and finding love when you least expect it, The Summer of Starting Over is a must-read. It’s emotional, inspiring, and leaves you with a sense of hope long after turning the last page.