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No Vacation Required's avatar

Love the juxtaposition of James and the lighter summer reads. One of these things is not like the other! 😆

Bad Summer People was a fun read and James was our *checks notes* 3rd favorite book of 2024 – really extraordinary.

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Jen Belcher (Travel & Books)'s avatar

Hahahaha this is such a valid comment! Summer is so hard because I really do love those beach reads but then I also try to balance good work!

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No Vacation Required's avatar

Balance is the key!

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Blythe Bryant's avatar

We had the EXACT same thoughts on Meet Me at the Lake!!! And I loved This Summer Will Be Different as well.

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Jen Belcher (Travel & Books)'s avatar

It was SO weird. On paper I should have loved it. Some chapters I did enjoy, but mostly I kept spacing out and having to reread. Also, I just had a hard time buying into their connection for some reason? Like I just didn't feel it and I don't particularly consider myself a harsh critic of romance books.

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Janice | Travel & Photography's avatar

Love this summary! I have what happens in Amsterdam on my reading list. Glad to hear it a good!

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Jen Belcher (Travel & Books)'s avatar

Let me know your thoughts!

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Janet's avatar

I loved "The Four Winds". Thanks for recommending it!

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Jen Belcher (Travel & Books)'s avatar

I'm so glad you did! I can't wait to hear about some of your next reads. You'll have to let me know which ones I should read.

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Jennifer @ Mrs Q Book Addict's avatar

I've been coming around to trying Meet Me at the Lake, but I'm not sure. I didn't like the ending to Every Summer After. I need to pick up James, because I've only heard great things about it. Happy reading!

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Jen Belcher (Travel & Books)'s avatar

It might register more with you than it did with me. I don't want to discourage you completely! Did you read "Just for the Summer"? That one I enjoyed a lot. And yes to James- it's sooo good.

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Jennifer @ Mrs Q Book Addict's avatar

No, I haven't tried any of her books since Every Summer After. I can always try it and DNF if it's not working.

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Jen Belcher (Travel & Books)'s avatar

Very true! I need to give myself permission to DNF more.

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Jennifer @ Mrs Q Book Addict's avatar

It’s hard to do but if you’re slogging through it, you’re not going to give it 5 stars. You can always come back, if you’re in the mood for it.

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Jen Belcher (Travel & Books)'s avatar

I’m okay with sticking with a 3-3.5 book. Especially as I read more and more I rarely find anything that I’d consider a 5 these days.

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