Scan barcode
A review by laylamckane
The Summer Job by Lizzy Dent
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I received a free digital ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review-
The Summer Job is a funny and heartwarming story of mistaken identities, wine and finding a place where you belong. I've been dipping my toes into more romance recently and was excited by the premise of this; mistaken identity mischief? That just sounded like a great time and it did not disappoint!
I have to admit, this book gave me visceral flashbacks to my very brief and stressful stint working in hospitality. Birdy's anxiety was palpable on the page and unfortunately relatable (even though I have never had to pretend I was someone else). But that personal connection just made me root for her more throughout the book! Despite knowing nothing about wine, I thoroughly enjoyed getting to tag along with Birdy trying to figure it all out. Dent's writing is snappy and made me do the weird laugh-snort thing multiple times. And who knows, I might even have learned a thing or two!
My only real issue with the pacing is that the ending moved a little too quickly for my taste. This is where your mileage may vary but I would have liked a few more moments between Birdy and James at the end.
My favourite aspect of this book was the ensemble of quirky characters we meet. I appreciated the found-family vibe, every side character felt well-rounded and real and I sympathised with them. Getting me to care about so many different characters and have a vivid image of them in my head isn't an easy feat - hats off to Lizzy Dent!
Birdy herself is witty and sharp, she is complex with a complicated and less than rosy past. It was so easy to fall in love with her and root for her success from page one. I especially like that her issues aren't magically fixed by the end of the book, she remains flawed and messy and wonderfully herself.
Overall, The Summer Job is a perfect escapist read with heart, soul and plenty of charm.
The Summer Job is a funny and heartwarming story of mistaken identities, wine and finding a place where you belong. I've been dipping my toes into more romance recently and was excited by the premise of this; mistaken identity mischief? That just sounded like a great time and it did not disappoint!
I have to admit, this book gave me visceral flashbacks to my very brief and stressful stint working in hospitality. Birdy's anxiety was palpable on the page and unfortunately relatable (even though I have never had to pretend I was someone else). But that personal connection just made me root for her more throughout the book! Despite knowing nothing about wine, I thoroughly enjoyed getting to tag along with Birdy trying to figure it all out. Dent's writing is snappy and made me do the weird laugh-snort thing multiple times. And who knows, I might even have learned a thing or two!
My only real issue with the pacing is that the ending moved a little too quickly for my taste. This is where your mileage may vary but I would have liked a few more moments between Birdy and James at the end.
My favourite aspect of this book was the ensemble of quirky characters we meet. I appreciated the found-family vibe, every side character felt well-rounded and real and I sympathised with them. Getting me to care about so many different characters and have a vivid image of them in my head isn't an easy feat - hats off to Lizzy Dent!
Birdy herself is witty and sharp, she is complex with a complicated and less than rosy past. It was so easy to fall in love with her and root for her success from page one. I especially like that her issues aren't magically fixed by the end of the book, she remains flawed and messy and wonderfully herself.
Overall, The Summer Job is a perfect escapist read with heart, soul and plenty of charm.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism
Minor: Emotional abuse