A review by anovelglimpse
The Summer You Found Me by Elizabeth O'Roark

  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I want to say I loved reading this book. You would think I did with that 5-star rating. The Summer You Found Me was a tough book to read. I knew it would be going in with Kate as the female MC. She's a recovering drug addict who walked out on her marriage and has returned from rehab because her husband has served her with divorce papers. She wants him back and is willing to go to any means to make it happen, but he's already moved on. Beck is her ex's best friend. He sees Kate as his but hasn't acted on it because of his friendship with Caleb. When Kate returns to town, he becomes her support system making lines, boundaries, and wants blur for both of them. Kate was the narrator the majority of the time and she has a mean streak that makes her unlikable 90% of the time. Being in her head is tough. While I didn't always love reading her POV, I was greatly impressed by Elizabeth O'Roark's ability to write such a character. Experiencing Kate's growth was as tortuous as it was impressive. I don't have as much to say about Beck. He was strong and steady, an easy character to love. Kate and Beck's relationship was messy, but there was something tender underneath it all. The Summer I Found You was an emotionally heavy read that will stick with me for a long time. 

 
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